US08552783B2
A programmable delay generator and a cascaded interpolator are provided. The programmable delay generator includes a first delay line and a second delay line, each having a respective plurality of stages of the same number. Each stage of the first line includes a respective delay buffer and has one signal input and one signal output. Each stage of the second line includes a respective selecting element and has two signal inputs, one select input for selecting one of the two signal inputs, and one signal output. The first line and the second line are configured in parallel, are interconnected, and have a same signal propagation direction. Each delay step provided by each stage of the second line is equal to a difference between a delay through one stage of the first line and a delay through one stage of the second line.
US08552778B2
The invention relates to a duty cycle corrector for generating from an input clock signal an output clock signal having a desired duty cycle. The duty cycle corrector comprises a pulse generating stage for generating from the input clock signal a pulsed clock signal. The pulse generating stage converts rising edges of the input clock signal into pulses, each of which pulses is shorter than the desired duty cycle times the clock period. The duty cycle corrector further comprises a pulse stretching stage for generating from the pulsed clock signal the output clock signal, the pulse stretching stage delaying falling edges of the pulsed clock signal by a controlled delay. The duty cycle corrector may comprise a duty cycle detector for generating a control signal as a function of the duty cycle of the output clock signal, and a feedback path for delivering the control signal to the pulse stretching stage so as to increase the controlled delay when the duty cycle is less than the desired duty cycle and to decrease the controlled delay when the duty cycle is greater than the desired duty cycle. The invention also relates to a method of generating from an input clock signal an output clock signal having a desired duty cycle.
US08552772B2
A system in accordance with the present invention may include a phase-locked loop circuit, comprising a first input signal oscillating at a reference frequency, a second input signal received from a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) after passing through an N-divider, a phase detector and charge-pump, the phase detector comparing a phase of the first input signal and a phase of the second input signal, a loop filter in series with the phase detector and charge-pump, the loop filter having an integrator, a pole zero, and a post-filter, and a buffer in parallel with the integrator and in series with the post-filter, the buffer receiving an output signal from the integrator and isolating the integrator from an input impedance of the post-filter, and the buffer having a multiplexer for selecting between a plus and minus level shift signal, wherein the VCO is in series with the loop filter and the N-divider, and the VCO is configured to receive a tuning voltage signal from the loop filter.
US08552771B1
A method including receiving an output signal from a sensor array, providing power to the sensor array and to the first analog-to-digital converter, generating a plurality of clock signals that are synchronous with a primary clock signal, providing a first clock signal of the plurality to the first analog-to-digital converter and providing a second clock signal of the plurality to the first switcher. The first clock signal is asynchronous with the second clock signal.
US08552757B2
The invention concerns a method for detecting a fault in a rotating field machine, in which current components are analysed in a flux-based, particularly rotor-flux-based, coordinate system a flux-forming current component being subjected to a frequency analysis in the flux-based, particularly rotor-flux-based, coordinate system. It is endeavored to provide a simple method for an early detection of faults. For this purpose, a current operating point is detected for at least one predetermined supply frequency (fsp), said operating point being compared to a former operating point.
US08552754B2
The invention provides a method of testing reliability of a semiconductor device, wherein the semiconductor device has negative bias temperature instability NBTI. The method comprises steps of: measuring a NBTI curve of a first set of semiconductor devices; measuring 1/f noise power spectrum density and drain current at a predetermined frequency for the first set of the semiconductor devices, under a condition that the first set of the semiconductor devices are biased at a gate electric field; measuring an equivalent oxide thickness EOT of gate dielectric of the first set of the semiconductor devices; measuring 1/f noise power spectrum density and drain current at the predetermined frequency for a second set of semiconductor devices, under a condition that the second set of the semiconductor devices are biased at the gate electric field; measuring an EOT of gate dielectric of the second set of the semiconductor devices; and evaluating a degradation characteristic of the second set of the semiconductor devices by using the NBTI curve of a first set of the semiconductor devices. The method saves the time required for testing the reliability of a large numbers of semiconductor devices, and will not cause damages to the second set of semiconductor devices.
US08552752B2
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus arranged to determine an interface between two components that includes a reference electrode arranged to be connected to a constant voltage supply or ground; a measurement electrode, and a field generating device arranged to establish an electric field in at least one of the components; wherein the field generating device is configured to establish the electric field across the measurement electrode, and the apparatus is configured to measure a potential difference between the measurement electrode and the reference electrode, the potential difference between the measurement electrode and the reference electrode being indicative of the interface between the components.
US08552747B2
In some embodiments, a capacitance discrimination circuit includes first and second capacitors, a comparator configured to compare a first voltage of the first capacitor and a second voltage of the second capacitor, a counter circuit configured to perform a count operation based on a comparison result of the comparator, a charge circuit configured to charge the first and second capacitors, and a control circuit configured to control the charge circuit so as to charge either the first capacitor or the second capacitor based on the comparison result of the comparator. The capacitance discrimination of the first and second capacitors is performed based on count values of the counter circuit. The capacitance discrimination circuit preferably includes a discharge circuit to discharge electric charges stored in the first and second capacitors in accordance with a discharge signal from the control circuit.
US08552746B2
A capacitive sensor includes a conductive elastomer portion formed into a pre-determined shape to sense a touch of a user within a sensing zone of the conductive elastomer portion, a dielectric portion disposed adjacent the conductive elastomer portion within the sensing zone of the conductive elastomer portion, and a controller in electrical communication with the conductive elastomer portion to detect a change in an electrical characteristic of the conductive elastomer portion.
US08552742B2
A calibration method for radio frequency scattering parameter measurements enabling self-calibration, which calibration method using a transmission line segment calibrator, a series device calibrator, a shunt device calibrator and a tested object measuring instrument, in which the lengths of the transmission lines in the series device calibrator and the shunt device calibrator are equal to the length of the transmission lines in the tested object measuring instrument such that the series device calibrator and the shunt device calibrator have the same error box as the tested object measuring instrument; and after acquiring the scattering parameter matrix of the error box through the calibration method, it is possible to connect a tested electronic device onto the tested object measuring instrument and perform operations on uncorrected measurement data thereof thereby obtaining the radio frequency scattering parameter of the tested object.
US08552738B2
A testing device for checking a safety circuit of an elevator apparatus includes at least one hardware-monitoring unit for monitoring at least one functionally relevant composite resistor in the safety circuit.
US08552734B2
The integrated circuit (10) has an internal power supply domain with a power supply voltage adaptation circuit (14) to adapt the power supply voltage in the power supply domain. Typically, a plurality of such domains is provided wherein the power supply voltage can be adapted independently. During testing an internal power supply voltage is supplied to a temporally integrating analog to digital conversion circuit (16) in the integrating circuit (10). A temporally integrated value of the power supply voltage is measured during a measurement period. Preferably, integrating measurements of a plurality of internal supply voltages are performed in parallel during the same measurement time interval. Preferably a further test is performed by changing over between mutually different supply voltages during a further measurement period. In this way the measured integrated supply voltage can be used to check the speed of the change over between the different voltages.
US08552729B2
A state monitoring unit monitors a state of an assembled battery in which unit cells are connected in series. The state monitoring unit includes a plurality of voltage monitoring devices and a controller. The controller transmits a common voltage measurement command to the voltage monitoring devices connected in a daisy-chain scheme. Each of the voltage monitoring devices measures the voltage of the corresponding unit cells in response to the command that is received from the controller or the adjacent voltage monitoring device at a leading end of the communication channel, and transmits the command to the adjacent voltage monitoring device at a termination of the communication channel. When received the measured voltage from the adjacent voltage monitoring device at the termination, the voltage monitoring device transmits it with the own measured voltage. The controller determines the abnormality in reception state based on the number of received, measured voltages.
US08552725B2
An aspect of the present invention relates to system and method for substantially obstructing magnetic flux. One aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for substantially obstructing at least one magnetic flux path between an ambient space and a protected volume. The apparatus includes an inner shield, substantially enclosing the protected volume. The inner shield has at least one inner shield aperture extending therethrough to allow external access to the protected volume. An outer shield substantially encloses the inner shield. The outer shield has at least one outer shield aperture extending therethrough to allow internal access from the ambient space. The apparatus is configured to impede magnetic flux between at least one inner shield aperture and at least one outer shield aperture.
US08552716B2
In one embodiment, a manufacturing method for magnetic heads includes classifying magnetic heads into one of: a first tested head class, and a non-test-candidate head class, determining characteristic values of the magnetic heads classified in the first tested head class, estimating characteristic values of the magnetic heads classified in the non-test-candidate head class, wherein the estimating is based on the characteristic values of the magnetic heads classified in the first tested head class, classifying each of the magnetic heads classified in the non-test-candidate head class into one of: a second tested head class, and a non-test head class based on the estimated characteristic values, determining characteristic values of the magnetic heads classified in the second tested head class, and screening magnetic heads in the second tested head class based on the determined characteristic values of the magnetic heads classified in the second tested head class.
US08552715B2
In order to determine the actuation position of a motor-driven adjusting element of a motor vehicle, a Hall-effect sensor is located in a rotatable magnetic field, wherein a periodic change in the magnetic flux density sensed by the Hall-effect sensor is converted into a binary pulse train in that a pulse transition takes place when an upper switching threshold is positively exceeded and when a lower switching threshold separated from the upper switching threshold by a hysteresis is negatively exceeded. The hysteresis is reduced following an inactive phase of the Hall-effect sensor during which the magnetic field was stationary and/or the Hall-effect sensor was deactivated, if the magnetic flux density at the start of the inactive phase has exceeded the upper switching threshold by no more than a predefined tolerance range.
US08552712B2
One object is to provide a method for measuring current by which minute current can be measured. A value of current flowing through an electrical element is not directly measured but is calculated from change in a potential observed in a predetermined period. The method for measuring current includes the steps of: applying a predetermined potential to a first terminal of an electrical element having the first terminal and a second terminal; measuring an amount of change in a potential of a node connected to the second terminal; and calculating, from the amount of change in the potential, a value of current flowing between the first terminal and the second terminal of the electrical element. Thus, the value of minute current can be measured.
US08552711B2
A signal testing device includes an oscillograph having a plurality of first connection ports, and a signal transmitting cable. The signal transmitting cable includes a plurality of second connection ports, a plurality of coaxial cables and a SAS connector configured for connecting to a mother board. One end of each coaxial cable is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the second connection ports, and the other end is electrically connected to the SAS connector. The first connection ports are configured for engaging with the second connection ports.
US08552704B2
A current share system for providing current to a load includes a first power supply module that controls a first voltage converter to provide a first current to the load, that transmits synchronization information using a first pin, and that transmits at least one second type of information using the first pin. A second power supply module receives the synchronization information at a second pin, receives the at least one second type of information at the second pin, and controls a second voltage converter to provide a second current to the load based on the synchronization information and the at least one second type of information.
US08552686B2
A battery control apparatus includes an emergency charging unit including an external charging terminal for applying power to a main battery pack, a first voltage measurement unit for measuring the voltage of the external charging terminal, and an emergency charging switch for switching the connection between the external charging terminal and the main battery pack; an auxiliary battery connection unit including an auxiliary battery connection terminal for applying power to the vehicle through a contactor, a second voltage measurement unit for measuring the voltage of the auxiliary battery connection terminal, and an auxiliary battery switch for switching the connection between the auxiliary battery connection terminal and the contactor; and an emergency control unit for switching to an emergency charging mode or an auxiliary connection mode by turning on the emergency charging switch or the auxiliary battery switch during the voltage measurement of the first or second voltage measurement unit.
US08552679B2
A method is described wherein DC power is converted into battery charging power by means of an inductor carrying a current which is controlled by a power controller during an adjustable part of a pulse width period. The pulse width period is made adjustable in order to influence the power consumption of the controller which consumes a substantial amount of the total power consumed for controlled DC-DC conversion. Several additional features are provided to improve the efficiency and to further reduce the power consumed by both the converter and the power controller, which provides new uses for a variety of products and appliances having solar cells, such as road studs.
US08552678B2
A variable-flux motor drive system including a permanent-magnet motor including a permanent magnet, an inverter to drive the permanent-magnet motor, and a magnetize device to pass a magnetizing current for controlling flux of the permanent magnet. The permanent magnet is a variable magnet whose flux density is variable depending on a magnetizing current from the inverter. The magnetize device passes a magnetizing current that is over a magnetization saturation zone of magnetic material of the variable magnet. This system improves a flux repeatability of the variable magnet and a torque accuracy.
US08552670B2
A control circuit controls an electric motor and includes: a measuring device configured to measure a first phase current of the motor and provide a corresponding first analog signal; an analog-to-digital converter structured to convert the first analog signal into a first digital signal; a conversion module for generating a first converted digital signal representative of the first digital signal expressed in a rotating reference system; a node structured to compare the first converted digital signal into a first reference signal and generate a first error signal; and a measure control circuit structured to provide a timing signal of the analog-to-digital converter depending on the first error signal and a time delay introduced by the measuring device.
US08552664B2
In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system is provided for designing improved intelligent, LED-based lighting systems. The LED based lighting systems may include fixtures with one or more of rotatable LED light bars, integrated sensors, onboard intelligence to receive signals from the LED light bars and control the LED light bars, and a mesh network connectivity to other fixtures.
US08552663B2
A controller for controlling an LED assembly is described. The controller is arranged to—receive an input signal representing a required characteristic of the LED assembly,—convert the input signal to a control signal for the LED assembly,—apply a correction to the control signal to obtain a corrected control signal, the correction being based on a predetermined transient characteristic of the LED assembly,—output the corrected control signal. As such, a better correspondence between a required characteristic and an actual characteristic of the LED assembly is obtained.
US08552658B2
Apparatuses, methods, systems, and circuits for light-emitting diode (LED) control are disclosed. In one embodiment, an LED control circuit can include a first pin receiving an input voltage supply; a second pin receiving a primary signal from a primary winding of a transformer coupled to the LED; a third pin coupled to a ground supply; and logic configured to estimate an output current and/or output voltage at the LED coupled to a secondary winding of the transformer from the input voltage supply and the primary signal.
US08552655B2
An image display apparatus according to an implementation of the present invention includes: pixel circuits disposed in rows and columns; first power lines and control lines disposed in respective rows; a third power line; second switching transistors disposed at least one for each of the rows and each having a gate terminal connected to the control line disposed in the corresponding row, one of a source terminal and a drain terminal connected to the first power line disposed in the corresponding row, and the other of the source terminal and the drain terminal connected to the third power line; and a power supply unit which supplies the same voltage to the first power lines and the third power line when the second switching transistors are turned ON.
US08552648B2
A vehicle headlamp apparatus is provided. The vehicle headlamp apparatus includes right and left headlamps, and a controller which controls the right and left headlamps. Each of the right and left headlamps is configured to produce a low beam light distribution pattern having a horizontal cutoff line to irradiate a region in front the vehicle headlamp apparatus, and is operable to selectively produce one or both of a right side auxiliary light distribution pattern above a right part of the horizontal cutoff line and a left side auxiliary light distribution pattern above a left part of the horizontal cutoff line. Based on a position of a forward vehicle ahead of the vehicle headlamp apparatus, the controller controls each of the right and left headlamps to produce one or both of the right side auxiliary light distribution pattern and the left side auxiliary light distribution pattern.
US08552641B2
A display panel is disclosed which suppresses appearance of structural fault at a frame portion of an opposing glass plate. The display panel has a panel structure ready for an active matrix driving method and includes an element having a formation face on which pixel circuits are formed, and an opposing substrate configured to seal the formation face. The opposing substrate has a protrusion pattern formed in a region thereof opposing to an outer edge of the opposing substrate. The protrusion pattern has a layer structure similar to that in a display region of the formation face.
US08552639B2
A white organic light emitting device (WOLED) includes electroluminescence (EL) red and blue light emitting layers disposed inside a cavity and a non-electroluminescence (NEL) green light emitting unit disposed outside the cavity or on a region inside the cavity where there are no combinations of electrons and holes. The green light emitting unit adjusts a green spectrum by resonating greenish blue light in the cavity, or is disposed on a path through which red and blue light output from the cavity travels and adapted to absorb the blue light and emit green light. A photoluminescence (PL) light emitting layer may be a capping layer covering the cavity. The capping layer functions as an optical path control layer controlling an optical path. A white spectrum is obtained by combining blue light and red light generated by EL and green generated by PL. This WOLED can operate at a low voltage.
US08552636B2
A high resolution pixel using organic light emitting devices (OLEDs) in a staggered arrangement to increase aperture ratio is disclosed. The arrangement may be used with both bottom and top emission type pixels. The arrangement includes a first organic light emitting device emitting light of a first color. A second organic light emitting device emitting light of a second color is located in a bottom row under the first organic light emitting device. A third organic light emitting device emitting light of a third color is located in a top row with the first organic light emitting device.
US08552634B2
An organic light-emitting display apparatus for encapsulating an organic light-emitting device and/or improving its electrical properties. The organic light-emitting display apparatus includes: a substrate; a display portion on the substrate and including an organic light-emitting device; a non-display portion on both the substrate and the peripheral region of the display portion; and an encapsulation portion on the display portion and including a first encapsulation layer formed of an inorganic material and a second encapsulation layer formed of an organic material that are alternately stacked on the display portion, wherein an end portion of the first encapsulation layer contacts the substrate.
US08552629B2
A spark plug for an internal combustion engine is provided which is equipped with a tip protrusion disposed on a top of a hollow cylindrical housing of the spark plug. The spark plug also includes a center electrode retained in a porcelain insulator disposed inside the housing and a ground electrode is joined to the housing so as to form a spark gap. The tip protrusion serves to direct a flow of gas to be ignited by a spark produced in the spark gap and is shaped to have a radial width extending in a radial direction of the housing and a circumferential width extending in a circumferential direction of the cylindrical housing. The radial width is greater than the circumferential width. This enhances the efficiency in guiding the flow of gas toward the spark gap.
US08552628B2
An assembly for a spark plug, the assembly having: an insulator, the insulator having a channel formed in an exterior surface of the insulator; and a jamb nut surrounding the insulator, the jamb nut being aligned with the channel such that a distal end of the jamb nut does not contact the insulator.
US08552623B2
Provided are a polymer and a polymer actuator including the polymer. The polymer is cross-linked by a cross-linking agent. When the polymer is used in the polymer actuator, the polymer actuator shows a high strain and may be stably operated at high temperatures.
US08552621B2
Systems and methods for operating piezoelectric switches are disclosed. A piezoelectric switching system includes a first actuator, a second actuator, and a bias voltage source. The first actuator has a first body electrode, a first gate electrode, and a first contact region. The second actuator has a second body electrode, a second gate electrode, and a second contact region. The first and second contact regions are separated by a gap. The bias voltage source applies a bias voltage to the body electrodes. The bias voltage is lower in magnitude than an actuation voltage for the switch. The gate electrodes receive a switching voltage. The switching voltage causes at least one of the first and second actuators to bend, thereby closing the gap such that the second contact region electrically contacts the first contact region. The difference between the switching voltage and the bias voltage exceeds the actuation voltage of the switch.
US08552616B2
A micro-scale power source and method includes a semiconductor structure having an n-type semiconductor region, a p-type semiconductor region and a p-n junction. A radioisotope provides energy to the p-n junction resulting in electron-hole pairs being formed in the n-type semiconductor region and p-type semiconductor region, which causes electrical current to pass through p-n junction and produce electrical power.
US08552615B2
An electric motor having a circuit for reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI) includes a field stack such as a stator, an armature including a shaft, a commutator mounted on the shaft, and an armature core electrically connected to the commutator, whereby the armature core is rotatably mounted within the field stack. The electric motor includes a brush assembly adapted to deliver electrical power to the commutator. The circuit includes a delta capacitor network and a conductive lead electrically interconnecting the delta capacitor network and the brush assembly. In one embodiment, the circuit includes motor field windings or coils, and a power source electrically interconnectable with the delta capacitor network and the motor field windings. In one embodiment, the motor is a universal motor.
US08552614B2
The invention relates to a generator stator configuration, comprising a stiffened stator core having a multitude of stator plates, which have stator teeth on the radial inner periphery of the stator core, each stator plate having a material bond to an adjacent stator plate and/or to a stiffening element on the radial outer periphery on at least one connection point; and a spring-elastic support structure to implement an elastic foundation connection for the stiffened stator core.
US08552612B2
A stator core 10 and its manufacturing method, the stator core 10 including laminated stator core sheets 17, each of the stator core sheets 17 punched out from a magnetic metal sheet 32, a central portion of the magnetic metal sheet 32 previously punched out to form a rotor core sheet 36, the stator core 10 including a thin section 24 formed in a magnetic pole piece 19 of each of the stator core sheets 17, the thin section 24 formed by pressing both sides of the magnetic pole piece 19 in a thickness direction and radially-inwardly elongating the magnetic pole piece 19. The present invention prevents the magnetic pole piece 19 from being curved and improves interlocking accuracies and dimensional accuracies in blanking the rotor core sheet 36 and the start core sheet 17 from one magnetic metal sheet 32.
US08552610B2
An alternator including a rotatably-assembled permanent magnet, the magnetization direction of the magnet being orthogonal to the rotation axis, and a winding with no iron core surrounding the magnet and having each turn in a plane substantially parallel to a plane containing the rotation axis, the winding extending across a dihedral angle from the rotation axis smaller than 75 degrees and, radially, over a distance ranging between one quarter and half of the magnet diameter.
US08552605B2
Engaging protrusions of a lower end housing are axially snap-fitted into through holes, respectively, of a yoke housing to couple therebetween. Each of spacers is circumferentially placed between and is press-fitted between corresponding adjacent two of permanent magnets fixed to an inner peripheral surface of the yoke housing. Each spacer axially contacts a corresponding contact part of the end housing. A lower ball bearing and an upper ball bearing are supported by the lower end housing and an upper end housing, respectively, to rotatably support a shaft. A wave washer is axially positioned between the lower ball bearing and the lower end housing to exert an urging force between the lower end housing and the upper end housing through the shaft.
US08552601B2
An electric motor includes a stator including stator steel core (11) around which a coil is wound; a rotor which includes rotating body (30) that holds a plurality of permanent magnets (32) in the circumferential direction to face the stator, and shaft (16) that fastens rotating body (30) so as to penetrate the center of rotating body (30); a bearing (15) for supporting shaft (16); and bracket (17) for fixing bearing (15), wherein dielectric layer (50) is provided between shaft (16) and the outer periphery of rotating body (30).
US08552597B2
A radio frequency energy harvester harvests RF energy from the environment. The energy harvester may include a local power source. The energy harvester may have an associated crystal radio antenna that harvests AM radio waves ubiquitously. The radio frequency energy harvested may be stored via a super capacitor. The stored energy may power a self-contained processing unit directly when the level of the energy harvested remains above a threshold level. However, if the energy harvested drops below the threshold level, the processing unit, which may include a radio, may switch to the local power source and/or a low power mode of operation. The low power mode of operation may reduce the amount of processing and/or transmitting by the radio. The processing unit may be part of a network of radios. The energy harvester may supply energy for a variety of applications, including building automation, industrial automation, power generation, and healthcare.
US08552592B2
Described herein are improved configurations for a wireless lighting power transfer method including providing a source having a source resonator that includes a high-Q source magnetic resonator coupled to a power source, providing a device having a device resonator that includes a high-Q device magnetic resonator, distal from the source resonator, the device including a light emitting part electrically coupled to the device resonator, providing a signaling capability between the source and the device, signaling a state of the device to the source using the signaling capability, and energizing the source to generate an oscillating magnetic field according to the state of the device.
US08552580B2
A wind turbine power generation for generating electricity from a fluid may include a compression module housing to compress the fluid, a turbine module housing to convert the compressed fluid into electricity, and a lower pressure reduction module housing and a upper pressure reduction module housing to exhaust the fluid from the turbine module housing. The turbine module housing may include a turbine airflow control to control the amount of fluid flowing through the turbine module housing. The turbine airflow control may include a variable diameter shutter to open and close to control the amount of fluid.
US08552579B2
The invention relates to a wind power plant, comprising a rotor that can be rotated about a vertical axis, said rotor between two horizontal bearing planes disposed at a distance on top of each other comprising a plurality of rotor blades, which are disposed distributed on a circumferential circle, can each be pivoted about a vertical pivot axis, and the pivot range of which is delimited on both sides by a stop. In such a wind power plant, an improvement in the energy yield, while simultaneously ensuring another operation, is enabled in that the width of the rotor blades is smaller than approximately ⅓ the radius of the circumferential circle.
US08552575B2
This invention relates to a hybrid gas turbine (HGT) engine powerplant having electrical output power and as a system independently or in combination with electrical energy storage means, supplies electrical power to at least one electric motor for vehicular propulsion.The HGT has a minimum of two spools at least one spool, the power spool, has integrated a compressor rotor, turbine rotor and alternator rotor; a minimum second spool for staged engine air compression has integrated a compressor and turbine rotors aero-coupled to the power spool.An electronic engine unit (EECU) supplies electrical power to the fuel control valve, has preprogrammed variable power spool speeds per output power requirements, exhaust gas turbine temperature limits for fuel economy considerations and is responsive thru vehicle throttle commands of accel, decel, constant vehicle operations, start-up, shut down, battery charger and auxiliary power applications (APU).
US08552564B2
A semiconductor device substrate includes a front section and back section that are laminated cores disposed on a front- and back surfaces of a first core. The first core has a cylindrical plated through hole that has been metal plated and filled with air-core material. The front- and back sections have laser-drilled tapered vias that are filled with conductive material and that are coupled to the plated through hole. The back section includes an integral inductor coil that communicates to the front section. The first core and the laminated-cores form a hybrid-core semiconductor device substrate with an integral inductor coil.
US08552560B2
Passivation integration schemes and pad structures to reduce the stress gradients and/or improve the contact surface existing between the Al in the pad and the gold wire bond. One of the pad structures provides a plurality of recessed pad areas which are formed in a single aluminum pad. An oxide mesa can be provided under the aluminum pad. Another pad structure provides a single recessed pad area which is formed in a single aluminum pad, and the aluminum pad is disposed above a copper pad and a plurality of trench/via pads. Still another pad structure provides a single recessed pad area which is formed in a single aluminum pad, and the aluminum pad is disposed above a portion of a copper pad, such that the aluminum pad and the copper pad are staggered relative to each other.
US08552556B1
A wafer level fan out package includes a semiconductor die having a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface. A stiffener is disposed on the third surface of the semiconductor die. A conductive via passes through the stiffener. First and second electrically conductive patterns electrically connected to the conductive via are disposed on the first and second surfaces of the semiconductor die and stiffener. Solder balls are electrically connected to the first or second electrically conductive patterns.
US08552554B2
A heat dissipation structure for an electronic device includes a body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. A silicon-containing insulating layer is disposed on the first surface of the body. A chemical vapor deposition (CVD) diamond film is disposed on the silicon-containing insulating layer. A first conductive pattern layer is disposed on the silicon-containing insulating layer, wherein the first conductive pattern layer is enclosed by and spaced apart from the CVD diamond film. A method for fabricating a heat dissipation structure for an electronic device and an electronic package having the heat dissipation structure are also disclosed.
US08552547B2
An embodiment of the invention provides a method for forming an electronic device package, which includes providing a carrier substrate having an upper surface and an opposite lower surface; forming a cavity from the upper surface of the carrier substrate; disposing an electronic device having a conducting electrode in the cavity; forming a filling layer in the cavity, wherein the filling layer surround the electronic device; thinning the carrier substrate from the lower surface to a predetermined thickness; forming at least a through-hole in the electronic device or the in the carrier substrate; and forming a conducting layer over a sidewall of the through-hole, wherein the conducting layer electrically connects to the conducting electrode.
US08552544B2
A package structure includes first and second substrates, a sealant and a filler. The first substrate has a surface including an active region and a bonding region. The first substrate has a component in the active region and a pad in bonding region. The pad is electrically connected to the component. The sealant is disposed on the surface surrounding the active region. The sealant has a breach at a side of the active region. The second substrate is bonded to the first substrate via the sealant. The second substrate has a first opening corresponding to the pad, and a second opening corresponding to the breach. The filler fills the second opening, covers the breach such that the first substrate, the second substrate, the sealant and the filler together form a sealed space for accommodating the component.
US08552543B2
A semiconductor package that includes a conductive clip having an interior surface that includes a plurality of spaced raised portions, a semiconductor device having a first major surface that includes a plurality of spaced depressions each receiving one of the raised portions in the interior thereof, and a conductive adhesive disposed between each raised portion and a respective interior surface of a depression.
US08552541B2
Provided are power device packages, which include thermal electric modules using the Peltier effect and thus can improve operational reliability by rapidly dissipating heat generated during operation to the outside, and methods of fabricating the same. An exemplary power device package includes: a thermal electric module having a first surface and a second surface opposite each other, and a plurality of n-type impurity elements and a plurality of p-type impurity elements alternately and electrically connected to each other in series; a lead frame attached to the first surface of the thermal electric module by an adhesive member; at least one power semiconductor chip and at least one control semiconductor chip, each chip being mounted on and electrically connected to the lead frame; and a sealing member sealing the thermal electric module, the chips, and at least a portion of the lead frame, but exposing the second surface of the module.
US08552538B2
A stabilizing solution for treating photoresist patterns and methods of preventing profile abnormalities, toppling and resist footing are disclosed. The stabilizing solution comprises a non-volatile component, such as non-volatile particles or polymers, which is applied after the photoresist material has been developed. By treating the photoresist with the solution containing a non-volatile component after developing but before drying, the non-volatile component fills the space between adjacent resist patterns and remains on the substrate during drying. The non-volatile component provides structural and mechanical support for the resist to prevent deformation or collapse by liquid surface tension forces.
US08552535B2
A shielding structure for a semiconductor device includes a plurality of trenches. The trenches include passivation liners and shield electrodes, which are formed therein. In one embodiment, the shielding structure is placed beneath a control pad. In another embodiment, the shielding structure is placed beneath a control runner.
US08552520B2
A semiconductor device includes a substrate and a first insulating layer. The first insulating layer includes a first lower layer and a first upper layer on the first lower layer. The first insulating layer has a first opening through the first lower layer and the first upper layer. A maximum width of the first opening at the first lower layer is different from a maximum width of the first opening at the first upper layer.
US08552519B2
In order to collect a plurality of semiconductor elements easily from a semiconductor module where a plurality of rod-like semiconductor elements for power generation or light emission are built in and to reuse or repair them, two split modules 61 are arranged in series in a containing case 62 in a semiconductor module 60. In each split module 61, power generating semiconductor elements 1 arranged in a matrix of a plurality of rows and columns, and a conductive connection mechanism for connecting the plurality of semiconductor elements 1 in each row in series and the plurality of semiconductor elements 1 in each column in parallel are molded with transparent synthetic resin, and a connection conductor 67 is allowed to project at the end. A conductive waved spring 70 and an external terminal 76 are provided on the end side of the containing case 62, and series connection of the two split modules 61 is ensured by mechanical pressing force of the conductive waved spring 70.
US08552514B2
A semiconductor physical quantity sensor includes a sensor chip, a support member for fixing the sensor chip to a fixing position and an adhesive bonding the sensor chip with the support member. The sensor chip includes a semiconductor substrate and a chip base supporting the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate is provided with a sensing portion for detecting a physical quantity. The chip base is bonded with the support member through the adhesive. The adhesive is provided by a mixture of an adhesive base material mainly made of a resin and a granular material mainly made of a cross-linked resin.
US08552508B2
A semiconductor device includes first and second p-type diffusion regions, and first and second n-type diffusion regions that are each electrically connected to a common node. Gate electrodes are formed from conductive features that are each defined within any one gate level channel that is uniquely associated with and defined along one of a number of parallel gate electrode tracks. The gate electrodes include gate electrodes of first and second PMOS transistor devices, and first and second NMOS transistor devices. Widths of the first and second p-type diffusion regions are substantially equal, such that the first and second PMOS transistor devices have substantially equal widths. Widths of the first and second n-type diffusion regions are substantially equal, such that the first and second NMOS transistor devices have substantially equal widths. The first and second PMOS and first and second NMOS transistor devices form a cross-coupled transistor configuration.
US08552501B2
A method of forming an inverted T shaped channel structure having a vertical channel portion and a horizontal channel portion for an Inverted T channel Field Effect Transistor ITFET device comprises semiconductor substrate, a first layer of a first semiconductor material over the semiconductor substrate and a second layer of a second semiconductor material over the first layer. The first and the second semiconductor materials are selected such that the first semiconductor material has a rate of removal which is less than a rate of removal of the second semiconductor material.
US08552497B2
The semiconductor device includes: a first conductive-type first well and a second conductive-type second well configured over a substrate to contact each other; a second conductive-type anti-diffusion region configured in an interface where the first conductive-type first well contacts the second conductive-type second well over the substrate; and a gate electrode configured to simultaneously cross the first conductive-type first well, the second conductive-type anti-diffusion region, and the second conductive-type second well over the substrate.
US08552492B2
A trench gate transistor whose gate changes the depth thereof intermittently in the gate width direction, has a first offset region and a second offset region formed below the source and drain, respectively. The sum of length measurements of the underlying portion of the second offset region measured from the lower corner of the trench in a direction parallel to the substrate and in a direction perpendicular to the substrate is 0.1 μm or greater.
US08552481B2
An object of the present invention is to prevent a sensitivity difference between pixels. There are disposed plural unit cells each including plural photodiodes 101A and 101B, plural transfer MOSFETs 102A and 102B arranged corresponding to the plural photodiodes, respectively, and a common MOSFET 104 which amplifies and outputs signals read from the plural photodiodes. Each pair within the unit cell, composed of the photodiode and the transfer MOSFET provided corresponding to the photodiode, has translational symmetry with respect to one another. Within the unit cell, there are included a reset MOSFET and selecting MOSFET.
US08552479B2
In one embodiment, a detector includes an AlxIn(1-x)Sb absorber layer, and an AlyIn(1-y)Sb passivation layer disposed above the AlxIn(1-x)Sb absorber layer, wherein x
US08552477B2
The present application discloses a semiconductor device formed on a SOI substrate which comprises a buried insulating layer and a semiconductor layer on the buried insulating layer and a method for manufacturing the same, wherein a fin of semiconductive material having two opposing sides perpendicular to a main surface of the SOI substrate is provided in the semiconductor layer, said semiconductor device comprising: a source region and a drain region provided at two ends of the fin respectively; a channel region provided at a central portion of the fin; and a stack of gate dielectric and gate conductor provided at one side of the fin, where the gate conductor is isolated from the channel region by the gate dielectric, wherein the gate conductor extends away from the one side of the fin in a direction parallel to the main surface of the SOI substrate. The semiconductor device has an improved short channel effect and a reduced parasitic capacitance and resistance, which contributes to an improved electrical property and facilitates scaling down of the transistor.
US08552476B2
A semiconductor layer has a second impurity concentration. First trenches are formed in the semiconductor layer to extend downward from an upper surface of the semiconductor layer. Each of insulation layers is formed along each of the inner walls of the first trenches. Each of conductive layers is formed to bury each of the first trenches via each of the insulation layers, and extends downward from the upper surface of the semiconductor layer to a first position. A first semiconductor diffusion layer reaches a second position from the upper surface of the semiconductor layer, is positioned between the first trenches, and has a third impurity concentration lower than the second impurity concentration. A length from the upper surface of the semiconductor layer to the second position is equal to or less than half a length from the upper surface of the semiconductor layer to the first position.
US08552475B2
One or more embodiments relate to a memory device, comprising: a memory element; and a FinFET select device including a fin, a gate line supported by the fin, and a contact element coupled between a surface of the fin and the memory element, the contact element being in direct contact with a top surface of the fin.
US08552469B2
There is a problem that a reverse off-leak current becomes too large in a Schottky barrier diode. A semiconductor device of the present invention includes P-type first and second anode diffusion layers formed in an N-type epitaxial layer, N-type cathode diffusion layers formed in the epitaxial layer, a P-type third anode diffusion layer formed in the epitaxial layer so as to surround the first and second anode diffusion layers and to extend toward the cathode diffusion layers, and a Schottky barrier metal layer formed on the first and second anode diffusion layers.
US08552457B1
A thermal stress releasing structure is applied to a light-emitting diode (LED) which includes a P-type electrode, a permanent substrate, a binding layer, a buffer layer, a mirror layer, a P-type semiconductor layer, a light-emitting layer, an N-type semiconductor layer, and an N-type electrode that are stacked in sequence. The buffer layer includes a plurality of first material layers and a plurality of second material layers. The first material layers and the second material layers are alternately stacked in a staggered manner to form a concave-convex structure in a stacking direction of the first and second material layers. The concave-convex structure is formed in a corrugated shape to function as the thermal stress releasing structure, thus is capable of releasing thermal stress generated by thermal expansion and contraction of the buffer layer in the LED to prevent the buffer layer from damaging a metal layer or an epitaxy layer.
US08552455B2
Provided is a semiconductor light-emitting diode including a semiconductor layer having a light-emitting structure; and an ohmic electrode incorporating a nanodot layer, a contact layer, a diffusion-preventing layer and a capping layer on the semiconductor layer. The nanodot layer is formed on the N-polar surface of the semiconductor layer and is formed from a substance comprising at least one of Ag, Al and Au. Also provided is a production method therefor. In the ohmic electrode which has the multi-layer structure comprising the nanodot layer/contact layer/diffusion-preventing layer/capping layer in the semiconductor light-emitting diode of this type, the nanodot layer constitutes the N-polar surface of a nitride semiconductor and improves the charge-injection characteristics such that outstanding ohmic characteristics can be obtained.
US08552451B2
Methods are disclosed for forming a vertical semiconductor light-emitting diode (VLED) device having an active layer between an n-doped layer and a p-doped layer; and securing a plurality of balls on a surface of the n-doped layer of the VLED device.
US08552447B2
A semiconductor light-emitting element includes a semiconductor laminated structure including a light-emitting layer sandwiched between first and second conductivity type layers for extracting an emitted light from the light-emitting layer on a side of the second conductivity type layer, a transparent electrode in ohmic contact with the second conductivity type layer, an insulation layer formed on the transparent electrode, an upper electrode for wire bonding formed on the insulation layer, a lower electrode that penetrates the insulation layer, is in ohmic contact with the transparent electrode and the electrode for wire bonding, and has an area smaller than that of the upper electrode in top view, and a reflective portion for reflecting at least a portion of light transmitted through a region of the transparent electrode not in contact with the lower electrode.
US08552440B2
For integration of light-emitting elements and for suppression of a voltage drop, plural stages of light-emitting element units provided over a substrate having an insulating surface and each including a plurality of light-emitting elements which is connected in parallel are connected in series. Further, besides a lead wiring with a large thickness, a plurality of auxiliary wirings with different widths and different thicknesses is used, and the arrangement of the wirings, electrodes of the light-emitting elements, and the like is optimized. Note that in the lighting device, light emitted from the light-emitting element passes through the substrate having an insulating surface and then is extracted.
US08552437B2
The embodiment provides a process for production of an oxynitride fluorescent substance. An compound containing In or Ga is adopted in the process as a material thereof. The red fluorescent substance produced by the process can be combined with a semiconductor light-emitting element, so as to be used in a light-emitting device or a light-emitting module.
US08552433B2
A display device which can suppress waveform distortion and lowered transmission coefficient of pixels, and suppress display irregularity is provided. In a display device having pixels arranged in a delta arrangement, a pixel includes a pixel portion which comprises a TFT including a source electrode, a drain electrode and a gate electrode, a common electrode and a pixel electrode, an organic passivation film has asymmetrical opening portions above a contact portion of the source electrode, and the orientations of the asymmetrical opening portions in the organic passivation films of pixels adjacent to each other are the same.
US08552432B2
A display substrate having a low resistance signal line and a method of manufacturing the display substrate are provided. The display substrate includes an insulation substrate, a gate line, a data line and a pixel electrode. The gate line gate line is formed through a sub-trench and an opening portion. The sub-trench is formed in the insulation substrate and the opening portion is formed through a planarization layer on the insulation substrate at a position corresponding to the position of the sub-trench. The data line crosses the gate line. The pixel electrode is electrically connected to the gate line and the data line through a switching element. Thus, a signal line is formed through a trench formed by using a planarization layer and an insulation substrate, so that a resistance of the signal line may be reduced.
US08552431B2
To provide a liquid crystal display device having high quality display by obtaining a high aperture ratio while securing a sufficient storage capacitor (Cs), and at the same time, by dispersing a load (a pixel writing-in electric current) of a capacitor wiring in a timely manner to effectively reduce the load. A scanning line is formed on a different layer from a gate electrode and the capacitor wiring is arranged so as to be parallel with a signal line. Each pixel is connected to the individually independent capacitor wiring via a dielectric. Therefore, variations in the electric potential of the capacitor wiring caused by a writing-in electric current of a neighboring pixel can be avoided, whereby obtaining satisfactory display images.
US08552426B2
A composite dielectric material doped with rare earth metal oxide and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The composite dielectric material is doped with nano-crystalline rare metal oxide which is embedded in silicon dioxide glass matrix, and the composite dielectric material of the nano-crystalline rare metal oxide and the silicon dioxide glass matrix is synthesized by the manufacturing method using sol-gel route. The dielectric value of the glass composite dielectric material is greater than that of pure rare metal oxide or that of silicon dioxide. In presence of magnetic field, the dielectric value of the composite dielectric material is substantially enhanced compared with that of the composite dielectric material at zero field.
US08552417B2
The present application provides a light-emissive nitride nanoparticle, for example a nanocrystal, having a photoluminescence quantum yield of at least 1%. This quantum yield is significantly greater than for prior nitride nanoparticles, which have been only weakly emissive and have had poor control over the size of the nanoparticles produced. The nanoparticle includes at least one capping agent provided on a surface of the nitride crystal and containing an electron-accepting group for passivating nitrogen atoms at the surface of the crystal. The invention also provides non-emissive nitride nanoparticles.
US08552414B2
An electronically scannable multiplexing device is capable of addressing multiple bits within a volatile or non-volatile memory cell. The multiplexing device generates an electronically scannable conducting channel with two oppositely formed depletion regions. The depletion width of each depletion region is controlled by a voltage applied to a respective control gate at each end of the multiplexing device. The present multi-bit addressing technique allows, for example, 10 to 100 bits of data to be accessed or addressed at a single node. The present invention can also be used to build a programmable nanoscale logic array or for randomly accessing a nanoscale sensor array.
US08552411B2
According to one embodiment, a manufacturing method of semiconductor device includes forming plural elements on a substrate, forming a silicon compound film so as to bury between a plurality of elements, and modifying the silicon compound film to a silicon dioxide film by radiating microwaves.
US08552398B2
An apparatus for spin polarizing a particle beam is adapted to process an input particle beam in such a way as to generate an at least partially spin polarized output particle beam. A vortex beam generator for imparting orbital angular momentum to the input particle beam. An electromagnetic field generator generates a transverse magnetic field, space-variant and symmetric with respect to the axis of the input particle beam, in such a way as to change the spin of the particles and attach thereto different values of orbital angular momentum in dependence on their input spin values. A beam component separating group spatially separates the particles in dependence on their orbital angular momentum values, in such a way as to obtain the at least partially spin polarized output particle beam.
US08552395B2
According to one embodiment, an ultraviolet irradiation system that sterilizes, disinfects, and inactivates raw water such as city water or underground water, includes a plurality of ultraviolet irradiation devices connected in series, and a controller configured to control output and non-output of the ultraviolet irradiation devices. The ultraviolet irradiation device includes a water processing vessel through which the raw water flows, an ultraviolet lamp configured to irradiate the raw water in the water processing vessel with ultraviolet rays, and an ultraviolet sensor configured to measure an amount of ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet lamp.
US08552393B2
Disclosed is a radiation image conversion panel wherein luminance is improved by preventing the disorder of the structure of phosphor columnar crystals, thereby eliminating the scattering and refraction of optical elements which is emitted by an X-ray-irradiated phosphor and propagated in the direction of a photoelectric conversion element. Moreover disclosed is a radiation image detector using the same. The radiation image conversion panel is characterized in that the radiation image conversion panel comprises a phosphor layer on the substrate, that the phosphor layer is configured of the phosphor columnar crystals formed from a phosphor matrix compound and an activator by vapor deposition, and that the degree of the orientation of the surface of the phosphor columnar crystals, the degree of the orientation being based on X-ray diffraction spectrum and the surface having a fixed mirror index, is in the range of 80 to 100% without regard to the position in the direction of the thickness of the layer from the root near the substrate to the tip of the phosphor columnar crystals of the phosphor layer.
US08552386B2
An image acquisition device employs a low-Z material to maximize the probability of backscattering or direct hits in Compton scattering for radiation with a given energy spectrum that passes through a detector array to enhance the contrast and spatial resolution of the image acquisition device. A radiation apparatus including the image acquisition device is also provided.
US08552370B2
Systems and methods for charged particle detection including statistical reconstruction of object volume scattering density profiles from charged particle tomographic data to determine the probability distribution of charged particle scattering using a statistical multiple scattering model and determine a substantially maximum likelihood estimate of object volume scattering density using expectation maximization (ML/EM) algorithm to reconstruct the object volume scattering density. The presence of and/or type of object occupying the volume of interest can be identified from the reconstructed volume scattering density profile. The charged particle tomographic data can be cosmic ray muon tomographic data from a muon tracker for scanning packages, containers, vehicles or cargo. The method can be implemented using a computer program which is executable on a computer.
US08552360B2
Methods and apparatus for the active control of a wavelength-swept light source used to interrogate optical elements having characteristic wavelengths distributed across a wavelength range are provided.
US08552354B2
A transfer circuit is configured to transfer signal charges of an accumulating region to a floating diffusion region when being operated, while being configured to stop the transfer of the signal charges when not being operated, by use of a transfer gate which is turned on and off in response to a transfer control signal. The pixel control circuit controls the transfer circuit according to a light receiving level of a pixel circuit so as to extend an operation period of the pixel circuit in a case where a light receiving quantity is not lower than a predetermined quantity, contrary to a case where the light receiving quantity is lower than the predetermined quantity.
US08552346B2
Methods and apparatus for controlling the temperature of multi-zone heater in a process chamber are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method is provided to control a multi-zone heater disposed in a substrate support, wherein the multi-zone heater has a first zone and a second zone. In some embodiments, the method may include measuring a current drawn by the first zone at a first time; measuring a voltage drawn by the first zone at the first time; calculating the resistance of the first zone based upon the measured current and voltage drawn by the first zone at the first time; determining a temperature of the first zone based upon a predetermined relationship between the resistance and the temperature of the first zone; and adjusting the temperature of the first zone in response to the temperature determination.
US08552340B2
Embodiments of an enclosed welder that includes a recess disposed at a depth in a rear panel of the enclosure are provided. The recess may include at least one of an engine air filter, a blower housing, and a recoil start. The depth at which the recess is set back from the rear panel may be such that the engine air filter, the blower housing, and the recoil start each do not extend outward beyond the rear panel. A first air source may be configured to enter the enclosed welder via the air filter and combust fuel within an engine. A second air source may further be configured to enter the welder via the blower housing and cool the engine.
US08552336B2
The invention provides methods and systems for the application and reading of micro markings for coding of information for placement on the surfaces of individual very small devices. In preferred embodiments, a two dimensional micro matrix of markings or dots is realized on a scale of a 25 um cell size and smaller.
US08552314B2
A weighing apparatus, the weighing apparatus comprising a weighing portion including means for at least temporarily retaining an item to be weighed thereon, and a measurement portion in communication with the weighing portion, wherein the measurement portion comprises at least two indicators for indicating the weight of the item attached to the weighing apparatus, each of the indicators for indicating the weight of the item in different conditions.
US08552302B2
An embedded circuit board is disclosed including a first copper clad laminate formed with a plurality of cavities and including a plurality of chips having different thicknesses embedded in the cavities, a second copper clad laminate provided in the cavities to allow the first copper clad laminate to level with the chips; and a resin coated copper foil provided on upper surfaces of the first and second copper clad laminates.
US08552294B2
A cable management apparatus includes a securing board and a cable management element. The securing board includes a board body and two positioning portions. Each positioning portion includes a neck portion and a head portion. A diameter of the neck portion is less than that of the head portion. The cable management element to hold cables captive includes a base panel, a first connecting panel, a first securing portion, a second connecting panel, and a second securing portion. The sides of the cable management element are squeezed together for attachment to and for disengagement from the board body.
US08552285B2
The invention discloses a device and method for solar-tracking according to sensor. The device calculates the angle of incidence and azimuth of the sunray through the illuminance sensed by the sensors in different positions. The device rotates the solar panel to the direction with the maximal solar irradiation. Then the solar panel can sense the maximum illuminance to have the maximal energy gain.
US08552279B2
Indicated is a method for production of a metallic-sounding musical instrument of the steelpan-type, in particular for production of a Hang®. In the method the steel sheet with a thickness of 0.75 to 1.25 mm required for the production is nitrided until the sheet is completely permeated with iron nitride needles. The linear density of the needles is, as a rule, between 40·10·103 m−1 to 80·103 m−1. The type of nitriding can be selected freely. The thus obtained instrument is characterized by novel tones.
US08552277B1
A novel maize variety designated X13B632 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X13B632 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13B632 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13B632, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13B632. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13B632.
US08552274B2
A cotton cultivar, designated UA103, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of cotton cultivar UA103, to the plants of cotton UA103 and to methods for producing a cotton plant produced by crossing the cultivar UA103 with itself or another cotton variety. The invention further relates to hybrid cotton seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar UA103 with another cotton cultivar.
US08552270B2
A soybean cultivar designated S100282 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S100282, to the plants of soybean cultivar S100282, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S100282, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S100282. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S100282. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S100282, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar S100282 with another soybean cultivar.
US08552266B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP32004 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP32004, cells from soybean variety XBP32004, plants of soybean XBP32004, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP32004. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP32004 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XBP32004, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP32004, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XBP32004. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP32004 are further provided.
US08552265B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP40009 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP40009, cells from soybean variety XBP40009, plants of soybean XBP40009, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP40009. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP40009 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XBP40009, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP40009, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XBP40009. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP40009 are further provided.
US08552260B2
A soybean cultivar designated S090086 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S090086, to the plants of soybean S090086, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S090086, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S090086 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety S090086, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S090086, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar S090086 with another soybean cultivar.
US08552259B2
The invention provides seed and plants of squash hybrid PX 13056719 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of squash hybrid PX 13056719 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a squash plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another squash plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.
US08552247B2
The present invention relates to a process for recovering polar hydrocarbons from non-polar hydrocarbons, such as aromatics from non-aromatics, naphthenes from paraffins and isoparaffins, or olefins from paraffins and isoparaffins, in feed mixtures containing at least a measurable amount of heavier hydrocarbons. According to the invention, an improved extractive distillation (extractive-distillation) process is disclosed for recovering aromatic hydrocarbons including benzene, toluene, and xylenes from heavy (C9+) hydrocarbons. The invention also relates to an improved extractive-distillation process for recovering mainly benzene and toluene from the C6-C7 petroleum streams containing at least a measurable amount of C8+ hydrocarbons. This invention is further directed toward the regeneration and recovery of the extractive-distillation solvent utilized to recover and purify the aromatic hydrocarbons from the petroleum stream containing at least a measurable amount of hydrocarbons heavier than the intended product.
US08552239B2
A novel olefin production process is provided which can be established as an industrial and practical process capable of producing olefins by directly reacting a ketone and hydrogen in a single reaction step. In particular, a novel olefin production process is provided in which propylene is obtained with high selectivity by directly reacting acetone and hydrogen.The olefin production process according to the present invention includes reacting a ketone and hydrogen in the presence of at least one dehydration catalyst and a silver-containing catalyst, and the at least one dehydration catalyst is selected from metal oxide catalysts containing a Group 6 element, zeolites, aluminas and heteropoly acid salts in which part or all the protons in heteropoly acids are exchanged with metal cations.
US08552228B2
The invention provides a process for the preparation of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (1234yf) comprising (a) contacting 1,1,1-trifluoro-2,3-difluoropropane (243db) with hydrogen fluoride (HF) in the presence of a zinc/chromia catalyst to produce a compound having the formula CF3CHFCH2X, wherein X is Cl or F, and (b) dehydrohalogenating the compound of formula CF3CHFCH2X to produce 1234yf.
US08552226B2
Ethanol production from the hydrogenation of acetic acid requires energy to drive the hydrogenation reaction and the purification of the crude ethanol product. Heat integration process to recover heat from one part of the production process to be used within the process improves efficiencies and reduces costs.
US08552205B2
Derivatives of 6,7-dihydro-5H-imidazo[1,2-α]imidazole-3-carboxylic acid amide exhibit good inhibitory effect upon the interaction of CAMs and Leukointegrins and are thus useful in the treatment of inflammatory disease.
US08552204B2
Disclosed is a novel zinc cluster compound represented by general formula (1): Zn4O (OCOR)6 (RCOOH)n, wherein R represents an alkyl group which has 1 to 4 carbon atoms and may be substituted with a halogen atom, and n represents 0.1 to 1, and also disclosed are a method for producing the compound and a reaction using the compound.
US08552197B2
The present invention provides sorafenib ethane sulphonate, process for its preparation, pharmaceutical composition comprising sorafenib ethane sulphonate and its use for the treatment of cancer. Formula (III).
US08552186B2
The present invention provides a compound of formula I or II or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt form thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5, are as defined herein. The compounds of formula I or II have ALK and/or c-Met inhibitory activity, and may be used to treat proliferative disorders.
US08552184B2
The present invention relates to compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and compositions comprising the same, that are useful in modulating lyn kinase activity, treating obesity, type II diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and in reducing blood glucose level, weight gain, or fat depot level, or treating a disease or condition associated with the same.
US08552180B2
The present invention provides a method for separating an amide from an amino acid ionic liquid. The method includes the step of providing a polar solvent and an extracting agent to the amino acid ionic liquid, so as to separate the amide from the amino acid ionic liquid. In the method of the present invention, there is no need to add ammonium for neutralization, such that no byproduct, ammonium sulfate, is formed. In addition, after the amide is separated from the amino acid ionic liquid, the amino acid ionic liquid can be recycled.
US08552176B2
A library of glycosylated chlorambucil analogs which are useful as anti-tumor and/or anti-metastatic agents is disclosed. The glycosylated chlorambucil analogs have the general formula wherein represents a reducing sugar moiety.
US08552167B2
The present invention provides compositions comprising a ligand-nucleic acid nanostructure that promote tumor cell-specific killing and methods of using the compositions. Specially, the invention provides aptamer-nucleic acid nanostructures for treating tumors in a mammal. The methods of making the compositions are also provided.
US08552158B2
Method for the production of IGF-I, characterized by cultivating a prokaryotic host cell comprising an expression vector containing a nucleic acid encoding a fusion protein comprising said IGF-I N-terminally linked to the C-terminus of a propeptide, whereby said propeptide ends C-terminally with amino acids -Y-Pro, wherein Y is selected from the group consisting of Pro, Pro-Ala, Pro-Gly, Pro-Thr, Ala-Pro, Gly-Pro, Thr-Pro, Arg-Pro, or Pro-Arg-Pro, recovering and cleaving said fusion protein with IgA protease, and recovering said IGF-I. IGF-I is useful for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's Disease.
US08552157B2
This invention is directed to antibodies that specifically bind to an extracellular domain of human c-Kit, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these antibodies, and their use in treating cancer.
US08552147B2
Compositions comprising an isolated peptide, which may for example optionally comprise a sequence selected from the group consisting of FDYDWY (SEQ ID NO: 2), SFSQNKSVHSFDYDWYNVSDQADLKN (SEQ ID NO: 3) or CSFSQNKSVHSFDYDWYNVSDQADLKNC (SEQ ID NO: 1), or any cyclized version thereof, and methods of using same, including for treatment of or prevention of formation of microbial biofilms and against adhesion of a cell to a surface.
US08552146B2
The present invention provides peptides having an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 192, 195, 197, 209, 225, 226, 228, 230, 240, 241, 243, 244, 249, 253, 254 or 255, as well as peptides having the above-mentioned amino acid sequences in which 1, 2, or several amino acids are substituted, deleted, or added, wherein the peptides possess cytotoxic T cell inducibility. The present invention also provides drugs for treating or preventing a disease associated with the over-expression of MPHOSPH1 and/or DEPDC1, e.g. cancers, containing these peptides as an active ingredient. The peptides of the present invention can also be used as vaccines.
US08552138B2
Polyester resins (C) of the invention have a practically sufficient high molecular weight and a high crystallinity and have an amide group in the molecular chain. Processes for producing the polyester resins are also disclosed. In detail, the polyester resins (C) have a practically sufficient high molecular weight and a high crystallinity and have a biodegradable amide group in the molecular chain. Processes for producing the polyester resins are also disclosed.The polyester resins (C) are obtained by reacting an aliphatic polyester resin (A) and a polyisocyanate compound (B) in the presence of an amidation catalyst and contain a specific structural unit.
US08552135B2
Linear polydialkoxysiloxanes with 2-8 polymeric units have been reacted with alcohols by a transetherification reaction to provide hydrophilic and water soluble silicone products. The glycerol substituted siloxanes in particular are effective in topically treating skin lesions such as radiation burns. Compositions including the substituted polydialkoxysiloxane products inhibit biofilm formation when used as coatings on hard surfaces.
US08552130B2
Presently described are polymerizable ionic liquids comprising a cation and an aromatic carboxylate anion; wherein the cation, anion, or both comprise a free-radically polymerizable group. Also described are curable compositions comprising such polymerizable ionic liquids and at least one other free-radically polymerizable monomer, oligomer, or polymer.
US08552127B2
A process for manufacturing terpolymers by polymerization of VDF (vinylidene difluoride), TrFE (trifluoroethylene), and CFE (1-chloro-1-fluoroethylene) or CTFE (chlorotrifluoroethylene) monomers in the presence of a radical polymerization initiator, characterized in that: i) an initial mixture of VDF and of TrFE, free of CFE and of CTFE, is fed into an autoclave, ii) the initiator mixed with water is injected into the autoclave so as to achieve, inside the autoclave, a pressure at least equal to 80 bar, in order to form a suspension of VDF and TrFE monomers in water, iii) a secondary mixture constituted of VDF, TrFE and CFE or CTFE is injected into the autoclave, then iv) as soon as the polymerization reaction starts, said secondary mixture is reinjected continuously into the reactor, so as to maintain therein a constant pressure of at least 80 bar.
US08552125B2
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a particulate polyethylene product in a loop reactor, wherein the polymerization catalyst applied in the polymerization process comprises a particulate metallocene-alumoxane catalyst immobilized on a porous silica support; and whereby said metallocene-alumoxane catalyst is heterogeneously distributed on said porous silica support.
US08552119B2
The present invention is concerned with curable adhesive compositions for anchoring elements in a structural body that exhibit low temperature versus standard temperature degree of cures that are at least 50% or higher. The compositions include, in a first component, a reactive resin, an acetoacetoxy functional monomer and a silane monomer. By using phthalate-free constituents in the formulation, a further 10% increase in strength and durability of the resins at standard temperatures may be realized after curing at low temperatures.
US08552107B2
Fumed silanized silica with the following physico-chemical data: Grindometer value less than 20 .mu.m Tamped density 25 to 85 g/l is prepared by grinding fumed silica which has been silanized. It can be used in silicone rubber.
US08552105B2
A poly(phenylene ether)-poly(hydroxy ether) block copolymer is used to compatibilize blends of polar polymers and non-polar polymers. The resulting compatibilized blends exhibit physical property improvements relative to blends without a compatibilizer and blends with a poly(hydroxy ether).
US08552103B2
Filled polyamide molding materials, in particular polyamide molding materials with medium filler content, are producible from a polyamide blend and for example by compounding with chopped or endless fibers on two-screw extruders, and have a combination of reduced water absorption and good mechanical properties, which results in very good dimensional stability and reduced variation of the electrical properties of the produced molded part, such as an antenna housings of stationary or mobile communication devices. These thermoplastic polyamide molding materials are suitable for manufacturing molded parts and other semi-finished or finished parts, for example by extrusion, injection molding, pressing, direct process or direct compounding, respectively, wherein the compounded polyamide molding material is directly processed by injection molding or other shaping methods.
US08552096B2
A composition containing a polycarbonate, a polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer, an alicyclic hydrocarbon resin flow promoter, an inorganic filler, a flame retardant and an impact modifier. The compositions may include polycarbonate in an amount of 40% by weight or more of the combined weights of the polycarbonate, polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer, inorganic filler, flame retardant, flow promoter, and impact modifier compound wherein a molded sample of the thermoplastic composition is capable of achieving UL94 V0 rating at a thickness of 1.2 mm (±10%); wherein the polymer composition has a melt viscosity of 185 Pa·sec or less, when measured at 270° C. and 1500 sec−1; and wherein a molded sample of the thermoplastic composition has a flexural modulus determined in accordance with ASTM D790 within 3800-8000 MPa; and wherein a 3.2-mm thick molded NII bar comprising the composition has a notched Izod impact strength of 40 to 200 J/m determined in accordance with ASTM D256 at 23° C.
US08552085B2
Silicone hydrogel contact lenses having ophthalmically acceptable surface wettabilities are obtained from pre-extracted polymerized silicone hydrogel contact lens products having relatively large amounts of removable or extractable materials. The silicone hydrogel contact lenses can be obtained from non-polar resin based contact lens molds and without surface treatments or an interpenetrating polymeric network of a polymeric wetting agent. Related lens products, polymerizable compositions, and methods are also described.
US08552080B2
Polyurethane foams are prepared from polyester polyols obtained by reaction of diols with a mixture of diacids derived from a mixture of dinitrile compounds obtained as by-products in the manufacture of adiponitrile by hydrocyanation of butadiene.
US08552076B2
Disclosed herein is a method of preparing a fused aerogel-polymer composite in which aerogel and an organic polymer is mixed in a dry state to adsorb polymer particles on the surface of the aerogel and are then subjected to thermal treatment, thus forming a polymer coating on the aerogel. The fused aerogel-polymer composite can be used for thermal insulation in a variety of applications. The fused aerogel-polymer composite exhibits high thermal insulation properties and superior physical strength and processability while still maintaining the properties of an aerogel that does not have a polymer coated on its surface.
US08552075B2
A composite proton exchange membrane is made up of dispersed organized graphene in ion conducting polymer as a fuel barrier material. The composite proton exchange membrane includes an inorganic material of 0.001-10 wt % and an organic material of 99.999-90 wt %. The inorganic material is a graphene derivative with two-dimensional structure. The organic material includes a polymer material with sulfonic acid group.
US08552071B1
The invention relates to hydrogels capable of absorbing aqueous fluids, which hydrogels are produced by polymerization of olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acids or their derivatives. The hydrogels are characterized in that before, during or after the polymerization reaction and before drying a silicic acid alkali salt of the general formula (I) M2O×nSiO2 is added to the polymerization reaction mixture. In said formula M is an alkali metal and n is a number between 0.5 and 4. The hydrogel obtained in this way is then dried at an elevated temperature. The invention also relates to a method for producing said hydrogels and to their use for absorbing aqueous fluids.
US08552070B2
A pigment preparation with metallic effect pigments in compacted form, the pigment preparation including the following components: a) 60%-95% by weight of at least one metallic effect pigment which has at least one low-refractive-index layer (low-index layer) on the metallic core of the metallic effect pigment, the low-index layer comprising or consisting of at least one inorganic component, b) 0.5%-40% by weight of a binder which is free from styrene groups, has an acid number of 150-500 mg KOH/g binder, and a melting point or melting range which lies in the range of 120-200° C., c) a residual moisture content in the range of 0%-15% by weight of at least one of water, organic solvent and a solvent mixture and d) optionally neutralizing agent(s). The disclosure further relates to a method for producing the pigment preparation and also to the use thereof.
US08552067B2
Provided herein are bioactive agents comprising a compound that inhibits the ion transport activity of a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and that is linked to a macromolecule that interacts with a cell that expresses CFTR. The bioactive agents described herein are useful for treating diseases, disorders, and sequelae of diseases, disorders, and conditions that are associated with aberrantly increased CFTR activity, for example, secretory diarrhea.
US08552065B2
The present invention relates to a novel biarylamide derivative and a pharmaceutical composition or a cosmetic composition comprising the same as an active ingredient. More particularly, the present invention relates to a novel biarylamide derivative, a pharmaceutical composition or a cosmetic composition for preventing or treating a pigmentation disorder caused by an abnormal excess of melanin or a disease caused by melanocyte hyperplasia comprising the same as an active ingredient. The biarylamide derivative of the present invention inhibits melanin production and thus inhibits melanocyte hyperplasia. Therefore, a cosmetic composition comprising the biarylamide is excellent in a whitening effect, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the biarylamide is effective in the prevention or treatment of pigmentation disorders of skin such as lentigo, melasma, freckle, etc. and malignant melanoma.
US08552061B2
The present invention relates to antiandrogenic compounds which may be administered for the treatment of androgen excess in the skin and by way of consequence, the treatment of acne, baldness or hirsuitism in subject or patient. These compounds have the general chemical structure (I, II, III or IV).
US08552045B2
This invention is directed to compounds with the structure which are PDE10A enzyme inhibitors. The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present invention also provides processes for the preparation of the compounds of formula 1. The present invention further provides a method of treating a subject suffering from a neurodegenerative disorder comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula 1. The present invention also provides a method of treating a subject suffering from a drug addiction comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula 1. The present invention further provides a method of treating a subject suffering from a psychiatric disorder comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula 1.
US08552039B2
The present invention relates to novel compounds, methods, and formulations useful for the oral delivery of a GLP-1 compound or an MC4 agonist peptide.
US08552036B2
The present invention provides a novel crystalline form of atazanavir sulfate, process for its preparation and to pharmaceutical composition containing it. In accordance with the present invention atazanavir sulfate was dissolved in methanol, to the solution was added ethyl acetate, the solid obtained was collected by filtration and dried to give atazanavir sulfate crystalline form H1.
US08552029B2
Provided is a quinoline derivative of Chemical Formula (I): wherein, R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, R2 is a halogen, and R3 is a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, and one of the carbon atoms in the phenyl ring of the phenyl group is optionally substituted by a nitrogen atom (N). The quinoline derivative can efficiently inhibit cancer cell proliferation and can be used for treating cancer, especially for treating cancers related to the Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway and/or the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway.
US08552018B2
Protein kinase inhibitors are disclosed having utility in the treatment of protein kinase-mediated diseases and conditions, such as cancer. The compounds of this invention have the following structure: including steroisomers, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein A is a ring moiety selected from: and wherein R1, R2, R3, X, Z, L1, Cycl1, L2 and Cycl2 are as defined herein. Also disclosed are compositions containing a compound of this invention, as well as methods relating to the use thereof.
US08552008B2
This invention relates to novel 3-(dihydro-1H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-5-yl)-4-propoxybenzenesulfonamide compounds of Formula I: wherein each Y is independently selected from hydrogen and deuterium and at least one Y is deuterium, as well as to pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. This invention also provides compositions comprising a compound of this invention and the use of such compositions in methods of treating diseases and conditions that are beneficially treated by administering inhibitors of cyclic guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate specific phosphodiesterase (cGMP-specific PDE), in particular PDE5.
US08552002B2
The invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein the substituents X1, R1, R2, R3 and R4 have the meaning as set forth and explained in the description of the invention, to processes for the preparation of these compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing same, the use thereof optionally in combination with one or more other pharmaceutically active compounds for the therapy of a disease which responds to an inhibition of protein kinase activity, and a method for the treatment of such a disease.
US08552000B2
A therapeutic/preventive agent for cognitive dysfunctions, which comprises as an active ingredient an imide derivative of the following formula [1]: wherein Z is a group of the formula [2]: D is a group of —(CH2)p-A-(CH2)q—; G is ═N—, —CH—, etc.; and Ar is an aromatic heterocyclic group, etc.
US08551998B2
Compositions and methods for treatment of sexual dysfunctions by administering to a subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising a delta opioid receptor agonist in an amount effective to delay the onset of ejaculation in the subject during sexual stimulation.
US08551979B2
The present invention relates to nonaqueous preparation for percutaneous absorption prepared by laminating an adhesive layer comprising a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic in an alkali metal salt form, and an inorganic acid which is strongly acidic compared with the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic in a free form, together with a nonaqueous base, on a support. According to the present invention, drug-releasing characteristics and skin penetration in a nonaqueous preparation for percutaneous absorption can be improved because the addition of an inorganic acid in a nonaqueous base containing a drug in an alkali metal salt form leads to an improvement in the solubility of the drug in the base, and a good partitioning of the drug to skin surface. In addition, as the inorganic acid has no alcoholic hydroxy group in the structure, the inorganic acid does not react with the drug, therefore it causes no lowering in the stability of the drug by esterification.
US08551965B2
A compound of formula (I) wherein Ar can be one six-membered or two fused six-membered aromatic rings; R8 and R9 can be hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, halogens, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, nitro, cyano, alkyoxy, aryloxy, thiol, alkylthiol, arythiol, or aryl; Q can be O, S or CY2, where Y may be H, alkyl or halogens; X can be O, NH, S, N-alkyl, (CHR2)m where m is 1 to 10, and CY2; Z can be O, S, NH, or N-alkyl; U″ is H and U′ can be H or CH2; wherein: T can be OH, H, halogens, O-alkyl, O-acyl, O-aryl, CN, NH2. or N3; T′ and T″ can be H or halogen; and W can be H or a phosphate group. Compounds show anti-viral activity, for example with respect to varicella zoster virus.
US08551959B2
The invention provides a glycolipid effective for cancer treatment and the like and a synthetic intermediate therefor, as well as a medicament containing the glycolipid and the like. The glycolipid is represented by the formula (1) or a salt thereof
US08551951B2
The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions and method for inhibiting growth of prostatic adenocarcinoma, stomach cancer, breast cancer, endometrial, ovarian or other cancers of epithelial secretion, or benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). In one embodiment the pharmaceutical composition includes human rHuPSP94, antigenic portions thereof, and functionally equivalent polypeptides thereof. In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition includes a mixture of human rHuPSP94, antigenic portions thereof, and functionally equivalent polypeptides thereof and an anticancer drug which may be administered in an appropriate dosage form, dosage quantity and dosage regimen to a patient suffering from, for example of prostatic adenocarcinoma, stomach cancer, breast cancer, endometrial, ovarian or other cancers of epithelial secretion, benign prostate hyperplasia, or (BPH) gastrointestinal cancer. The anticancer drug of the latter mixture may be one selected from the group of drugs including mitomycin, idarubicin, cisplatin, 5-fluoro-uracil, methotrexate, adriamycin, daunomycin, taxol, taxol derivative, and mixtures thereof.
US08551944B2
Methods of treating individuals with a glucose metabolism disorder, and compositions thereof, are provided.
US08551940B2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the reduction of atherosclerotic plaques and the decrease in the level of total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, serum LDL cholesterol, and serum HDL cholesterol. The present invention also relates to methods for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis and mycoplasma associated diseases, cardiotoxicity related to cancer treatment, and Chagas disease related cardiomyopathies.
US08551925B2
Disclosed are imidazoline-based foamers and corrosion inhibitors for treatment of oil and gas wells for enhanced production. The invention also includes methods of foaming a fluid by introducing the disclosed foamers to oil and gas wells.
US08551916B2
The present invention provides a method for obtaining O/W emulsions by emulsifying various to-be-emulsified material without the use of any organic solvent, and drying and making into powder the O/W emulsion. The invention relates to a method for producing an O/W emulsion including after preliminarily dispersing a to-be-emulsified material and an interfacially active organic compound in water, heating the preliminary dispersion to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the to-be-emulsified material and equal to or higher than the phase transition temperature of a self-assembled product of the interfacially active organic compound in the absence of an organic solvent, and performing emulsification under a pressure.
US08551909B2
A visible light activatable mesoporous titanium dioxide photocatalyst having a surface area of from 100 m2/g to 400 m2/g. The photocatalyst may have a rate of decomposition greater than 0.005 min−1. The photocatalyst may have a band gap width less than 2.95 eV. The photocatalyst may comprise undoped titanium dioxide or doped titanium dioxide. A hydrothermal process for synthesising a photocatalyst is also described.
US08551893B2
An object is to provide a semiconductor device of which a manufacturing process is not complicated and by which cost can be suppressed, by forming a thin film transistor using an oxide semiconductor film typified by zinc oxide, and a manufacturing method thereof. For the semiconductor device, a gate electrode is formed over a substrate; a gate insulating film is formed covering the gate electrode; an oxide semiconductor film is formed over the gate insulating film; and a first conductive film and a second conductive film are formed over the oxide semiconductor film. The oxide semiconductor film has at least a crystallized region in a channel region.
US08551887B2
A method using an associated composition for chemical mechanical planarization of a copper-containing substrate affords high copper removal rates and low dishing values during CMP processing of the copper-containing substrate, including an abrasive, at least three surfactants, preferably non-ionic and preferably three distinct surfactants, preferably in the range of 100 ppm to 2000 ppm per surfactant and an oxidizing agent.
US08551885B2
Methods of producing low resistivity tungsten bulk layers having lower roughness and higher reflectivity are provided. The smooth and highly reflective tungsten layers are easier to photopattern than conventional low resistivity tungsten films. The methods involve CVD deposition of tungsten in the presence of alternating nitrogen gas pulses, such that alternating portions of the film are deposited by CVD in the absence of nitrogen and in the presence of nitrogen. According to various embodiments, between 20-90% of the total film thickness is deposited by CVD in the presence of nitrogen.
US08551881B2
A method of bevel trimming a three dimensional (3D) semiconductor device is disclosed, comprising providing a substrate with stack layers thereon and through substrate vias (TSV) therein, wherein an edge of the substrate is curved, performing a bevel trimming step to the curved edge of the substrate for obtaining a planar edge, and thinning the substrate to expose the through substrate vias.
US08551880B2
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device is described. A substrate is provided having a patterned dielectric layer disposed thereon. A trench is formed in the dielectric layer. The surfaces of the trench are treated with an ammonia-based plasma process. A metal layer is then formed in the trench.
US08551877B2
A method for method for removing a hard mask is described. The method includes forming at least a portion of a trench-via structure in a low-k insulation layer on a substrate using one or more etching processes and a hard mask layer overlying the low-k insulation layer. Thereafter, the method includes depositing a SiOCl-containing layer on exposed surfaces of the trench-via structure to form an insulation protection layer, performing one or more etching processes to anisotropically remove at least a portion of the SiOCl-containing layer from at least one surface on the trench-via structure, and removing the hard mask layer using a mask removal etching process.
US08551869B2
A method for roughening an epitaxy structure layer, including: providing an epitaxy structure layer; and etching a surface of the epitaxy structure layer by an excimer laser having an energy density of 1000 mJ/cm2 or less to form a roughened surface. In addition, a method for manufacturing a light-emitting diode having a roughened surface is provided.
US08551865B2
A method of cutting an object which can accurately cut the object is provided. An object to be processed 1 such as a silicon wafer is irradiated with laser light L while a light-converging point P is positioned therewithin, so as to form a modified region 7 due to multiphoton absorption within the object 1, and cause the modified region 7 to form a starting point region for cutting 8 shifted from the center line CL of the thickness of the object 1 toward the front face 3 of the object 1 along a line along which the object should be cut. Subsequently, the object 1 is pressed from the rear face 21 side thereof. This can generate a fracture from the starting point region for cutting 8 acting as a start point, thereby accurately cutting the object 1 along the line along which the object should be cut.
US08551863B2
A seed layer having a predetermined pattern is formed on a side of one surface of a second substrate, and a ferroelectric layer is formed on the side of the one surface of the second substrate. A lower electrode is formed on the ferroelectric layer, and the lower electrode and a first substrate are bonded via a bonding layer. A laser beam with a predetermined wavelength is irradiated from a side of other surface of the second substrate to transfer a ferroelectric film, which overlaps with the seed layer, of the ferroelectric layer and the seed layer onto the side of said one surface of the first substrate. The laser beam passes through the second substrate, is reflected by the seed layer, and is absorbed by a second portion of the ferroelectric layer. The second portion does not overlap with the seed layer.
US08551855B2
Memory cells, and methods of forming such memory cells, are provided that include a steering element coupled to a carbon-based reversible resistivity switching material that has an increased resistivity, and a switching current that is less than a maximum current capability of the steering element used to control current flow through the carbon-based reversible resistivity switching material. In particular embodiments, methods and apparatus in accordance with this invention form a steering element, such as a diode, having a first width, coupled to a reversible resistivity switching material, such as aC, having a second width smaller than the first width.
US08551848B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide the ability to fabricate devices having similar physical dimensions, yet with different operating characteristics due to the different effective channel lengths. The effective channel length is controlled by forming an abrupt junction at the boundary of the gate and at least one source or drain. The abrupt junction impacts the diffusion during an anneal process, which in turn controls the effective channel length, allowing physically similar devices on the same chip to have different operating characteristics.
US08551845B2
A method and structure are disclosed for increasing strain in a device, specifically an n-type field effect transistor (NFET) complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) device. Embodiments of this invention include growing an epitaxial layer, performing a cold carbon or cluster carbon pre-amorphization implantation to implant substitutional carbon into the epitaxial layer, forming a tensile cap over the epitaxial layer, and then annealing to recrystallize the amorphous layer to create a stress memorization technique (SMT) effect. The epitaxial layer will therefore include substitutional carbon and have a memorized tensile stress induced by the SMT. Embodiments of this invention can also include a lower epitaxial layer under the epitaxial layer, the lower epitaxial layer comprising for example, a silicon carbon phosphorous (SiCP) layer.
US08551842B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes performing heat treatment for activating impurities of a transistor having a gate electrode over a gate insulating film with a higher relative permittivity than a silicon oxynitride film or a silicon oxide film. In the heat treatment, a first heat treatment, in which a wafer surface is heated at a temperature of 800 to 1000° C. in 5 to 50 milliseconds by low-output flash lamp annealing or laser annealing, and a second heat treatment, in which the wafer surface is heated at a temperature equal to or more than of 1100° C. in 0.1 to 10 milliseconds by flash lamp annealing or laser annealing with a higher output than in the first heat treatment, are performed in this order.
US08551841B2
A method includes forming an ESD diode including performing an epitaxy growth to form an epitaxy region comprising silicon and substantially free from germanium. The epitaxy region is doped with a p-type impurity to form a p-type region, wherein the p-type region forms an anode of the ESD diode.
US08551838B2
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device that have a new structure are provided, in which memory cells are laminated in a three dimensional state so that the chip area may be reduced. The nonvolatile semiconductor memory device of the present invention is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device that has a plurality of the memory strings, in which a plurality of electrically programmable memory cells is connected in series. The memory strings comprise a pillar shaped semiconductor; a first insulation film formed around the pillar shaped semiconductor; a charge storage layer formed around the first insulation film; the second insulation film formed around the charge storage layer; and first or nth electrodes formed around the second insulation film (n is natural number more than 1). The first or nth electrodes of the memory strings and the other first or nth electrodes of the memory strings are respectively the first or nth conductor layers that are spread in a two dimensional state.
US08551824B2
In a transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer, an oxide insulating layer is formed so as to be in contact with the oxide semiconductor layer. Then, oxygen is introduced (added) to the oxide semiconductor layer through the oxide insulating layer, and heat treatment is performed. Through these steps of oxygen introduction and heat treatment, impurities such as hydrogen, moisture, a hydroxyl group, or hydride are intentionally removed from the oxide semiconductor layer, so that the oxide semiconductor layer is highly purified.
US08551817B2
A wafer having a front face formed with a functional device is irradiated with laser light while positioning a light-converging point within the wafer with the rear face of the wafer acting as a laser light incident face, so as to generate multiphoton absorption, thereby forming a starting point region for cutting due to a molten processed region within the wafer along a line. Consequently, a fracture can be generated from the starting point region for cutting naturally or with a relatively small force, so as to reach the front face and rear face. Therefore, when an expansion film is attached to the rear face of the wafer by way of a die bonding resin layer after forming the starting point region for cutting and then expanded, the wafer and die bonding resin layer can be cut along the line.
US08551808B2
Multi-layer antireflection coatings, devices including multi-layer antireflection coatings and methods of forming the same are disclosed. A block copolymer is applied to a substrate and self-assembled into parallel lamellae above a substrate. The block copolymer may optionally be allowed to self-assemble into a multitude of domains oriented either substantially parallel or substantially perpendicular to an underlying substrate.
US08551807B2
A method of making a LED includes following steps. A substrate with an epitaxial growth surface is provided. A carbon nanotube layer is placed on the epitaxial growth surface. A semiconductor epitaxial layer is grown on the epitaxial growth surface, and the semiconductor epitaxial layer includes an N-type semiconductor layer, an active layer, a P-type semiconductor layer. The semiconductor epitaxial layer is etched to expose part of the carbon nanotube layer. A first electrode is formed on a surface of the semiconductor epitaxial layer which is away from the substrate. A second electrode is formed to electrically connect with the part of the carbon nanotube layer which is exposed.
US08551805B2
A phase-change memory device includes a word line on a substrate and a phase-change memory cell on the word line and comprising a phase-change material pattern. The device also includes a non-uniform conductivity layer pattern comprising a conductive region on the phase-change material pattern and a non-conductive region contiguous therewith. The device further includes a bit line on the conductive region of the non-uniform conductivity layer pattern. In some embodiments, the phase-change memory cell may further include a diode on the word line, a heating electrode on the diode and wherein the phase-change material layer is disposed on the heating electrode. An ohmic contact layer and a contact plug may be disposed between the diode and the heating electrode.
US08551804B2
A method and optical component prevent external light reflection and increase light extraction efficiency. In one example embodiment, an optical component is provided on a light extraction side of a light-emitting panel. After a shielding film shaped like a lattice or a mesh is formed on a transparent substrate, a resist film is formed, the resist film is irradiated with ultraviolet light UV from the back side of the substrate by using the shielding film as a mask, and development is carried out, so that an optical functional element is formed. The planar shape of the undersurface of the optical functional element is the same as the planar shape of the lattice or the mesh of the shielding film, and a positioning error between the optical functional element and the shielding film becomes extremely small.
US08551801B2
A method for manufacturing a solid-state image pickup device that includes a pixel portion and a peripheral circuit portion, includes: forming a first insulating film in the pixel portion and the peripheral circuit portion, forming a second insulating film above the first insulating film, etching the second insulating film in photoelectric conversion elements, forming a metal film on the etched second insulating film in the photoelectric conversion elements and on the second insulating film in the peripheral circuit portion, and removing the metal film in the peripheral circuit portion and forming light-shielding films from the metal film in the photoelectric conversion elements.
US08551788B2
A method of selecting pipetting parameters of a pipetting device for dispensing or pipetting a specific volume of a liquid sample, includes a fluid column of a fluid chamber of the pipetting device set into oscillation at the beginning of the aspiration, the pressure is monitored with the pressure transducer in the fluid chamber, and the pressure changes generated during aspiration into measuring signals are recorded. These measuring signals are processed by a computer or micro-processor and reproduced as a pressure curve, which is characteristic for the fluid column with the aspirated liquid sample, and which is compared with known pressure curves. Based on this comparison, pipetting parameters of the pipetting device are selected for the dispense or for pipetting a specific volume of the liquid sample. Selectable pipetting parameters include a speed of a movement of a pump piston of the pipetting device.
US08551784B2
The invention is composition comprising red blood cells in an aqueous suspension medium and one or more cis di-ahls; wherein more than 6 percent by weight of the hemoglobin in the red blood cells is S-Alc glycated hemoglobin. In another embodiment, the invention is a method comprising contacting red blood cells in a suspension medium having a concentration of S-Alc glycated hemoglobin of greater than 6 percent by weight of the hemoglobin in the red blood cells with a sufficient amount of one or more cis di-ahls such that the concentration of S-Alc glycated hemoglobin in resulting composition as measured by high pressure liquid chromatography, immunoassay and boronate affinity methods is consistent.
US08551774B2
This invention relates to the unexpected discovery that nucleotide coding sequences coding for a truncated Epstein Barr Nuclear Antigen 1 (EBNA1t) protein (lacking the Gly-Gly-Ala domain), when in cells of mammalian origin, are associated with improved growth and increased transient gene expression when compared with cells expressing a complete EBNA1 coding sequence. The expression of EBNA1t also appear to be more stable over time.
US08551772B2
A method for detecting a mutation related to the gene encoding OAS1. This and other disclosed mutations correlate with resistance of humans to viral infection including hepatitis C. Also provided is a therapeutic agent consisting of a protein or polypeptide encoded by the mutated gene, or a polynucleotide encoding the protein or polypeptide. Inhibitors of human OAS1, including antisense oligonucleotides, methods, and compositions specific for human OAS1, are also provided.
US08551771B2
A gel molding apparatus is adapted to be used in combination with a vessel that has a plurality of solution chambers, and includes a lid plate and a plurality of columns that project from a top surface of the lid plate. Each of the columns has a bottom side connected to the top surface of the lid plate, a top side opposite to the bottom side, and a well recessed from the top side for receiving a gel suspension and having a depth from the top side. A method for gel molding is conducted via the gel molding apparatus. A culture apparatus includes the vessel and the gel molding apparatus. A method for culture is performed through the culture apparatus.
US08551769B2
The invention relates to a method of cultivation of algae or cyanobacteria in the presence of a luminous material that converts light of a first wavelength to a second wavelength more suitable for use in photosynthesis by the algae or cyanobacteria, and apparatus for performing the method. In one embodiment the apparatus (50) is of flexible plastic with fluorescent light concentrator or light guide (76) and perforated pipe (56) for bubbling carbon dioxide through the culture. The algae or cyanobacteria may be used to produce biofuels.
US08551767B2
A sensor for detection of target nucleic acid comprising (a) a semiconductor nanostructure; and (b) a nucleic acid detection probe immobilized on the semiconductor nanostructure capable of hybridizing with the target nucleic acid, the detection probe comprising a polymer with a substantially non-ionic backbone.
US08551753B2
The invention provides methods of removing nucleic acid contamination from reverse transcription reactions and hot-start PCR, wherein said hot-start PCR is a barrier hot-start PCR set up and/or involves a hot-start DNA polymerase, which methods comprise use of a DNase that is substantially irreversibly inactivated by heating at a temperature of about 50° C. for 5 minutes, and that is substantially specific for double stranded DNA. The invention further provides a DNase that is substantially irreversibly inactivated by heating at a temperature of about 50° C. for 5 minutes, and that is substantially specific for double stranded DNA, nucleic acids encoding said DNase and kits or compositions comprising said DNase or said nucleic acid.
US08551748B2
Disclosed herein a process for upgrading the liquid hydrocarbon fuels by reducing aromatic content, sulfur content and nitrogen content wherein the process comprising isolating polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) transforming microbes and preparing biocatalyst by mutagenesis, contacting the biocatalyst with the liquid hydrocarbon fuel in an aqueous medium for transforming the aromatic, sulfur, and nitrogen containing compounds to polar substances, subjecting the mixture of biocatalyst and the liquid hydrocarbon fuel to a process of bioconversion, removing the polar substances by liquid-liquid extraction with a polar solvent to obtain dearomatized, desulphurised and denitrogenated liquid hydrocarbon fuel and recovering the upgraded liquid hydrocarbon fuel.
US08551746B2
A method of operating a fermentation zone for the production of ethanol from syngas uses a crotonate derivative to prevent or reverse the effects of butyrigen contamination. The crotonate compound works in continuous fermentation processes to reduce or eliminate contamination from butyrate and butanol in the syngas derived ethanol product.
US08551745B2
A method of producing lactic acid continuous fermentation including filtering a culture of polyploid yeast having a capacity to produce lactic acid through a porous membrane having an average pore size of not less than 0.01 μm and less than 1 μm, and recovering the product from the filtrate while the unfiltered liquid is retained in or returned to the culture and a fermentation feedstock is added to the culture.
US08551744B2
The present invention provides a fatty acid composition obtained by culturing a host which is transformed with a recombinant vector comprising a nucleic acid of SEQ ID NO: 1 or a nucleic acid encoding a protein having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 or a mutant functionally equivalent to the nucleic acid. The present invention also provides a method of making such a fatty acid composition.
US08551737B2
An example embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for analyzing nucleic acids in a microfluidic device. The method includes the following steps: a) nucleic acids are amplified in a first chamber in the microfluidic device; b) the amplified nucleic acids are brought into contact with an additive including: i) monovalent cations and ii) an Mg2+ ion-binding agent, the additive being provided in a second chamber in the microfluidic device; and c) the amplified nucleic acids are hybridized on at least one probe oligonucleotide.
US08551731B2
A stabilized hematoxylin composition is disclosed that includes one or both of a host compound and an antioxidant. The disclosed composition exhibits sufficient stability to be utilized in an automated staining process without undue degradation prior to use of the composition to stain a biological sample. Methods of using and making the stabilized composition also are disclosed.
US08551725B2
Screening assays that allow for the identification of agents that increase acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) acylase expression and/or AHL acylase activity in γ-proteobacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Such agents are useful, for example, for inhibiting quorum sensing activity of such bacteria by increasing degradation of long chain, but not short chain, AHLs and, therefore, can be useful for treating infections by such bacteria.
US08551716B2
The invention provides methods of detecting a change in cell growth patterns, methods of screening many different antibodies in one receptacle, and methods of detecting specific binding of an antibody to a protein or cell, wherein the antibody is in a mixture of many different antibodies.
US08551714B2
Methods and devices for the interfacing of microchips to various types of modules are disclosed. The technology disclosed can be used as sample preparation and analysis systems for various applications, such as DNA sequencing and genotyping, proteomics, pathogen detection, diagnostics and biodefense.
US08551701B2
This document provides methods and materials for detecting genetic and/or epigenetic elements. For example, methods and materials for detecting the presence or absence of target nucleic acid containing a genetic or epigenetic element, methods and materials for detecting the amount of target nucleic acid containing a genetic or epigenetic element within a sample, kits for detecting the presence or absence of target nucleic acid containing a genetic or epigenetic element, kits for detecting the amount of target nucleic acid containing a genetic or epigenetic element present within a sample, and methods for making such kits are provided.
US08551697B1
Disclosed, for example, are methods comprising cleaving an uncleaved probe to form a cleaved oligonucleotide flap, forming a hybridization complex between the cleaved oligonucleotide flap, a bridging oligonucleotide, and a capture oligonucleotide that is immobilized on a surface, such that the oligonucleotide flap and the capture oligonucleotide are hybridized to immediately adjacent, complementary regions of the bridging oligonucleotide, ligating the oligonucleotide flap to the capture oligonucleotide to form an immobilized ligation product, and detecting the ligation product.
US08551695B2
The present invention provides a method for identifying starch binding sites of starch binding domain in CBM family. The CBM family is consisting of CBM20, CBM21, CBM25, CBM26, CBM34, and CBM41. The method further comprises predicting starch binding sites of starch binding domain in CBM family using the identified starch binding sites of starch binding domain with same topology.
US08551692B1
Techniques are provided for making a funnel-shaped nozzle in a semiconductor substrate. The funnel-shaped recess includes a straight-walled bottom portion and a curved top portion having a curved sidewall gradually converging toward and smoothly joined to the straight-walled bottom portion, and the curved top portion encloses a volume that is substantially greater than a volume enclosed by the straight-walled bottom portion.
US08551688B2
A method of developing a photocurable printing blank to produce a relief pattern comprising a plurality of relief dots. The photocurable printing blank comprises a backing layer having at least one photocurable layer disposed thereon, a barrier layer disposed on the at least one photocurable layer, and a laser ablatable mask layer disposed on top of the barrier layer. The method includes the steps of (1) imaging the at least one photocurable layer by ablating the laser ablatable mask layer to create the relief pattern on the photocurable printing blank the printing blank to actinic radiation through the barrier layer and mask layer to one or more sources of actinic radiation to selectively crosslink and cure portions of the at least one photocurable layer, wherein the at least one photocurable layer is crosslinked and cured in the portions not covered by the mask layer, thereby creating the relief pattern; (3) developing the printing blank to remove the barrier layer, the laser ablated mask layer and uncured portions of the photocurable layer and reveal the relief pattern. The presence of the barrier layer produces printing dots having desired characteristics. The method can also be used with an analog platemaking process that uses a negative instead of an ablatable mask layer.
US08551685B2
According to one embodiment, an ultraviolet-curing resin material for pattern transfer contains at least one of 2-methyl-2-adamantyl acrylate, 2-ethyl-2-adamantyl acrylate, and 1,3-adamantanedimethanol diacrylate, isobornyl acrylate, polyfunctional acrylate, and a polymerization initiator, or contains at least one of the acrylates described above, a polymerization initiator, and fluorine-based alcohol.
US08551684B2
A polymer for forming a resist protection film which is used in a liquid immersion lithography process to protect a photoresist layer, a composition for forming a resist protection film, and a method of forming a pattern of a semiconductor device using the composition are disclosed. The polymer for forming a resist protection film includes a repeating unit represented by Formula 1 below. In Formula 1, R1 is a hydrogen atom (H), a fluorine atom (F), a methyl group (—CH3), a C1-C20 fluoroalkyl group, or a C1-C5 hydroxyalkyl group, R2 is a C1-C10 linear or branched alkylene group or alkylidene group, or a C5-C10 cycloalkylene group or cycloalkylidene group, X is wherein n is an integer of 0 to 5 and * denotes the remaining moiety of Formula 1 after excluding X, and m, the stoichiometric coefficient of X, is 1 or 2.
US08551680B2
Toner characterized in that assuming that the glass transition point of the toner measured by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) is represented by T1(° C.), in a micro compression test at T1−10 (° C.), when a load from 0.00N (0.00 mgf) to 7.85×10−4 N (80.00 mgf) is applied at the intervals of 7.85×10−7 N (0.08 mgf) to a single particle of the toner, the strain value A80a(%) at 7.85×10−4 N is 35.0 to 75.0%; and in a load (x-axis)-strain (y-axis) curve obtained by the micro compression test, the ratio of an area (S1a) of a specific region, relative to an area (S2a) of a specific region, (S1a/S2a), is 1.5 to 3.5.
US08551678B2
Disclosed is an electrophotographic photosensitive body which does not cause image defects such as black spots and image unevenness when image exposure is performed using light having a wavelength of 350-500 nm, which is so-called short-wavelength light. The electrophotographic photosensitive body is characterized by having at least an intermediate layer, a charge-generating layer containing a metal phthalocyanine pigment and a charge-transporting layer on a conductive supporting body which has a skewness of the profile (Rsk) within the range of −8
US08551672B2
A packaging structure of a low-pressure molded fuel cell comprises a hot melt adhesive layer, which is formed through a low-pressure molding process using a hot melt adhesive that has specific material properties and will become molten when being heated. The molten hot melt adhesive is injected into the cell via injection holes formed on a housing or a mounting element to flow through a C-sectioned flow channel, so as to tightly enclose and bond to edges of the air cathode and separator for the cell. After the hot melt adhesive is solidified, a chemical-resistant hot melt adhesive layer with good sealing and enclosing ability as well as high adhesion strength and elasticity, being bubble removed at controlled pressure and the hot melt adhesive material is formed to firmly bond to the cell components and tightly seal the cell, so as to effectively prevent electrolyte in the cell from leaking.
US08551660B2
The present invention relates to one or more electrode plates, which are installed with current collecting terminals at two or more sides thereof, and joined to an auxiliary conductor made of a material having a conductivity that is higher than that of the electrode plates. Current collecting terminals are installed at two or more sides of the auxiliary conductor, for linking with current collecting terminals installed at two or more sides of the electrode plates, and at least one of linked terminals is used as a general current collecting terminal to output current to an external part or to receive input current from the external part. Finally, insulators installed between the auxiliary conductor and the electrode plates to constitute an electrode unit.
US08551659B2
The active material for a lithium secondary battery includes a solid solution of a lithium transition metal composite oxide having an α-NaFeO2 type crystal structure, in which the composition ratio of Li, Co, Ni, and Mn contained in the solid solution satisfies Li1+(1/3)xCo1−x−yNi(1/2)yMn(2/3)x+(1/2)y (x+y≦1, 0≦y and 1−x−y=z); in an Li[Li1/3Mn2/3]O2(x)-LiNi1/2Mn1/2O2(y)-LiCoO2(z) type ternary phase diagram, (x, y, z) is represented by values in a range present on or within a line of a heptagon (ABCDEFG) defined by the vertexes; point A(0.45, 0.55, 0), point B(0.63, 0.37, 0), point C(0.7, 0.25, 0.05), point D(0.67, 0.18, 0.15), point E(0.75, 0, 0.25), point F(0.55, 0, 0.45), and point G(0.45, 0.2, 0.35); and the intensity ratio between the diffraction peaks on (003) plane and (104) plane measured by X-ray diffractometry before charge-discharge is I(003)/I(104)≧1.56 and at the end of discharge is I(003)/I(104)>1.
US08551653B2
Disclosed herein is a composite material for use as an anode for Li-ion batteries and its preparation method and use. The composite material comprises the components represented by the following formula: Ma1-Xa2—Sed1—Zd2—Cc, in which, M represents one or more selected from Sn, Al, Pb, Sb, Si and Bi; X represents one or more selected from Cu, V, Co, Ti, Mo, Mg, W and Zn; Z represents Si and/or Ge; and a1, a2, d1, d2 and c represent the weight ratio of M, X, Se, Z and C to the total amount of M, X, Se, Z and C, respectively, wherein a1+a2 is equal to 0.4-0.7, d1+d2 is equal to 0.05-0.6, c is equal to 0.01-0.25, d2/d1 ranges from 0 to 1/1.4, and a2/a1 ranges from 0 to 1/1.5.
US08551642B2
One embodiment of the present subject matter includes a battery having a stack of substantially planar battery electrodes, the stack including a first electrode including a first tab, and a second electrode including a second tab, with the first tab electrically connected to the second tab. The embodiment includes a first separator layer and a second separator layer sandwiching the first electrode, with the edges of the first separator layer and the second separator connected with a weld, the first separator layer and the second separator layer defining an interior space in which the first electrode is disposed, with the first tab extending outside the interior space. The embodiment includes a battery housing having electrolyte disposed therein, the housing including at least a first aperture and a feedthrough aperture; a lid conformed and sealed to the first aperture; and a feedthrough conformed and sealed to the feedthrough aperture.
US08551639B2
A battery pack including a core pack having a number of battery cells; a waterproof and heat-dissipating case formed of a flexible material that surrounds the core pack; and wiring that is electrically connected to the core pack and is drawn out of the waterproof and heat-dissipating case. A waterproof structure that prevents water penetration is formed in a portion of the waterproof and heat-dissipating case from where the wiring is drawn. Accordingly, water from the outside is effectively prevented from entering the battery pack and heat of the battery cells may be effectively dissipated out of the battery pack.
US08551636B2
A plurality of types of heat-treatment requests are described in a signal in a single byte.
US08551633B2
A secondary battery is disclosed. The secondary battery includes an electrode assembly comprising a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate that are rolled while having a separator interposed therebetween; and a finishing or protective conductive member formed on a periphery of the electrode assembly so as to surround a roll end of the electrode assembly, wherein the finishing member comprises a conductive layer that forms a conductive contact with a roll end of the first electrode plate and that is disposed to face a roll end of the second electrode plate. The secondary battery forms a short circuit path between positive and negative electrodes when the secondary battery is penetrated, and thus the secondary battery provides an improved degree of safety against a penetration shock caused by an external shock or a penetration test.
US08551629B2
A photoelectromethanogenic microbial fuel cell apparatus for processing a carbon dioxide flow into electricity and methane. The apparatus comprises: (a) a photosynthetic microbial fuel half-cell component having an electron-conductive anode and a photosynthetic microbial culture for converting light and water into oxygen, protons and electrons; (b) an electromethanogenic microbial fuel half-cell component having an electron-conductive cathode and a methanogenic microbial culture for converting a flow of carbon dioxide into methane using electrons and protons produced in the photosynthetic microbial fuel half-cell; (c) an electrical coupling interconnecting the two microbial fuel half-cells; and (d) an ionic coupling with an ionic separator interconnecting the two microbial fuel half-cells for selectively transporting ions between the microbial fuel half-cell components. A photobiological integrated carbon capture and recycle technology comprising a photoelectromethanogenic microbial fuel cell apparatus for converting carbon dioxide and water vapor captured from gas streams from a gas-emitting facility, into electricity and methane.
US08551628B2
A composite material, a high-frequency circuit substrate made from the composite material, and a method of making the high-frequency circuit substrate. The composite material includes: a thermosetting composition including a butadiene styrene copolymer resin with a molecular weight less than 11,000 containing more than 60 percent of vinyl, a polybutadiene resin with polarity groups containing more than 60 percent vinyl, and a maleic anhydride grafted polybutadiene styrene copolymer with a molecular weight of more than 50,000; a fiberglass cloth; a powder filler; and a cure initiator. The composite material permits easy manufacture of the prepreg and high bonding of the copper foil. The high-frequency circuit substrate made from the composite material has low dielectric constant, low dielectric loss tangent, and excellent heat resistance, and is convenient for the processing operation. The composite material is suitable for making the circuit substrate.
US08551624B2
There is provided a compound having Formula I or Formula II: In the Formulae: Ar1 is an arylene having 6-30 carbons; Ar2 is an aryl group; Ar3 is an arylene; R1 is selected from H, D, aryl groups, alkyl groups, silyl groups, siloxane groups, fluoroalkyl groups, alkoxy groups, and fluoroalkoxy groups; R2 is selected from D, aryl groups, alkyl groups, silyl groups, siloxane groups, fluoroalkyl groups, alkoxy groups, or fluoroalkoxy groups; M is a conjugated moiety; a is an integer from 0 to 2; b is an integer from 0 to 3; n is an integer equal to or greater than 1; and x and y are mole fractions where x+y=1.0.
US08551621B2
The present invention provides an interlayer film for laminated glass, that exhibits an excellent sound-insulating performance for solid-borne sound in an environment at or below 0° C. Another object is to provide laminated glass that is obtained using this interlayer film for laminated glass. The present invention is an interlayer film for laminated glass, that has a sound-insulating layer for which a temperature T1, which is the temperature that gives the maximum value of tan δ at a frequency of 1 Hz, is in the range from −30° C. to 0° C.
US08551618B2
The invention relates to the growth of carbon nanotubes on a substrate, in particular a carbon or metal substrate on which the growth of such nanotubes is usually difficult. Accordingly, the invention includes a first phase that comprises depositing a ceramic sub-layer, followed by a second phase that comprises depositing carbon nanotubes on said sub-layer in a single step and in a single and same growth reactor. The growth can advantageously be carried out by chemical vapor deposition.
US08551611B2
The present invention relates to a joint seal for sealing a component joint, which comprises an insulation material in an internal joint area and a sealing material in at least one front-side joint edge area. The insulation material comprises a single-component, moisture cross-linking, elastic polymer foam and the sealing material is a sealant which is vapor-diffusion tight, directly adjoins the insulation material, is single-component, moisture cross-linking, and sprayable before the curing, as well as having an elasticity which is essentially equal to or greater than that of the insulation material. Furthermore, a method for producing the joint seal is described.
US08551609B2
Method of depositing niobium doped titania film on a substrate and the coated substrate made thereby
A coated article includes a pyrolytic applied transparent electrically conductive oxide film of niobium doped titanium oxide. The article can be made by using a coating mixture having a niobium precursor and a titanium precursor. The coating mixture is directed toward a heated substrate to decompose the coating mixture and to deposit a transparent electrically conductive niobium doped titanium oxide film on the surface of the heated substrate. In one embodiment of the invention, the method is practiced using a vaporized coating mixture including a vaporized niobium precursor; a vaporized titanium precursor, and a carrier gas to deposit a niobium doped titanium oxide film having a sheet resistance greater than 1.2 and an index of refraction of 2.3 or greater. The chemical formula for the niobium doped titanium oxide is Nb:TiOX where X is in the range of 1.8-2.1.
US08551608B2
It is intended to provide a composite sheet which is excellent in comfort to the skin face when used in an absorbent article such as a disposable diaper. A composite sheet (1) fabricated by bonding stretchable nonwoven fabric (2) to a non-stretchable sheet (3) using an adhesive (4). The stretchable nonwoven fabric (2) is bonded in the stretched state to the non-stretchable sheet. The composite sheet (1) has a contact area ratio of 65% or more and an air permeation resistance of 0.20 KPa·s/m or less. By satisfying these numerical requirements, the composite sheet shows excellent sweat absorption properties and air permeability when used as a constituting member of an absorbent article such as a disposable diaper.
US08551606B2
A primer-less coating composition for facestock comprises: a binder being a water-dispersible polymer; an ethylenically unsaturated compound which is aqueous-dispersible and miscible with or bonded to said water-dispersible polymer, wherein said ethylenically unsaturated compound is able to form a covalent bond with an ink; and a crosslinker, wherein said crosslinker is suitable for binding the coating to the facestock. The coating composition may be applied to a substrate to form a printable film. A printed film in accordance with the invention may be used in a label, for example for use on a container such as a bottle.
US08551598B1
An armoring panel for resisting edge impact penetrations by ballistic projectiles, the armoring panel including a strata having an outer stratum, an inner stratum, and a plurality of intermediate stratums, each stratum among the plurality of intermediate stratums being composed of ballistic fibers, having a lateral end, and having an oppositely lateral extension; at least a first durable sheet having an outer oppositely lateral extension, an inner oppositely lateral extension, and a delamination resisting tie section which spans between lateral ends of the outer and inner oppositely lateral extensions and laterally overlies the intermediate stratums' lateral ends, the outer stratum including the at least first durable sheet's outer oppositely lateral extension, and the inner stratum including the at least first durable sheet's inner oppositely lateral extension; and a bonding matrix interconnecting the strata's stratums.
US08551597B2
An airflow pad is disclosed that includes first and second external facings of paper material extending between edge portions of the panel and having interior portions disposed remotely from the edge portions. A low-density core of paper material disposed between and associating the external facings to provide stiffness to the panel. The pad defines a network of channels open at least one of the edge portions and at the interior portion of the first facing allowing airflow therebetween.
US08551595B2
A modularized assembling and shaping structure of bamboo frame includes providing previously machined and prepared bamboo strips of desired lengths and quantity and applying fixtures to bend the bamboos into a desired geometric shape, such as rectangle, circle, and ellipse. The opposite ends of each frame loop are then applied with adhesives for jointing and bonding to each other to form a closed frame loop so that each frame loop has only one jointing connection. A plurality of frame loops that is of similar shapes but has different cross-sectional dimensions is concentrically nested together, with the mating surfaces of adjacent frame loops bonded together with adhesives and the jointing connections of the frame loops being not in alignment with each other, to form a bamboo frame of improved overall frame strength.
US08551594B2
A sealing tape for sealing a joint has an elastically expanding foam strip of approximate rectangular cross section and a foil-type wrapping at least partially surrounding the foam strip. Foil wrapping holds the foam strip in a compressed state and comprises a tear-open tab extending in the longitudinal direction of the sealing tape for opening the wrapping to allow the foam strip to expand, and includes an adhesive tape located in the area of the bottom surface of the foam strip. The wrapping surrounds the two lateral surfaces and the top surface of the foam strip, has a first edge strip, which covers a first edge area of the bottom surface of the foam strip, and a second edge strip, which covers a second edge area of the bottom surface of the foam strip opposite the first edge area. The adhesive tape is bonded adhesively to the two edge strips and holds them in place but can be separated from them by pulling. The adhesive tape adheres at least in the middle area of the bottom surface of the foam strip directly to the foam strip.
US08551591B2
A tubular structure which includes a plurality of axial sites in circular relation to one another and a plurality of bias sites that interconnect the axial sites to form the tubular structure. The tubular structure's axial sites have a greater diameter than the structure's bias sites.
US08551578B2
A method for patterning a magnetic thin film on a substrate includes: providing a pattern about the magnetic thin film, with selective regions of the pattern permitting penetration of energized ions of one or more elements. Energized ions are generated with sufficient energy to penetrate selective regions and a portion of the magnetic thin film adjacent the selective regions. The substrate is placed to receive the energized ions. The portion of the magnetic thin film is subjected to thermal excitation. The portions of the magnetic thin film are rendered to exhibit a magnetic property different than selective other portions. A method for patterning a magnetic media with a magnetic thin film on both sides of the media is also disclosed.
US08551577B2
Disclosed is a method of applying particles to a coated backing. A first layer of particles is created over a second layer of particles on a support surface and the first layer of particles is different in at least one property from the second layer of particles. A coated backing is positioned above the first and second layer of particles. An electrostatic field is applied simultaneously to the first and second layer of particles such that the first layer of particles closer to the coated backing are preferentially attracted to the coated backing first before the second layer of particles.
US08551574B2
The present invention relates to a process of manufacturing a stretch composite, said method comprising: a) providing a first substrate in a machine direction, wherein said substrate has opposing first and second surfaces; b) providing a gravure printing roll having an exterior surface that comprises one or more cells wherein at least a portion of the surface is relatively cool; c) depositing a molten, non-adhesive, elastomeric composition onto the exterior surface of the gravure printing device which comprises a gravure printing roll, wherein said composition is characterized as having a peel force of less than about 3 N/cm; d) causing said composition to be pushed into said cells; and e) contacting said first surface of said substrate with said gravure printing roll and substantially completely transferring said elastomeric composition from said cells of said exterior surface on said gravure printing roll to said first surface; wherein said process is substantially free of tackifier.
US08551567B1
The present invention relates to a method for forming a golf ball. The method comprises mixing a polyisocyanate crosslinker with a base TPU cover material, wherein the polyisocyanate crossliker is aliphatic, miscible with the base TPU cover material and has functionalities greater than or equal to 2. The method further comprises dipping a golf ball in a catalyst solution, wherein the catalyst solution is allowed to absorb into a cover of the golf ball and heating the golf ball to allow continued diffusion of the catalyst solution into the cover of the golf ball.
US08551562B2
A new and improved hot melt adhesive material dispensing system comprises two separate and independent rotary, gear-type metering pumps, or two separate and independent sets of rotary, gear-type metering pumps, which are able to output precisely metered amounts of hot melt adhesive material. The hot melt adhesive materials discharged from the two separate and independent rotary gear pumps, or from the two separate and independent sets of rotary gear pumps, are able to in fact be independently outputted through suitable output devices onto a particular substrate so as to result in different outputted volumes of the hot melt adhesive material in accordance with predeterminedly desired patterns, or at predeterminedly desired locations. Alternatively, the hot melt adhesive material from the two separate and independent rotary gear pumps, or from the two separate and independent sets of rotary gear pumps, may also have their volumetric outputs effectively combined such that the discharged or outputted volumes of the hot melt adhesive material onto the substrate may effectively be, for example, twice the outputted volumes of the hot melt adhesive or other thermoplastic material outputted onto the substrate from only one of the two separate and independent rotary gear pumps, or from only one of the two separate and independent sets of rotary gear pumps.
US08551561B2
The invention relates to a method for the non-electrolytic deposition of a compound, preferably an electrochromic compound, comprising the following successive steps: (a) an electroconductive layer is deposited on a non-conductive solid substrate; (b) a reducing agent or an oxidizing agent (=redox agent) is deposited on an area of said electroconductive layer, said area covering only a portion of the surface of said electroconductive layer; and (c) a solution of a precursor of the compound to be deposited is brought into contact both with the redox agent and with at least a portion of the area of said electroconductive layer not covered by the redox agent, said precursor being chosen from those having an oxidation-reduction potential higher or lower than the redox agent and forming, after an oxidation-reduction reaction, a compound insoluble in the solution of the precursor of the compound to be deposited.
US08551559B2
The invention relates to a method for producing a plastic molded part (9) comprising an integrated conductor path (3), which plastic molded part is used in particular as an intermediate product to be further processed into an electrically heatable mirror (1). The method steps are: a) producing a substrate (7) from a carrier body (2) made of an electrically insulating plastic material having a conductor path (3) made of an electrically conductive material on or in a surface (8) of the carrier body (2), b) flooding the surface (8) of the substrate (7) equipped with the conductor path (3) or the surface (11) of the substrate (7) opposite said surface with a liquid, electrically insulating coating material. The flooding evens out depressions due to uneven shrinkage in the thick and thin areas of the carrier body and a smooth surface can be produced, which can subsequently be covered with a reflective layer.
US08551546B2
A CO-containing modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) gas is generated from a processing gas including CO2 and an optional inert gas by applying an electric field under conditions sufficient to generate non-thermal plasma. The fresh appearance of meat or seafood is maintained for a longer time by storing them in a container with the MAP gas.
US08551542B1
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to methods and supplements for improving the health of human beings.
US08551535B1
Homeopathic compositions and formulations are disclosed. In one embodiment, compositions and formulations are disclosed that aid in weight loss and maintenance of a healthy weight. In another embodiment, methods are disclosed for producing homeopathic compositions and formulations. In still another embodiment, methods are disclosed for helping an individual lose weight.
US08551534B2
The invention described herein is directed to method of treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, comprising administering an effective amount of an osmolyte by at least one nasal cannula to a subject in need thereof. Also provided is a nasal cannula system for delivering an osmolyte, comprising a nebulizer and tubing having two ends, where the first end of the tubing is connected to the nebulizer and the second end of the tubing is tapered to fit in the nostril of a subject.
US08551532B2
In order to prepare an anti-inflammatory composition extracted from the skin of the Arabian Gulf catfish (Arius bilineatus (Valenciennes)), a gelatinous secretion is collected from the skin of the Arabian Gulf catfish. The gelatinous secretion is biologically active due to the presence of biologically active proteins and lipids. The lipids are extracted from the gelatinous secretion, and then are mixed into an inert dermatological cream. The inert dermatological cream serves as a carrier for the lipids. Preferably, the mixture includes approximately 0.2% to 0.8% of the lipids by weight. Either the total lipids may be used in the mixture, or the lipids, prior to mixing into the cream, may be fractionated into major lipid fractions.
US08551528B2
Disclosed herein are diketopiperazine microparticles having a specific surface area of less than about 67 m2/g. The diketopiperazine microparticle can be fumaryl diketopiperazine and can comprise a drug such as insulin.
US08551525B2
Compositions, materials, methods and kits for bone grafting are described. In some embodiments, a bone graft composition includes about 15% to about 20% by weight collagen, about 55% to about 70% by weight bioactive glass, and about 15% to about 30% by weight a calcium phosphate. The bioactive glass and the calcium phosphate together are about 80% to about 85% by weight of the bone graft composition. In some embodiments, a bone graft composition includes a collagen matrix and a plurality of bioactive glass particulates dispersed throughout the collagen matrix. The collagen matrix is about 20% to about 60% by weight of the bone graft composition, and the bioactive glass is about 40% to about 80% of the bone graft composition. In some embodiments, a majority of the bioactive glass particulates are about 53 μm to about 425 μm in size.
US08551518B2
An anti-stick agent that may be incorporated into an aqueous medium to assist in the prevention of soils and bodily exudates adhering to the skin. A substrate may be utilized to assist in delivering the anti-stick agent to the skin.
US08551515B2
Compositions and methods to improve the pharmacokinetic profile of S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) are provided, as are methods of treating various disorders using SAMe formulations with improved pharmacokinetic profiles. More specifically, the invention is directed to methods of treating a disease or disorder in a subject and/or improving the nutritional status of a subject by administering formulations exhibiting improved pharmacokinetic profiles of exogenous SAMe. The method also includes the step of orally administering compositions of the invention to the subject once per day after overnight fast; that is prior to food intake in the morning.
US08551514B2
The invention concerns a dried form of a porous polymer gel material which may be rehydrated and placed under pressure or compression to induce salvation, thereby forming a high concentration gel, in the form of an injectable viscous putty or dough, which may be implantated in the body.
US08551511B2
A variety of phase-separated biocompatible polymer compositions are described. In preferred embodiments the polymers are bioresorbable and/or biodegradable, and have desirable mechanical properties, such as fracture and/or fatigue toughness, that have previously not been a primary design criteria for such polymers. The polymer compositions are useful in a variety of medical applications, such as in the fabrication of medical devices.
US08551487B2
Disclosed are methods and materials for inhibiting (e.g., treating or preventing) uveitis in a subject, including treatment refractory uveitis, using anti-IL-1β binding molecules (e.g., IL-1β binding antibodies or binding fragment thereof).
US08551485B2
The present invention describes humanized antibodies that target CD40, wherein the antibodies comprise at least one modification relative to a parent antibody, wherein the modification alters affinity to an FcγR or alters effector function as compared to the parent antibody. Also disclosed are methods of using the antibodies of the invention.
US08551483B2
Described are methods of treating viral disease using compounds that block inhibitory NK cell receptors, thereby reducing their inhibition of NK cell cytotoxicity in killing infected target cells. In one embodiment, the compound is an antibody binding, for example, one or more of the human KIR2DL1, KIR2DL2, and KIR2DL3 receptors. In another embodiment, the method further comprises administering a therapeutic antibody or fusion protein which binds an antigen expressed on cells infected with the virus.
US08551482B2
This disclosure is in the field of anti-Activin receptor IIB (ActRIIB) antibodies. In particular, it relates to the use of said antibodies for treating muscle disorders, such as muscle wasting due to disease or disuse.
US08551477B1
T cell memory can persist in the absence of antigen. However, some memory cells by default are subject to signals accompanying periodic antigen exposure. OX40 is essential to the extent and persistence of Th2 memory when antigen is re-encountered. In an animal model of allergic asthma, inhibiting OX40/OX40L signaling during the secondary response to inhaled antigen suppressed lung inflammation. Inhibiting OX40 at the time of memory cell reactivation reduced the longevity of memory with further inflammation prevented upon tertiary encounter with antigen.
US08551473B2
The invention relates to a preparation of metabolically active bacteria, compositions comprising such a preparation, e.g., probiotic supplements or animal feeds, and to uses thereof, for example in the treatment of diseases affecting the intestinal microbial balance. Also described are a growth substrate for microorganisms comprising a mixture of complex and simple sugars and a process for the manufacture of preparations of metabolically active microorganisms using this growth substrate.
US08551469B2
This invention provides a recombinant interferon (rSIFN-co) and its equivalent with changed spatial configuration, high efficacy and low side effects. Therefore, high dose of rSIFN-co may be used. The cytotoxic effect of rSIFN-co is only one-eighth (⅛) of currently clinically available interferons but its anti-viral effect is approximately five to twenty (5-20) times higher, and when used in vivo it has a broader spectrum of clinical applications and longer biofeedback response. This invention further provides methods of using the recombinant interferon to treat proliferative disorders such as cancer or viral diseases.
US08551467B2
An ophthalmic composition, and methods of use thereof, including for treating ocular boundary deficiency, symptoms associated therewith, or undesired condition that is associated with or causes ocular boundary deficiency at the ocular surface or for the treatment or care of ophthalmic devices. The ophthalmic composition comprises a human PRG4 protein, a lubricant fragment, homolog, or isoform thereof, suspended in an ophthalmically acceptable balanced salt solution. The ophthalmic composition may also comprise one or more ophthalmically acceptable agents.
US08551456B2
A combination therapy for treating a bacterial biofilm comprises a therapeutically effective amount of an antibiotic comprising an aminoglycoside or tetracycline, or a combination of two or more thereof, and a cationic porphyrin in an amount effective for enhancing the effectiveness of the antibiotic in treating the bacterial biofilm. A method of treating a bacterial biofilm comprising Pseudomonas aeruginosa comprises contacting the bacterial biofilm with a combination therapy comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an antibiotic, and a cationic porphyrin in an amount effective for enhancing the effectiveness of the antibiotic in treating the bacterial biofilm. A method of treating a bacterial biofilm comprising Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a patient comprises administering to the patient a combination therapy comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an antibiotic, and a cationic porphyrin in an amount effective for enhancing the effectiveness of the antibiotic in treating the bacterial biofilm.
US08551451B2
The present invention relates to a combination vaccine comprising a mixture of antigens for protection against diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, and infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae and polio viruses. The present invention also relates to inclusion of antigens for protection against infections caused Hepatitis virus and other pathogens, such that administration of the vaccine can simultaneously immunize a subject against more than one pathogen. The invention in particular relates to a fully liquid stable combination vaccine comprising the antigens as indicated above and the methods for manufacturing the same.
US08551444B2
Embodiments of a compact pressure swing reformer are disclosed. Certain embodiments have a construction comprising multiple rotating reformer beds, high temperature rotary valves at the bed ends, and E-seals to seal the beds to the valves. Several possible designs for introducing reactants into the beds also are disclosed. The multiple reformer beds are configured to provide for pressure equalization and ‘steam push’. The compact pressure swing reformer is suitable for use in fuel cell vehicle applications.
US08551443B2
A catalyst for oxidative dehydrogenation of organic compounds is provided by forming a solution of catalyst precursor components comprised of Fe+3 and Zn+2 cations and at least one other modifier element cation in water to form an aqueous solution of the catalyst precursor components. The modifier element cation has a standard reduction potential of from greater than about −2.87 E° (V) to less than about −0.036 E° (V) with a valence of +2. A base is separately and simultaneously added to the aqueous solution in amounts to maintain the pH of the aqueous solution at a pH of from about 8.5 to about 9.5 as the catalyst precursor components. The catalyst precursor components are allowed to react and precipitate out of solution as a precipitate. The resulting precipitate is calcined to form a modified zinc ferrite catalyst compound.
US08551440B2
There is provided a low sodium sea salt and a method for producing the same. A first amount of natural seawater containing sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, sulfate and other trace minerals is introduced into a containment structure which is periodically exposed to the sun. Preferably, the containment structure is located outdoors in an arid climate with direct exposure to sunlight. An amount of water is evaporated forming a brine. An amount of sodium chloride is crystallized and an amount of the crystallized sodium chloride is removed so that the remaining brine includes substantial amounts of potassium, magnesium and sulfate. A second amount of natural seawater is combined with the remaining brine forming a diluted brine. An amount of water is evaporated from the diluted brine. Sodium chloride, potassium sulfate and magnesium sulfate is crystallized forming a low sodium sea salt whereby the sodium chloride is no more than 70 weight percent.
US08551436B2
The invention concerns in particular a method for purifying an input mixture comprising carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO), to eliminate the carbon monoxide contained in said mixture, which consists in contacting, at a temperature higher than room temperature, the input mixture with a purifying material comprising at least one metal oxide, so as to bring about the reduction of the purifying material by the input mixture, leading to oxidization of at least part of the CO of the input mixture into CO2. The invention also concerns a gaseous chilling method and installation integrating such a purifying operation.
US08551432B2
A method for injecting ammonia into an exhaust gas stream downstream of a diesel engine includes providing an exhaust gas passageway (11) from the diesel engine to an ambient (14). The exhaust gas passageway (11) includes an NOx Slip Catalyst (NSC) 20 downstream of an NOx Particulate Filter (NPF) 18. The method includes emitting exhaust gas (EG) through the exhaust gas passageway (11), and selectively injecting ammonia (NH3) upstream of the NPF 18, upstream of the NSC (20), both upstream of the NPF and the NSC, or not injecting ammonia, depending on the temperature of the exhaust gas at the NPF and at the NSC.
US08551430B2
A method for the selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine includes providing an exhaust system having: an SCR catalytic converter, a reagent addition point upstream of the SCR catalytic converter for adding at least one of a reducing agent and a reducing agent precursor, and a structure which the exhaust gas can at least flow around and is disposed immediately downstream of the reagent addition point. The method determines a nitrogen oxide content of the exhaust gas, determines a temperature of the structure, determines a quantity of reagent required for reduction of the nitrogen oxide content which is determined, determines a temperature of the structure after addition of the quantity of reagent, compares the temperature of the structure with a predeterminable target temperature, calculates the temperature of the structure using at least one of the following measures, if the temperature is lower than the target temperature: adding a reduced quantity of reagent, and increasing at least one of the temperature of the structure and an exhaust gas temperature until the temperature of the structure, after addition of the quantity of reagent, is greater than or equal to the target temperature, and adds the quantity of reagent through the reagent addition point and, if appropriate, increases the temperature.
US08551412B2
A honeycomb structure includes a honeycomb unit. The honeycomb unit includes plural cells, inorganic particles, and at least one of a flake substance, a tetrapod-shaped substance, and a three-dimensional needle-shaped substance. The plural cells extend from a first end face to a second end face of the honeycomb structure along a longitudinal direction of the honeycomb structure. The plural cells are defined by cell walls.
US08551409B2
A blower type chemical diffusing apparatus is small in thickness, simple in structure, and reduced in cost. The apparatus allows the chemical and a battery to be exchanged readily and facilitates electrically connecting the battery to the motor in the blower. The apparatus casing includes a first and a second side casing counterpart hinged together to allow opening and closing. The apparatus further includes a blower with a motor and fan mounted in the first casing body. A chemical cartridge is disposed between the blower and the second casing body, and contains a chemical impregnated body which includes a carrier in the form of a sheet impregnated with the chemical. The first casing body has a battery accommodating recess in which dry cells are removably accepted to drive the motor and thereby to rotate the fan. Air is thus forced to flow through the chemical cartridge.
US08551405B2
Methods for identifying a biological particle in a sample medium include generating an Electrophoretic Quasi-elastic Light Scattering (EQELS) spectrum for the biological particle in the sample medium. The EQELS spectrum is compared to a reference database comprising a plurality of spectra, and each of the plurality of spectra correspond to an EQELS spectrum for one of a plurality of known biological particles. The biological particle in the sample medium is identified from the comparison.
US08551400B2
In some aspects, an analyte sensor is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample. The analyte sensor may include a first sensor member coupled to a base, wherein the first sensor member includes a semiconductor material, a second sensor member coupled to the base; and an active region in contact with at least the first sensor member. In some aspects, the first sensor member may be a fiber, and may have a conductive core and a semiconducting cladding surrounding the core. Manufacturing methods and apparatus utilizing the sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.
US08551385B2
A resin molding apparatus of a simplified structure is provided that offers high handling efficiency by a work robot, thereby improving a throughput. The resin molding apparatus (200) that retains a hollow molded body (10) including a closed-bottom cylindrical main body (12) and a cylindrical open neck portion (20), the open neck portion (20) including a helical ridge portion (22) formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof and divided into a plurality of helical segments by a slit (24) extending in an axial direction of the open neck portion (20), and that overmolds a resin sheathing body (30) on an outer surface of the main body (12), includes a first recess in which the open neck portion (20) is to be fitted, and a rib (216) formed on a circumferential surface of the recess so as to extend in a depthwise direction thereof, and to be engaged with the slit (24).
US08551372B2
This invention provides a process for producing an optical film, which, even when a film is produced by casting using a melt casting film forming method so that the central part in the widthwise direction is thick, can finally realize a flat film having an even thickness and good flatness and possessing excellent optical properties. The production process of an optical film can meet recent demands for reduced film thickness, increased film width, and improved film quality in protective films for liquid crystal polarizing plates. The production process of an optical film by a melt casting film forming method is characterized in that, in an MD stretching step, an unstretched film after nipping is stretched in a transfer direction (MD direction) of the same film by a factor of not less than 1.1 and not more than 3.0, and, in an extruding step, the following relationship is satisfied: 10 μm≦T1−T2≦200 μm wherein T1 represents the film thickness at the central part in the widthwise direction of an extruded web, μm; and T2 represents the film thickness at both ends in the widthwise direction of the extruded web, μm.
US08551366B2
A conductive composition comprises a π conjugated conductive polymer, a dopant, and a nitrogen-containing aromatic cyclic compound. A capacitor comprises an anode composed of a porous material of valve metal, a dielectric layer formed by oxidizing the surface of the anode, and a cathode provided on the dielectric layer and having a solid electrolyte layer containing a π conjugated conductive polymer, which comprises an electron donor compound containing an electron donor element provided between the dielectric layer and the cathode. Another capacitor is based on the above-described capacitor, wherein the solid electrolyte layer further comprises a dopant and a nitrogen-containing aromatic cyclic compound. An antistatic coating material comprises a π conjugated conductive polymer, a solubilizing polymer containing an anion group and/or an electron attractive group, a nitrogen-containing aromatic cyclic compound, and a solvent. An antistatic coating is formed by applying the antistatic coating material.
US08551364B2
A process for inhibiting polymerization of an aromatic vinyl compound during the stage of producing, purifying, storing or transporting the aromatic vinyl compound which not only inhibits an initial polymerization but also inhibits polymerization efficiently over a long period of time and which is excellent in handleability. The process involves the step of adding a nitrogenous aromatic compound in combination with a sulfonic acid compound to the aromatic vinyl compound during the production, purification, storage of transportation thereof.
US08551355B2
Dedusting agents for fiberglass products and methods for making and using the same are provided. The composition can include a binder and a dedusting agent. The dedusting agent can include an emulsion comprising one or more pitches, one or more fatty acids, one or more rosins, or any combination thereof.
US08551350B2
In one embodiment, a first substrate having a plurality of array regions is prepared. A seal material is formed in each of the array regions. A peripheral seal material is arranged outside the array regions extending in a first direction. The peripheral seal material has an exhaust opening provided at a portion of the peripheral seal material extending in a second direction. A dummy seal material is formed between the peripheral seal material extending in the first direction and the seal material formed in the array region. A second substrate is arranged on a surface of the first substrate in a jig. The inside of the jig is decompressed, and the atmosphere between the first and second substrates is exhausted while applying a pressure to the first and second substrates. Then, the first and second substrates are attached by curing the seal material, the peripheral seal material and the dummy seal material.
US08551348B2
A magnetic recording medium has magnetic patterns formed of a patterned ferromagnetic layer, and a non-magnetic layer including a component of the ferromagnetic layer and separating the magnetic patterns, in which a thickness “a” of the non-magnetic layer and a thickness “b” of the magnetic patterns satisfy a relationship of: a
US08551342B2
The present invention proposes a method of operating a blood treatment apparatus for the extracorporeal blood treatment of a patient, a blood volume monitor for monitoring an extracorporeal blood treatment of the patient by means of a blood treatment apparatus, and a blood treatment apparatus.
US08551340B2
The invention provides waste water treatment processes utilizing an ion exchange resin to remove sulphate anions, while adjusting the pH of the ion exchange loading solution with carbon dioxide gas. The effect of the resin loading reactions is that dissolved sulphate is replaced with sequestered carbon dioxide gas, in the form of dissolved bicarbonate, in the treated water and the cations are not removed from the solution.
US08551331B2
An automatic filtering system for filtering a cooking medium in a fryer, includes a frypot; a filter manifold having removable filter; a pump, that supplies cooking medium from the filter manifold to the frypot; a pressure sensor that senses a pressure of the cooking medium supplied by the pump; and a controlling mechanism that controls an operation of the pump in response to the sensed pressure data. The control mechanism halts the operation of the pump after sensing a drop in the pressure of the cooking medium pressure that is greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure drop threshold. The systems and methods of the invention provide automatic filtering that may reduce or eliminate an incorrect refilling operation after the filtering of cooking medium, so that the filtering process may be performed correctly each time.
US08551326B2
This invention describes a two-stage regeneration zone that has a regenerated catalyst circuit such as the one that results from the mixing of a partially regenerated catalyst with a residual coke rate of between 0.3 and 0.7% and a totally regenerated catalyst with a coke rate that is less than 0.15%. All things being equal, this double-population regenerated catalyst enables the maximization of the LCO yield.
US08551325B2
A method for manufacturing a hydrocarbon oil, comprising: a first step wherein a feedstock oil containing an oxygen-containing organic compound and a water-insoluble chlorine-containing compound is brought into contact with a hydrogenation catalyst comprising a support containing a porous inorganic oxide and one or more metals selected from Group VIA and Group VIII of the periodic table supported on the support in the presence of hydrogen to generate a hydrocarbon oil and water in a vapor state by the hydrodeoxygenation of an oxygen-containing organic compound and convert the water-insoluble chlorine-containing compound into a water-soluble chlorine-containing compound; a second step wherein the water in the reaction product of the first step is maintained in a vapor state and the reaction product of the first step is brought into contact with a nitrogen-containing Brønsted base compound which has a boiling point at normal pressure of 100° C. or less and is water-soluble to obtain a product to be treated; and a third step wherein the product to be treated is cooled to a temperature not higher than the temperature at which water in a vapor state is liquefied to form an aqueous phase containing a water-soluble chlorine-containing compound and a nitrogen-containing Brønsted base compound and then separate the aqueous phase from an oil to be treated to obtain a product oil containing a hydrocarbon oil.
US08551313B2
An electroplating apparatus and method for depositing a metallic layer on the surface of a wafer is provided wherein said apparatus and method do not require physical attachment of an electrode to the wafer. The surface of the wafer to be plated is positioned to face the anode and a plating fluid is provided between the wafer and the electrodes to create localized metallic plating. The wafer may be positioned to physically separate and lie between the anode and cathode so that one side of the wafer facing the anode contains a catholyte solution and the other side of the wafer facing the cathode contains an anolyte solution. Alternatively, the anode and cathode may exist on the same side of the wafer in the same plating fluid. In one example, the anode and cathode are separated by a semi permeable membrane.
US08551307B2
A sputtering target apparatus is provided. The sputtering target apparatus includes a first target assembly including a first target array having a first target, a second target disposed adjacent to the first target, and a first target dividing region disposed between the first and second targets, the first target assembly extending along a first direction, wherein the first target dividing region has a longitudinal cross-section that is oblique with respect to the first direction.
US08551305B2
A method and apparatus for treating water or wastewater for drinking and/or industrial use. The method and apparatus comprises of a plurality of vertically positioned electrodes, which are placed in a treating chamber and wherein the electrodes are interconnected to one another. The positive and negative electrodes are insulated there-between. The polarity of the direct current supply is changeable at regular intervals in order to prevent passivation of the electrodes when reaching an even abrasion. The current can preferably be pulsatory. In order to be able to keep the current density between the electrodes at a desired value, the most efficient possible electrolysis is achieved by means of a minimum total current and wherein the spacing between the electrodes are adjustable.
US08551303B2
Disclosed are embodiments of an electroplating system and an associated electroplating method that allow for depositing of metal alloys with a uniform plate thickness and with the means to alter dynamically the alloy composition. Specifically, by using multiple anodes, each with different types of soluble metals, the system and method avoid the need for periodic plating bath replacement and also allow the ratio of metals within the deposited alloy to be selectively varied by applying different voltages to the different metals. The system and method further avoids the uneven current density and potential distribution and, thus, the non-uniform plating thicknesses exhibited by prior art methods by selectively varying the shape and placement of the anodes within the plating bath. Additionally, the system and method allows for fine tuning of the plating thickness by using electrically insulating selectively placed prescribed baffles.
US08551298B2
Processes and systems for purifying silane-containing streams are disclosed with relatively less silane being lost in impurity streams by use of distillation and/or condensation operations.
US08551296B2
Ultra high purity hexachlorodisilane is prepared from hexachlorodisilane-containing mixtures from numerous sources by distillation wherein water is present at less than 10 ppbw.
US08551291B2
A debonder apparatus for debonding a temporary bonded wafer pair. The clam shell reactor includes first and second isolated chambers. An upper chuck is contained within the first chamber and has a lower surface protruding into the second chamber. A lower chuck is contained within the second chamber and has an upper surface oriented parallel and opposite to the lower surface of the upper chuck. The debonder includes means for holding an unbounded surface of the first wafer onto the lower surface of the upper chuck. The first chamber pressurizing means applies pressure onto an upper surface of the upper chuck and thereby causes the lower surface of the upper chuck and the attached wafer pair to bow downward. The debonder apparatus also includes means for initiating a separation front at a point of the bonding interface of the temporary bonded wafer pair.
US08551289B2
A plasma processing apparatus, for performing a plasma processing on a target substrate by generating an inductively coupled plasma of a processing gas in a depressurized processing chamber, includes: a mounting table; a gas supply unit; a gas exhaust unit; a planar high frequency antenna disposed opposite to the mounting table with a plate-shaped dielectric member therebetween and a shield member covering the high frequency antenna. The high frequency antenna includes an inner antenna element provided at a central portion of a region above the plate-shaped dielectric member and an outer antenna element provided at an edge portion to surround a periphery of the inner antenna element. Further, two ends of each of the antenna elements are open ends and the antenna elements are grounded at central points thereof or points close thereto to resonate at ½ wavelengths of high frequencies from individual high frequency power supplies.
US08551286B2
Adhesive tape having a carrier and a layer of adhesive applied on at least one side to the carrier, the carrier having at least one foam layer composed at least in part of a polyolefin-based polymer, wherein the polyolefin-based polymer contains an ethylene multi-block copolymer in a fraction of at least 40% (w/w), the ethylene multi-block copolymer being composed of hard segment blocks, containing at least 95% (w/w) of ethylene and a comonomer, and of soft segment blocks, containing ethylene and a comonomer, the fraction of comonomer in the soft segment blocks being between 10 and 20 mol %.
US08551281B2
When laminating two types of film (1, 2) with different melting points on the two sides of a metal sheet (3), the thickness of the low melting point side film (2) is adjusted. Specifically, the thickness d2 of the low melting point side film (2) at the part sandwiched between the lamination roll (10) and metal sheet (3) is made a range defined by d2≧k(ΔMP−ΔT)/V. Here, ΔMP is the difference of melting points of the two types of film, k is k≧2, 0<ΔT=MP1−ΦTi≦50(° C.) (Ti is the metal sheet temperature at the inlet side of the rolls, V is the sheet running speed, Φ is a constant determined by the heat removal conditions at the time of lamination, where 0.75≦Φ<1). Due to this, sticking of the low melting point side film (2) to the lamination roll (10) can be prevented.
US08551278B2
A method of manufacturing a garment is provided that includes applying an adhesive layer to a first ply and/or a second ply in a first amount in a first zone where structural support is desired and in a second amount in a second zone where breathability is desired; arranging the first and second plies with respect to one another so that the adhesive layer is therebetween; and activating the adhesive layer to secure the first and second plies to one another.
US08551277B2
A method for producing a light emitting diode device includes the steps of preparing a laminate including, in order, a supporting layer, a constraining layer and an encapsulating resin layer, each formed in a thickness direction; cutting the encapsulating resin layer and the constraining layer in the laminate into a pattern corresponding to the light emitting diode element; removing a portion which does not correspond to the light emitting diode element in the encapsulating resin layer and the constraining layer that are cut into the pattern; allowing the encapsulating resin layer corresponding to the light emitting diode element to be opposed to the light emitting diode element to be pressed in the direction where they come close to each other so as to encapsulate the light emitting diode element by the encapsulating resin layer; and removing the supporting layer and the constraining layer from the laminate.
US08551274B2
A permeable material compacting method includes, feeding permeable material between at least one set of rollers, decreasing a thickness of the permeable material, and wrapping the permeable material around a mandrel in a helical fashion.
US08551272B2
The invention concerns a method for producing a ceramic filter body (1) for filtering an exhaust gas stream (2) of a diesel engine. The filter body (1) has planar and porous filter sections (3) that are designed to be passed by the exhaust gas flow (2) in a direction transverse to the face of the filter sections (3). A planar permeable fiber web (4, 4′), in particular of filter paper, is first impregnated with finely ground ceramic material (6) only across sections under formation of a non-impregnated section (12). The only partially ceramic-impregnated fiber web (4, 4′) is subsequently brought into the shape of a blank of the filter body (1) in such a way that the impregnated areas of the fiber web (4, 4′) assume the shape of the filter body (1). The fiber web (4, 4′) impregnated section-wise with the ceramic material (6) and shaped is subsequently sintered under heat in such a way that the fibers (5) of the fiber web are burned off and the ceramic material (6) is sintered under formation of the filter body (1) with filter sections (3) that are continuously porous and gas-permeable between their two faces (7, 8).
US08551270B2
A label for application to a surface having at least one compound curve is provided. The label comprises a heat shrinkable film having an inner surface and outer surface and a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on the inner surface of the heat shrinkable film.
US08551264B2
A method of manufacturing fine grain titanium alloy sheets that is suitable for superplastic forming (SPF) is disclosed. In one embodiment, a high strength titanium alloy comprising: Al: about 4.5% to about 5.5%, V: about 3.0% to about 5.0%, Mo: about 0.3% to about 1.8%, Fe: about 0.2% to about 0.8%, O: about 0.12% to about 0.25% with balance titanium is forged and hot rolled to sheet bar, which is then fast-cooled from a temperature higher than beta transus. According to this embodiment, the sheet bar is heated between about 1400° F. to about 1550° F. and rolled to intermediate gage. After reheating to a temperature from about 1400° F. to about 1550° F., hot rolling is performed in a direction perpendicular to the previous rolling direction to minimize anisotropy of mechanical properties. The sheets are then annealed at a temperature between about 1300° F. to about 1550° F. followed by grinding and pickling.
US08551260B2
A fuel injection flush tool adapted to be connected to a conventional fuel injection flush canister in which a supply of combustible liquid fuel injection cleaner is stored. Liquid cleaner is delivered from the flush canister to a gasoline or diesel-driven engine being serviced by which to burn off carbon deposits from the fuel injectors and related parts during a tune-up or service. During one embodiment, air is applied to the flush canister so that the liquid cleaner is delivered from the canister at a pressure which corresponds to the operating pressure of the engine running at idle. In this case, the fuel injectors can advantageously be cleaned (i.e., decarbonized) in a relatively short time and at reduced cost without having to turn off the engine, disable the fuel pump, or remove seats, fuses, relays, etc.
US08551259B2
The invention relates to a holder for an active ingredient comprising a fixing portion for mechanical fixing under a toilet bowl rim, and a receiving portion joined to the fixing portion for receiving an active ingredient. One problem of such known holders is that they are troublesome to fix to the toilet bowl and to remove again therefrom. This disadvantage is overcome according to the invention by at least parts of the fixing portion being formed from a biodegradable, preferably water-soluble material.
US08551233B2
A dust scrubber (30, 130) for a mining shearer machine (12) is adapted to be mounted behind the rear surface of the shearer arm (18), on the opposite side of the arm to the mine surface being cut, so as to extract airborne particulates. The scrubber may be mounted to the shearer via a compensation mechanism such as a double hinge (160, 162) and link (164) arrangement which maintains relatively static position and/or orientation of the scrubber despite the pivoting of the shearer arm in operation.
US08551219B2
In a method of storing and releasing gaseous ammonia from solid storage materials a first solid storage material (14) capable of releasing ammonia by desorption in a first container (10) and a second solid storage material (24) capable of ad- or absorbing ammonia reversibly and having a higher affinity for ammonia than the first storage material (14) in a second container (20) smaller than said first container (10) are in fluid communication. The pressure in at least the first container (10) is kept below the equilibrium pressure between ammonia and the storage material contained therein by means of a pump (28). When the pressure in the first container (10) is below a pressure threshold where the first storage material (14) does not release an amount of ammonia required by an ammonia consuming device connected with the containers via the vacuum pump (28), the second storage material (24) is heated such that the ammonia pressure of the second material (24) is higher than the ammonia pressure of the first material (14). The ammonia released by the second material (24) is continuously pumped off so as to deliver sufficient ammonia to said ammonia consuming unit. A device for carrying out the method is also described.
US08551215B2
A nitrogen-flush scrubber system for a controlled atmosphere room in which the amount of nitrogen required to flush the regenerated scrubber beds is significantly reduced. The present invention provides a dual-bed scrubber system in which low oxygen air salvaged from the active scrubber bed is used to flush high oxygen air from the regenerated scrubber bed prior to nitrogen flush. The scrubber system may include two scrubber beds that are used alternately to scrub air from the CA room. One scrubber bed is used as an active scrubber bed to remove carbon dioxide from the air. The inactive scrubber bed may be regenerated while it is inactive. When the active scrubber bed becomes sufficiently saturated, the control system may switch the active scrubber bed, using the regenerated bed as the active scrubber bed and allowing the saturated bed to be regenerated.
US08551212B1
A system for recovering precious metals. A container is configured to receive recyclable materials. The recyclable materials include non-metallic materials, base metals and precious metals. A separating solution is disposed in the container and is configured to separate the base metals and the precious metals from the non-metallic materials. The non-metallic materials, base metals, and precious metals are subsequently separated from each other.
US08551210B2
A composite article (1; 10; 40) comprises a plurality of inclusions (5) of a magnetocalorically active material embedded in a matrix (4) of a magnetocalorically passive material. The inclusions (5) and the matrix (4) have a microstructure characteristic of a compacted powder.
US08551208B2
A method, including receiving a turbine filter unit in a plasma treatment system, wherein the turbine filter unit comprises a filter media assembled with a framework, and applying at least one plasma treatment coating to the turbine filter unit via the plasma treatment system.
US08551204B2
A dust collector that collects dust (12) in gas (11) and purifies the gas (11) includes a tube plate (16) being provided in a dust collector frame (13) that separates an interior into a gas introduction chamber (14) and a gas discharge chamber (15), a plurality of dust collection pipes (17) being hung from the tube plate (16) that feeds the gas (11) from outside to inside and removes the dust (12) on a surface thereof, a gas introduction pipe (18) being provided in the gas introduction chamber (14) that includes a gas opening end portion (18a) positioned near the tube plate (16), and supplies the gas (11) to the dust collection pipes (17) in a downflow direction, a diffuser (19) being provided at the opening end portion (18a) of the gas introduction pipe (18), and a gas discharging unit (21) being provided in the gas discharge chamber (15) that discharges purified gas (20).
US08551192B2
The present invention relates to a novel method for compatibilizing, i.e. improving miscibility of, otherwise immiscible organic materials highly useful in the fibers industry, as well as the compatibilized product of the method. These compatibilized products are stable in the liquid phase at temperatures ranging from about 40° C. to about 200° C. The method involves use of a glycol derived from polymerization of alkylene oxide and tetrahydrofuran, the alkylene oxide having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, i.e. poly(tetramethylene-co-alkyleneether) glycol, in the mixture.
US08551189B2
The subject of the invention is a composition for dyeing keratin fibers, comprising at least one 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene derivative and at least one basifying agent other than aqueous ammonia; the use of the composition for hair dyeing and also the use of the composition in a dyeing process for keratin fibers. The composition according to the invention makes it possible to dye keratin fibers under mild oxidizing conditions even without using an oxidation base and an aromatic amine, while at the same time covering a broad color range with 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene derivatives. The observed dyeing under oxidizing conditions operates under mild conditions of oxidation and/or basifying agent, in particular in the air, and does not produce any unpleasant odor.
US08551182B2
The present invention provides devices, a system, and a method for removing kidney stones from the urinary system of a patient with reduced pain and expenses. The system includes expandable, elongated balloon sheaths that deliver and retrieve forceps and a urethral sparing prosthetic stent. The stent is reconstrainable with interwoven nylon strands that are strategically positioned amongst the struts to ensure smooth collapse for removal. An atraumatic coating of PTFE or PET lining on the stent extends from the struts through the tip of the penis to assist patients in passing stones while the stent is in place at the bladder neck. The stent can stay in place for several days while permitting urine drainage. The basket-shaped forceps device has multiple curved, rigid arms to dilate the urethra and capture occluded or embedded stones with a built-in camera. The method is for removing stones through a protected urethral canal.
US08551179B2
A provisional femoral component, in one embodiment, including at least one first visual indicator and at least one second visual indicator, the first and second visual indicators providing indicating means for simultaneously visually representing a first profile of a first femoral prosthesis and a second profile of a second femoral prosthesis. In another embodiment, a provisional femoral component including a patellofemoral flange having two sulci and a central ridge between the two sulci. In this manner, the provisional femoral component can be positioned on a resected distal femur surface of both a right and left knee joint.
US08551171B2
Methods of stabilizing the sacroiliac joint by placing an expandable device in the joint to generate laterally opposing forces against the iliac and sacral surfaces of the SI joint to securely seat the device in a plane generally parallel to the SI joint. The expandable device is coated with or otherwise contains a bone material to promote fusion of the joint. The expandable device used in methods of the present invention can be, for example, an expandable cage, a balloon, a balloon-expandable stent or a self-expanding stent.
US08551170B2
Disclosed are methods for producing implantable bone compositions suitable for attaching stem cells thereto, characterized in that bone particles are contacted with an albumin comprising solution. Said bone particles can be mineralized and/or lyophilized bone particles of animal or human origin. Preferably the non-immunogenic albumin comprising solution is lyophilized onto said bone particles. The invention further concerns bone compositions suitable for use in graft implantation obtainable by said methods.
US08551169B2
Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.
US08551162B2
Biologically implantable prostheses and methods of using the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a heart valve assembly includes a first annular prosthesis sized for introduction into a tissue annulus in a heart; a first magnet in the first prosthesis; a second valve prosthesis separate and disconnected from the first prosthesis and comprising a heart valve crown with leaflets, the second prosthesis configured for introduction into the tissue annulus after introducing the first prosthesis into the tissue annulus; and a second magnet in the second prosthesis, wherein an attraction between the first magnet and the second magnet engages the first prosthesis to the second prosthesis to attach the second prosthesis to the first prosthesis in the tissue annulus.
US08551157B2
A modular prosthetic conduit system such as a stent or stent graft system tailored for the repair of aneurysms or other compromised vessel walls. The stent or stent graft system incorporates various means to interlock the multiple modular components used in the repair procedure. The present invention further provides a modular stent graft system tailored for the repair of aneurysms or other compromised vessel walls that cross or are adjacent to a branch or bifurcation in a vessel.
US08551147B2
A hypertension therapy instrument comprises an infrared ray generator that can radiate infrared ray onto a human body; a heart rhythm signal generator sensing heart rhythm of the human body and outputs a heart rhythm signal containing heart rhythm information; a controlling device receiving the signal outputted by the heart rhythm signal generator and controlling a radiation intensity of the infrared ray generator based on the heart rhythm of the human body, so that the radiation intensity of the infrared ray generator changes with the heart rhythm of the human body, so as to treat hypertension; and a power supply supplying power to the infrared ray generator, the heart rhythm generator, and the controlling device.
US08551143B2
A bone plating system comprising: a plate, where the plate is low-profile and capable of contouring to a bone; a variable number of screw holes, locking or non-locking; at least one channel or tunnel through the plate; and at least one flexible device passing through the channel or tunnel and passing through soft tissue attached to the bone. The low profile plate, in combination with the flexible device passing through the surrounding soft tissue, functions as a tension band and acts to neutralize the muscle forces tending to pull the bone apart at a fracture. The low profile tension band plating system is targeted for periarticular tensile fractures for repair of patella, olecranon, greater trochanter, greater tuberosity, radial styloid, lateral or medial malleoli, or lateral malleolus.
US08551129B2
The invention describes includes a device and method for dilating a coronary arterial stenosis and for creating a transection in the myocardium. The transection creates a new artery composed partially of the old artery and partially of the normal healing tissue and myocardium. Several dilating means are described, as well as several cutting means and alignment means by which the cutting means may be located and properly oriented. In operation, the dilating means, cutting means and alignment means are advanced in the distal end of a catheter, which may be guided into position by a guidewire.
US08551127B2
Techniques for sutureless vascular anastomosis are described, including an incision seal including a base configured to partially house an outer surface of a main vessel, the base being formed using a material that is configured to be penetrated by a barb disposed on a connector the main vessel being secured to the base when the base is at least partially pierced by the barb, an upper lumen configured to guide a graft vessel, and a housing opening configured to receive the graft vessel.
US08551118B2
A method for treating obesity by reducing the volume and/or alter the functioning of the gastric cavity to limit food consumption and induce early satiety. The method includes accessing the cavity endoscopically to visualize the interior of the cavity. The peritoneal cavity is accessed through a small incision in the abdominal wall. Using endoscopic visualization, suture anchoring devices are introduced into the peritoneal cavity through the incision and deployed from the exterior surface through the gastric cavity wall. Suture from pairs of the anchoring devices is drawn through the gastric cavity wall and tightened outside of the cavity to form a serosa to serosa plication. Any number of plications may be formed in the cavity wall and the contacting tissue within a plication may be treated to promote healing and a more durable bond.
US08551111B2
A device and related method of use is provided for the capture and removal of various unwanted objects present within the body's anatomical lumens. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the device includes an external elongate member; an internal elongate member disposed within the external elongate member; and a retrieval assembly connected to the internal elongate member and retractable within and extendable from a lumen of the external elongate member. The retrieval assembly includes an end configured to be selectively open or substantially closed.
US08551098B2
A bone scoring device having a body, a scoring member configured to engage a bone surface and a first biasing member connected to and configured to rotate the scoring member is provided. The scoring member being axially movable between a first, non-rotatable position, such that the scoring member is engaged with the body and a second rotatable position such that the scoring member is released from engagement with the body and freely rotates. The scoring member having an abrasive surface to score the surface of the bone in which it is put in contact. A method for using the scoring device as well as a kit including the scoring device are also provided.
US08551093B2
An implant for fixation of a bone includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a longitudinal axis defined between the proximal end and the distal end. A plurality of blades are disposed on the shaft, and are helically twisted about the longitudinal axis. At least one of the blades has a variable blade width that increases in a direction along the longitudinal axis. A mechanism for coupling the implant to a second fracture fixation implant may be provided separately or in combination.
US08551092B2
A monitoring system includes: (1) an implant having at least one sensor and configured for at least partial insertion into a patient, a first one of sensors being in contact with a perimeter of a hole in a body portion of the implant for accepting a fastener; (2) a microchip associated with the implant and the sensor, the microchip configured to receive at least a first signal from the sensor; (3) a transmitter associated with the microchip for transmitting a second signal, representative of the first signal; (4) a receiver located outside of the patient, the receiver configured receive the transmitted second signal; and (5) a display device associated with the receiver, the display device configured to provide an audible or visual representation of the second signal to a user.
US08551090B2
A bipolar coagulation forceps with a fixed forceps leg, a pivot support, and a pivoting forceps leg, which can pivot relative to the fixed forceps leg via a pivot element and which is electrically insulated from the fixed forceps leg is provided, with the forceps legs essentially being made from biocompatible metal. The pivot element is likewise essentially made from biocompatible metal and attaches directly to the moving forceps leg. An insulating body electrically insulating the pivot element and the moving forceps leg from the fixed forceps leg is arranged on or fixed to the fixed forceps leg as a pivot support, on which the moving forceps leg is supported by the pivot element.
US08551086B2
Provided is an endoscope treatment tool including: a pair of clamp members that is supported by a clamp rotary shaft to be relatively rotatable; an operation section that is used to open and close the pair of clamp members; an operation wire that connects the pair of clamp members to the operation section; a connection member that is provided at the front end of the operation wire and includes at least one link rotary shaft; a pair of link members of which a first end is rotatably connected to each end of the pair of clamp members and a second end is rotatably connected to the link rotary shaft; and a regulation portion that regulates the connection member and the operation wire in a relative movement direction with respect to the clamp rotary shaft, wherein the connection member includes a groove formed to be parallel to the axis of the operation wire, and wherein the regulation portion engages with the groove to regulate the connection member and the operation wire in the relative movement direction.
US08551068B2
A fluid management system for transferring fluid, the system including a connector component comprising a first end and an opposite second end, a first syringe with a distal end that is removably attachable to the first end of the connector component, and a second syringe with a distal end that is removably attachable to the second end of the connector component.
US08551046B2
Some embodiments of a medical infusion pump system include a pump device having a cap device that mates with a pump housing to retain a medicine cartridge therein. In addition to retaining the medicine cartridge in the pump housing, the cap device may perform a number of preparatory functions or safety functions. In addition or in the alternative, some embodiments of the pump device may include a drive system that advances a piston rod to dispense medicine to the patient in a safe and energy efficient manner.
US08551044B2
Multiple reservoir implantable valve accumulator pump for the delivery of medication, and method of infusate delivery. The apparatus includes at least first and second infusate reservoirs in a common pressure chamber, each in fluid communication with a metering assembly. The metering assembly includes an accumulator that is preferably a fixed volume accumulator having an inlet and an outlet. A first valve is in fluid communication with the first infusate reservoir and an inlet of the accumulator, and a second valve is in fluid communication with the second infusate reservoir and an inlet of the accumulator. An outlet valve is in fluid communication with the outlet of the accumulator. The accumulator can be filled with infusate from the first and second infusate reservoirs sequentially, can be filled from the first infusate reservoir multiple times consecutively, the second infusate reservoir multiple times consecutively, or any combination or permutation thereof.
US08551041B2
A navigable system for catheter based endovascular neurosurgery including: a micro-motor (3) including a piezoelectric actuator (5) mounted to a free end of a guidewire or micro-catheter (2), the piezoelectric actuator (5) including a piezoelectric element (7), and an elongate transducer (9) mounted on the piezoelectric element (7) and extending therefrom, the transducer (9) being formed from an asymmetric hollow member, and an end member (15) located at a free end of the transducer (9); wherein electrical excitation of the piezoelectric element (7) induces one or both orthogonal flexural and axial vibration modes within the transducer (9), the coupling of the induced vibration modes thereby resulting in rotation of the end member (15) with three degrees of freedom (DOF).
US08551040B2
A motorised head (3) for a breast pump comprising a motor unit (35) including a motor and a drive mechanism (22) for driving a pump, a body mounting portion which is fixedly mountable to a body of a breast pump, a motor mounting portion (39) on which the motor and drive mechanism (22) are disposed, and a resiliently deformable member (49) connecting the body mounting portion and the motor mounting portion such that the resiliently deformable member reduces the transfer of vibration caused by the motor or drive mechanism to a breast pump body to which the body mounting portion is mounted.
US08551031B2
A swab applicator for collecting debris and other materials from small and hard to reach spaces and cavities and applying materials to selected areas, including small and hard to reach spaces and cavities. The swab applicator includes an elongated member having two opposite ends having respective end members extending from the ends. One of the end member loops to form one or more through openings and has a surface made from or covered with an absorbent material. The other end member is different from the first end member and, in one configuration, is a wad mounted on the end of the elongated member.
US08551018B2
A puncture set includes a puncture needle unit and puncture device. The puncture needle unit includes a puncture needle and a tubular casing, with the puncture needle having a needle hub and a needle body possessing a needle point. The tubular casing movably receives the puncture needle and has an opening from which the needle point can project. The puncture device has a housing, an installation section at which the casing is removably installed, and a plunger having a connection section connected to the needle hub in an installed state where the casing is installed on the installation section. Casing-side projections project from the outer periphery of the casing and are circumferentially arranged. Installation section-side projections project from the inner periphery of the installation section and are circumferentially arranged. In the installed state, at least one installation section-side projection is located between adjacent casing-side projections.
US08551014B2
The invention relates to an opthalmological analysis method for measuring an intraocular pressure in an eye with an analysis system consisting of an actuating device, wherein the actuating device causes a puff of air to be applied to the eye in such manner that the cornea is deformed, an observation system with which the deformation of the cornea is observed and recorded, wherein sectional images of the cornea when it is deformed and not deformed are created with the observation device, and an analysis device with which the intraocular pressure is derived from the sectional images of the cornea, wherein a material characteristic of the cornea is derived from the sectional images of the cornea in the analysis device, wherein a diameter d1 of a first applanation area of the cornea and a diameter dn of a deformation area of the cornea is derived as a material characteristic.
US08551001B2
Embodiments of the present invention describe methods of determining the occlusion of body lumens and apparatuses for doing so. In one particular embodiment, the occlusion of the fallopian tubes by an intrafallopian contraceptive device may be confirmed by contrast enhanced ultrasonography (also known as stimulated acoustic emission hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography). In these embodiments a contrast agent containing microbubbles is used.
US08550991B2
A touch panel sensor for sensing a contact position of part of body comprises a substrate, a resist electrode part including resist electrodes formed on the substrate to have a capacitance changeable according to approaching of the part of body, and a signal electrode part including signal electrodes formed on the resist electrode having resistance coefficient less than the resist electrode.
US08550985B2
Medical devices have material that that has a laser induced periodic surface structure (LIPSS) pattern on at least a portion thereof. The LIPSS pattern is provided by exposing a material surface to a pulsed polarized laser energy fluence below the ablation threshold. The LIPSS pattern is useful for purposes such as reducing contact areas on sliding surfaces, increasing total surface area for adhesions, providing anisotropic reinforcement of a material layer or layers, and to provide multiple channels for directing cell growth.
US08550978B2
A system (1) and method for controlling the reproduction of audio signals via the monitoring of the state of relaxation of a person, wherein at least one physiological characteristic of the person is detected by means of a sensor (14), which characteristic assumes different values depending on different sleep phases of the person and wherein different sleep phases are recognized on the basis of at least one detected changing physiological characteristic by means of an analysis device (19) and wherein the speed for the reproduction of audio signals is changed on the basis of the at least one detected changing physiological characteristic and wherein the reproduction of the audio signals is terminated by a control unit (22) after a certain sleep phase of the person has commenced.
US08550976B2
The present invention an implantable, sub-cutaneous, bellows-like device with one plate proximal (or superficial) to the skin surface and the other plate distal (or deep) to the skin surface having a component of a pneumatic/hydraulic driver for an implantable medical device such as a cardiac assist, cardiac support, or combined cardiac assist and support device and inducible magnet material on the distal plate of the bellows that can be magnetically drawn towards the proximal plate by the action of a magnet outside the body to contract the bellows or pressurize the fluid in the bellows.
US08550973B2
A system for assisting the right heart of a patient includes a PA cannula adapted for insertion into a PA of a patient through the right internal jugular vein of the patient. The system includes a percutaneous RA cannula adapted for insertion into an RA of the patient. The system includes a blood pump disposed outside of the patient to which the RA cannula and the PA cannula are connected to provide right ventricular circulatory support to the patient without any left ventricular assist. A method for assisting the right heart of a patient includes the steps of inserting a PA cannula into a PA of a patient. There is the step of inserting an RA cannula into an RA of the patient. There is the step of connecting the RA cannula and the PA cannula to a blood pump disposed outside of the patient. There is the step of activating the blood pump to provide right ventricular circulatory support to assist the heart of the patient.
US08550954B2
A front wheel drive transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing. Each of the clutches and the brakes are located within specific areas defined by the planetary gear sets and the housing walls.
US08550951B2
A differential comprising at least one drive wheel, at least two axle wheels, at least one compensating wheel and at least one connecting element, wherein the connecting element experiences at least a first torque at least from the drive wheel, and wherein the connecting element transmits at least a second torque to at least one of the at least two axle wheels. The drive wheel is constructed such that the drive wheel at least partially surrounds at least one inner chamber; the connecting element is arranged at least partially inside the inner chamber that is at least partially surrounded by the drive wheel, and the connecting element is constructed in one piece.
US08550947B2
A speed change device configured with an input member and an output member. The speed change device includes a speed change mechanism in which a plurality of shift speeds are established in accordance with respective engagement states of a plurality of friction engagement elements to transfer rotation of the input member to the output member. A slip travel mode is provided in which the vehicle is run while transferring torque from the input member to the output member with one of the friction engagement elements for establishment of each of the shift speeds caused to slip. A slip engagement element is the friction engagement element to be engaged commonly for establishment of at least a forward start shift speed and a reverse start shift speed.
US08550946B2
A round-pin-joint toothed chain is provided that comprises alternating outer and inner chain links which are pivotably interconnected via a chain joint including round pins that are circular in cross-section, the outer chain links comprising two parallel, spaced-apart outer plates and at least one centered toothed extension plate disposed between the outer plates, and the inner chain links comprising at least two inner toothed plates, said at least two inner toothed plates and said at least one toothed extension plate having each two joint openings, which are arranged in spaced relationship with one another on the longitudinal axis of the inner toothed plate and of the toothed extension plate, respectively, and which are associated with the end faces of the inner toothed plates and of the toothed extension plate, respectively, and a respective round pin extending through one of the joint openings.
US08550943B2
A traction engine drive (2), the components of which are integrated into an assembly unit (6) that can be pre-completed. A guide rail (7) having a clamp rail (10) is fixed in location by a clamping device (16) and a traction element (12) is disposed in conjunction with at least one traction mechanism wheel, so that a free length of the traction element is not present.
US08550937B2
A golf ball having a plurality of dimples formed on its outer surface, the outer surface of the golf ball being divided into plural areas, a first group of areas containing a plurality of first dimples and a second group of areas containing a plurality of second dimples, each area of the second group abutting one or more areas of the first group, the first and second groups of areas and dimple shapes and dimensions being configured such that the golf ball is spherically symmetrical as defined by the United States Golf Association (USGA) Symmetry Rules, and such that the golf ball exhibits a lift coefficient (CL) of less than about 0.295 over a range of Reynolds Number (Re) from about 120,000 to about 180,000 and at a spin rate of about 5,000 rpm.
US08550936B1
A high volume aerodynamic golf club head with a club head volume of at least 400 cc and a front-to-back dimension of at least 4.4 inches producing reduced aerodynamic drag forces. The club head has a crown section imparting beneficial aerodynamic and playability properties due in part to the location of a crown apex and proximity to a club head center of gravity, a height of the crown apex and a maximum face top edge height, and the curvature of the crown section. These attributes of the crown section contribute to desirable airflow reattachment close to the face and improve airflow attachment to the crown section.
US08550935B2
Wood-type golf club heads include: (a) a club head body including heel, toe, crown, sole, and weighted rear portions; and (b) a variable thickness ball striking face. The club head body parts and weighted portion(s) may be arranged such that the club head has a moment of inertia about a vertical axis passing through the club head center of gravity of at least 5000 g-cm2. Such club heads may include: (a) a cup face member including a ball striking face portion and a return portion; (b) sole and crown portions engaged with the return portion; (c) a rear body member engaged with the crown and/or sole portions; (d) a weight member at the club head rear; and/or (e) a hosel member engaged with the cup face member, the crown portion, and/or the sole portion. Methods of making such club heads also are described.
US08550933B2
Clubs and clubheads are disclosed that allow the swing-weight thereof to be easily changed by attaching or exchanging a “weight-assembly” having a first portion configured as a “weight insert,” a second portion configured as an overcap, and a third portion configured as a drive screw. The drive screw extends through the overcap and into the weight-insert to assemble the weight-assembly, which fits into a weight-receiving cavity on the clubhead. These three components are made of respective materials (having respective densities) that are selected so that each component contributes a desired fraction of the total mass of the weight-assembly to the clubhead to achieve a desired change in swing-weight. By mix-match selection of the components, a wide range of masses of the weight assemblies can be made, with small increments therebetween.
US08550931B1
A golf club putter having an alignment pattern is disclosed herein. The alignment pattern has first and second long lines that approach each other as they extend from an aft region of the putter to a front region of the putter and, when the putter is properly aligned with a golf ball, create an optical illusion of convergence of said lines at or near a center of the golf ball without actually intersecting.
US08550929B1
The portable pool table device provides extreme portability by way of disassembly. The table is divided into four separable sections that are selectively assembled as chosen. The affixed sections provide half circle cutouts and half circle cutout shapes for removable pocket attachment. The sections are ideally affixed together by lateral clamps. The felt-atop-rubberized-layer playing surface is removably installed atop the sections upon assembly. The removable side braces and end braces also provide outer brace playing surfaces along with angled bumpers as are used in other pool tables in the art.
US08550927B2
Disclosed is an apparatus for a rocker. In one embodiment, the rocker may be comprised of a fixed support structure; a resonant pendulum suspended from the fixed support structure, a seat or bed suspended on the pendulum; and a coil coupled to the pendulum and interacting with a magnetic field to supply force to the pendulum to maintain movement of the seat or bed. The rocker may also be comprised of a rechargeable battery that is used to power the coil and allow for the rocker to run continuously. The battery may be charged by the coil's interactions with the magnetic field or using at least one solar panel. The solar panel may also be used without a battery to provide energy to the rocker so that it may run continuously. The coil may be comprised of an electrically conducting wire (e.g., copper or aluminum wire).
US08550926B2
The present invention relates to an improvement in the construction of water ride surfaces and comprises at least one layer of soft permeable material built into the padded substrate of a structurally supported ride surface. The permeable material connects to a drainage system and is preferably sandwiched between a slick skin upper waterproof membrane, and a supporting substrate beneath it. The advantage to this improvement is when water leaks through the waterproof membrane, the permeable material prevents water from building up inside the padded substrate, and allows the water to be drained out, rather than blistering and bubbling up under the waterproof membrane, thereby helping to preserve the integrity and longevity of the ride surface.
US08550922B2
Games may be divided into different portions having differing preservation needs. These different portions may be saved to set locations for set periods of time when a downloaded game that was available on a given gaming terminal must be disabled, removed or otherwise made unavailable on the gaming terminal. The removal process may be automated or controlled remotely, although this is not strictly required. Further, preservation of games may be implemented using directories of the various game components for multiple downloaded games available to a gaming terminal.
US08550910B2
An operator control interface for configuration of wagering games comprises a control screen for displaying a plurality of available primary wagering games and a plurality of available supplemental features and at least one input device for receiving configuration inputs. At least one controller is operative to (i) in response to a first configuration input received via the at least one input device, add a selected primary wagering game to a first wagering game configuration, (ii) in response to a second configuration input received via the at least one input device, add a selected supplemental feature to the first wagering game configuration, and (iii) cause the control screen to display the first wagering game configuration and an overall payback percentage of the first wagering game configuration.
US08550908B2
The invention includes methods, systems with an apparatus configured to perform particular functions, computer program products, and apparatuses that provide means for displaying a game cue for a guitar part and/or displaying a player's input. The expected and/or input performances are indicated on a display by creating a game cue or shape on the display, each having portions of varying magnitudes based on the relative differences between the notes or fingering of expected performance and/or inputted performance.
US08550900B2
A gaming device is described that provides a number of different methods for cashing out credit balances from a gaming device. These methods include providing incentives, such as benefits, to a player for selecting particular monetary forms in which to receive the cash out. Non-preferred cash out forms may be associated with disincentives, such as penalties, to dissuade players from selecting these types of monetary transfers. In certain embodiments, incentives and disincentives may be associated with a variety of available monetary forms for cash out.
US08550892B2
A pay line multiplier is randomly selected for each active pay line. The pay line multiplier varies for each round of play. An extra wager may be required from the player to activate this feature during the play of a casino game. A player makes a wager to activate at least two pay lines to be played in the casino game. For each active pay line, a multiplier is randomly selected from a group of various multipliers and the selected multiplier is assigned to the activated pay line. The casino game is then played to achieve an outcome on each pay line. Each pay line that has a winning outcome has any associated award increased by the multiplier for that pay line.
US08550881B2
A vane of a throwing wheel apparatus including a particle throwing portion, extending between first and second ends, having a first throwing face, a second throwing face, and two side edges. Each of the side edges extend substantially parallel to one another and includes a locking member adapted to be detachably coupled to a mounting element of the throwing wheel apparatus. Each locking member includes a first taper in a first plane and a second taper in a second plane. The first plane is substantially perpendicular to each side edge of the vane and the second plane is substantially parallel to the first taper. The side edges define a width smaller than a predetermined distance between first and second mounting elements of the throwing wheel apparatus so that when coupled to the mounting elements a gap is present on both sides of the vane.
US08550874B2
A glass-plate working machine 1 is arranged such that while a cutting head 9 for forming a cut line on a glass plate 5 and a grinding head 10 for grinding a peripheral edge of the glass plate 5 bend-broken along the cut line are being moved simultaneously in parallel under numerical control, the cutting head 9 and the grinding head 10 respectively having angle control motors 46 and 49 are synchronously subjected to angular control about axes 39 perpendicular to the surface of the glass plate 5, and the cutting head 9 and the grinding head 10 are moved such that the orientation of a cutter wheel 52 is adjusted to a processing line, and the press contacting direction of a grinding wheel 64 of the grinding head 10 is kept in a normal direction with respect to a processing line of an edge of the glass plate 5.
US08550873B2
A method of prepping a surface using a high-frequency forced pulsed waterjet entails generating a high-frequency signal having a frequency f using a high-frequency signal generator, applying the high-frequency signal to a transducer having a microtip to cause the microtip of the transducer to vibrate to thereby generate a forced pulsed waterjet through an exit orifice of a nozzle having an exit orifice diameter d and a length L. The forced pulsed waterjet prepares the surface to within a predetermined range of surface roughness. The surface roughness is determined by selecting operating parameters comprising a standoff distance (SD), a traverse velocity VTR of the nozzle, a water pressure P, a water flow rate Q, a length-to-diameter (L/d) ratio, a microtip-to-orifice distance (a), the frequency f, and an amplitude A of the high-frequency signal.
US08550863B1
A gimbal assembly for a watercraft propeller propulsion system including first and second generally cylindrical gimbal ends each having a pair of diametrically opposing gimbal yokes, and an external gimbal ring pivotally coupled to the opposing gimbal yokes of each of the first and second gimbal ends. The gimbal ring may include a zigzag shaped gimbal ring body with opposing extensions orthogonal to opposing depressions and corresponding pairs of opposing gimbal pin couplings. The opposing gimbal yokes of each gimbal end may include opposing gimbal pin couplings for coupling to the couplings of the gimbal ring. Each gimbal end may be assembled through one face of the gimbal ring and internally coupled to pin couplings of an opposite face of the gimbal ring. The gimbal pins may be clamped with U-bolts. The opposing gimbal yokes may have minimal clearance around a universal joint. A bellows may be mounted externally.
US08550862B2
The invention relates to a ship propulsion system (S) having a pump jet (P) comprising a pump housing (G) and a drive motor, wherein the drive motor is a solenoid motor (M) integrated into the pump housing (G).
US08550855B2
An electrical connector for connecting with an electrical card comprises a plurality of signal terminal modules and at least one ground terminal. Each of the plurality of signal terminal modules having a pair of signal terminal and an insulation body. Each of the pair of signal terminals include a first contact portion, a first securing portion, and a first connection portion positioned between the first contact portion and the first securing portion. The insulation body is overmolded to each first connection portion of the pair of signal terminals. The ground terminal includes a pair of second contact portions, a second securing portion, and a second connection portion positioned between the pair of second contact portions and the second securing portion. The insulation body includes openings positioned to correspond to each of the pair of signal terminals, with a portion of each of the pair of signal terminals is exposed.
US08550854B2
An edge connector is disclosed, having a configuration in which board contacting portions of terminals coming into contact with both ends of the board are displaced, an overall spring portion of each terminal applying an biasing force to the board contacting portions are displaced, and the surface of a cover member displacing the spring portion is configured as a sloped surface. Due to this configuration, it is possible to apply a stable biasing force to the board contacting portion without plastically deforming the terminals and to bring the board contacting portion of the terminal into secure contact with the board even when the thickness of the board varies greatly.
US08550852B2
The invention relates to an electrical connector that includes an insulating connector housing containing a plurality of slots arranged in a matrix of rows and columns. A plurality of single ended contacts is received in the slots. In particular, the single ended contacts are arranged in pairs in said slots of said matrix, such that, in a first row, a first pair of said contacts accommodates slots in a first column and a second column of said matrix and, in a second row adjacent to said first row, a second pair of said contacts accommodates slots in said second column and a third column of said matrix, wherein positions corresponding respectively to the first row and the third column, and to the first column and the second row are free of contact.
US08550851B2
An electronic element-incorporating connector (10) has two bus bars (30) mounted side-by-side in a housing (40) and an electronic element (20) with lead wires (22) at both ends of an electronic element body (21). The lead wires (22) are welded to element connection parts (31) of the bus bars (30). The element connection parts (31) project from an upper surface of the housing (40). Each lead wire (22) has a straight part (23) adjacent the resistance element body (21) and a bend (25) between the straight part (23) and the element connection part (31).
US08550848B2
An electrical connector assembly (100) comprises: a housing (1) having a rear body portion (12) and a front mating portion (13), two paralleled printed circuit boards (2) disposed in the housing and positioned by the housing, two cables (4) respectively electrically connected to the two printed circuit boards, a spacer (3) sandwiched between the two printed circuit boards and positioned by the housing, a metallic holder (8) surrounding the body portion, and a metallic gasket (9) surrounding a rear section of the mating portion. The metallic gasket has a number of ribs (135) around a front end thereof and the housing has on an outer surface thereof a plurality of slits receiving the ribs (95).
US08550841B2
A connector is provided in which the number of components required for connecting operation can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost and weight thereof can be reduced. A connector housing 11 has an opening portion 11A that accommodates a mating connector when the connector is engaged with the mating connector. The connector housing 11 supports a flat cable 40 so that one end of the flat cable where the conductors 41 are exposed by removing the insulating sheath is arranged at the opening portion 11A. At least one of the conductors 41 exposed at the one end of the flat cable 40 is brought into contact with a terminal of the mating connector when the connector is engaged with the mating connector.
US08550835B2
A connector having a nut-body continuity element is provided, wherein the nut-body continuity element electrically couples a nut and a connector body, thereby establishing electrical continuity between the nut and the connector body. Furthermore, the nut-body continuity element facilitates grounding through the connector, and renders an electromagnetic shield preventing ingress of unwanted environmental noise.
US08550830B1
A connector for interconnecting three busway sections is described. The connector includes a stack of substantially “T” shaped plate conductors. At least two of the plate conductors are separated from one another by an insulator plate. The stack has a first end configured to couple to a first busway section, a second end configured to couple to a second busway section, and a third end configured to couple to a third busway section. The connector includes a top cover plate, a bottom cover plate, a top insulator plate, and a bottom insulator plate. The top insulator plate couples the top cover plate to the stack and the bottom insulator plate couples the bottom cover plate to the stack.
US08550828B2
A USB connector is disclosed, which includes a first insulating body, a second insulating body, a plurality of first and second terminals, a first cover, and a second cover. A first module is defined by the first insulating body, the first terminals, and the first cover. A second module is defined the by second insulating body, the second terminals, and the second cover. The first and second modules are movably coupled relative to each other, for using independently or jointly.
US08550815B2
Templates are disclosed that permit an orthodontist to accurately place appliances such as bracket shims or brackets on a tooth or teeth at a desired position. The templates can be used for accurately locating the position of other dental or orthodontic procedures, such as varnishing, tooth etching and root canals. The templates are made from a flexible sheet of material adapted to be adhered directly to the surface of the tooth or teeth. The sheet of material is formed with the outline of the tooth or teeth or in the shape of the tooth to allow the template to be posited in a proper, reference position. The sheet of material is also formed with one or more marks indicating the location of the bracket on the tooth, for example one mark indicting the bracket base location and other marks indicating the orientation of the base and bracket slot. The mark indicating the bracket base is punched out or otherwise removed from the sheet to provide a void in the template, enabling the user to directly bond the bracket to the tooth at the location of the void. Also disclosed is a method of verifying the accuracy of the placement of the template on the teeth of a patient.
US08550813B2
An apparatus having a shrouded funnel for fueling. A flow barrier is provided in the funnel that controls vapor release from a fuel canister and allows for refueling of liquid fuel without touching the apparatus.
US08550807B2
A mold is provided for forming a continuously-extruded parison into a corrugated pipe. The mold includes a mold housing having a plurality of bores, a mold cavity having a plurality of annular corrugations, and a plurality of punches. Each punch is disposed in one of the bores and aligned with one of the annular corrugations of the mold cavity. Each punch is also configured to form an aperture in a corrugation of a corrugated pipe in the mold. A continuous extrusion blow molding system and a method are also provided for forming a hollow plastic product and punching a continuously-extruded, blow molded product before it is released from a mold.
US08550806B2
Described herein is a mold. The mold includes a first mold half and a second mold half. A molding cavity is definable between the first mold half and the second mold half within which a molded article is moldable. The mold also includes a core configured to form a seal on the molded article. The first mold half and the second mold half are configured to remain in a mold closed configuration with molding and stripping of the molded article.
US08550800B2
It is an object to prevent dies from interfering with each other when the dies are closed and effectively prevent overshoot of cavity temperature while efficiently performing heating of the dies. In an injection molding machine for two-material molding including two sets of a first injecting unit and a second injecting unit that respectively plasticize different resin materials and inject and fill the resin materials, prior to performing injection molding on the first injecting unit side on a secondary side, after injection molding on the second injecting unit side on a primary side, heating of the dies is started before 180-degree rotation of a rotary die plate is completed. After the start of heating, until the 180-degree rotation of the rotary die plate is completed, i.e., die closing is performed, die temperatures are maintained within a temperature range set higher than die temperatures during the heating start and lower than die temperatures during injection.
US08550796B2
An internal gear fluidic machine, in particular a pump for the lubrication circuit of a motor vehicle engine, comprises an operating part including an external gear (2) and an internal gear (4), which is housed within an axial cavity (25) of the external gear (2) and meshes with the latter. The external gear (2) is associated with a translating mechanism (8, 22), arranged to cause an axial sliding thereof relative to the internal gear (4) in order to vary the capacity and the fluid flow rate of the machine. The translating mechanism (8, 22) defines a first capacity, adjustment space (24) in communication with a high pressure chamber (48) of the machine, and a second capacity adjustment space (15) where pressure conditions exist that are dependent on the operating conditions of an element, different from the high pressure chamber (48), of a fluidic circuit in which the machine (1) is connected. The translating mechanism (8, 22) causes the sliding of the external gear (2) in response to the pressure conditions existing in the first or the second capacity adjustment spaces (24, 15), or in response to the combination of the pressure conditions existing in both spaces. The invention also concerns a method of varying the capacity of an internal gear fluidic machine.
US08550794B2
A double acting dual stroke fluid pump with pressure assists is disclosed. First and second pistons are mounted to a common shaft which reciprocates within first and second cavities during compression and suction strokes. The second piston may have a one way valve which opens and closes during the compression and suction strokes to enable the fluid pump to force fluid out of the outlet during both the compression and suction strokes.
US08550789B2
The present invention discloses a linear compressor which makes it possible to precisely operate a voltage using a current without having a high-capacity capacitor connected in series to a motor. The linear compressor comprises a mechanical unit including a fixed member having a compression space therein, a movable member linearly reciprocated in the fixed member to compress a refrigerant sucked into the compression space, one or more springs provided to elastically support the movable member in the motion direction of the movable member, and a motor connected to the movable member to linearly reciprocate the movable member in the axial direction, and an electric control unit including a rectification unit receiving AC power and outputting a DC voltage, an inverter unit receiving the DC voltage, converting the DC voltage to an AC voltage according to a control signal, and supplying the AC voltage to the motor, a current sensing unit sensing a current flowing between the motor and the inverter unit, an integrator circuit unit integrating a voltage corresponding to the current from the current sensing unit, and a control unit receiving an integrated value from the integrator circuit unit and controlling the AC voltage applied to the motor to permit the reciprocation of the movable member.
US08550785B2
A cooling fluid metering system for a turbine blade of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The cooling fluid metering system may include a cooling channel positioned between a root of a turbine blade and an offset rotor sealing plate for supplying cooling fluids to turbine blades. At one point, a portion of the cooling channel may include a gap between the root and the offset rotor sealing plate. The gap may be sealed with teardrop shaped seal positioned within a teardrop shaped cavity at the gap. The cavity and seal may be positioned such that during operation, the seal is forced radially outward and into the gap, thereby effectively metering cooling fluid flow through the cooling channel.
US08550784B2
A longitudinal stack of gas turbine engine rotor disks each include an annular spacer which transmits compressive preloading of the stack to an adjacent disk, the spacer and an annular shoulder on the disk rim defining an annular slot which accommodates the base of a segmented annular blade cluster which shields the rim from some of the heat associated with the flow of working fluid around the disks.
US08550783B2
A system and method of extending the useable life of a gas turbine blade is disclosed in which the gas turbine blade includes an undercut configuration designed to relieve mechanical and thermal stress imparted into the pedestal region of the airfoil trailing edge. The embodiments of the present invention include turbine blade configurations having different trailing edge undercut configurations as well as additional cooling supplied to the internal passages of the trailing edge region of the turbine blade.
US08550776B2
A vane includes a composite airfoil having chordwise spaced apart forward and aft dovetail feet at or near leading and trailing edges of the airfoil. Each foot includes a shank connecting a dovetail root to an airfoil base and each root is slidably received in a dovetail slot in an inner vane mount. The dovetail slot has a triangular slot cross section and a flat slot bottom and flat slot pressure and suction side crush faces corresponding to pressure and suction sides of the airfoil. The dovetail root having a triangular root cross section and a flat root bottom and flat dovetail root pressure and suction side crush faces. A biasing means urges the root bottom of the dovetail roots away from the slot bottom and presses and preloads the dovetail root pressure and suction side crush faces against the slot pressure and suction side slot crush faces.
US08550775B2
A compressor for a turbocharger having a compressor wheel with compressor blades, and being mounted for rotation on a shaft. The compressor has a shroud mounted adjacent the wheel and defining a gas flow path between the shroud and the blades from a compressor inlet to a diffuser outlet. In cross-section the shroud has a surface in the flow path, the surface having a profile that includes a section with a smoothly curving surface and at least one relative discontinuity forming a downstream-facing face.
US08550771B2
An inducer for vertical flow, cryogenic liquid centrifugal pumps comprising a stationary outer housing portion having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet located at a lower end and the outlet located at an upper end, the housing further having an inner wall portion with one or more spiral grooves formed in the inner wall portion, the grooves defining a hollow opening in the inner wall portion that spiral in a first direction, and an inner rotating impeller mounted on a rotating center shaft, the impeller having at least one curved blade which defines a curved, helicoid plane surface in which the slope of the plane increases as the distance from the center axis increases, the impeller rotating in a second direction which is in counter rotation to the first direction.
US08550766B2
Method and apparatus for aligning a small-size component with vacuum pick-up nozzles within turrets used with electronic components or assembly equipments. The method comprises the steps of picking-up the component with a pick-up nozzle; measuring a position of the component in respect to a defined value; bringing the component held by the pick-up nozzle in contact with a aligning device; holding the component with the aligning device and; moving the aligning device in order to align the component based on the position measurement.
US08550765B2
An apparatus for transferring and accepting glass substrate plates includes a double fork gripper having two superimposed, individual fork grippers that are movable relative to one another perpendicular to their extension planes. The fork grippers may be inserted simultaneously therewith into a receiving station having at least two depositing planes so that relative movement of the individual fork grippers perpendicular to their extension planes transfers a glass substrate plate to the receiving station and receives another plate from the receiving station.
US08550759B2
A joining element to be anchored in an object with the aid of a thermoplastic material and mechanical vibration comprises a sealing portion and a wall anchoring portion. The sealing portion is substantially cylindrical and has a smooth circumferential surface. The wall anchoring portion has a circumferential surface which comprises the thermoplastic material and energy directors. A cross section of the sealing portion envelops the cross section (including energy directors) of the wall anchoring portion and is arranged adjoining to the latter on its proximal side. The joining element is anchored in an opening provided in the object wherein a cross section of the opening corresponds to the cross section of the sealing portion of the joining element such that the latter can be forced into a mouth of the opening resulting in a press fit. For anchoring the joining element in the opening, mechanical vibrations e.g. ultrasonic vibrations are coupled into the joining element and the latter is forced into the opening until at least a distal part of the sealing portion is positioned within the opening. Thereby, the thermoplastic material of the circumferential surface of the wall anchoring portion is liquefied and pressed into the opening wall, wherein the sealing portion prevents the liquefied material to penetrate through the mouth and therefore the mouth remains clear cut, i.e. does not get blurred by the liquefied material.
US08550755B2
Disclosed is a tap driver and tap driver system for rigid tapping, which includes a unique flexure system. In some embodiments, an integrated flexure component and housing configuration provides and may provide both a more economical and a universal configuration of the tap driver flexure component that allows the central body to be integrated with and into different types of tap drivers.
US08550739B1
A shaving cream applicator brush system has a stationary disk, a rotatable brush body with a plurality of cartridge slots, a tapered stationary cover, and a brush head having bristles. The system has a cartridge that is inserted into the cartridge slot, with a tapered cartridge first end with a cartridge opening and a cartridge membrane that is able to be ruptured on a cartridge tip, a flat cartridge second end, a cylindrical cartridge body, and a cartridge hollow cavity inside. The cartridge has a pressure means to dispose a load of shaving cream from the cartridge through the ruptured cartridge membrane and the cartridge opening. Shaving cream is transported from a cartridge hollow cavity through a cartridge opening, through a stationary disk channel, through a stationary disk tubing extension, into the brush head for use by a user.
US08550734B2
A transportation guide mechanism and a recording device having the transportation guide mechanism can smoothly and stably discharge sheet media without impairing the ease of maintenance. The transportation guide mechanism 61 is disposed between the paper exit 4 of a paper feed mechanism 3 that can open and close to the printing unit 2 and a ticket transportation path 12 through which recording paper P discharged from the paper feed mechanism 3 passes, and guides the recording paper P discharged from the paper exit 4 to the ticket transportation path 12. The transportation guide mechanism 61 has a bottom guide panel 63 that renders the guide path 64 through which the recording paper P can pass. The bottom guide panel 63 is supported so that it is pushed by the paper feed mechanism 3 opening and closing to the printing unit 2 and can be displaced to a position outside the path of paper feed mechanism 3 movement.
US08550732B2
An intermediate transfer medium conveying device conveys an intermediate transfer medium by a drive force of one DC motor, in a normal feed direction where the intermediate transfer medium is wound on a winding reel and in a reverse feed direction where the intermediate transfer medium is wound on a feeding reel. The intermediate transfer medium conveying device includes a winding shaft that drives the winding reel during normal feed where the intermediate transfer medium is conveyed in the normal feed direction, a feeding shaft driving the feeding reel during reverse feed where the intermediate transfer medium is conveyed in the reverse feed direction, transmission means for normal feed that transmits a drive force of the DC motor to the winding shaft during the normal feed, and transmission means for reverse feed that transmits a drive force of the DC motor to the feeding shaft during the reverse feed.
US08550731B2
A blade drive device includes: a board including an optical path opening; a blade including a plurality of openings; a first drive source that swings the blade to move toward and away from the optical path opening; and a second drive source that changes a position of a swinging fulcrum of the blade relative to the board. The first drive source includes a first rotor and a first transmitting portion transmitting a rotation of the first rotor to the blade. The second drive source includes a second rotor and a second transmitting portion transmitting a rotation of the second rotor to the blade. The blade includes a cam slot engaging the first transmitting portion and a fitting hole into which the second transmitting portion slidably fits.
US08550729B2
A shutter device and an image capturing apparatus including the shutter device are provided. The shutter device includes at least one shutter blade assembly, each of the at least one shutter blade assembly including at least one shutter blade that opens and closes the shutter opening and a driving link that drives the shutter blades, and at least one actuators for rotating the driving link, wherein a rotation center of the actuator is eccentric from a rotation center of the driving link.
US08550711B2
Lesion positioner systems and, which perform positioning of a lesion A by moving a top board for allowing a subject to be placed thereon, set an isocenter of a diagnostic 3D imaging unit as a virtual isocenter at the time when a treatment table is in a 3D imaging diagnosis position, and positions the lesion A to the virtual isocenter, based on a three-dimensional diagnostic image in consideration of particle beam therapy. A treatment table moving mechanism moves the treatment table to the treatment position relative to the particle beam therapy system while maintaining states of the top board and the lesion positioner systems and at the time of positioning, thereby positioning the lesion A to the isocenter of the particle beam therapy system.
US08550710B2
In a sample cell that is sealed with an X-ray transmission sheet after a sample such as a liquid fuel or the like is contained therein, when an internal pressure is increased, a cup end surface is deformed so as to increase an internal capacity of the sample cell before the X-ray transmission sheet serving as a window part is expanded. The cup end surface is formed by folding a film-like material and, when the internal pressure of the sample cell is increased, the cup end surface is unfolded outwardly of the sample cell to increase the internal capacity of the sample cell. The increase in pressure is relieved by the increase in capacity, and the expansion of the X-ray transmission sheet is thereby prevented.
US08550693B2
A device for preparation of a water-fuel emulsion comprises a blending chamber, as well as a fuel nozzle and a water nozzle for supply of respective mediums in the chamber. A nozzle that ensures boiling of water is used as the water nozzle. The water nozzle comprises an inlet and outlet sections that are respectively convergent and divergent in the direction of medium flow, between which the minimal cross-section of the nozzle is located. The generatrix of a fore part of the divergent section of the nozzle has a concave shape in relation to the axis of the nozzle in the critical cross-section of the nozzle. The water nozzle is located on a longitudinal axis of the chamber while the fuel nozzle is located in line with the water nozzle and is shaped as a ring enveloping an end part of the water nozzle.
US08550689B2
A backlight assembly includes a light emitting part, a light guide plate, a bracket and receiving container. The light emitting part generates light. The light guide plate includes a first side surface which receives the light, and a second side surface adjacent to the first side surface. The bracket is fixed to the second side surface of the light guide plate. The receiving container includes a bottom, and a sidewall perpendicularly extending from the bottom, and receives the light emitting part and the light guide plate. The sidewall includes combining portions which are combined with the bracket.
US08550688B2
A backlight assembly includes a light generating unit, a receiving member, an optical member, and a frame member. The receiving member includes a receiving part receiving the light generating unit, a supporting part extending from the receiving part, and a protrusion portion protruded from the supporting part. The optical member is guided to a predetermined position on the supporting part by the protrusion portion, and diffuses the light provided from the light generating unit. The frame member includes a fixing part coupled with the supporting part and protruded from a surface of the frame member facing the supporting part. The fixing part prevents the optical member from moving in a direction substantially parallel to an upper surface of the supporting part.
US08550686B2
A display panel and a light source device used therein are provided. The display panel includes a light-guide thin-film circuit substrate, a light source and a polarizing layer. The light-guide thin-film circuit substrate has a light entrance end and a light exit top surface, and the light source is disposed corresponding to the light entrance end. The polarizing layer is disposed on the light-guide thin-film circuit substrate and parallels the light exit top surface of the light-guide thin-film circuit substrate. The light produced by the light source enters the circuit substrate through the light entrance end, guided and transmitted through the circuit substrate, and then leaves the circuit substrate through the light exit top surface and enters the polarizing layer. The light after passing through the polarizing layer is turned into a polarized light having flat light source effect as a backlight source for the system.
US08550678B2
A headlight for a motor vehicle with light unit for daytime and nighttime front navigation light and a supplemental distance light unit, in addition to an at least one optical module (3), with light source (2). The light sources (61, 62) of the supplemental unit (7) are supplied with alternating electric current, for creation of the front nighttime navigation light when supplied with low electric current, or the front daytime navigation light when supplied with medium electric current, and when supplied with the highest electric current, a supplemental distance beam in addition to the distance light beam emerging from the optical module (3).
US08550673B1
A secondary lighting system for providing light to a motorcycle when the motorcycle tilts in a turn having a light base with a front and a back surface and an inner cavity, a light component in the front surface, a tilt sensor in the inner cavity adapted to detect a tilt angle of a motorcycle, a microprocessor in the inner cavity operatively connected to the tilt sensor and to the light component, wherein when the tilt sensor detects a tilt angle that is greater than a pre-programmed threshold the tilt sensor sends an input signal to the microprocessor whereupon the microprocessor sends an output command to the light component to activate the light component, the light component emits light at a lighting angle.
US08550666B2
There is disclosed a lighting that has an electronic module capable of repaired and replaced easily and efficiently and that can prevent foreign substances from being drawn therein, with enhanced spatial utilization.
US08550662B2
The light source module provided by the present invention includes a base plate and a plurality of LED lights arranged on the base plate. These LED lights are distributed on the base plate in such manner that all of the light centers of the LED lights define together a triangle shape. An angle of 50-70 degree is defined between a LED light and two adjacent LED lights. The present invention has many advantages. For example, because the LED lights are distributed in a triangle arrangement, the dark regions are reduced effectively. Moreover, alternative dark and bright strips are eliminated. In addition, the base plates can be assembled quickly by means of the connective members.
US08550657B2
The present invention relates generally to a methodology of maintaining correlated color temperature (CCT) of light beam from lighting means by having a processing means to instruct several lighting means groups, wherein each group has different CCT ranges, that are arranged together, to provide light beam of intended CCT, if the CCT of light beam from the lighting means that are reflected back using reflecting means, which are captured and converted to binary data by the sensory means are different from the intended CCT.
US08550649B2
A system and method of illuminating a portable object even when the object is otherwise well illuminated by ambient light. Retroreflective material is provided on the exterior of the portable object. The retroreflective material may be pigmented to absorb most light and reflects only light within a predetermined frequency range. An illumination assembly is provided that contains a first light source and a second light source. The first light source and the second light source are positioned a short distance apart so that they produce stereoscopic beams of light. Each of the stereoscopic beams of light is monochromatic. Furthermore, the frequency of each of the stereoscopic beams of light falls within the predetermined frequency range. When the stereoscopic beams of light strike the retroreflective material, it shines even in bright ambient light.
US08550639B2
A cover device is described for a micro-optomechanical component having a substrate which has a maximum surface whose surface area is equal to or greater than a single surface area of any other surface of the substrate, and having at least one window, made of a light-transmitting material, which is inclined with respect to the maximum surface of the substrate, the at least one window being situated within at least one continuous opening provided in the substrate. A manufacturing method for a cover device for a micro-optomechanical component is also described. Furthermore, a micro-optomechanical component and a manufacturing method for a micro-optomechanical component are described.
US08550637B2
A projector includes: an outer housing which forms an external case; and a foot attached to the outer housing and brought into contact with an installation surface when the projector is placed on the installation surface, wherein the foot includes a foot main body which contacts the installation surface, and a rotational member supported rotatably with respect to the outer housing in such a condition that at least a part of the rotational member is exposed to the outside of the outer housing, and the foot main body engages with the rotational member and shifts in the direction along a rotation axis of the rotational member in accordance with rotation of the rotational member.
US08550633B2
A projection-type image display apparatus that enlarges and displays an image includes: a case, a laser light source, a cooling mechanism that includes a component that produces vibration during operation, a diffuser that diffuses light that is emitted from the laser light source, optics that shape light diffused by the diffuser to light having a uniform luminance distribution and rectangular cross-section, and an optical modulation element that modulates light shaped by the optics; wherein the component included in the cooling mechanism and the diffuser are connected by way of a vibration transmitting member.
US08550632B2
A camera crane mobile base has a drive motor assembly at each corner of a chassis. The drive motor assemblies may have an electric motor linked to an axle via gearing, and one or more wheels attached to the axle. The electric motors may be separately controlled to propel and steer the mobile base. A column is pivotally attached to the chassis and pivotal in lateral and longitudinal directions via actuators. The drive motor assemblies may be removed from the chassis for storage or transport. With the drive motor assemblies installed, the mobile base is highly stable and maneuverable. With the drive motor assemblies removed, the chassis is narrow enough to fit through a typical doorway. Steering systems may be linked to the drive motor assemblies at the front and/or rear of the chassis, to allow steering control of the mobile base in corrective, crab and/or round steering modes. The chassis may optionally have an upward curvature from either end towards the center location.
US08550630B2
A macular region visual defect index calculation apparatus including: visual field probe screen generating means; fixation image displaying and controlling means; probe region setting means; probe points setting means; visual target displaying and controlling means; first counting means; second detection means; second counting means; and visual defect index calculation means for dividing the number of times counted and stored on a memory device by the second counting means, by the total number counted and stored on a memory device by the first counting means; wherein the probe region being locally set mainly in macular region. So, according to the present invention of a macular region visual defect index calculation apparatus, a ratio of visual defect region to macular region can be calculated as an index, and the degree of visual defect against macular region can be numerically grasped.
US08550626B2
The present invention relates to an instrument for eye (E) examination, the system including an imaging system (2) to produce images of a portion of the eye to be examined; a projection system (3) to project a stimulus of visible light on a location in the portion of the eye to be examined and a background light on the portion of the eye to be examined; in which the projection system (3) has a telecentric design to uniformly project the stimulus and the background and includes a light source (114) and a movable mirror (112) which is moved according to the location of stimulus projection.
US08550621B2
An adjustable visual optical element is provided, which may be supported, for example, by an eyeglass. The optical element is preferably adjustable in each of the X, Y, and Z axes to allow the wearer to optimize projection of the optical element. A view axis of the display is preferably also angularly adjustable with respect to a wearer's straight ahead normal line of sight. Source electronics may be carried onboard the eyeglasses, or may be connectable to the eyeglasses via either a hardwire, optical guide, or radiofrequency link.
US08550620B2
Frame hinge and side arm, eyeglass frame with multiple wearer connections and improved spectacle kit
A spectacle kit is disclosed having a protective mask insert and detachable means for attaching a spectacle frame to the protective mask insert, by snapping the receiver onto an insert clip. Notch attachments connect a holding strap at each horizontal end of the spectacle frame so that the spectacle kit can be worn around the wearer's head external from the protective mask. Each front piece end also has a hinge and side arm combination, each hinge having a back wall, top region, bottom region and connector pin between that forms an arcuate-shaped gap between each back wall and connector pin. Each side arm for that hinge comprises an elongate side that terminates in a region fitting over the wearer's ear; and an arcuate region for fitting into the gap between the hinge back wall and connector pin when: (i) positioned at an angle between about 20 and 75 degrees relative to the main frame body; (ii) slid into the gap; and (iii) rotated about the connector pin away from the main frame.
US08550619B2
A removable lens eyewear system is provided that substantially prevents accidental or unintended removal, axial movement, linear movement, and rotational movement of a removable lens relative to an eyewear frame, such as in a side-to-side, up-and-down, back-and-forth, and rotational direction, as well as the unintended disconnection of the removable lens from the eyewear frame, while at the same time providing easy, one-handed operation for the engagement and disengagement of the removable lens from the system.
US08550613B2
A liquid ejecting head having a forward passage system extending from a liquid inlet opening to liquid-droplet ejecting nozzles, a first filter and a second filter disposed in series with each other in the forward passage system to capture foreign matters in the liquid, such that the first filter is located upstream of the second filer as seen in a direction of flow of the liquid through the forward passage system, a first return passage system extending from one of opposite surfaces of the first filter which is on an upstream side as seen in the direction of flow of the liquid, to a first liquid outlet opening different from the inlet opening, and a second return passage system extending from one of opposite surfaces of the second filter which is on an upstream side as seen in the direction of flow of the liquid, to a second liquid outlet opening different from the first outlet opening.
US08550612B2
An inkjet printing apparatus is provided with a one-way valve to enable a single conduit to supply ink to an ink reservoir and withdraw purged ink from a receptacle into the ink reservoir. A bi-directional pump is operated in both directions in an alternating manner to withdraw ink from the receptacle when supplying the ink reservoir with ink.
US08550608B2
An ink cartridge for an inkjet recording apparatus includes a membrane for sealing an opening from which air flows out to atmosphere and introduced into an ink chamber. The membrane has a gas-permeable and liquid-impermeable characteristic. A characteristic recapture enhancement section is provided for enhancing recapturement of the gas-permeable and liquid-impermeable characteristic of the membrane. This section is operable when ink from the ink chamber clings to the membrane.
US08550606B2
In a liquid ejecting apparatus, sub-ink-tanks and a connection end of a sub-ink-tank accommodation unit are connected through a fixation portion and a connection pin. The sub-ink-tanks are fixed to a tank accommodation portion by way of small screws being respectively screwed, through through-holes and of the sub-ink-tanks, into threaded apertures.
US08550599B2
A process for producing a liquid ejection head including a recording element substrate, an electrical wiring substrate provided with plural lead terminals, a support member provided with a concavity and a joining surface, and a sealant control wall arranged between a side surface of the recording element substrate and a side surface of the support member, the process including preparing a liquid ejection head in which the concavity and recording element substrate are mutually fixed, the joining surface and electrical wiring substrate are mutually fixed, and the lead terminals and connection terminal are mutually connected, and filling the sealant between the side surface of the recording element substrate and the side surface of the sealant control wall on the side of the recording element substrate followed by filling the sealant between a side surface of the sealant control wall on the side of the lead terminals and the lead terminals.
US08550593B2
A printer has a pair of frame panels that support the ends of a carriage guide shaft, a carriage that carries a print head, a carriage drive motor, and first and second pulleys on which a belt connected to the carriage is mounted. The first and second pulleys limit the range of bidirectional carriage movement so that the maximum width of carriage movement is substantially equal to the width between the pair of frame panels. A tube that carries ink to the print head is disposed curving in a U-shape in the direction of the width between the pair of frame panels. The carriage drive motor is disposed in the space in which the tube is located in the space on the opposite side as the direction in which the tube curves, and the drive shaft of the carriage drive motor is perpendicular to the scanning plane of the carriage.
US08550592B2
A fluid ejecting apparatus includes: a rotating body which rotates while holding a medium at its circumferential surface; a fluid ejecting section which ejects fluid toward the medium such that a margin is not formed at an end portion of the medium on the circumferential surface in an axial direction of the rotating body; an absorber which absorbs fluid which has come out of the end portion of the medium on the circumferential surface in the axial direction, out of fluid ejected from the fluid ejecting section, at a position further outside than the end portion; and a rotating body driving mechanism for rotating the rotating body, which drives the rotating body such that driving force by the rotating body driving mechanism is not transmitted to the absorber.
US08550573B2
In a brake device, when a piston (38A, 38B) of a slave cylinder (23) seizes at an advanced position, an out-valve (60, 61) is opened to discharge brake fluid in a wheel cylinder (16, 17; 20, 21) to a reservoir (62). Then, an in-valve (54, 56) and the out-valve (60, 61) are both closed, and a pump (64) is activated. This allows the brake fluid in the reservoir (62) to be supplied to a fluid pressure chamber (39A, 39B) of the slave cylinder (23), enabling a piston (38A, 38B) of the slave cylinder (23), which has seized at the advanced position, to be pushed back to a retreated position. When the seizure of the piston (38A, 38B) is eliminated in this way, the brake fluid pressure generated in the master cylinder (11) can be supplied to the wheel cylinder (16, 17; 20, 21) via the fluid pressure chamber (39A, 39B) of the slave cylinder (23). Accordingly, it is proposed a method of eliminating seizure of a slave cylinder of a brake device capable of the backup of a failure in the slave cylinder (23).
US08550559B2
A power disc style seat reclining mechanism for a vehicle seat includes a seat base fixed mounted guide disc pivotally connected to a set of pivotal discs. The pivotal discs include an internal disc segment and a seat back attaching member. Within the internal disc is a set of slots that may be actuated by a center shaft that is driven by a motor. When the internal disc is rotated, the desired seat back position is the end result as the motion is discontinued.
US08550555B2
A child restraint includes a base, a seat, and an anchor belt. The anchor belt holds the base in place on a passenger seat of a vehicle. The seat mounts on the base and supports a child or infant for travel in the vehicle above the base.
US08550554B2
In a vehicle seat, two front links and two rear links are pivotally connected between a seat cushion frame and a floor of vehicle. One of the two front links is of a sector shape having an arcuate gear region meshed with a drive pinion. Or alternatively, both of the two front links may be of such sector gear configuration, such that one front link is engaged with the drive pinion and the other front link engaged with a free-to-rotate pinion. Hence, both two front links are robust enough to withstand an excessive great load in the case of rear-end collision. By contrast, the two rear links are simply prone to deformation by the excessive great load. Accordingly, the excessive great load is to be intensively exerted upon those two rear links which will in turn be deformed quickly to absorb a corresponding excessive great impact.
US08550552B2
A vehicle seat is provided where an urging element(s) is engaged with a shock reducing member in an optimum state under a normal seating load or in a rear-end collision, a number of parts can be reduced without using a separate member to mount the urging element(s), and at the same time, a high degree of design freedom is created. The seat comprises a seat back frame, a headrest, a pressure receiving member connected to the seat back frame via a connecting member to move independently from the headrest, a rotating member that is disposed on a side part on each side and is connected to the connecting member to rotate independently from the headrest, and a spring mounted to the rotating member and the seat back frame. At least one of mounting parts is formed integrally with the rotating member or the seat back frame.
US08550551B2
A bicycle seat height adjustment method is provided for changing a height of a bicycle seat. The method includes operating an operating device to output a seat raising or lowering command to adjust the seat height. The method further includes releasing the operating device after the operating of the operating device. If a raising command has been outputted, then the method further includes raising the bicycle seat to a higher seat position than a previous seat position existing immediately prior to the seat raising command after releasing the operating device. If a lowering command has been outputted, then the method further includes lowering the bicycle seat to a lower seat position that is lower than a previous seat position existing immediately prior to the seat lowering command after releasing the operating device.
US08550550B2
A snack holder includes a generally cylindrical cup sized and shaped lower section and a larger container or multiple container upper or adjacent section for holding snack foods or additional cups. The snack holder may be combined with a tray comprised of at least first and second cup shaped cylindrical sections joined by a web and compatibly sized to receive and support the snack holder as well as to fit into a cup holder in the arm rest of a seat.
US08550549B2
A fold and tumble seat assembly includes a seat cushion having an underside that forms a floor surface when the seat cushion is rotated to a stowed position, and a seat flap attached to the underside of the seat cushion for bridging a gap formed between the seat cushion and an adjacent vehicle floor surface when the seat cushion is in the stowed position. The flap includes a protruding tip adjacent a distal end thereof for facilitating sliding movement of the distal end along the adjacent vehicle floor surface when the seat cushion is rotated.
US08550547B1
A transformable chair equipped with a movable deck comprises a frame, a movable unit and two chair units. The frame includes two posts, a transverse bar rotatably coupled with the two posts and two holding bars connected to the transverse bar. The movable unit includes a movable deck and a movable rack pivotally coupled with the movable deck and holding bars. The two chair units are pivotally coupled with the two posts and form a second rotary displacement against the frame. The movable deck has a moving displacement against the two posts. The movable rack can proceed a flipping displacement during the moving displacement against the two holding bars to drive the two holding bars to form a first rotary displacement so that the movable deck can form an unfolding state away from the transverse bar and a folding state leaning on the transverse bar.
US08550545B1
The present disclosure relates to a vehicle, having: a front-end support frame, including: a driver side rail; and a first bend in the driver side rail configured to change a vertical position of the driver side rail. The driver side rail has a circular cross-sectional configuration in the first bend and a non-circular cross-sectional configuration in another portion of the rail.
US08550540B1
A device for attaching to and covering an entire blunt nose of a blunt-nosed trailer that is attached to and spaced behind a towing vehicle without impinging upon the towing vehicle so as to reduce drag of the blunt-nosed trailer when being towed by the towing vehicle by changing the blunt nose of the blunt-nosed trailer to a lateral wedge. The device includes a frame and a skin. The frame is laterally wedge-shaped, is rigid, and is for attaching to the blunt nose of the blunt-nosed trailer without impinging upon the towing vehicle. The skin covets the frame, is rigid, is laterally wedge-shaped, encloses the frame, and is for covering the entire blunt nose of the blunt-nosed trailer so as to reduce drag of the blunt-nosed trailer when being towed by the towing vehicle by changing the blunt nose of the blunt-nosed trailer to a lateral wedge.
US08550525B2
A tool and process for handling a pliant comestible are disclosed. The tool includes a tool body including a recessed mold and a plurality of cavities. The tool body is configured to position the pliant comestible and retain the pliant comestible within the recessed mold.
US08550514B2
A snow flap for a snowmobile functions as a removable snow shovel blade. The handle may be used as a pivot attachment for the blade to the snowmobile and may be alternatively attached to the blade in a different orientation for use as a shovel. Quick release attachment of the blade to the rear of the snowmobile permits ease of use.
US08550513B2
A gardening apparatus for manipulating soil and/or cutting plants is disclosed, which comprises an implement being made of at least one rigid material, such as steel or plastic, at least one copper rich material coving at least one working surface area of the implement, and a plurality of metal metal alloy buttons containing desired metal elements being fixed on the implement, wherein during an intended use of the gardening apparatus abrasions between the gardening apparatus and the soil and/or plants cause particles of both the at least one copper rich material and plurality of metal metal alloy buttons to be removed therefrom.
US08550510B2
A vehicle bumper is provided that can increase the rigidity while ensuring a superior drainage capability in the vicinity of the location where the bumper is attached to a side face member. A vehicle bumper includes a middle portion extending in vehicle width direction, two lateral portions extending from the two ends of the middle portion towards side face members (front fender panels), an upper flange protruding inward, with respect to a vehicle body, from an upper edge of the lateral portions, an attachment flange that is continuous with the upper flange near an end of the lateral portions and protruding further inside the vehicle body than the upper flange, a long groove formed by a depression in an upper face of the upper flange, at least one rib that partitions the long groove in vehicle width direction into depressions, and water drainage holes formed in the depressions.
US08550507B2
A tilt latch system that comprises an actuator movable from a first position to a second position; a lock-out member movable from a retracted position to an extended position upon movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position; and an engagement member movable from an engaged position to a disengaged position upon movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position is provided. The actuator and the engagement member are maintained in the second and disengaged positions, respectively, when the lock-out member is in the extended position. The actuator and the engagement member are automatically biased to the first position and the engaged position, respectively, upon movement of the lock-out member from the extended to the retracted position. The tilt latch system may further comprise a lock-out device and/or be optionally utilized in a modular configuration.
US08550506B2
A multipoint mortise lock mechanism for a swinging door, including a central cassette assembly operably coupled to an upper remote locking point assembly and a lower remote locking point assembly by a remote locking linkage. The central cassette assembly includes a housing, a deadbolt mechanism, a latchbolt mechanism, a remote locking point mechanism and an anti-slam mechanism. The anti-slam mechanism includes an anti-slam plunger that when in an extended position engages the remote locking linkage via a boss and a slot and thereby inhibits movement of the remote locking linkage whereby deployment of the remote locking point assemblies is prevented. The deadbolt mechanism includes a deadbolt extendible from the central cassette that is independently operable from the remote locking point mechanism. The deadbolt mechanism further includes an anti-back drive mechanism.
US08550501B2
A wire-bound product using a double type laminated paper board and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The wire-bound product employs a structure in which inner paper sheets are turned over in the rightward and leftward directions on front plates of a frame, instead a structure in which a plurality of inner paper sheets is turned over toward the rear surface of a frame, thereby allowing a user to see both surfaces of the inner paper sheets. Further, rear plates of the frame are inserted into various positions of a spring to support the front plates, thereby allowing a standing angle of the front plates of the frame to be adjustable.
US08550498B2
An impact-damping structure with crash boxes is provided with an extension of the ends of the chassis members of a vehicle to a transverse impact member. An extension pipe with a towing lug that aligns flush with the chassis member is arranged in a center of one of the crash boxes. The extension pipe is connected with the end of the chassis member via a spreading device of the crash box.
US08550496B2
An airbelt wherein a folded body of a bag-like belt is covered with a cover, and the two are sewn together with tear seams, and wherein the tear seams can be torn without the need to use a high-power inflator when the airbelt is inflated, and an airbelt apparatus employing this airbelt are provided. In one form, a mesh webbing and a mesh cover cover the bag-like belt. A plurality of parts of the airbelt in the longitudinal direction are sewn with the tear seams. The tear seams extend in the width direction of the airbelt and curve so as to be convex toward a tongue.
US08550490B1
A steerable wheelbarrow is described which includes two handles coupled to a tray and two legs coupled to the handles. A mount is also coupled to the handles. A pivot is coupled to the mount at an angle between vertical and horizontal. An axle, having at least one wheel, is coupled to the pivot. A pivot support is coupled to the pivot and to the mount. An axle assembly is described, which may be attached to a regular wheelbarrow. The axle assembly includes a mount and a pivot. The pivot has a first and a second end. The first end is coupled to the mount at an angle between vertical and horizontal. An axle is rotatably coupled to the pivot at a location between the first and the second end of the pivot. A pivot support is coupled to the second end of the pivot and to the mount.
US08550485B2
An above-bed structure having two or more feet is attached into a bed of a truck using inserts which can be removed or retracted to provide a flat, unobstructed truck bed. Each insert includes an above-bed cleat portion and a below-bed peg portion which is received in a below-bed socket. Each insert is received first vertically without substantial rotation into its socket and then by rotation to a terminal point wherein the insert is vertically held by the socket. The above bed structure is then placed onto the inserts such that the feet mate with the inserts to prevent the inserts from rotating away from their terminal point, thus preventing the inserts from being removed from their sockets. The attachment can be completed by inserting mounting pins into aligned holes on the cleat portions and the feet. In one embodiment, the feet are supported on a bed place section of the insert which is offset from the rotational axis of the insert.
US08550481B2
A motor vehicle includes a rear suspension equipped with at least one shock absorber including a by-pass passage for bringing about a damping effect that is different in different portions of the stroke of the plunger of the shock absorber. The shock absorber and the by-pass passage are configured in such a way that the shock absorber produces a maximum damping effect in a final stretch of the stroke of the plunger in the direction of lengthening of the shock absorber, said final stretch of stroke being pre-arranged so as to correspond to the final part of the maximum possible lift of said rear suspension during braking of the motor vehicle.
US08550475B2
A pivotal tray for holding a fuel dispenser and for pivoting the container to dispense the contents thereof. The tray includes a pair of opposing guide rails to accept a container having guide slots formed in opposing sides thereof. The engagement of the guide rails of the tray into the guide slots of the container provide removeable attachment of the container to the tray. The tray can include a front stop against which the container abuts when fully engaged within the tray. The back of the tray can also include a spring-loaded stop that can be depressed downwardly and out of the way when the container is laterally slid into the guide rails of the tray. When released, the spring-loaded stop extends upwardly to form a stop at the back of the container.
US08550470B2
Provided is a positioning apparatus including: a reference member that is serving as a reference for positioning; a support part that supports the reference member; and a first fixing member provided on the support part that fixes the reference member and the support part or releases the fixing. The reference member is connected to the support part in a movable state and fixed to the support part by the first fixing member after a position is determined. The reference member of the positioning apparatus is precisely installed to a reference position.
US08550464B2
Playing cards may be selected based on a desired set of payout or house odds and/or house advantage. The playing cards may be placed into, and/or retrieved from, one or more intermediary playing card receivers in a random or pseudo-random order that is based on the selected payout or house odds and/or house advantage. Intermediary playing card receivers may take the form of carousels having an endless array of card receiving compartments. Each compartment may receive a single playing card at a time. The intermediary playing card receivers may pivot bi-directionally about one or more vertical axes. Playing cards may be loaded into one intermediary playing card receivers while being unloaded from the other.
US08550458B2
A paper feeder according to the present invention includes a paper entrance block arranged above a flapper on au upstream side of a paper feed roller in a paper feeding direction. The flapper is configured to be capable of swinging in a vertical direction so as to alter its position between a first position in which part of a top face thereof on a downstream side in the paper feeding direction comes into contact with the paper feed roller and a second position in which the part thereof is located lower than the first position. The paper entrance block is configured so that when the flapper is in the first position, the lower end thereof comes into contact with the flapper and when the flapper is in the second position, a clearance is formed in a vertical direction between the paper entrance block and the flapper.
US08550456B2
A sheet conveying apparatus and an image forming apparatus capable of high-precision sheet position correction includes a data storage portion that stores, at the time of moving a pair of registration rollers in the width direction, the deficiency quantity of a motion quantity in the width direction and an inclination quantity incurred in the pair of registration rollers with respect to the sheet conveying direction. At the time of correcting a skew feeding of a sheet by a pair of skew feeding correction rollers, a controller adjusts a skew feeding quantity detected by an activation sensor by the inclination quantity stored in the data storage portion, and at the time of moving the pair of registration rollers in the width direction, the controller adjusts the motion quantity by the deficiency quantity of the motion quantity stored in the data storage portion.
US08550455B2
The present invention provides an image forming apparatus which can secure a stacking ability even when a paper is curled.An apex portion is provided downstream in the sheet discharge direction with respect to a center of gravity of the sheets discharged on the discharge tray, and an upstream portion in the sheet discharge direction of the sheet is pushed downward by the image reading apparatus, with respect to a downstream end in the sheet discharge direction of the sheet stacked on the discharge tray, at the downstream portion in the sheet discharge direction with respect to the apex portion of the discharge tray, and the upstream portion of the sheet is pressed by a flag while the downstream portion in the sheet discharge direction of the sheet is bent with the apex portion of the discharge tray.
US08550448B2
According to one embodiment, a decolorizing device includes a first stacker to stack sheets to be decolorized images on the sheets, a second stacker arranged adjacent to the first stacker, wherein the sheets stacked on the first stacker is kept waiting on the second stacker in order to be decolorized the images, a pressing unit to urge the sheets stacked on the second stacker downward and keep the sheets stacked on the second stacker flat, an image decolorizing unit to decolorize the images on the sheets, and a sheet feed unit positioned on an upper surface of the pressing unit to convey the sheets pressed on the pressing unit from the second stacker to the image decolorizing unit.
US08550447B1
An automatic document feeder includes a document input tray, a document discharge tray, a pushing member, and an elastic element. The document discharge tray is disposed under the document input tray. The pushing member is disposed on the document input tray. By pushing the pushing member, the pushing member is swung relative to the document input tray. The elastic element is contacted with the pushing member and the document input tray. The elastic element provides an elastic force to the pushing member. When the pushing member is not pushed, the pushing member is returned to an original position in response to the elastic force. By pushing the pushing member to allow the pushing member to be swung relative to the document input tray, the document discharge tray is exposed through the document input tray. Consequently, the paper sheet can be easily removed from the document discharge tray.
US08550431B2
A shaft connection is provided between a first shaft and a second shaft, the first shaft having a longitudinal axis about which the first shaft can be rotated. The first shaft has a free end which engages into a coupling part which can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the second shaft. The free end of the first shaft is provided with an external profile which engages releasably into an internal profile of the coupling part. The external profile and/or the internal profile are/is configured in each case as a dihedron with two side surfaces which extend substantially parallel to one another. At least one side surface of the external profile and/or one side surface of the internal profile are/is configured in a convex manner in the longitudinal direction of the first shaft and/or the second shaft.
US08550426B2
A dual-motion collar device is described, which elicits an additional motion from an operator when initiating a parking brake release in a vehicle. The collar device comprises top and bottom collars with a compressed and torsionally stressed spring there between, such that the collar device maintains a park brake plunger knob in a locked state. An operator twists the top collar to align interlocking features on the top and bottom collars, and then pushes downward to unlock the collar device. The operator then pushes downward on a park brake plunger knob around which the collar device is installed to actuate a parking brake valve assembly and release the parking brake.
US08550422B1
A gutter guard device that includes an elongate, curved bracket having a hooked portion disposed at a first edge, a first piece disposed from the first edge, said first piece joining a second piece at an approximately 90 degree first bend, the second piece joined to a third piece at an oblique angle at a second bend, and a rubberlike outer portion disposed overlying an exterior side, whereby the gutter guard device releasably attaches to the lip of an extant gutter to cover a section of a gutter thereby so that the pressure of a ladder rested against the gutter is distributed across a section and the gutter is protected thereunder.
US08550408B2
An apparatus and method are disclosed for dual Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) port small satellite designs. The apparatus and method provide payload volume for larger satellites. In one or more embodiments, the apparatus and method include a plurality of small satellite components, a payload adaptor ring, and at least one pivoting hinge system. In at least one embodiment, the plurality of small satellite components includes at least one payload, one bus, and/or one solar panel. The small satellite components are mounted on the payload adaptor ring. At least one pivoting hinge system connects together at least two of the small satellite components. Upon deployment of the small satellite components from the payload adaptor ring, at least one pivoting hinge system combines together at least two small satellite components, thereby creating at least one single larger satellite.
US08550398B2
Optimization of structures subjected to hot gas streams. The invention refers to a fairing (10) for aircraft horizontal stabilizer (3) comprising a front part (11) and a rear part (12), the front part (11) covering a limited extent of the fairing (10) surface, which is the part of the fairing (10) receiving hot air stream (6) coming from the aircraft engines (4), this front part (11) being made of an anti-erosion material, the rear part (12) covering the rest of the surface of the fairing (10), this rear part (12) being made of a material resisting the aerodynamic loads existing on the fairing (10). The invention also refers to an aircraft comprising a horizontal stabilizer (3) with a fairing (10) such as the one described.
US08550392B2
A dual-bearing reel clutch control device includes a tubular clutch cam, a clutch yoke, and a coupling yoke. The tubular clutch cam is configured to be rotated between a coupled position and a decoupled position in conjunction with movement of the clutch operating member between the first position and the second position. The clutch yoke is engaged with the clutch mechanism. The coupling member is configured to couple the tubular clutch cam and the clutch operating member, and configured to rotate the tubular clutch cam between the coupled position and the decoupled position The clutch return mechanism is coupled with the tubular clutch cam and the coupling member. The clutch return member includes a rotation member attached to a rotation shaft of the handle, a clutch return member, and a toggle spring member configured to urge the clutch return member towards either the engaged position or the disengaged position.
US08550386B2
An oil absorbing material is generally provided. The oil absorbing material can includes sorbent particles having an average aspect ratio of about 5 to about 500 and a mean average particle diameter of about 10 μm to about 1 millimeter. The oil absorbing material comprises polypropylene, polyethylene, inorganic filler particles, and absorbent core material. In one embodiment, the sorbent particles can have an average specific surface area of about 0.25 to about 5.0 m2/g and can have a bulk density that is about 0.01 g/cm3 to about 0.8 g/cm3.Processes of making the oil absorbing material are also provided via a solid-state shear pulverization recycling process transforming absorbent article waste into the oil absorbing material. The process can include pulverizing the absorbent article waste to form sorbent particles while cooling the absorbent article waste in an amount sufficient to maintain the absorbent article waste in a solid state.
US08550377B2
The present invention relates to a paint spraying device for spraying various-colored paints, and more specifically, to a paint spraying device which is capable of spraying various-colored paints, individually or in combination, increases spraying efficiency by controlling a paint spray angle, and is easy to carry. The paint spraying device comprises: a spray gun comprising a compressed air insertion pipe connected to a handle which controls the amount of compressed air, and a spray nozzle having a connection part formed on the side thereof provided in front of the compressed air insertion pipe; a paint storage unit comprising a cover provided on the open upper end of a paint storage tank of which the lower end is fixed to the top of the spray gun so as to communicate with the compressed air insertion pipe, a plurality of storage spaces formed inside the paint storage unit which is divided into the plurality of storage spaces by multiple partition plates, and connectors provided on the lower end portions of the storage spaces and communicating with the storage spaces, wherein the connectors are connected to a three-way valve, which has paint discharge valves, with paint discharge tubes in order to discharge the paints from the storage spaces of the paint storage unit; and a discharge unit which discharges the paint by connecting the three-way valve to the connection part.
US08550357B2
An indicia reading system includes: a base adapted for placement on a surface for providing holding stability for a hand held indicia reading device; a post extending vertically from the base; a cradle arm extending from the post over the base, the cradle arm having a side; a first attachment device disposed in the cradle arm for removably attaching an indicia reader on the cradle arm; a second attachment device disposed on the indicia reader to removably attach the indicia reader to the first attachment device.
US08550355B2
An anti-condensation arrangement for an optical apparatus including a window mounted in a housing comprises an isolating member sealed around an end of an image collecting device of the optical apparatus and around a perimeter of the window, the isolating member substantially preventing airflow between a portion of the housing surrounding the isolating member and a space enclosed by the isolating member.
US08550352B2
An exemplary QR barcode decoding chip includes a characteristic searching unit configured for searching for a characteristic pattern in the barcode image to determine pixel coordinates of the characteristic pattern; a barcode parameter acquiring unit configured for acquiring a barcode parameter according to the pixel coordinates of the characteristic pattern; a version/format parameter acquiring unit configured for acquiring a version/format parameter; a correction characteristic acquiring unit configured for searching for a characteristic position in the barcode image and acquiring a correction characteristic according to the characteristic position; a module information processing unit configured for calculating a grayscale value corresponding to a module according to the version/format parameter, the barcode parameter and the correction characteristic; a binarizing unit configured for binarizing the module; a codeword extracting unit configured for extracting a codeword according to the binarized module; and an error correction and decoding unit configured for decoding the codeword.
US08550346B2
Systems and methods allow for intercepting a small, low-altitude and low-velocity target. A system includes a detecting apparatus, a directing control apparatus, an aiming control apparatus, a launch control apparatus, a launching device, and an intercepting device. A method includes: searching and tracking a target by the detecting apparatus in a networking mode, or by the aiming control apparatus in a single-soldier mode; sending target information to the launch control apparatus; performing a trajectory calculation by the launch control apparatus; and launching the intercepting device by the launching device to intercept the target. A low-cost system with a short response time can thus be realized. The target falls with the net at a low velocity under a parachute, and this is desirable in a city environment.
US08550335B2
An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a processor, a memory, and at least one EIR device provided by a bar code reading device, an RFID reading device, an NFC reading device, or a magnetic card reading device. The EIR device can be configured to output raw message data containing an encoded message and/or output decoded message data corresponding to an encoded message. The EIR terminal can further comprise at least one communication interface, a display provided by a built-in display and/or an external display, and a user input device provided by a built-in keyboard and/or an external keyboard. The EIR terminal can be configured to transmit the raw message data and/or the decoded message data to an external computer.
US08550325B2
A surgical stapling apparatus includes a handle assembly and an elongate portion extending distally from the handle assembly. An end effector disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongate portion includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly, wherein at least one of the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly is movable with respect to the other to move the end effector between an open configuration where the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly are substantially spaced and a closed configuration where the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly are closer together. The end effector also includes a clamping assembly including a first clamping surface deployable to extend laterally from the anvil assembly, and a second clamping surface deployable to extend laterally from the cartridge assembly such that, when deployed, the first and second clamping surfaces oppose one another when the cartridge assembly is in the closed position.
US08550324B2
A fastening tool for driving a fastener into a workpiece includes a trigger assembly that activates a driver sequence that drives the fastener into the workpiece. A contact trip mechanism has a blocking member connected to a carrier member. The contact trip mechanism is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the blocking member prevents the trigger assembly from activating the driver sequence. A depth adjustment assembly includes an adjuster member moveable between at least a first position associated with a first depth setting and a second position associated with a second depth setting. The adjuster member is moveable to obstruct the carrier member, when the contact trip mechanism moves from the extended position to the retracted position.
US08550322B2
A spring-energized stapler having a pliers type configuration, wherein papers and like items are fastened at a front end and the stapler is normally gripped and squeezed at a rear end. A compact mechanism and independent handle linkages provide a compact overall shape in a high efficiency action. An upper handle is pivoted at a front, top of a housing with a pressing area spaced at least one half the handle length away from the upper handle pivot. A lower handle includes a multi-segment cam link to a base to provide a minimal gripping distance with a large clamping force at an anvil. A simplified front-loading mechanism provides a compact, low cost assembly. A release latch holder is located behind the striker for a compact front end.
US08550319B2
A multi-tablet cutting device has a removable tablet holding tray, a housing structure and a plurality of vertically movable cutting blades. The removable tablet holding tray has a plurality of tablet nests. Each nest has two or more levels of beds sized to hold tablets of different sizes or shapes. The housing structure has at least one opening to receive the removable tablet holding tray. The plurality of vertically movable cutting blades is mounted on a support structure on the inside of the housing above the tablet holding tray above a location where the tablet holding tray is stored. The plurality of cutting blades is aligned above the tablet nests and upon a downwardly directed vertical movement the plurality of cutting blades passes through first slots in the nests aligned with the cutting blades to cut the tablets held in the nests into halves.
US08550315B2
An apparatus for damping vibration in a vehicle structure via a mass of a spare wheel includes a bar. The bar has a first end elastically coupled to the vehicle structure, wherein the first end is arranged for vertical movement relative to the vehicle structure. The bar also has a second end pivotably coupled to the vehicle structure, wherein the second end is arranged to facilitate the vertical movement of the first end. The bar additionally includes an arrangement for mounting a spare wheel, wherein damping of vibration in the vehicle structure is provided when the spare wheel is mounted on the bar.
US08550314B2
A flexible member (114) for supporting a glove in a manner whereby it can be readily donned by a user without touching the exterior of the glove. The flexible member (114) having a substantially planar glove support portion (122) which, when viewed in plan, conforms to the shape of at least part of the interior of a glove and is fittable, in use, to the interior of a glove through the cuff aperture thereof, and an attachment portion (112) by which the flexible member (114) can be held to facilitate donning of a glove and the subsequent removal of the glove support portion (122) from the cuff aperture of a glove while the glove is worn by a user. The glove support portion (122) is of sufficient flexibility to deflect around the hand of a user as said hand is inserted into a glove supported by the glove support portion (122), and further to deflect around the wrist of a user as the glove support portion (122) is removed from the glove through the cuff aperture thereof.
US08550300B2
An embodiment of the present invention relates to a storage container for liquids or for viscous or atomizable products, which can be connected to a metering device, the storage container having a cylindrical configuration and a base with a pressure equalization device and also an oppositely situated open side, the open side including a connection region, and in that an inner bag which is collapsible by suction force is disposed in the storage container.
US08550292B2
The closure arrangement is applied to a metallic container comprising a peripheral side wall which presents an upper edge surrounding an opening, in which is fitted a lid having a peripheral upper wall externally provided with a circumferential rib to be fitted in an inner circumferential recess of the peripheral side wall; and a circumferential groove located inferiorly to the circumferential rib and housing a sealing ring to be internally seated against the peripheral side wall upon the fitting and axial retention of the circumferential rib in the circumferential recess.
US08550286B2
The aim of the invention is to increase the strength and reliability of a high-pressure container. To achieve this, the high-pressure container comprises a thin-walled, closed, sealed, metal cylindrical liner (1) with at least one neck and at least one outer reinforcement jacket (2) consisting of a composite material that is formed from at least one group of layers of high modulus fiber of a reinforcement material, said fibers being aligned spirally and in an annular direction in relation to the cylindrical liner (1) and having previously determined linear arrangement densities. One layer of fibers of the spiral reinforcement (4) is positioned above a layer of fibers of the annular reinforcement (3). The invention is characterized in that a local predetermined breaking point band is formed in the reinforcement jacket as part of said jacket (2), the band being delimited on the interior by the cylindrical surface of the liner (1) and on the exterior by a concave surface in relation to the liner (1), said concave surface being formed from spiral fibers of the reinforcement material. The linear arrangement density of the fibers of the reinforcement material aligned in an annular direction (3) in the region of the local predetermined breaking point band is less than or equal to 70% of the linear arrangement density of the fibers of the reinforcement material aligned in an annular direction (3) in the remainder of the cylindrical part.
US08550277B2
A collecting cage has a front end to which at least one door is pivoted with the aid of a pivoting device. The cage also has at least three lateral walls. The pivoting device is adapted to pivot the door to an opened position and to a closed position thus covering at least part of it. The pivoting device is adapted to guide the door in an opened position to a direction parallel to a lateral wall and at a clearance therefrom for flanking the cage. The pivoting device includes at least two angle members connected to the door at a distance from each other and having a first portion protruding from the door and having a second portion in an angled position relative to the first portion, and at least two corresponding rails connected to a lateral wall.
US08550274B2
A transport device such as an ISO container that is adapted to be transported by air or surface transportation. The transport device includes a base, a plurality of movable ISO corner blocks movably coupled to the base, and a plurality of adjustment mechanisms. Each adjustment mechanism is adapted to couple a respective corner block to the base and to selectively move the corner block with respect to the base.
US08550271B2
A crown cap that may use less steel than a conventional crown cap is disclosed. A crown cap comprises a shell formed of an increased hardness, including a peripheral skirt, a round panel integrally formed with the skirt, the panel including one to three radially symmetric grooves formed therein, each groove spaced apart from a contact portion of the panel that is adapted for contacting the rim of a bottle upon application of the crown cap onto the bottle, and a liner located on the underside of the panel. The radially symmetric grooves may be circular.
US08550270B2
The invention relates to a closure device for a container, comprising a base element that can be attached to an opening of the container, and a lid, such as a cover, that can be disposed back and forth between a completely closed, and a completely open, position, wherein the closure device is configured such that the lid has at least one defined intermediate position between the completely closed and the completely open positions, and wherein the closure device has at least one degassing channel, which is sealed off in the completely closed position of the lid and enables pressure compensation between a side of the closure device facing the interior of the container and the surrounding area in the intermediate position of the lid.
US08550268B1
A closure and container package includes a glass container having an open mouth surrounded by an annular neck. An annular finish has at least one external attachment feature and is non-rotatably secured to the neck of the container. An annular skirt has at least one internal attachment feature for removable securement to the finish, and a glass closure has a circular periphery coupled to the skirt such that the skirt removably mounts the glass closure to the glass container. The finish can be of plastic or rubber, and the skirt preferably has a radially inwardly directed flange. The circular periphery of the glass closure preferably has a peripheral edge captured between the flange and a retention feature of the skirt. The peripheral edge of the glass closure preferably is annular and planar.
US08550267B2
Disclosed herein is an apparatus for cable management synchronized with telescopic motion. The apparatus is configured such that cables for transmitting power or signals to a manipulator provided on a lower end of a telescopic tube and for receiving signals therefrom are wound or unwound in response to expansion or contraction of the telescopic tube. Moreover, the apparatus is configured such that the cables are prevented from being displaced from the correct positions, a noise is prevented from being generated, and the tension of each cable is adjusted even when it is in the clamped state.
US08550260B1
An aircraft control panel assembly for attachment to an equipment rail of an aircraft. The aircraft control panel assembly includes a chassis assembly including at least one bore formed therein, the bore being at a first locking location. A retaining assembly, includes: a) at least one spring loaded pin assembly positioned within a portion of the at least one bore of the chassis assembly, the pin assembly including a pin element and a spring element arranged and constructed to be positionable within a pocket of an equipment rail of the aircraft, a spring element of the pin assembly biasing the pin element toward the pocket; b) a link member having a first end operably attached to the pin element; and, c) a pin retraction mechanism comprising a slider assembly for manipulating the link member so as to retract the pin element from the pocket. At least one positioning element is secured to the chassis at, at least one positioning location. The positioning element is arranged and constructed to be positionable within a receiving slot of the equipment rail. When the positioning element is positioned within the receiving slot of the equipment rail and the pin element is engaged within the pocket of the equipment rail, the chassis is attached to the equipment rail.
US08550251B1
Disclosed is a combination medical case including multiple storage compartments, specifically for use by a diabetic patient. The medical case comprises a base compartment sized and shaped to contain a plurality of storage cubicles for the containment of prescription medicine bottles. The base compartment further contains a means for attachment of a planar-shaped equipment tray which may hold a glucose meter and a quantity of syringes or other supplies. A removable drawer, having a hinged top, rests on parallel supporting ledges integral to the inner walls of the base compartment. A shelf is sized and shaped to horizontally fit atop the removable drawer, within the confines of the base compartment. Receptacles within either the base compartment or the drawer may contain a pharmaceutical formulation comprising insulin. The medical case allows the patient to access needed medical and nutritional supplies and access equipment necessary to monitor and/or control his/her glucose level.
US08550244B1
A tool suspension structure of the present invention is adapted for displaying a socket which forms holes at two opposite ends respectively. The tool suspension structure includes a main body and an engaging member which is detachably disposed to the main body. The main body has a plurality of first fixing elements adapted for inserting into the holes of the socket, and the engaging member has a plurality of second fixing elements adapted for inserting into the hole of the socket. The socket is able to be fixed and secured. Besides, a ratio of a length of the second fixing element inside the hole of the socket to a length of the hole is 0.3 to 0.6. Thus, structure strength and material amount can be balanced.
US08550239B2
An interface apparatus for identical and non-compatible coin holders that enables them to be vertically stacked one atop another, with the interface therebetween, and oriented such that their certificates of authenticity face the same direction. The subject interface apparatus is comprised of a substantially rectangular planar plate having irregular contoured front and back surfaces designed for mating engagement with NGC and PCGS coin cases to facilitate stacking thereof. The apparatus optionally includes voids or “windows” sized, shaped and located to enable viewing of coins and certificates disposed within the cases when mounted thereon.
US08550234B2
The disclosure describes zoned conveyor systems with non-time based sequential power-up of different zones using defined current draw and speed threshold values and/or a defined number of motor revolutions of one conveyor zone to determine when to initiate operation of another (typically adjacent) zone.
US08550229B2
A food plate carrier is carried on a conveyor line of a conveying system to transport food to the tables and seats in a restaurant. The food plate carrier includes a mounting platform having a plate resting portion for supporting a plate on which food is put, a cap member attached to the mounting platform so as to open and close with respect to the plate resting portion, to cover the plate resting portion of the mounting platform, and an open and close mechanism for allowing the cap member to close when the dish is rested on the plate resting portion and open when the dish is removed therefrom. The open and close mechanism comprises an actuator which is brought into abutment with the dish when the dish is on the plate resting portion, thereby being actuated to move relative to the plate resting portion.
US08550228B1
A direction change device for conveyance of dough includes a material conveyance platform that includes a table that is covered by a conveyance belt. Guide slots are formed in the table and are not completely covered by the conveyance belt. A swivel unit is provided under the material conveyance platform and includes two power sources that respectively provide reciprocal rotation of a predetermined angle and upward extension and backward contraction. The power source for extension and contraction has an end to which push bars are mounted to correspond to the guide slots of the table. A press plate is arranged above the guide slots. A dough sheet, when moved through the table, can be pushed upward by the push bars of the swivel unit and clamped and held by the press plate for subsequent rotation by an angle and then further proceeding forward for a subsequent operation of stuffing.
US08550216B2
An elevator installation is provided that includes an elevator cage, a drive pulley, at least one support means formed as a flat belt, and a drive engine which drives the at least one support means, which carries the elevator cage, by way of the drive pulley. In the elevator installation, the support means has, at least on a running surface facing the drive pulley, several ribs of wedge-shaped or trapezium-shaped cross-section which extend parallel in a longitudinal direction of the support means and further has several tensile carriers oriented in the longitudinal direction of the support means. The tensile carriers are sized so that a total cross-sectional area of all the tensile carriers amounts to 30%-40% of a cross-sectional area of the support means. The tensile carriers may be distributed in a transverse direction of the support means so that exactly two tensile carriers are associated with each of the ribs, the tensile carriers having an outer diameter equal to 35%-40% of a rib spacing (T).
US08550213B2
The invention concerns a scaffold element adapted to be removably attachable to a bridge, the scaffold element comprising support member for supporting the scaffold element onto an upper surface of the bridge and a support structure which is secured to the support members and which extends to a distance outside the edge of the bridge and to a distance below the bridge. The invention is characterized in that the scaffold element further comprises a longitudinally adjustable support bar pivotally connected to the support structure and being supportable against a lower surface of the bridge and adjustment means for adjustably attaching a vertical mold wall onto the support structure of the scaffold element at a distance outside the edge of the bridge for forming a mold between the wall and the bridge. Also a scaffold arrangement and method of use are disclosed.
US08550209B2
A muffler for a turbo engine or piston engine, particular a screw compressor, includes a housing (1.1-1.3); a disk arrangement having at least one disk (3, 4, 5) which is fastened to the housing; a pipe arrangement which is fastened to the disk arrangement and which has at least one pipe (2.1, 2.2) for guiding a fluid of the turbo engine or piston engine; and a vibration-damping jacket (9) of dimensionally stable material which at least partially covers the outer side of the housing (2.2). At least one elastic element (3.3, 4.3, 6, 7, 8) is arranged between the pipe arrangement and the housing.
US08550206B2
The present invention relates hearing protection devices for the human ear. More particularly, embodiments of the invention provide hearing protection devices capable of tunable acoustic attenuation. The invention relates further to ear plugs comprising a fluid-containing balloon for occlusion of the ear canal, which are capable of being adjusted for example by modifying fluid composition and/or fluid pressure within the balloon to vary attenuation at different frequencies of the audible sound spectrum. Other embodiments provide an earplug with fixed attenuation comprising: a body of compressible/expandable-recovery material shaped and sized to fit in an ear canal; and at least one chamber disposed within the body and comprising a filler material chosen from at least one of water, aphrons, water with solid or gelatinous particles suspended, and oil with particles suspended.
US08550201B2
A pair of left and right arm portions integrally formed by molding with a pivot portion formed on front ends and an axle support portion formed on rear ends. An opening portion with a peripheral portion endlessly contiguously formed by a pivot portion that connects front ends of both arm portions, a cross portion and both arm portions. A pair of left and right indented recessed portions is formed on an inner surface of a wall having support bosses projecting out of a lower surface of the wall. A pair of left and right reinforcing ribs that is positioned outside both recessed portions in the vehicle widthwise direction are integrally formed on the inner surface of the wall on which the support bosses is formed in a projecting manner toward the inside of the cross portion.
US08550200B2
A motorcycle having a vehicle body and a vehicle body frame. The vehicle body frame includes a head pipe; a pair of left and right tank rail portions including a widening portion having a width increasing in a vehicle width direction extending rearward of the vehicle from the head pipe, a parallel portion having a substantially fixed width, and a narrowing portion having a width decreasing the vehicle width direction, the widening portion, the parallel portion and the narrowing portion extend along left and right sides of the vehicle body of a motorcycle; and a pair of left and right rear arm bracket portions bending and extending from rear ends of the tank rail portions. The vehicle body frame has a front frame part and a rear frame part connected through a frame connecting surface substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the parallel portion.
US08550182B2
A drill bit, system and method for penetrating a material such as a mineral bearing rock or the like. The system comprises a drill bit comprising a cutting face comprising at least one cutting tool, an emitter of microwaves positioned behind the cutting face, wherein at least a portion of the microwaves are emitted in a direction away from the cutting face, and a reflector for directing the portion to the cutting face. In operation the emitted microwaves irradiate the material prior to the irradiated material being removed by the at least one cutting tool.
US08550181B2
An electric tool has a rib projecting from an inner peripheral surface of the electric tool, and a trigger switch. The trigger switch has a housing having a housing venthole, a contact mechanism disposed in the housing, and a trigger that, when depressed into the housing, drives the contact mechanism. The housing of the trigger switch is bonded to the rib. The rib has a rib venthole. The housing venthole is communicated with the rib venthole. The rib venthole is covered with a filter.
US08550176B2
Disclosed is a bypass tool for a tubing string a wellbore. The bypass tool has a tubular body with ports in the body wall to inject fluid into an annulus. An axially shiftable sleeve is mounted to control flow through the ports. Spring-loaded detents in the body engage openings in the sleeve. In operation, the bypass tool is run into the wellbore in the closed position with the sleeve closing the ports. When bypass flow is desired, an actuation ball is pumped down the wellbore and engages the detents, unlocking the sleeve to shift to where ports in the sleeve align with ports in the mandrel. To return the bypass tool to the closed position, a second ball of the same diameter as the first ball is pumped down the well to engage and depress the detents to allow the sleeve to shift to a closed position.
US08550175B2
A technique facilitates deployment of completion stages downhole in a well environment. A first completion stage is deployed downhole into a wellbore with a plurality of control lines having at least one hydraulic control line and at least one electrical control line. A second completion stage is assembled with an electric submersible pumping assembly and a plurality of corresponding control lines having at least one hydraulic control line and a least one electric control line. The second completion stage is conveyed downhole into the wellbore until engaged with the first completion stage which automatically joins the plurality of control lines. The control lines may then be used to operate both electrical and hydraulic devices of the first completion stage.
US08550174B1
An apparatus for centering a first tubular with respect to a second tubular at a wellhead in which the apparatus has a frame, a gripping member extending outwardly of the frame and suitable for gripping the first tubular, and a guide member connected to the frame and extending outwardly therefrom. The guide member is positioned below the gripping member. The guide member has a slot therein suitable for receiving a portion of the second tubular therein. The slot of the guide member has a center vertically aligned with a center of the gripping member. The guide member is pivotally connected to the frame.
US08550170B2
A retrievable flow module (RFM) apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the RFM apparatus is a standalone assembly configured to mate with a subsea device, such as a production tree. The RFM apparatus may include a frame within which various flow control and monitoring elements are disposed. The frame may have an alignment system that enables the RFM apparatus to horizontally mate with the tree. Because the RFM apparatus provides for the collocation of flow control and monitoring elements within a standalone assembly, deployment or retrieval of the flow control and monitoring elements may be accomplished in single operation. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
US08550169B2
A connector (1) for connecting components of a subsea system, the connector comprising male and female components (3, 2), guide means (11) for assisting preliminary orientation of the male component within the female component and means (18; 20; 21) for drawing the male component into the female component and latch means (22) for securing the male component within the female component.
