US08168929B2
A non-powered pre-stage (10) with a commensurably large wing area is used to launch a variety of single-stage and multiple-stage space vehicles (20), such as conventional ballistic rockets and prospective spaceplanes, from conventional runways. This method of launch eliminates need in dedicated ground launch structures and/or dedicated long runways. The vehicle to be launched (20) is mated to this non-powered aero-assisted pre-stage (NAP) (10), with their flight directions aligned, using a lock-and-release mechanism (30). The resulting stack takes off like a conventional airplane using the propulsion of the vehicle and aerodynamic lift of the NAP. After the desired trajectory of the vehicle is achieved, the vehicle is separated from the NAP and continues its ascent. The NAP returns back to the surface for reuse or disposal. Thus, a wide variety of conventional airfields can be used for launch of ballistic and aero-assisted flight vehicles.
US08168927B2
An apparatus, arrangement and method for supporting a helical wire coil heating element is provided. The apparatus includes a generally circular support frame having an open center portion and a plurality of supporting arms extending radially inward into the open center portion. Insulating standoffs are supported on the supporting arms such that the standoffs extend into the open center portion of the frame. A helical wire coil heating element is attached to each end of the standoff. An arrangement for supporting a helical wire coil heating element includes a substantially closed elongated tubular wrapper having an open interior. One or more generally circular support frames are arranged in the open interior of the wrapper and support insulating standoffs. A method for assembling an arrangement for a supporting a helical wire coil heating element is further provided.
US08168921B1
A laser marking system for marking a length of material includes a laser device for emitting a marking beam. A motor moves the length of material relative to the laser device. A sensing system detects a predetermined movement of the length of the material and provides a speed signal and a distance signal, and a controller is provided in operative communication with the sensing system and the laser device for receiving the speed signal and the distance signal and responsively directing the marking beam of the laser system onto the length of material in a predetermined pattern.
US08168908B2
A capacitive touch switch for an operator control panel of an electrical domestic appliance includes a panel, a sensor area disposed in the panel, a printed circuit board disposed at a distance behind the panel, and a capacitive sensor element which is disposed between the panel and the printed circuit board, is in electrically conductive contact with the printed circuit board and is associated with the sensor area in the panel at a distance from the sensor area. The sensor area is formed by a plate of metal material, and a non-conductive insulating body is disposed between the plate and the capacitive sensor element.
US08168905B2
A lighting keyboard includes a keyboard unit, and a combined circuit and lighting unit. The keyboard unit has a keyboard base, press keys mounted on the keyboard base, and an elastic layer disposed between the press keys and the keyboard base, and having elastic members disposed beneath the press keys. The combined circuit and lighting unit includes a membrane circuit substrate underlying the keyboard base, a first light-blocking layer disposed on top of the membrane circuit substrate, a first reflecting layer underlying the membrane circuit substrate, a backlighting module, and a second light-blocking layer. The backlighting module underlies the first reflecting layer, and cooperates with the first light-blocking layer, the membrane circuit substrate, and the first reflecting layer to define a light passage. The second light-blocking layer underlies the backlighting module. Light generated from the backlighting module is transmitted toward the press keys through the light passage.
US08168898B2
A method serves to optimize the behavior of an electronic force-measuring device, in particular a balance that comprises a measuring transducer through which a measuring signal is formed which is representative of a load applied to the force-measuring device, which measuring signal is delivered to a signal-processing unit that is supported by at least one processor and at least one memory storage unit and serves to process digital signals. First characteristic traits for the condition of the force-measuring device are determined, the first characteristic traits being the result of internal and/or external factors affecting the force-measuring device, and/or second characteristic traits for the force-measuring device are determined from the analysis of at least one signal profile of the measuring signal, whereupon the condition of the force-measuring device is determined on the basis of the first and/or second characteristic traits, and the further processing of the measuring signal and/or the operation of the force-measuring device is controlled accordingly. Based on the condition of the force-measuring device that was determined, the processing or evaluation of the signal as well as the use of optimizing measures that serve to determine, e.g., optimized correction parameters such as drift parameters or filter parameters can be advantageously controlled.
US08168897B2
A conveyor for shock-sensitive products includes a conveyor member with at least one intermediate storage region adapted to receive a predetermined number of the products placed thereon when the conveyor is a static condition for temporary intermediate storage. A force measuring member determines the weight force of the products in the intermediate storage region. A control member, adapted to increase and decrease the rate of feed of the shock-sensitive products in the conveyor member, processes the weight force detected by the force measuring member as an input parameter, and increases or reduces the rate of feed of the products toward and away from the intermediate storage region as a function of the weight force.
US08168896B2
An electronic housing, which includes at least two housing parts, has at least one housing base, a housing cover, and at least one electronic connection in the form of a printed circuit board between electronic substrates disposed in the housing interior and components positioned outside the housing, with the electronic connection being fixed on the housing base. The housing cover has a filling port for a casting compound, and the filling port is closed by a label. A method for the production of such an electronic housing and the use thereof for transmission control of a motor vehicle, are also provided.
US08168888B2
In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a cable protector system is provided. The system includes a first component, the first component comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, and two opposing ends. The first component defines a channel extending between the two opposing ends. The system also comprises a second component, the second component being substantially identical to the first component. When the first and second components are coupled, each of the top surfaces are substantially co-planar and each of the bottom surfaces are substantially co-planar and the channels together define a single channel extending between the first component and second component. The channel is configured to receive at least one cable.
US08168887B2
A bracket and junction box assembly and method allows simplified wiring at a prefab production facility and at a construction site. A junction box including a detachable and reattachable rear cover plate is pre-assembled with a plaster ring, electrical device, and leads attached to the switch or outlet, at a prefab facility. A Metal Clad (MC) cable may be attached to the junction box and wires carried in the MC Cable may be connected to the leads. A mounting bracket is generally sandwiched between the junction box and the plaster ring for mounting to framing members at the construction site. Following assembly at the prefab facility, the prefab junction box is shipped to the construction site where the bracket and junction box assembly is mounted to framing members. Connections to wires carried by MC Cables are then facilitated by removing the rear cover plate to access the interior of the junction box.
US08168881B2
A photovoltaic module comprised of a plurality of series connected photovoltaic cells disposed upon a substrate is fabricated utilizing thin film device techniques. A body of photovoltaic stock material comprised of an electrically conductive substrate having at least a bottom electrode layer, a body of photovoltaic material, and a top electrode layer supported thereupon is patterned so as to define a number of individual, electrically isolated photovoltaic cells and a number of electrically isolated connection zones. The connection zones are patterned to each include a portion of the bottom electrode material and are configured so that the bottom electrode material in each segment of the connection zone is exposed, and is in electrical communication with the bottom electrode portion of a particular cell. A current collecting grid structure is disposed on the top electrode of each cell and is placed in electrical communication with the bottom electrode of an adjoining cell via the electrode layer in an appropriate connection zone. In this manner, a series interconnection between the cells is established. Electrical terminals may be affixed to the module, and the finished module may be encapsulated in a body of protective materials. The substrate used in the manufacture of the module may comprise a thin, flexible layer of polymeric material and the disclosed techniques may be utilized to fabricate ultra lightweight photovoltaic modules. Also disclosed are specific module structures.
US08168879B2
Systems and methods utilizing solar-electrical generators are discussed. Solar-electrical generators are disclosed having a radiation-capture structure and one or more thermoelectric converters. Heat produced in a capture structure via impingement of solar radiation can maintain a portion of a thermoelectric converter at a high temperature, while the use of a low temperature at another portion allows electricity generation. Thus, unlike photovoltaic cells which are generally primarily concerned with optical radiation management, solar thermoelectrics converters are generally concerned with a variety of mechanisms for heat management. Generators can include any number of features including selective radiation surfaces, low emissivity surfaces, flat panel configurations, evacuated environments, and other concepts that can act to provide thermal concentration. Designs utilizing one or more optical concentrators are also disclosed.
US08168873B2
The drum support structure according to the present invention includes: a drum support member that is attached to a drum holding portion of a drum stand; and a coupling member that supports a drum shell and couples the drum shell to the drum support member, and the drum support member includes a base made of wood to which the coupling member is attached.
US08168872B1
A saxophone having a body, a neck including a plurality of keys mounted thereon, each of said keys including an actuating surface and a bell including a valve protector, the improvement comprising a system for controlling the tension and travel of a saxophone player's fingers of both hands with a right hand device and a left hand device. The right hand device has an anchorage assembly mounted to the valve protector and a travel stopper elongated portion integrally extending from the anchorage assembly and kept at a substantially parallel and spaced apart relationship with respect to an actuating surface's plurality of keys thereby limiting the extension movement of a user's fingers as he or she actuates the keys. The left hand device includes an elongate stopper member with anchorage assemblies at its ends. The left hand device is rotatably mounted to facilitate its storage in storage cases.
US08168868B1
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated XB48E09. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety XB48E09, to the plants of soybean XB48E09 to plant parts of soybean variety XB48E09 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety XB48E09 with another soybean plant, using XB48E09 as either the male or the female parent.
US08168860B2
A gene expression system for controllable expression of ethylene response in a plant cell includes an activation cassette comprising a DNA-binding domain that recognizes a response element; an ecdysone receptor ligand binding domain; and an activation domain; and a target cassette comprising an inducible promoter, which comprises, in operative association, the response element and a minimal promoter responsive to the activation domain. The inducible promoter controls the expression of a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a selected protein that modifies sensitivity to ethylene in the plant. Interaction among the components of the activation cassette and target cassette, when in a plant cell, in the presence of an inducing composition, modulates expression of the selected protein and selectively modulates ethylene sensitivity in the plant cell. This modulation in the expression of the protein is controlled by the timing, the concentration and the duration of the application of the inducing composition. Transgenic plant cells, tissues, organs and entire plants are provided, which in the presence of the inducing composition control ethylene sensitivity. Ethylene sensitivity and/or ethylene production in such transgenic plants and tissues may be controlled for purposes of manipulating ripening, flower senescence and other ethylene sensitive functions of the plant.
US08168850B2
Devices, bandages, kits and methods are described that can control or regulate the mechanical environment of a wound to ameliorate scar and/or keloid formation. The mechanical environment of a wound includes stress, strain, and any combination of stress and strain. The control of a wound's mechanical environment can be active, passive, dynamic, or static. The devices are configured to be removably secured to a skin surface in proximity to the wound site and shield the wound from endogenous and/or exogenous stress.
US08168847B2
An improved oxidization process may be used to oxidize a wide variety of feedstocks. Oxidation takes place in a reactor where the feedstock is mixed with an oxidizing acid, such as nitric acid. The reaction mixture may also include a secondary oxidizing acid such as sulfuric acid as well as water and/or dissolved and mechanically mixed oxygen gas. The reactor may be maintained at an elevated pressure such as at least approximately 2070 kPa or desirably at least approximately 2800 kPa. The temperature of the reaction mixture may be maintained at no more than 210° C.
US08168844B2
Process for the catalytic hydrodealkylation alone of hydrocarbon compositions comprising C8-C13 alkylaromatic compounds mixed with C4-C10 aliphatic and cycloaliphatic products which, under the reaction conditions, undergo aromati-zation and subsequent hydrodealkylation, which comprises treating said hydrocarbon compositions in continuous and in the presence of hydrogen, with a catalyst consisting of a ZSM-5 zeolite, as such or in bound form, wherein the Si/Al molar ratio in the ZSM-5 ranges from 5 to 100, modified by means of the platinum-molybdenum couple, at a temperature ranging from 400 to 650° C., a pressure ranging from 2 to 4 MPa and H2/feedstock molar ratio ranging from 3 to 6. The presence of organic compounds containing heteroatoms such as sulphur, nitrogen or oxygen in the feedstock does not at all alter the performances of the catalyst according to the process object of the invention.
US08168839B2
Certain examples relate to methods of continuously cracking waste rubber or plastics and apparatuses related to the same, to produce oil from waste rubber or plastics. Raw materials comprising a catalyst and rubber or plastics may be extruded in order to separate the air or to prevent oxidization. The raw materials are transported into the cracking chamber, and moved from the inlet to the discharge hole. After the cracking process is finished, the products are discharged automatically through the discharge hole. The separation of air and oxygen in the inlet and discharge hole of the cracking chamber can avoid dangers caused by oxygen entering the cracking chamber, and realize industrial production with continuous feedings. The ratio of the oil can be raised from 19% to 45%-48%, and the loss of production equipment reduced. Production costs are reduced, safety measurements improved, and continuous production is realized.
US08168835B2
A method for preparing a propargylic alcohol catalyzed by 2-morpholinoisobornane-10-thiol (MITH) is disclosed, which includes reacting R1CHO with R2CCH in the presence of R3ZnR4 and MITH, wherein each of R1, R2, R3, and R4, independently, is optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkylsilyl, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkenyl, aryl, aryloxy, or heteroaryl. The method can give enantioenriched propargylic alcohols with good enantioselective at low loading of MITH.
US08168833B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a method of using Schwartz Reagent, Cp2Zr(H)Cl, without accumulating or isolating it. Methods provide mixtures of Cp2ZrCl2, reductants that selectively reduce Cp2ZrCl2, and substrates. After reaction of Cp2ZrCl2 and the reductant, an intermediate reduction product is formed, apparently Schwartz Reagent. The in situ Schwartz Reagent then selectively reduces certain functional groups on the substrate. Substrates include tertiary amides, tertiary benzamides, aryl O-carbamates, and heteroaryl N-carbamates, which are reduced to aldehydes, benzaldehydes, aromatic alcohols, and heteroaromatics, respectively. Compared to prior methods, reagents are inexpensive and stable, reaction times are short, and reaction temperature in certain cases is conveniently room temperature. It has been estimated that using the in situ method described herein instead of synthesized or commercially obtained Schwartz Reagent provides a 50% reduction in cost.
US08168831B2
A non-aqueous electrolyte cell comprises a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a non-aqueous electrolyte containing a support salt. The non-aqueous electrolyte further comprises a phosphazene derivative. The phosphazene derivative having a specified structure functions as an electrode stabilizing agent or a non-combustion agent.
US08168830B2
The present invention relates to diionic liquid salts of dicationic or dianionic molecules, as well as solvents comprising such diionic liquids and the use of such diionic liquids as the stationary phase in a gas chromatographic column.
US08168825B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a compound represented by Formula (1): wherein A1, A2, A3 and A4 each represent a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom or an oxidized nitrogen atom; R1 and R2 each represent a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted alkyl group or an optionally substituted C1-C4 alkylcarbonyl group; G1 and G2 each represent an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom; X, which may be identical or different each other, represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C1-C3 alkyl group or a trifluoromethyl group; n is an integer of 0 to 4; and Q1 represents an optionally substituted phenyl group, an optionally substituted naphthyl group or an optionally substituted heterocyclic group; Q2 represents a phenyl group or heterocyclic group having one or more substituents, at least one of the substituent being any of a C1-C4 haloalkoxy group, a C2-C6 perfluoroalkyl group, a C1-C6 perfluoroalkylthio group, a C1-C6 perfluoroalkylsulfinyl group and a C1-C6 perfluoroalkylsulfonyl group, an insecticide comprising the compound as the active ingredient, and a process for preparation thereof.
US08168822B2
A method of making acetic acid includes: (a) catalytically reacting methanol or a reactive derivative thereof with carbon monoxide in the presence of a homogeneous Group VIII metal catalyst and a methyl iodide promoter in a reactor vessel in a liquid reaction mixture including acetic acid, water, methyl acetate, methyl iodide and homogeneous catalyst, the reactor vessel being operated at a reactor pressure; (b) withdrawing reaction mixture from the reaction vessel and feeding the withdrawn reaction mixture along with additional carbon monoxide to a pre-flasher/post reactor vessel operated at a pressure below the reactor vessel pressure; (c) venting light ends in the pre-flasher vessel and concurrently consuming methyl acetate in the pre-flasher/post reactor vessel. Reaction conditions, residence time and composition are controlled in the pre-flasher/post reactor vessel such that a pre-flash mixture is enriched in acetic acid and diminished in methyl iodide and methyl acetate in the pre-flasher/post reactor vessel. From the pre-flasher/post reaction vessel the acetic acid enriched mixture is (d) withdrawn and fed to a flash vessel.
US08168819B2
The present invention provides an industrially advantageous process for producing 5-phenylisophthalic acid, which process attains excellent selectivity and yield and also realizes recovery and reuse of a catalyst.The process for producing 5-phenylisophthalic acid represented by formula (1) is characterized in that the process includes the following steps (A) to (C): (A) reacting m-xylene with cyclohexene in the presence of hydrogen fluoride and boron trifluoride, to thereby produce 1-cyclohexyl-3,5-dimethylbenzene; (B) dehydrogenating the 1-cyclohexyl-3,5-dimethylbenzene produced in step (A) in the presence of a dehydrogenation catalyst, to thereby produce 3,5-dimethylbiphenyl; and (C) dissolving the 3,5-dimethylbiphenyl produced in step (B) in a solvent and oxidizing the 3,5-dimethylbiphenyl in the co-presence of an oxidation catalyst, to thereby produce 5-phenylisophthalic acid.
US08168818B2
The invention relates to a process for preparing isocyanates in the gas phase.
US08168815B2
The invention encompasses the novel class of compounds represented by the formula below, which are inhibitors of the PTP-1B enzyme. The invention also encompasses pharmaceutical compositions which include the compounds shown (Formula I) above and methods of treating or preventing PTP-1B mediated diseases, including diabetes.
US08168808B2
A production method of fluorinated compounds, for producing a compound represented by formula (3) in a fluorine-based solution in a flow of fluorine gas after reaction of at least one type of compounds represented by formula (1) and at least one type of compounds represented by formula (2). Similarly, fluorinated compounds represented by formula (4) prepared by the fluorination of compounds obtained by the reaction of formula (1) and formula (2)′. The fluorinated polymers obtained by the polymerizations of formula (3) and (4) compounds are useful as an optical or electrical materials. wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, Rff1, Rff2, Rff3, Rff4, X, Y, Z, and n are defined in the specification respectively.
US08168806B2
Boron chelate complexes of the general formula are described, where X is either —C(R1R2)— or —C(R1R2)—C(═O)—, in which R1, R2 independently of one another denote H, alkyl (with 1 to 5 C atoms), aryl, silyl or a polymer, and one of the alkyl radicals R1 or R2 may be bonded to a further chelatoborate radical, or X denotes 1,2-aryl with up to two substituents S in the positions 3 to 6 in which S1, S2 independently of one another denote alkyl (with 1 to 5 C atoms), fluorine or a polymer, as well as M+ denotes Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+ or [(R3R4R5R6)N]+ or H+, where R3, R4, R5, R6 independently of one another denote H or alkyl with preferably 1 to 4 C atoms.
US08168802B2
Methods and intermediates useful for making compounds of the formula: and the preparation of compounds of Formula I, preferably including the formation of intermediate compounds of the formula:
US08168801B2
The present disclosure relates to structurally defined imidazolium-type ionic oligomers of the formula: wherein n is an integer ranging from 1 to 20; A is N or m is an integer ranging from 1 to 5; X is selected from the group consisting of Br, OTf, CF3CO2, CH3CO2, BF4, PF6, NTf2, F, Cl and I; and R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C1-10 alkyl. The imidazolium-type ionic oligomers lend themselves as soluble/solid supports for biopolymer synthesis.
US08168797B2
Novel oxazolidinone derivatives with a difluorophenyl moiety, represented by Chemical Formula 1, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, a preparation method thereof, and a pharmaceutical composition containing the same as an active ingredient are provided. Exhibiting potent inhibitory activity against Gram-positive bacteria including Haemophilus influenza and Coagulase negative staphylococci and resistant bacteria including vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), the pharmaceutical composition is useful as an antibiotic (wherein, R is as defined in the specification).
US08168791B2
The invention relates to compounds that are substituted aminomethyl azaadamantane derivatives, compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of using such compounds and compositions.
US08168790B2
The invention provides processes for the conversion of a 6-keto morphinan to a 6-hydroxy morphinan. In particular, the invention provides a stereoselective process for the conversion of a 6-keto morphinan to a 6-beta-hydroxy morphinan.
US08168788B2
The present invention relates to compounds useful as Chemokine Receptor antagonists. Compounds of general formula I are provided: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds and methods of using the compounds and compositions for the inhibition of Chemokine Receptors and also for the treatment of various diseases, conditions, or disorders, including acute or chronic inflammatory disease, cancer or osteolytic bone disorders.
US08168784B2
Processes to make compounds, including N-acylsulfonamide apoptosis promoters are disclosed.
US08168783B2
A compound represented by general formula (I): a salt thereof, a solvate thereof, or a prodrug thereof wherein all symbols are as defined in the specification has an antagonistic activity against CXCR4 and is therefore useful as a preventive and/or therapeutic agent for CXCR4-mediated diseases, for example, inflammatory and immune diseases (for example, rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis, systemic erythematosus, retinopathy, macular degeneration, pulmonary fibrosis, transplanted organ rejection, etc.), allergic diseases, infections (for example, human immunodeficiency virus infection, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, etc.), psychoneurotic diseases, cerebral diseases, cardiac/vascular disease (for example, arteriosclerosis, myocardial infarction, stenocardia, cerebral infarction, chronic arterial occlusive disease, etc.), metabolic diseases, and cancerous diseases (for example, cancer, cancer metastasis, etc.), a preventive and/or therapeutic agent for cancerous diseases or infections, or an agent for regeneration therapy.
US08168768B2
The present invention relates to methods for monitoring differential expression of a plurality of genes in a first filamentous fungal cell relative to expression of the same genes in one or more second filamentous fungal cells using microarrays containing Trichoderma reesei ESTs or SSH clones, or a combination thereof. The present invention also relates to computer readable media and substrates containing such array features for monitoring expression of a plurality of genes in filamentous fungal cells.
US08168764B2
Provided is a polyfunctional compound which can be used as an optical recording material in which a large quantity of information data can be recorded optically at a high density, which can be used as an optical waveguide material using a refractive index difference occurring between a light-irradiated part and a part not irradiated with light, and which is capable of forming a film and can be used as a photo-alignment film material having excellent photosensitivity.
US08168758B2
The invention provides antibodies having an antigenic binding site specifically directed against an MN protein, and methods for using such antibodies in treating and diagnosing an MN-related disorder.
US08168756B2
Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed directed at levetiracetam derivatives, immunogens, signal generating moieties, antibodies that bind levetiracetam and immunoassays for detection of levetiracetam.
US08168755B2
Isolated antibodies specifically binding to heterodimers of the Bcl-2 family and uses thereof for detecting presence of Bcl-2 heterodimers in a patient.
US08168751B2
IFN-alpha mutants are obtained by substituting Cys for Tyr at position 85 or 86 in existing IFN-alpha. Their polyethylene glycol derivatives with high in vitro antiviral activity and prolonged in vivo half-life are also provided, wherein a polyethylene glycol moiety is covalently bound to the free Cys residue of an IFN-alpha mutant. The preparation methods of PEG derivatives of IFN-alpha mutants and medical compositions comprising the derivatives are also provided. The test results showed that the IFN-alpha mutants of the present invention are ready to prepare and have high activity; their polyethylene glycol derivatives have extended lifetime in the body and low clearance rate.
US08168737B2
A polymer cures by both radiation and moisture curing mechanisms. The polymer is prepared by hydrosilylation. The polymer is useful in adhesive compositions. The polymer includes units of formulae (I), (R22Si02/2)b, (R2Si03/2)c, (Si04/2)d, (R1)f, and (R23SiO1/2)g, where each R1 is independently an oxygen atom or a divalent hydrocarbon group; each R1 is independently divalent hydrocarbon group; each R2 is independently a monovalent organic group that is free of terminal aliphatic unsaturation each X is independently a monovalent hydrolyzable group; each J is independently a monovalent epoxy functional organic group; subscript a has a value of 1 or more; subscript b has a value of 0 or more; subscript c has a value of 0 or more; subscript d has a value of 0 or more; subscript e has a value of 1 or more; subscript f has a value of 0 or more; subscript g has a value of 0 or more; subscript s is 1, 2, or 3; and subscript t is 1, 2, or 3.
US08168733B2
The present invention provides a copolymer that includes at least one alkene monomer, at least one acrylate monomer and at least one the unsaturated acid anhydridge monomer, and a method of preparing the same.
US08168732B2
The present description discloses a polymeric composition which is a melt-processed alloy comprised of (a) a polyarylene sulfide resin, (b) a polyaryl-ether-ketone resin, and a reactive compound which results in (c) a graft copolymer of the polyarylene sulfide resin and/or the polyaryl-ether-ketone resin in addition to the starting resins. Exemplary melt-processed polymeric compositions can be made by reacting an alkoxy silane with the polyarylene sulfide resin and/or the polyaryl-ether-ketone resin to produce a graft copolymer of a portion of one or both of the resins, sufficient to render the composition uniform and homogeneous. It is normally preferred for the exemplary organosilane compound, to be an amino silane. The subject invention further reveals an insulated wire comprising (1) an electrical conductor and (2) a layer of the melt-processed alloy composition; and fiber reinforced composites comprising fibers substantially fully impregnated with the alloy polymeric composition.
US08168722B2
A polymer composition that includes from 0.1 to 60 percent by weight of interpolymer resin particles containing a styrenic polymer intercalated within a polyolefin and from 40 to 99.9 percent by weight of at least one second polymer. The polyolefin is present at from 20% to 80% by weight based on the weight of the particles, has a VICAT softening temperature greater than 60° C. and a melt index of from 0.3 to 15 g/10 minutes (190° C./2.16 kg). The styrenic polymer is present at from 20% to 80% by weight based on the weight of the particles. The interpolymer resin particles have a gel content ranging from 0 to 5% by weight based on the weight of said interpolymer resin particles, a VICAT softening temperature ranging from 85° C. to 115° C., and a melt index value ranging from 0.1 to 6.0 (230° C./5.0 kg).
US08168718B2
The invention described is a thermoplastic vulcanizate comprising dynamically-cured rubber, a functionalized thermoplastic polymer, and a functionalized hydrocarbon resin, which thermoplastic vulcanizate can be advantageously adhered to a polar substrate, for example by overmolding. In one or more embodiments of the present invention an article of commerce comprising: a) a polar substrate, and the b) a thermoplastic vulcanizate comprised of dynamically-cured rubber, a functionalized thermoplastic polymer, and a functionalized hydrocarbon resin; wherein said thermoplastic vulcanizate is adhered to the polar substrate is provided.
US08168711B2
Polymer dispersions of powders based on tungsten hydrogen bronze, especially containing a minor amount of tungsten metal, show good IR absorbing and heat shielding properties. The powders may be obtained by contacting an ammonium tungstate with hydrogen at a temperature of 2500 K or more, e.g. in a plasma.
US08168708B2
An offset printing varnish, comprising a solvent, is provided. The solvent comprises at least one triglyceride with saturated monocarboxylic acid moieties, which solvent is preferably food safe.
US08168706B2
A granular composition comprising an organic compound having a melting point of 30 to 100° C., and a compound represented by the formula (1): wherein R1 and R2 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a C1-8 alkyl group, or a C5-8 cycloalkyl group, R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-8 alkyl group, and X represents a single bond, a sulfur atom, an oxygen atom, a C1-8 alkylidene group or a C5-8 cycloalkylidene group.
US08168699B2
Various solvent-assisted extrusion processes are disclosed that are suitable for forming high yield, low coarse content, polyester latexes that may be utilized in forming a toner.
US08168697B2
Coated colored biofiber for thermoplastic articles is disclosed. The coating on the biofiber comprises film-forming polymeric binder, surfactant, and colorant. The colorant can be one or more pigments, one or more dyes, or combinations thereof. The coated colored biofiber can be used in thermoplastic compounds to simulate the appearance of natural wood while adding durability.
US08168691B2
Coating compositions suitable for UV imprint lithographic applications are disclosed that include at least one vinyl ether crosslinker having at least two vinyl ether groups; at least one diluent comprising a monofunctional vinyl ether compound; and at least one photoacid generator soluble in a selected one or both of the at least one monofunctional ether compound and the at least one vinyl ether compound, wherein the at least one monofunctional ether compound and the at least one vinyl ether compound are free from fluorine and silicon substituents. Also disclosed are imprint processes.
US08168687B2
The present invention provides a process for decreasing or eliminating unwanted hydrocarbon and oxygenate products caused by FTS reactions in a syngas treatment unit by utilizing heat exchangers and optionally associated pipes that are substantially fabricated of a material selected from the group consisting of chromium containing alloys and carbon steel for heating up gas streams having a carbon monoxide partial pressure greater than one bar obtained from a front end purification unit/cold box unit.
US08168685B2
Disclosed herein is a methanol production process that includes a membrane separation step or steps. Using the process of the invention, the efficiency of methanol production from syngas is increased by reducing the compression requirements of the process and/or improving the methanol product yield. As an additional advantage, the membrane separation step generates a hydrogen-rich stream which can be sent for other uses. An additional benefit is that the process of the invention may debottleneck existing methanol plants if more syngas or carbon dioxide is available, allowing for feed of imported carbon dioxide into the synthesis loop. This is a way of sequestering carbon dioxide.
US08168683B2
A fluorinated pyridinium cationic compound of formula (I) wherein, Rf is F(CF2)6(CH2CF2)m(CH2CH2)n—, m and n are each independently integers of 1 to 3, and R is H, C1 to C5 linear or branched alkyl, or C1 to C5 linear or branched alkoxy, having surfactant properties for lowering surface tension in an aqueous medium or solvent medium, and for use as a foaming agent.
US08168674B1
Administration of a loop diuretic in nebulized dry powder form directly to a patient's lungs for treating bronchial disease.
US08168671B2
Inexpensive and facile methods of preparing fused heterocycles such as thieno[3,4-b]thiophene, thieno[3,4-b]furan, related compounds, and their derivatives are disclosed. Also disclosed are regioregular polymers prepared from the fused heterocycles.
US08168669B2
Disclosed is an agent for use in the treatment or prevention of inflammatory bowel disease. Also disclosed is an agent for inhibiting the production of TNF-α. A therapeutic or prophylactic agent for inflammatory bowel disease comprising at least one amino acid selected from the group consisting of lysine, histidine, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan, glutamine, glycine, cysteine, cystine and threonine, the amino acid being administered at a dose of 0.1 to 4000 mg/kg per day; and a TNF-α production inhibitor comprising an amino acid selected from the group consisting of histidine, phenylalanine and tryptophan, the amino acid being administered at a dose of 0.1 to 4000 mg/kg per day.
US08168667B2
Compounds of formula (I): wherein X is O or S, R1 is acyl, aldehyde, cycloalkyl, an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl, R2 is H, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl; substituted alkyl; alkylcarbonyl; R3 and R4 are H, halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxyl, alkylthio, hydroxyalkyl, haloalkyl, haloalkenyl, or haloalkynyl; or R3 and R4 form an, optionally aromatic or heterocyclic, optionally substituted ring, R5 is H, halogen, trifluoromethyl, —CN, or —NO2; not all of R3, R4, and R5 being H, R6 and R9 are H, halogen, OH; alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyl, thioalkyl, haloalkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl; R7 and R8 are H, halogen, OH, SH; alkoxyl or alkylthio optionally substituted by OH and/or halogen; one of R7 and R8 not being H or halogen; or one of R7 and R8 is a pharmaceutically acceptable ester or thioester grouping, or R6 is C1-3-alkyl or, together with either R1 or R2, represents C1-3 alkylene or alkenylene linking group, optionally substituted by methyl, trifluoromethyl, OH, or halogen, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof, are useful as selective androgen modulators.
US08168663B2
Kinetic stabilization of the native state of transthyretin is an effective mechanism for preventing protein misfolding. Because transthyretin misfolding plays an important role in transthyretin amyloid diseases, inhibiting such misfolding can be used as an effective treatment or prophylaxis for such diseases. Treatment methods are disclosed.
US08168659B2
Compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of the Formula as CB1 receptor inverse agonists useful for reducing body weight in mammals, treating cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia, and mitigating treatment emergent weight gain observed during treatment with antipsychotics.
US08168655B2
The present invention provides compounds and methods for the treatment of LFA-1 mediated diseases. In particular, LFA-1 antagonists are described herein and these antagonists are used in the treatment of LFA-1 mediated diseases. One aspect of the invention provides for diagnosis of an LFA-1 mediated disease and administration of a LFA-1 antagonist, after the patient is diagnosed with a LFA-1 mediated disease. In some embodiments, the LFA-1 mediated diseases treated are dry eye disorders. Also provided herein are methods for identifying compounds which are LFA-1 antagonists.
US08168653B2
The present invention makes available methods and reagents for inhibiting aberrant growth states resulting from hedgehog gain-of-function, ptc loss-of-function or smoothened gain-of-function comprising contacting the cell with a hedgehog antagonist of formula (I) in a sufficient amount to aberrant growth state, e.g., to agonize a normal ptc pathway or antagonize smoothened or hedgehog activity.
US08168648B2
The present invention provides two new camptothecin derivatives, which were identified as S,R- and S,S-topotecan lactates, respectively. Both compounds have anticancer activities. Pharmaceutical compositions of the new camptothecin derivatives, and cancer therapies with the new camptothecin derivatives or their pharmaceutical compositions were also provided.
US08168645B2
The invention relates generally to small molecules that mimic the biological activity of certain peptides and proteins, to compositions containing them and to their use. In particular, the invention relates to compounds of the general formula (I) that mimic the biological activity of BH3-only proteins and are capable of binding to and neutralizing pro-survival Bcl-2 proteins: wherein A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, X, Z, R1, R2, R3 and t are as described herein. The invention also relates to processes of preparing the benzenesulfonamide compounds that mimic portions of peptides and proteins, and to the use of such compounds in the regulation of cell death and the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases or conditions associated with the deregulation of cell death.
US08168636B2
Polycyclic heteroaryl substituted triazoles and pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds are disclosed as being useful in inhibiting the activity of the receptor protein tyrosine kinase Axl. Methods of using the compounds in treating diseases or conditions associated with Axl activity are also disclosed.
US08168633B2
Thiazolopyrimidine compounds of formula I, where W represents a thiazole ring, selectively inhibit the p110 delta subtype of PI3 Kinase (PI3K), and are useful for treating diseases and disorders arising from abnormal cell growth, function or behavior associated with PI3 kinase such as cancer, immune disorders, cardiovascular disease, viral infection, inflammation, metabolism/endocrine function disorders and neurological disorders.
US08168630B2
This invention provides a compound of the formula (I): wherein the ring A is an optionally substituted carbocyclic group or an optionally substituted heterocyclic group; R1 is optionally substituted lower alkyl, optionally substituted lower alkenyl, optionally substituted lower alkynyl; R2a and R2b are each independently hydrogen, optionally substituted lower alkyl or optionally substituted acyl; R3a, R3b, R3c and R3d are each independently hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy or optionally substituted lower alkyl etc.; a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, which is useful for treating diseases induced by production, secretion and/or deposition of amyloid β protein.
US08168624B2
The present invention is directed to crystalline forms of (R)-8-chloro-1-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine, compositions containing the same, preparations, and uses thereof.
US08168623B2
The present invention provides prodrugs of GABA analogs, pharmaceutical compositions of prodrugs of GABA analogs and methods for making prodrugs of GABA analogs. The present invention also provides methods for using prodrugs of GABA analogs and methods for using pharmaceutical compositions of prodrugs of GABA analogs for treating or preventing common diseases and/or disorders.
US08168620B2
A pharmaceutical product or formulation, which comprises azelastine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or physiologically functional derivative thereof, and a steroid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or physiologically functional derivative thereof, preferably the product or formulation being in a form suitable for nasal or ocular administration.
US08168613B2
A therapeutic composition for treatment of a body tissue which includes an aqueous solution of a cross-linked polymer being capable of: (i) maintaining a liquid state in storage at room temperature for at least 24 hours; and (ii) assuming a gel state following deposition within the body tissue. The therapeutic composition can be effectively administered into a damaged body tissue via injection or catheterization, thereby treating the damaged body tissue.
US08168612B2
A therapeutic composition for treatment of a body tissue which includes an aqueous solution of a cross-linked polymer being capable of: (i) maintaining a liquid state in storage at room temperature for at least 24 hours; and (ii) assuming a gel state following deposition within the body tissue. The therapeutic composition can be effectively administered into a damaged body tissue via injection or catheterization, thereby treating the damaged body tissue.
US08168607B2
The present invention provides novel molecules, compositions, methods and uses for treating microvascular disorders, eye diseases and respiratory conditions based upon inhibition of the RTP801 gene and/or protein.
US08168605B2
Polymer conjugates containing nucleotides and/or oligonucleotides are disclosed.
US08168593B2
A peptide fragment of the netrin-4 protein and nucleic acids coding for the peptide are described. The peptide can inhibit endothelial cell proliferation and cell migration, as well as activate the proliferation and migration of pericytes and smooth muscle cells. Pharmaceutical formulations containing the peptide and/or the nucleic acids can be used to treat a variety of tumoral and non-tumoral pathologies.
US08168589B2
Method for treatment and/or prophylaxis of schizophrenia and related psychoses of a human being, erythropoietin being administered to the human being.
US08168588B2
Pharmaceutical polypeptide compositions promote the survival of cardiac cells, recruit cardiac cells to the cardiac area, stimulate the differentiation of cardiac cells, stimulate the proliferation of cardiac cells, and promote the activity of cardiac cells, thereby treating cardiac conditions. Methods of providing these compositions to the cardiac area include catheterization and direct injection. In preferred embodiments, the compositions comprise one of more of the following growth factors: EGF, bFGF, cardiotrophin-1, thrombin, PDGF-BB, amphiregulin, epiregulin, HB-EGF, TGFalpha, betacellulin, heregulin alpha, NRG-1-beta1-HRG-beta1, FGF 9.
US08168579B2
The invention is directed to a fluid detergent composition comprising a di-amido gellant and a surfactant, and a method for structuring said composition.
US08168576B2
The present invention is related to an aqueous cleansing composition especially for keratin fibers such as human hair with excellent volume enhancing effect. First object of the present invention is a cleansing composition for hair comprising at least one surfactant selected from anionic, non-ionic and amphoteric ones and furthermore comprising at least one ethoxylated monoglyceride according to the general formula wherein R1 is a saturated or unsaturated and branched or straight alkyl chain with a chain length of 7 to 21 C atoms and x+y+z has a value of 3 to 200 and at least one (poly)propylene glycol according to the following formula wherein n has a value between 1 and 70.
US08168569B2
A method of formulating a wellbore fluid that includes precipitating a weighting agent from a solution; and adding the precipitated weighting agent to a base fluid to form a wellbore fluid is disclosed. Fluids and methods of formulating wellbore fluids that contain dispersant coated precipitated weighting agents are also disclosed.
US08168565B2
A thermal recording adhesive label, including a substrate; a thermal recording layer located overlying one side of the substrate, including a leuco dye and a color developer; a back coat layer located overlying the other side of the substrate; an adhesive layer located overlying the back coat layer; and a release paper located overlying the adhesive layer, wherein the thermal recording adhesive label further includes an adhesive undercoat layer comprising a thermoplastic resin and a filler between the back coat layer and the adhesive layer.
US08168555B2
A ceramic substrate is provided as one having a large coefficient of thermal expansion α, having properties suitable for use as a high-frequency substrate, being capable of being fired at a low temperature, and having an excellent substrate strength. The ceramic substrate has a main composition containing Mg2SiO4 and a low-temperature-fired component, has the coefficient of thermal expansion a of not less than 9.0 ppm/° C., and contains up to 25 vol. % (excluding zero) ZnAl2O4 or up to 7 vol. % (excluding zero) Al2O3. A dielectric-porcelain composition is provided as one being capable of being fired at a temperature lower than a melting point of an Ag-based metal and being capable of demonstrating a sufficient bending strength even through firing at a low firing temperature. The dielectric-porcelain composition contains Mg2SiO4 as a major component and contains a zinc oxide, a boron oxide, an alkaline earth metal oxide, a copper compound, and a lithium compound as minor components.
US08168553B2
The lead- and arsenic-free optical glass has a refractive index nd of 1.55≦nd≦1.64, an Abbe number νd of 42≦νd≦65, and a low transition temperature Tg≦460° C., good producibility and processability, and crystallization stability. The optical glass has a composition within the following range, in wt. % based on oxide content: P2O540-58 ZnO20-34 Li2O0.5-5 GeO20.1-11. The glass may also have a total content of SiO2, B2O3 and Al2O3 that is less than 9 wt. %. The glass may contain MgO, SrO, CaO and BaO, but the sum of these oxides is preferably at least 2 wt. % and at most 12 wt. %. The glass may contain at most 5 wt. % of each of La2O3, TiO2, Nb2O5, at most 2 wt. % Ta2O5 and less than 1 wt. % fluorine.
US08168551B2
Provided is a cover coating composition for a glass lining comprising a frit constituting the composition which mainly includes 65 to 75 mol % of SiO2, 2 to 8 mol % of ZrO2, 10 to 22 mol % of R2O where R represents Li, K, or Cs, and 2 to 12 mol % of R′O where R′ represents Mg, Ca, Sr, or Ba, and the frit is free of Na2O, and said cover coating composition for a glass lining may further contain a metal fiber.
US08168550B2
The present invention provides nonwoven webs comprising monocomponent nanocomposite fibers that enable the nonwoven webs to possess high extensibility. The monocomponent nanocomposite fibers comprise a polymer composition and a nanoparticles composition. The nonwoven webs comprising the monocomponent nanocomposite fibers have an average elongation at peak load which is greater than the average elongation at peak load of comparable nonwoven webs without nanocomposite fibers.
US08168548B2
A method of forming a semiconductor device includes providing a substrate in a vacuum processing tool, the substrate having a strained Ge-containing layer on the substrate and a Si-containing layer on the strained Ge-containing layer, maintaining the substrate at a temperature less than 700° C., and exposing the Si-containing layer to oxidation radicals in an UV-assisted oxidation process to form a Si-containing dielectric layer while minimizing oxidation and strain relaxation in the underlying strained Ge-containing layer. A semiconductor device containing a substrate, a strained Ge-containing layer on the substrate, and a Si-containing dielectric layer formed on the strained Ge-containing layer is provided. The semiconductor device can further contain a gate electrode layer on the Si-containing dielectric layer or a high-k layer on the Si-containing dielectric layer and a gate electrode layer on the high-k layer.
US08168540B1
Apparatus and methods for depositing copper on tungsten are presented. The invention finds particular use in the semiconductor industry for depositing copper seed layers onto fields or through silicon vias having tungsten barrier layers, both reducing cost and complexity of existing methods.
US08168536B2
Metal contacts are self-positioned on a wafer of semiconductor product. Respective placement areas for a metal contact are determined by a selective deposition of a growth material over a region of the substrate surface (for example, through epitaxial growth). The growth material is surrounded by an insulating material. The grown material is then removed to form a void in the insulating material which coincides with the desired location of the metal contact. This removal of the grown material exposes the region on the substrate surface. Conductive material is then deposited to fill the void and thus form the metal contact directly with the region of the substrate surface.
US08168530B2
A one transistor DRAM device includes: a substrate with an insulating layer, a first semiconductor layer provided on the insulating layer and including a first source region and a first region which are in contact with the insulating layer and a first floating body between the first source region and the first drain region, a first gate pattern to cover the first floating body, a first interlayer dielectric to cover the first gate pattern, a second semiconductor layer provided on the first interlayer dielectric and including a second source region and a second drain region which are in contact with the first interlayer dielectric and a second floating body between the second source region and the second drain region, and a second gate pattern to cover the second floating body.
US08168523B2
The invention provides a technique to manufacture a highly reliable semiconductor device and a display device at high yield. As an exposure mask, an exposure mask provided with a diffraction grating pattern or an auxiliary pattern formed of a semi-transmissive film with a light intensity reducing function is used. With such an exposure mask, various light exposures can be more accurately controlled, which enables a resist to be processed into a more accurate shape. Therefore, when such a mask layer is used, the conductive film and the insulating film can be processed in the same step into different shapes in accordance with desired performances. As a result, thin film transistors with different characteristics, wires in different sizes and shapes, and the like can be manufactured without increasing the number of steps.
US08168513B2
A method for fabricating a packaging substrate includes: providing a base having a release film with two opposite surfaces, two first auxiliary dielectric layers enclosing the release film, and two metal layers disposed on the two first auxiliary dielectric layers, therewith an effective area defined on the two metal layers; forming an inner wiring layer from the two metal layers; forming on each of the two first auxiliary dielectric layers and the inner wiring layers a built-up structure having first conductive pads so as for two initial substrates to be formed on the opposite surfaces of the release film; removing whatever is otherwise lying outside the effective area; removing the release film; and forming dielectric layer openings in the two first auxiliary dielectric layers so as for two substrate bodies to be formed from the initial substrates, wherein a portion of the inner wiring layers are exposed to thereby function as second conductive pads.
US08168503B2
A method of fabricating a Schottky field effect transistor is provided that includes providing a substrate having at least a first semiconductor layer overlying a dielectric layer, wherein the first semiconductor layer has a thickness of less than 10.0 nm. A gate structure is formed directly on the first semiconductor layer. A raised semiconductor material is selectively formed on the first semiconductor layer adjacent to the gate structure. The raised semiconductor material is converted into Schottky source and drain regions composed of a metal semiconductor alloy. A non-reacted semiconductor material is present between the Schottky source and drain regions and the dielectric layer.
US08168500B2
A metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) has a body layer that follows the contour of exposed surfaces of a semiconductor substrate and contains a bottom surface of a shallow trench and adjoined sidewalls. A bottom electrode layer vertically abuts the body layer and provides an electrical bias to the body layer. A top electrode and source and drain regions are formed on the body layer. The thickness of the body layer is selected to allow full depletion of the body layer by the top electrode and a bottom electrode layer. The portion of the body layer underneath the shallow trench extends the length of a channel to enable a high voltage operation. Further, the MOSFET provides a double gate configuration and a tight control of the channel to enable a complete pinch-off of the channel and a low off-current in a compact volume.
US08168499B2
It is made possible to provide a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device that includes CMISs each having a low threshold voltage Vth and a Ni-FUSI/SiON or high-k gate insulating film structure. The method comprises: forming a p-type semiconductor region and an n-type semiconductor region insulated from each other in a substrate; forming a first and second gate insulating films on the p-type and n-type semiconductor regions, respectively; forming a first nickel silicide having a composition of Ni/Si<31/12 above the first gate insulating film, and a second nickel silicide having a composition of Ni/Si≧31/12 on the second gate insulating film; and segregating aluminum at an interface between the first nickel silicide and the first gate insulating film by diffusing aluminum through the first nickel silicide.
US08168498B2
In an insulated-gate type semiconductor device in which a gate-purpose conductive layer is embedded into a trench which is formed in a semiconductor substrate, and a source-purpose conductive layer is provided on a major surface of the semiconductor substrate, a portion of a gate pillar which is constituted by both the gate-purpose conductive layer and a cap insulating film for capping an upper surface of the gate-purpose conductive layer is projected from the major surface of the semiconductor substrate; a side wall spacer is provided on a side wall of the projected portion of the gate pillar; and the source-purpose conductive layer is connected to a contact region of the major surface of the semiconductor substrate, which is defined by the side wall spacer.
US08168497B2
A solution for designing a semiconductor device, in which two or more attributes of a pair of electrodes are determined to, for example, minimize resistance between the electrodes, is provided. Each electrode can include a current feeding contact from which multiple fingers extend, which are interdigitated with the fingers of the other electrode in an alternating pattern. The attributes can include a target depth of each finger, a target effective width of each pair of adjacent fingers, and one or more target attributes of the current feeding contacts. Subsequently, the device and/or a circuit including the device can be fabricated.
US08168493B2
Provided are a semiconductor memory device and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor memory device. The semiconductor memory device includes a semiconductor substrate including a first active region and a second active region, a gate electrode including a silicide layer formed on the first active region and a resistor pattern formed on the second active region. A distance from a top surface of the semiconductor substrate to a top surface of the resistor pattern is smaller than a distance from a top surface of the semiconductor substrate to a top surface of the gate electrode.
US08168480B2
An integrated structure of an IGBT and a diode includes a plurality of doped cathode regions, and a method of forming the same is provided. The doped cathode regions are stacked in a semiconductor substrate, overlapping and contacting with each other. As compared with other doped cathode regions, the higher a doped cathode region is disposed, the larger implantation area the doped cathode region has. The doped cathode regions and the semiconductor substrate have different conductive types, and are applied as a cathode of the diode and a collector of the IGBT. The stacked doped cathode regions can increase the thinness of the cathode, and prevent the wafer from being overly thinned and broken.
US08168479B2
A method of fabricating a resistance variable device includes forming selection devices on a substrate, forming a conductive layer on the selection devices, patterning the conductive layer in a first direction to form conductive patterns spaced apart from each other in the first direction and connecting a pair of adjacent selection devices to each other in the first direction, forming a resistance-variable-material-layer on the conductive patterns, and patterning the resistance-variable-material-layer and the conductive patterns in a second direction to form rows of resistance-variable material extending in the second direction and to form electrodes spaced apart from one another, such that each electrode corresponds to a separate selection device.
US08168477B2
This invention discloses an electronic package for containing a vertical semiconductor chip that includes a laminated board having a via connector and conductive traces distributed on multiple layers of the laminated board connected to the via connector. The semiconductor chip having at least one electrode connected to the conductive traces for electrically connected to the conductive traces at a different layer on the laminated board and the via connector dissipating heat generated from the vertical semiconductor. A ball grid array (BGA) connected to the via connector functioning as contact at a bottom surface of the package for mounting on electrical terminals disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) wherein the laminated board having a thermal expansion coefficient in substantially a same range the PCB whereby the BGA having a reliable electrical contact with the electrical terminals.
US08168471B2
A semiconductor device includes a multi-layer substrate and a semiconductor element mounted on the multi-layer substrate. The multi-layer substrate contains a plurality of circuit-formation layers joined by a first resin material. The semiconductor element is mounted on the multi-layer substrate by being joined to the multi-layer substrate by a second resin material. The first resin material and the second resin material are curable in the same heating condition.
US08168467B2
The present invention provides improved solar cells. This patent teaches a particularly efficient method of device manufacture based on incorporating the solar cell fabrication into the widely used, high temperature, Float Glass manufacture process.
US08168457B2
A shaped article comprising a plurality of semiconductor nanocrystals. Devices incorporating shaped articles are also provided. Methods of manufacturing shaped articles by various molding processes are also provided.
US08168450B2
A semiconductor package includes a semiconductor chip having a circuit section. A first chip selection electrode passes through a first position of the semiconductor chip, and the first chip selection electrode has a first resistance and outputs a first signal. A second chip selection electrode passes through a second position of the semiconductor chip, and the second chip selection electrode has a second resistance greater than the first resistance and outputs a second signal. A signal comparison part is formed in the semiconductor chip and is electrically connected to the first and second chip selection electrodes. The signal comparison part compares the first signal applied from the first chip selection electrode to the second signal applied from the second chip selection electrode and outputs a chip selection signal to the circuit section depending upon the result of the comparison.
US08168448B2
The present invention discloses a ferroelectric register and a method for manufacturing a capacitor of the same. The ferroelectric register is configured to reduce probability of data storage failure due to a weak state capacitor, by connecting a plurality of capacitors in parallel in a ferroelectric capacitor unit for storing data, instead of using a single capacitor, thereby improving storage reliability and stability. In addition, the ferroelectric register obtains a data sensing margin by pumping a cell plate signal into not a power voltage level but a pumping voltage level.
US08168446B2
A diagnostic and testing apparatus and related methods for the use of the same are disclosed which derive and use antibodies to equine albumin and equine hemoglobin in testing apparatus, kits, and methods for detecting and localizing gastric and colonic ulcers or bleeding in horses. Fecal droppings from a horse to be tested are placed in a container together with a buffered liquid solution and mixed thoroughly, following which several drops of liquid from the container are placed into a test kit. Visual markers in the test kits signify the detection of the indicators equine hemoglobin and equine albumin, which are respectively indicative of the presence of gastric and/or colonic ulcers or bleeding.
US08168442B2
A cartridge for conducting a chemical reaction includes a body having at least one flow path formed therein. The cartridge also includes a reaction vessel extending from the body for holding a reaction mixture for chemical reaction and optical detection. The vessel comprises a rigid frame defining the side walls of a reaction chamber. The frame includes at least one channel connecting the flow path to the chamber. The vessel also includes flexible films or sheets attached to opposite sides of the rigid frame to form opposing major walls of the chamber. In addition, at least two of the side walls are optically transmissive and angularly offset from each to permit real-time optical detection of analyte in the reaction chamber.
US08168440B2
The present invention relates generally to methods for enantiomeric separation of complex chemical mixtures using micelles of surfactant molecules that have a sulfate or sulfonate head group, a chiral selector, a linker, and a hydrophobic tail. Also provided are micelle compositions with sulfate or sulfonated head groups, methods of manufacture, and applications thereof. In particular, the micelles of the present invention provide an efficient enantiomeric separation and detection techniques for use in capillary electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis with mass spectrometry.
US08168435B2
An apparatus, method and recording medium for controlling a game where a battle occurs in virtual space between one or more player characters acting according to manipulation of a player and one or more enemy characters acting independently of the manipulation of the player, including a command information storage for storing command information sets which includes a command to a player character and a plurality of numerical values, a card display for displaying a card showing a command included in the command information set or symbols related with the numerical values, and a command input acceptance unit to accept an input which selects the card displayed as well as one of the numerical values or symbols attached to the card.
US08168434B2
The present invention is related to a new method for replacing or deleting DNA sequences in Clostridia, with high efficiency, easy to perform and applicable at an industrial level. This method is useful to modify several genetic loci in Clostridia in a routine manner. This method is based on a replicative vector carrying at least two marker genes.
US08168422B2
The present invention relates to a microorganism producing inosine, which is one of purine nucleoside, an important material for 5′-inosinic acid synthesis, and method for producing inosine using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a recombinant microorganism of Corynebacterium genus producing inosine at high concentration by inactivating the gene encoding nucleoside hydrolase II and by enhancing the expression of the gene encoding 5′-nucleotidase, which still retains the characteristics of Corynebacterium ammoniagenes CJIP2401 (KCCM-10610).
US08168421B2
The present invention includes cold-adapted, acid-fast bacterium for use as a vaccine and a vaccine vector. In preferred embodiments, the cold-adapted, acid-fast bacterium is a Mycobacteria, for example, Mycobacteria shottsii.
US08168402B2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for identifying and quantifying platelet proteins that relate to various bodily states. The present invention further provides methods and compositions for determining whether an individual is using alcohol or other licit or illicit drugs at levels hazardous or harmful to their health. The invention also provides methods for identifying individuals who would benefit from or who may be harmed by specific medications or therapies.
US08168399B2
Described herein are supports for assaying an analyte and methods of making and using thereof.
US08168392B2
By finding a novel tetrahydrofolate synthetase gene and a protein encoded by said gene, a method for identifying a compound which inhibits cell growth accelerating activity of said protein is provided, and a judging method, a preventing method and a treating method of colon cancer are provided. A DNA comprising a nucleotide sequence of from the 94th to 2934th positions of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 of the SEQUENCE LISTING; a polynucleotide which specifically hybridizes with said DNA; a protein encoded by said DNA; a recombinant vector comprising said DNA; a transformant comprising said recombinant vector; an antibody for said protein; a method for producing said protein; a method for identifying a compound which inhibits cell growth accelerating activity possessed by said protein; a method for judging colon cancer, characterizing in that expressed amount of said DNA is measured; a kit for judging colon cancer; a preventive agent and/or therapeutic agent for colon cancer.
US08168385B2
The invention provides methods and compositions for attaching oligonucleotide tags to polynucleotides for the purpose of carrying out analytical assays in parallel and for decoding the oligonucleotide tags of polynucleotides selected in such assays. Words, or subunits, of oligonucleotide tags index submixtures in successively more complex sets of submixtures (referred to herein as “tiers” of submixtures) that a polynucleotide goes through while successive words are added to a growing tag. By identifying each word of an oligonucleotide tag, a series of submixtures is identified including the first submixture that contains only a single polynucleotide, thereby providing the identity of the selected polynucleotide. The analysis of the words of an oligonucleotide tag can be carried out in parallel, e.g. by specific hybridization of the oligonucleotide tag to its tag complement on an addressable array; or such analysis can be carried out serially by successive specific hybridizations of labeled word complements, or the like.
US08168380B2
Methods and products for analyzing polymers are provided. The methods include methods for determining various other structural properties of the polymers.
US08168378B2
In the present invention, a plurality of heat treatment plates are provided side by side in a linear form on a base of a heat treatment apparatus in a coating and developing treatment system. In the heat treatment apparatus, three transfer member groups are provided which transfer a substrate in zones between adjacent heat treatment plates. At the time when performing a pre-baking treatment in the heat treatment apparatus, the substrate is transferred in order to the heat treatment plates at the same temperature, whereby the heat treatment is dividedly performed on the heat treatment plates. According to the present invention, substrates are subjected to heat treatment along the same route, so that the thermal histories are made uniform among the substrates.
US08168375B2
Disclosed is a patterning method including: forming a first film on a substrate; forming a multi-layered film including a resist film on the first film; forming a patterned resist film having a preset pattern by patterning the resist film by photolithography; forming a silicon oxide film different from the first film on the patterned resist film and the first film by alternately supplying a first gas containing organic silicon and a second gas containing an activated oxygen species to the substrate; etching the silicon oxide film to thereby form a sidewall spacer on a sidewall of the patterned resist film; removing the patterned resist film; and processing the first film by using the sidewall spacer as a mask.
US08168366B2
The present invention relates to a radiation sensitive photoresist composition. The composition comprises a polymer comprising at least two monomers. The first monomer has an acid cleavable tertiary ester group. The second monomer is an acidic monomer. The acid cleavable ester group of the polymer has a surprisingly low activation energy which results in improved resist images in lithographic processes.
US08168360B2
To a toner used in an image forming apparatus is added an external additive whose main components are oxide fine particles in which dimethylsilyl groups are introduced to surfaces thereof, and whose volatilizing amount of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane in a first volatilizing test is 0.2 μg or less. Consequently, it is possible to prevent foreign matters from attaching to a discharging electrode included in the image forming apparatus. The first volatilizing test is performed in such a manner that 2 g of the external additive is put in a sealing container and the inside of the sealing container is kept at 120° C. for 10 minutes so that octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane volatilizes from the external additive.
US08168355B2
A method of producing an image in the crystalline colloidal array is disclosed. The method includes providing an ordered array of particles received within a curable matrix composition; curing a first portion of the matrix composition, wherein the first cured portion diffracts radiation at a first wavelength; curing another portion of the matrix composition, wherein the other cured portion diffracts radiation at another wavelength; and exposing the array to radiation to exhibit an image.
US08168354B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a photosensitive composition capable of forming partition walls having an upper surface with good ink repellency and open areas which have good ink affinity within which an ink will easily spread. Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide partition walls formed by curing the photosensitive composition, and a color filter and an organic EL device having the partition walls.The photosensitive composition is a photosensitive composition, which comprises a polymer (A) having a side chain containing a group represented by the formula: —CFXRf (1) or a group represented by the formula: and a side chain containing an ethylenic double bond, a black colorant (B), a photopolymerization initiator (C), and a photosensitive resin (D) containing an acidic group and an ethylenic double bond, wherein the polymer (A) has a number average molecular weight of at least 2×104 and at most 7×104 and a weight average molecular weight of at least 5×104 and at most 25×104.
US08168350B1
Fuel cell structures and assemblies with channeled current collectors, and method of making the same
A channeled metal clad fiber comprises one or more surface channels that extend along directions substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of such fiber. Metal clad fibers may include multiple protective layers, and one or more protective layers may contain multiple conductors therein. A microfibrous fuel cell structure includes a hollow microfibrous membrane separator having an electrolyte medium therein and defining a bore side and a shell side. An inner current collector formed of a channeled metal clad or unclad metal fiber, and an inner electrocatalyst layer are positioned at the bore side of such fuel cell, and an outer current collector and an outer electrocatalyst layer are positioned at the shell side thereof. Surface channels on the inner current collector provide inner fluid passages for passing a fuel-containing or an oxidant-containing fluid through the microfibrous fuel cell.
US08168338B2
Mobile terminal equipment is provided with a battery receiving chamber for using a fuel battery cell unit including a hydrogen storage alloy container, a pressure adjusting valve, and a fuel battery cell. A fuel battery system for mobile terminal equipment is further provided with a fuel battery including the valve, and a secondary battery. A space section between an inner surface of the battery receiving chamber and the fuel battery cell unit is formed by contact between protrusion sections provided on the fuel battery cell unit and the inner surface of the battery receiving chamber. In an electronic camera main body, an air intake port provided near a grip is disposed near an anode side of a fuel battery cell, a part of the air intake port and a fuel tank can be attached or detached from the electronic camera main body.
US08168337B2
The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell for use with an electrolyte, oxidizable solid fuel, and an oxidizer to generate electrical power. The electrochemical cell includes a permeable electrode body provided along a flow path for receiving a flow including an electrolyte. The permeable electrode body is configured to permit the electrolyte to flow therethrough and to collect solid fuel thereon from the electrolyte flowing therethrough so as to comprise a first electrode for oxidizing the fuel to generate electrons for conduction by the first electrode. The cell also includes a second electrode for receiving electrons and reducing an oxidizer. The first electrode and the second electrode are spaced apart to define a gap therebetween for receiving the flow from the permeable electrode body. One or more return channels are directly communicated to the gap.
US08168336B2
A fuel cell housing structure includes a fuel cell, an electrically insulated housing and a vent gas port. The electrically insulated housing contains the fuel cell. The housing is arranged to provide a space within the housing surrounding the fuel cell. The vent gas port is provided in the housing. The vent gas port connects to the space at a position above or on a same level as the fuel cell. In the fuel cell housing structure, water entering the housing from the vent gas port is blocked from contacting the fuel cell.
US08168333B2
A solid ionic electrolyte having a neutral organic plastic crystal matrix doped with an ionic salt may be used in an electrochemical device having an anode comprising a Li-containing material having an electrochemical potential within about 1.3 V of lithium metal. Electrochemical devices are disclosed having a cathode, an anode of a Li-containing material having an electrochemical potential within about 1.3 V of lithium metal, and a solid ionic electrolyte having a neutral organic plastic crystal matrix doped with an ionic salt. Such devices have high energy density delivery capacity combined with the favorable properties of a neutral organic plastic crystal matrix such as succinonitrile.
US08168331B2
An electrochemical element for use at a high temperature has an anode, a cathode comprising an intercalation material having an upper reversible potential-limit of at most 4 V versus Li/Li+ as active material, and an electrolyte arranged between the cathode and anode, which electrolyte comprises an ionic liquid with an anion and a cation a pyrrolidinium ring structure having four Carbon atoms and one Nitrogen atom. Experiments revealed that rechargeable batteries comprising such an intercalation material and N—R1—N—R2-pyrrolidinium, wherein R1 and R2 are alkyl groups and R1 may be methyl and R2 may be butyl or hexyl, are particularly suitable for use at a temperature of up to about 150 degrees Celsius and may be used in oil and/or gas production wells.
US08168328B2
Disclosed are a silicon thin film anode for a lithium secondary battery having enhanced cycle characteristics and capacity and a preparation method thereof. A preparation method for a silicon thin film anode for a lithium secondary battery, comprises: preparing a collector including a metal; forming an anode active material layer including a silicon on the collector; forming one or more interface stabilizing layer, by annealing the collector and the anode active material layer under one of an inert atmosphere, a reduced atmosphere, and a vacuum atmosphere to react a metallic component of at least one of the collector and the anode active material layer with a silicon component of the anode active material layer at an interface therebetween; and forming a carbon coating layer on the anode active material layer by performing an annealing process in a hydrocarbon atmosphere.
US08168325B2
A lithium based electrochemical cell system includes a positive electrode; a negative electrode; an electrolyte; and a degassing agent.
US08168324B2
A grip arrangement for a battery box is provided. The grip arrangement includes a grip element which extends along a longitudinal axis. A cord passage is provided in the grip element, the cord passage includes a tapered section and is oriented along a passage axis provided transverse to the longitudinal axis. A locking chamber is provided in the grip element. An elongate slot provided offset from the cord passage is coupled to the locking chamber, the elongate slot is formed by an indent opened on one side of the locking chamber which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis toward the cord passage and transverse to the passage axis of the cord passage. A cord having an end piece is received by the cord passage and the elongate slot, wherein the end piece is received within the locking chamber and the cord is deflected twice from the cord passage through the elongate slot to the locking chamber.
US08168323B2
A plastic battery cover for closing a battery housing includes a top surface, a bottom surface, at least one terminal extending through the battery cover, and a connecting flank extending from the at least one terminal, the connecting flank in contact with the battery cover. The connecting flank is configured such that a region between the at least one terminal and the top surface of the battery cover is adapted to prevent the formation of a gap between the terminal and the adjacent portion of the battery cover after the volume reduction of the plastic in this region during the manufacture of the battery cover by injection molding.
US08168322B2
A battery comprises a substrate comprising a first surface comprising a first battery cell having a first non-contact surface, a pliable dielectric abutting the first non-contact surface, the pliable dielectric comprising a peripheral edge, and a first cap about the pliable dielectric.
US08168319B2
Portable computer battery structures are provided. The portable computer battery structures may include a battery with a metal enclosure and a battery cable with a floating end. The battery may have six cells. Three pairs of parallel-connected cells may be connected together in series. The six cells may be substantially planar in shape. The battery may have a connector with at least five conductive pins and six recesses. The battery cable may have a cable with at least five conductive pins that mate with the five pins of the battery's connector and with six support pins that slide into the six recesses of the battery's connector. The batter connector may be formed on a printed circuit board substrate that folds over on itself.
US08168317B2
Disclosed herein is a high-power, large-capacity battery module including a plurality of battery cells or unit modules connected in series to each other such that the battery cells or the unit modules are stacked while being in tight contact with each other or being adjacent to each other, wherein the battery module is fixed such that the stacked state of the battery cells or the unit modules is maintained even when the volume of the battery cells or the unit modules changes at the time of charging and discharging the battery cells or the unit modules, and a portion of an electrode terminal connection region between the battery cells or between the unit modules is weak with respect to the volume expansion of the battery cells or the unit modules such that an expansion stress caused by the swelling of the battery cells is concentrated on the electrode terminal connection region, whereby the electrode terminal connection region is broken, and therefore, an electrical cut-off occurs at the electrode terminal connection region, when the swelling exceeds a predetermined value.
US08168314B2
Methods for evaluating battery safety under internal short-circuit conditions are improved to eliminate variations in evaluation results and accurately evaluate battery safety under internal short-circuit conditions. An internal short-circuit is caused in a battery by using an internal short-circuit causing method in which battery information obtained upon the occurrence of an internal short-circuit hardly changes with the structure of the battery. At this time, the battery information is detected to accurately evaluate the safety of the battery upon the internal short-circuit and identify the safety level.
US08168313B2
A glass for an information recording medium substrate, which comprises, as represented by mol % based on the following oxides, from 61 to 72% of SiO2, from 3 to 11% of Al2O3, from 0 to 14.3% of Li2O, from 0 to 22% of Na2O, from 0 to 22% of K2O, from 4 to 13% of MgO, from 0 to 6% of TiO2 and from 0 to 5% of ZrO2, provided that the total content of Li2O, Na2O and K2O (R2O) is from 10 to 22%, and (a) the ratio of the content of Li2O to R2O (Li2O/R2O) is at most 0.52, (b) the ratio of the content of Na2O to R2O (Na2O/R2O) is at least 0.35, or (c) the ratio of the content of K2O to R2O (K2O/R2O) is at least 0.45.
US08168310B2
A magnetic storage medium according to one embodiment includes a substrate; a first oxide magnetic layer formed above the substrate; a second oxide magnetic layer formed above the first oxide magnetic layer; an exchange coupling layer formed above the second oxide magnetic layer, the exchange coupling layer comprising an oxide; and a magnetic cap layer formed above the exchange coupling layer. A method according to one embodiment includes forming a high Ku first oxide magnetic layer above a substrate by sputtering; forming a low Ku second oxide magnetic layer above the first oxide magnetic layer by sputtering; forming an exchange coupling layer of CoCrPt-oxide above the second oxide magnetic layer; and forming a magnetic cap layer above the exchange coupling layer. Additional systems and methods are also presented.
US08168304B2
The present invention provides wood preservative and flame retardant compositions having low leachability comprising micronized boron compounds and, optionally, one or more organic biocides which may be micronized. Also provided is a method for applying the composition to wood and wood products comprising impregnating the wood with the composition.
US08168299B1
An automotive vehicle having at least one vehicular exterior surface formed from at least a portion of an exterior pickup box. The vehicular exterior surface includes a structural substrate having an outwardly oriented surface and at least one polymeric layer in overlying relationship to at least a portion of the outwardly oriented surface of the structural substrate. The polymeric layer contains at least one polymeric material formed from the reaction of at least one isocyanate with at least one resin component, the resin component comprising at least one catalyst free aliphatic amine.
US08168298B2
An article is formed in a mold having a mold cavity, has a periphery, and defines a score line having a tensile heal strength of less than 200 ppi along the score line. The article includes a cured urethane composition including the reaction product of an isocyanate component and a resin composition. The cured urethane composition is used in a method of forming the article. The method includes the steps of determining a theoretical tensile heal strength along the score line and applying the isocyanate component into the mold cavity in response to the determining of the theoretical tensile heal strength. The method also includes the steps of applying the resin composition into the mold cavity, reacting the isocyanate component and the resin composition to form a urethane composition, curing the urethane composition, and de-molding the article from the mold cavity.
US08168294B2
A ceramic and metal composite and method of manufacture, is provided in which a ceramic phase is mixed with a metal phase to form a composite able to be applied to a substrate or formed to any shape/configuration required. For example, the composite can form, or be applied to a substrate for use as biomedical implants which can assist in and enhance osteo development or at least provide a material of better biocompatibility/bioactivity and osteo integration or infiltration with the composite. Advantageously, the ceramic and metal phases are bioactive/biocompatible. In a preferred embodiment, the composite is a homogenous mix ceramic and metal phase (and/or bioglasses) when analyzed on a micro meter scale.
US08168291B2
In various embodiments, composite materials containing a ceramic matrix and a carbon nanotube-infused fiber material are described herein. Illustrative ceramic matrices include, for example, binary, ternary and quaternary metal or non-metal borides, oxides, nitrides and carbides. The ceramic matrix can also be a cement. The fiber materials can be continuous or chopped fibers and include, for example, glass fibers, carbon fibers, metal fibers, ceramic fibers, organic fibers, silicon carbide fibers, boron carbide fibers, silicon nitride fibers and aluminum oxide fibers. The composite materials can further include a passivation layer overcoating at least the carbon nanotube-infused fiber material and, optionally, the plurality of carbon nanotubes. The fiber material can be distributed uniformly, non-uniformly or in a gradient manner in the ceramic matrix. Non-uniform distributions may be used to form impart different mechanical, electrical or thermal properties to different regions of the ceramic matrix.
US08168287B2
The present teachings provide a fuser member. The fuser member includes a substrate, a functional layer disposed on the substrate, and an outer layer disposed on the functional layer. The outer layer includes silicon having a texture, and a conformal oleophobic coating disposed on the silicon.
US08168275B2
A tube-in-tube assembled parison for preparation of an elongated medical device. The parison if formed by assembling in tube-in-tube fashion a first tube of orientable polymer material and a second tube formed of orientable polymer material disposed around the first tube, with an adhesive tie layer disposed between the first and second tubes. The tubes are brought into contact to form a unitary parison. The adhesive may allow movement between the polymer layers during balloon blowing. The first tube, or the second tube, or both, may have been longitudinally pre-stretched after formation thereof but before assembly of the parison.
US08168270B2
An oxide film is formed on a target substrate by CVD, in a process field to be selectively supplied with a first process gas including a source gas containing a film source element and no amino group, a second process gas including an oxidizing gas, and a third process gas including a preliminary treatment gas. A first step includes an excitation period of supplying the third process gas excited by an exciting mechanism, thereby performing a preliminary treatment on the target substrate by preliminary treatment gas radicals. A second step performs supply of the first process gas, thereby adsorbing the film source element on the target substrate. A third step includes an excitation period of supplying the second process gas excited by an exciting mechanism, thereby oxidizing the film source element adsorbed on the target substrate by oxidizing gas radicals.
US08168267B2
A method for manufacturing a preform for optical fibers by a vapor deposition process wherein an intermediate step is carried out between one deposition phase and the next deposition phase(s), wherein the intermediate step includes supplying an etching gas to the supply side of the hollow substrate tube.
US08168257B2
The invention provides a method for applying a pattern onto the upper of a shoe or other footwear. The footwear is preferably made by injection molding where raw materials are injected into a mold to form the shape of a footwear.
US08168252B2
The present invention provides an electromagnetic wave shielding material that has high electromagnetic wave shielding effects, excellent transparency, and excellent see-through property, and a simple and inexpensive production process for the electromagnetic wave shielding material. Specifically, the present invention provides a process for producing an electromagnetic wave shielding material, the process comprising screen-printing in a geometric pattern a conductive paste containing a particulate silver oxide, a tertiary fatty acid silver salt, and a solvent, onto a transparent porous layer surface of a transparent resin substrate having a transparent porous layer containing as a main component at least one member selected from the group consisting of oxide ceramics, non-oxide ceramics, and metals; and performing heat treatment to form a conductive region with a geometric pattern on the transparent porous layer surface; and an electromagnetic wave shielding material produced by the production process.
US08168250B2
An ejection rate measurement method for a device having a plurality of droplet ejection head columns mounted on a plurality of carriages includes the steps of (a) measuring an ejection rate of a liquid ejected from a droplet ejection head included in one of the plurality of droplet ejection head columns sandwiched between other two of the plurality of droplet ejection head columns, (b) sandwiching, after step (a), one of the plurality of droplet ejection head columns, which has not been sandwiched between other two of the plurality of droplet ejection head columns in step (a), between other two of the plurality of droplet ejection head columns, and (c) measuring an ejection rate of a liquid ejected from a droplet ejection head included in one of the plurality of droplet ejection head columns sandwiched between other two of the plurality of droplet ejection head columns in step (b).
US08168241B2
A dietary supplement for enhancing physical performance of human subjects is disclosed. The supplement in dry, finely-divided form includes as a major ingredient a soy protein isolate containing at least 80% protein on a moisture-free basis with lesser amounts of carbohydrate, free form amino acids, medium chain triglycerides, creatine monohydrate, l-carnitine, grape seed extract, coenzyme Q10, piper nigrum extract, and alpha lipoic acid. In a preferred embodiment, the supplement also includes minor amounts of conjugated linoleic acid and phosphatidylserine/phosphatidylcholine complex.
US08168235B2
The present invention relates to a composition comprising an extract of Pseudolysimachion genus plant, and the catalpol derivatives isolated therefrom having anti-inflammatory, antiallergic and anti-asthmatic activity. The extract of Pseudolysimachion genus plant and the catalpol derivatives isolated therefrom shows potent suppressing effect on elevated IgE, IL-4 and IL-13 levels and eosinophilia in the plasma and BALF, and mucus overproduction in the lung tissues in an OVA-induced asthmatic mouse model. Therefore, it can be used as the therapeutics or functional health food for treating and preventing inflammatory, allergic and asthmatic disease.
US08168234B2
A natural formulation of compounds that would to modulate inflammation is disclosed. The formulation would also inhibit expression of COX-2, inhibit synthesis of prostaglandins selectively in target cells, and inhibit inflammatory response selectively in target cells. The compositions containing at least one fraction isolated or derived from hops. Other embodiments relate to combinations of components, including at least one fraction isolated or derived from hops, tryptanthrin and conjugates thereof, rosemary, an extract or compound derived from rosemary, a triterpene species, or a diterpene lactone or derivatives or conjugates thereof.
US08168233B2
The disclosed invention provides for the treatment of pancreatitis, and the alleviation of pain associated therewith, with amylin, amylin agonists and amylin analogs.
US08168232B2
The present invention relates to methods and formulations for inhibiting, treating and preventing a malignant cell phenotype, cell, tumor and/or disease. Administration of nitric oxide mimetics, such as low doses, is sufficient to increase, restore or maintain nitric oxide-mediated signaling in cells so that malignant cell phenotypes, cells, tumors and/or diseases are inhibited or prevented. These methods and formulations are particularly useful in treating and preventing cancer in animals.
US08168228B2
An oral suspension comprising (a) an antibiotic composition which comprises coated micropellets and optionally one or more excipients, (b) additional excipients, and (c) a solvent, wherein said coated micropellets comprise (i) a core comprising at least one antibiotic; (ii) an inner coating comprising at least one cellulose polymer which is not an enteric coating polymer; and (iii) an outer coating comprising at least one enteric coating polymer, wherein said coated micropellets have a mean particle size of about 100 μm to about 650 μm. The oral suspension of the invention is characterized by a lack of bitter taste.
US08168227B2
The present invention provides a modified powder that is obtainable by coating the surface of a base powder with a hydrophobizing agent and a cationic surfactant. In the modified powder described above, it is preferable that the amount of coated hydrophobizing agent and the amount of coated cationic surfactant are 3 to 90% by mass and 0.5 to 10% by mass, respectively, relative to the self weight of the base powder. In the modified powder described above, it is preferable that the mass ratio of the coated hydrophobizing agent and the coated cationic surfactant is from 1:1 to 9:1. In addition, the present invention provides a cosmetic composition comprising the above modified powder wherein the modified powder and the base powder have an ultraviolet scattering effect. In the cosmetic composition described above, it is preferable that the blended amount of the modified powder is from 0.5 to 100% by mass. Furthermore, the present invention provides a sunscreen cosmetic composition comprising the above modified powder with an ultraviolet scattering effect. In the sunscreen cosmetic composition described above, it is preferable that the base powder is one or more selected from the group consisting of titanium oxide, zinc oxide, iron oxide, cerium oxide, bismuth oxide, zirconium oxide, chromium oxide, and tungstic acid. In the sunscreen cosmetic composition described above, it is preferable that the blended amount of the modified powder is from 1 to 40% by mass.
US08168218B2
A press-coated tablet comprising a core containing an drug substance, and a coating, the core being disposed within the coating such that the coating has a first thickness about an axis A-B and a thickness about an orthogonal axis X-Y, such that the coating about the axis X-Y is thicker than the coating about the axis A-B, and is adapted to provide a lag time of between about 2 to 6 hours during which substantially no drug substance is released.
US08168214B2
Provided are methods of treating pain, including neuropathic pain, in human and veterinary individuals. These methods employ locally administrable pharmaceutical gallium compositions, including pharmaceutical gallium compositions suitable for administration to the skin and mucous membranes. The compositions comprise pharmaceutically acceptable gallium compounds, such as gallium maltolate or gallium nitrate, together with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers suitable for local administration, including those suitable for topical administration. The administration of such compositions provides relief from pain, itching, allodynia, hyperalgesia, and related symptoms.
US08168211B2
A polyphenol-rich plant extract is used in combination with at least one hydrating or humectant agent, as cosmetic active agents in a cosmetic composition. The combination improves hydrating and antioxidant cosmetic care.
US08168208B1
A method is disclosed for the generation of bone tissue by the preparation and the application to bone defect sites of a resorbable silica-calcium phosphate bioactive composite (SCPC) that finds utility as a bone tissue engineering scaffold. The resorbable silica-calcium phosphate bioactive composite can be applied directly to bone defect or can be employed as a bioactive coating on implants to facilitate bone growth around the implant. The resorbable silica-calcium phosphate bioactive composite is prepared from a mixture of a silica salt in an amount to provide between about 0.31 moles and about 0.93 moles of silica and calcium phosphate, said silica salt being present in the resorbable silica-calcium phosphate bioactive composite. The mixture is thermally treated at a temperature ranging between about 130° C. to about 1200° C. to form said resorbable silica-calcium phosphate bioactive composite having a phase composition comprising a thermally treated form of silica and calcium phosphate.
US08168187B2
A novel gene (designated 184P1E2) and its encoded protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein 184P1E2 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, 184P1E2 provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The 184P1E2 gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with 184P1E2 can be used in active or passive immunization.
US08168183B2
The current invention relates to high-affinity antibodies to Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor that have reduced immunogenicity when administered to a human to treat diseases and method of using such antibodies.
US08168178B2
The present application is directed to the discovery that hedgehog gene products, and signal transduction pathways involving hedgehog, are involved in maturation of T lymphocytes. The invention provides a method to promote T lymphocyte development using low dose Hedgehog, and a method to inhibit T lymphocyte development using high dose Hedgehog. Certain aspects of the invention are directed to preparations of hedgehog polypeptides, agonists, antagonists, or other molecules which regulate patched or smoothened signalling, and their uses as immunomodulatory agents.
US08168177B2
The present invention relates to method of regulating mammalian target-of-rapamycin (mTOR) based on a novel finding of a regulating mechanism of mTOR by a phospholipase D (PLD), and Ras homolog enriched in brain (Rheb). Further, the present invention also relates to a method of screening inhibitors of mTOR, and a method and a composition for treating mTOR-related metabolic diseases by inhibiting mTOR.
US08168175B2
The present invention relates to a treatment by pulmonary delivery of bioscavengers to animals as an effective antidote to prevent toxicity produced by exposure of an animal to nerve agents and other toxic substances.
US08168173B2
This invention concerns the process of creating an energy supplement product, good also as an anti-aging, aphrodisiac and as an alternative source to prevent or to remedy some diseases. The product is a composition of five ingredients: four marine animals (sea cucumber, sea urchin, sea sponge, and shark fin), and an algae called Sargassum. These ingredients are sterilized and then dried by using isothermal isotopes, reduced to powder, measured and encapsulated.
US08168158B2
A base-facilitated process for producing hydrogen. Hydrogen is produced from a reaction of carbonaceous matter with a base and water, preferably through the formation of a bicarbonate or carbonate by-product. The base-facilitated hydrogen-producing reactions are thermodynamically more spontaneous and are able to produce hydrogen gas at less extreme reaction conditions than conventional reformation or gasification reactions of carbonaceous matter. In another embodiment, the instant reactions permit the production of hydrogen from carbonaceous matter without the production of carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide. In a preferred embodiment, the carbonaceous matter is coal or a derivative thereof.
US08168153B2
The invention concerns a process for the production of chlorine dioxide comprising generating chlorine dioxide in an aqueous reaction medium in a reaction vessel maintained at super-atmospheric pressure, withdrawing gaseous chlorine dioxide from said reaction medium, bringing withdrawn gaseous chlorine dioxide to an aqueous absorption medium and withdrawing gaseous chlorine dioxide from said absorption medium.
US08168138B2
Provided is a cryogenic vial for storing at least one sample, the vial including a pipette, a cap assembly, and a container having at least one opening in a body portion of the container to allow liquid and/or gas to enter and/or exit the vial to balance the pressure between the inside of vial and the outside environment. The cryogenic vial allows for reduced processing time and minimizes the chance a sample may be lost or damaged while being processed.
US08168106B2
A process for producing a reinforcing woven fabric includes sticking a resin material on at least one surface of a fabric substrate including a plurality of reinforcing fiber bundles and varying the relative position of a plurality of reinforcing fiber bundles to peel the resin material stuck over two or more reinforcing fiber bundles from a part of the two or more reinforcing fiber bundles.
US08168105B2
The present invention relates to an acid-doped polymer membrane based on polyazoles. The acid-doped polymer membrane can be used in a variety of applications because of its excellent mechanical properties and is useful as polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) in PEM fuel cells. A doped polymer membrane based on polyazoles is obtained by a process comprising the steps of: A) casting a film using a solution of polymers based on polyazoles in a polar, aprotic organic solvent; B) drying the film formed in step A) until it is self-supporting; C) treating the film obtained in step B) with a treatment liquid at a temperature in the range from room temperature to the boiling point of the treatment liquid; D) drying and/or dabbing the film treated according to step C) to remove the treatment liquid from step C); and E) doping the film treated according to step D) with a doping agent.
US08168075B2
A method of machining a workpiece includes applying a fluid between a fixed abrasive component and a workpiece, followed by translation of the fixed abrasive component and the workpiece relative to each other. The fluid contains an anti-clogging agent containing a phosphorus-containing organic chemistry.
US08168073B2
A reclaimer, for the separation of heavier solids from slurry water, including an inlet means (50) to allow loading of a flow of the solid laden slurry water (90), a reclaiming tank (10) to contain the input from the inlet means (50), a plurality of lamella plates (20) to increase the effective separation surface area to improve the separation process, said lamella plates (20) provided at an angle, an agitation mechanism (40) for loosening up the slurry water from the heavier solids, an outlet means (82) to allow the separated slurry water to exit the tank (10), wherein the agitation mechanism (40) is a conveyor, with a plurality of protrusions (42).
US08168044B2
A thermochemical reactor includes a contact surface and a pressing device for pressing raw material to be pyrolyzed against the rotationally symmetrical contact surface which is rotatable relative to the raw material. A generating line of the contact surface is oriented at an angle to a radius that is perpendicular to the axis of the relative rotation.
US08168041B2
The device is for the dilution of dewatered cellulose pulp that maintains a consistency of 20-30% or greater. By shredding of the pulp to a finely divided dry-granulate, dilution to a homogeneous consistency in the medium consistency range can take place exclusively through hydrodynamic effects from the addition of dilution fluid. The dilution fluid is added to granulate at a position at which granulate is in free fall in a standpipe and above a level Liqlev of diluted pulp in the standpipe. A number of nozzles are arranged around the periphery of the stand pipe, directed in towards the center of the stand pipe, obliquely downwards in the direction of fall of the granulate. It is possible through this simplified procedure to avoid completely the conventional dilution screws, and this reduces the investment costs and operating costs, while at the same time unnecessary mechanical influence of the pulp fibers can be avoided.
US08168039B2
This invention relates to a tape made from an aramid paper, and a process for making the paper, the papers comprising 5 to 65 parts by weight aramid fiber, 30-90 parts by weight aramid fibrids, and 1-20 parts by weight of conductive filler, based on the total weight of the aramid fiber, fibrids, and filler; the paper having an apparent density of not more than 0.43 g/cm3 and a tensile index not less than 60 Nm/g.
US08168036B2
An apparatus and a method for the removal of pellicles from masks which can be used for photolithographic purposes. The pellicles are removed from masks in a universal manner without them being further contaminated or damaged. In an apparatus, at least one grip is present for the manipulation of masks provided with pellicles which has at least two fixing elements which engage at the edge of a mask with exerted pressure force. There are moreover present in this connection at least one detector for the contactless determination of the position of mounts formed at the radially outer edge of pellicles, and a heating device for the heating of an adhesive with which pellicles are fastened to a mask with material continuity, and a removal apparatus of the pellicles from a mask having a mask fixing unit and a pellicle removal unit.
US08168029B2
An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a composite preform from tape material, including feeding a tape section into a tape section guide that suspends the tape across a tooling surface, moving at least one of the tape section guide and the tooling surface relative to each other to position the tape section at a desired location and orientation relative to the tooling surface, moving the tape section toward a pre-existing tape section disposed on the tooling surface, and tacking the tape section to the pre-existing tape section. A corresponding apparatus for manufacturing composite preforms is also disclosed.
US08168016B1
High performance aluminized explosive compositions for high performance, high blast, low sensitivity explosive applications are disclosed. The compositions include Cl-20, HMX, RDX, or another material as the explosive ingredient, a binder system of cellulose acetate butyrate and bis-dinitropropyl acetyl and bis-dinitropropyl formal, and aluminum. The explosive is preferably pressable and or/mixable to permit formation into grains suitable for ordnance and similar applications including grenades, warheads, landmines, demolition, etc. The aluminum fully participates in the detonation of said explosive, manifesting its energy into fully useable metal pushing energy suitable for shaped charges, explosively formed penetrators, fragmentation warheads, enhanced blast warheads, multipurpose warheads, and the like. The aluminum is substantially reacted at two volume expansions of the expanding gas, and fully reacted prior to seven volume expansions of the expanding gas.
US08168007B1
A multi-function washing and decontamination system for a hose is provided. The multi-function system includes a wash unit, a submersion unit, a hose test unit and a control unit. The control unit controls a motor driven pump and a blower unit in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the multi-function system is portable and is mounted on a trailer having at least one wheel. The wash unit of the multi-function washing and decontamination system of the present application includes a plurality of adjustable rollers and a flexible track defining a hose path that includes at least one nozzle for washing the hose and at least one air knife for drying the hose. The multi-function washing and decontamination system also includes a submersion unit for pre-soaking a hose prior to entry of the wash unit in a solution that decontaminates the hose. The multi-function washing and decontamination system may also include a hose test unit for testing a hose after washing and decontamination.
US08168006B2
A utensil holder assembly for a dishwasher includes multiple utensil baskets that can be mounted in various different configurations in the dishwasher to provide a consumer with the flexibility to construct diverse arrangements of dishware, cookware, utensils and the like for a washing operation. In a first configuration, two utensil baskets are interconnected to form an elongated basket which can be mounted to an inner liner of a dishwasher door. In a second configuration, one basket is mounted to the inner liner and the other basket is supported on a rack in the dishwasher. In a third configuration, both of the baskets are supported on the rack.
US08167998B2
A lightweight ready-mix concrete composition that contains 8-20 volume percent cement, 11-50 volume percent sand, 10-31 volume percent prepuff particles, 9-40 volume percent coarse aggregate, and 10-22 volume percent water, where the sum of components used does not exceed 100 volume percent;. The prepuff particles have an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.02 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3. The slump value of the composition measured according to ASTM C 143 is from 2 to 8 inches. After the lightweight ready-mix concrete composition is set for 28 days, it has a compressive strength of at least 1400 psi as tested according to ASTM C39.
US08167992B2
A composition comprising a particulate Solid, an organic medium and a compound with an alkyleneoxy compound with an inorganic acidic polar head group (Z), wherein the compound is defined by Formula (1) and salts thereof: U—(Y)x-T-N(G)r(B—Z)q (Formula 1) wherein U is independently R′—N—(C)-T′-O—, or R—O—; R or R′ may be the same or different and are independently H or C1-50-optionally substituted hydrocarbyl, or hydrocarbonyl group (acyl group), or the residue of an epoxide, or the residue of an optionally substituted (meth) acrylic ester or amide group; Y is C2-4-alkyleneoxy; T or T′ is independently C2-4 alkylene; B is an alkylene group, such as, methylene; Z is an inorganic acidic polar head group, such as, a sulphur or phosphorus acidic polar head group; G and G′ may be the same or different and are independently H or C1-50-optionally substituted hydrocarbyl or C1-50-optionally substituted hydrocarbyl or hydrocarbonyl group or the residue of an epoxide, or the residue of an optionally substituted (meth) acrylic ester or amide group; r is zero or 1; q is 1 or 2, with the proviso that when q is 2, r is zero; and x is from 2 to 90.
US08167988B2
A multi-chamber canister for a pressure swing absorption system within a general housing assembly. The chambers include a first molecular sieve chamber for receiving a first molecular sieve for separating air from the ambient environment into a concentrated gas and at least a second molecular sieve chamber disposed within the housing assembly for receiving a second molecular sieve for separating air from the ambient environment into a concentrated gas component. Furthermore, a supply chamber is disposed within the housing for receiving air from the ambient environment and for communicating air to either first or second molecular sieve chambers.
US08167987B2
Systems and methods for cooling a chromatographic column is disclosed generally, comprising heating a chromatographic column, supplying fluid into the column via the inlet end of the column at an inlet pressure, decreasing the temperature of the column, thereby causing the fluid in the column to contract, and controlling the fluid in the column such that the rate at which the fluid in the column contracts does not exceed the flow rate of the fluid supplied to the column. In certain embodiments, the rate of change of the volume of the fluid in the column as the column temperature decreases is modeled, and the rate of contraction of the gas in the column is estimated therefrom. In some embodiments, the column temperature and/or inlet pressure are controlled by a programmable chromatographic oven.
US08167986B2
An airborne particulate sampling device is disclosed. The device includes a conduit whose interior allows the flow of air through the device. The conduit, or at least its surface, is a conductor. The device also includes an electrode with a sharp tip or edge on or near the output side of the conduit. An electrically conducting particle collector outside the conduit is positioned so that a surface is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the axis of the funnel. A fan or other blower forces air through the funnel. A power supply imparts an electrostatic potential difference between the electrode, on the one hand, and the holder and particle collector, on the other hand. The electrostatic potential difference produces a corona field in the air in the vicinity of the electrode's sharp tip. The corona field imparts a charge to airborne particles. The combined effect of the air flow, electrostatic repulsion from the funnel and electrode, and electrostatic attraction toward the particle collector causes the airborne particles to move toward and then to adhere to the particle collector.
US08167981B2
A filter assembly for mechanically removing silicon monoxide during a crystal growth run having a filter housing, a filter mounting plate attached to the filter housing, a sweep plate attached to the filter housing, a plurality of filter elements attached to the filter mounting plate, and a plurality of ring-shaped brushes mounted to the sweep plate, wherein at least one of the plurality of ring-shaped brushes surrounds each of the plurality of filter elements. Alternatively, a filter assembly for mechanically removing silicon monoxide during a crystal growth run having a filter housing having a upper portion, a lower portion and a central portion, a filter mounting plate attached to the filter housing proximate the upper portion, a plurality of filter elements attached to the filter mounting plate, and a cylindrical brush mounted in the center portion of the filter housing, wherein the cylindrical brush has a plurality of bristles pointing radially outward, said bristles contacting an outer portion of the plurality of filter elements.
US08167967B2
The present invention provides a receptacle filter for charging hydrogen which can reliably remove impurities from hydrogen gas when charging hydrogen into a tank. The receptacle filter of the present invention includes a filtering unit which removes impurities from hydrogen gas, and a one-way control valve which controls the flow direction of hydrogen gas.
US08167966B2
A replaceable filter cartridge including filter media defining a substantially columnar flow path sandwiched between first and second endcaps. The first endcap includes an opening fluidly connected to the substantially columnar flow path, leading to an interior cavity of the filter media defining a flow path. A sealing flange is aligned with the opening and extends axially away from the filter media. A handle is coupled to the sealing flange or a centerpost such that at least a portion of the handle extends into the flow path.
US08167961B2
The present invention provides a method for storing thermal energy, such as solar energy, as a fuel, by heating a reactive oxide substrate to a first temperature, such that the reactive oxide substrate is reduced, wherein the reactive oxide substrate includes a cerium oxide. The method also includes contacting the reduced reactive oxide substrate at a second temperature with a gas mixture including carbon dioxide, wherein the first temperature is greater than the second temperature, thereby preparing the fuel. The present invention also provides a method for preparing the reactive oxide substrates by heating a mixture including a doped cerium oxide and a pore-forming agent, such that pores are formed in the doped cerium oxide, thereby forming the reactive oxide substrate.
US08167958B2
The present invention relates to a process for dyeing sheetlike textile materials with a dye, which comprises a concentrated dye system being applied in a total amount of 1% to 25% by weight, based on the textile material, to the textile material in two or more sub-steps and the dye being fixed on the textile material after each and every sub-step.
US08167954B2
Systems and methods are described for implants with composite coatings to promote tissue in-growth and/or on-growth. An implant includes: a substrate; a structured surface formed on at least a portion of the substrate; and a biocompatible coating deposited on at least a fraction of the structured surface. The systems and methods provide advantages in that the implant has good biocompatibility while the biocompatible coating has good strength.
US08167939B2
Described herein are devices and methods for treating eye conditions. Described is an ocular implant including an elongate member having an internal lumen forming a flow pathway, at least one inflow port communicating with the flow pathway, and at least one outflow port communicating with the flow pathway. The elongate member is adapted to be positioned in the eye such that at least one inflow port communicates with the anterior chamber, at least one outflow port communicates with the suprachoroidal space to provide a fluid pathway between the anterior chamber and the suprachoroidal space when the elongate member is implanted in the eye. The elongate member has a wall material imparting a stiffness to the elongate member. The stiffness is selected such that after implantation the elongate member deforms eye tissue surrounding the suprachoroidal space forming a tented volume.
US08167916B2
A method for osteosynthesis of a spinal column using an assembly including at least a bone anchor, a ring, a connecting member, and a connector, the method including assembling the bone anchor and ring in the connector; positioning an anchoring part of the bone anchor in bone; assembling the connecting member in the connector such that the bone anchor, ring and connecting member are arranged to be tightened against each other in the connector; and tightening of the assembly by applying a force on the connecting member such that the connecting member contacts the ring and a head of the bone anchor.
US08167915B2
This invention relates generally to spine surgery and, in particular, to methods and apparatus for treating spinal stenosis. The methods comprising gaining access to an interspinous space, abrading a portion of the superior spinous process, inserting an implant into the interspinous process space, verifying the position of the implant by observing the position of three radio-opaque markers embedded in the implant, and coupling the implant to the superior spinous process.
US08167912B2
There is provided a modular pedicle screw assembly that includes various components which may be configured in various manners so as to provide different functionalities to the pedicle screw assembly. This advantageously decreases surgery time, reduces repetitive and tedious surgical steps, and allows for streamlining inventory of expensive medical equipment. In one embodiment, a pedicle screw assembly includes a pedicle screw, a rod holding element, an insert, a rod, and a set screw. The pedicle screw includes a threaded shaft and a cap. The rod holding element includes a screw hole, an insert bearing area, a chamber, chamber walls, a saddle area, and a threading area. The insert is disposed within the chamber, and the insert defines a bearing surface, an upper surface, side walls and a receiving area. The insert is positioned within the chamber such that the insert bearing surface contacts the rod holding element insert bearing area; additionally the side walls of the insert can bear against the chamber walls. The pedicle screw is positioned so that the screw shaft passes through the screw hold of the rod holding element and the screw cap rests within the receiving area of the insert. The rod is disposed so as to rest on the upper surface of the insert; and the set screw, joined to the threading area of the rod holding element, secures the rod to the upper surface of the insert. The insert may have a uniplanar configuration which allows movement of the insert, prior to final attachment, in a plane of motion. The insert may optionally have a monoaxial configuration which prevents movement of the insert.
US08167899B2
In one preferred aspect, a surgical instrument for insertion into human tissue is provided with a release mechanism that permits one or more components of the surgical instrument to be removably coupled to a handle.
US08167898B1
An exemplary surgical apparatus may include an anvil including an outer surface, a channel defined therein, and an aperture defined in the outer surface, where the aperture opens to the channel; and a cutter slidable along and within the channel, where at least a portion of the cutter is flexible. Another exemplary surgical apparatus may include an anvil including an open channel defined therein; and a one-piece cutter including a knife adjacent to a bending region, where the cutter is slidable in the channel; where the knife is initially held completely within the anvil, and where the knife flexes out of the channel and out of the anvil in response to proximal motion of the cutter. An exemplary surgical method of treating tissue within the body of a patient may include providing a flexible cutter including a knife; providing an anvil with a channel defined therein; holding the knife completely within the channel in a stowed position; placing the anvil adjacent to tissue; and moving the cutter proximally, wherein that moving causes at least part of the knife to flex out of the channel and into the tissue adjacent to the anvil.
US08167893B2
An endoscopic treatment instrument is provided comprising: a cylinder adapted to be fitted over a tip of an insertion section of an endoscope; a loop-shaped snare wire which protrudes in the cylinder from a snare sheath that is extendable and retractable with respect to the insertion section and which is extendable within the cylinder; a hooked portion which is formed and radially inwardly extended from the circumference of the tip of cylinder and which holds the snare wire within the cylinder; a locking portion which is provided on the hooked portion and retains a folded-back portion of the snare wire that is forwardly moved toward the cylinder tip with respect to the snare sheath and by means of which the snare wire is turned upside-down around the folded-back portion.
US08167890B2
A method includes moving a spinal implant such that a central portion of the spinal implant is disposed between adjacent spinous processes, radially extending a proximal portion of the spinal implant on a first side of the adjacent spinous processes such that movement of the proximal portion between the adjacent spinous processes is inhibited, and radially extending a distal portion of the spinal implant on a second side of the adjacent spinous processes opposite the first side such that movement of the distal portion between the adjacent spinous processes is inhibited.
US08167886B2
An insertion tool for a vertebral defect device having upper and lower openings includes a first finger sized and shaped to cooperatively engage the upper opening. A second finger is sized and shaped to cooperatively engage the lower opening. An outer surface of each finger is shaped to match a contoured shape of the vertebral defect device proximate to the respective finger to allow a smooth insertion of the vertebral defect device between a pair of adjacent vertebrae. A driving member is sized and shaped to engage a body of the vertebral defect device, such that during insertion the driving member is driven to push the vertebral defect device between the pair of adjacent vertebrae.
US08167885B2
An anterior lumbar interbody graft (ALIG) inserter includes prongs at the tip of the inserter which can optionally grasp, and thus insert, anterior and anterior-lateral grafts.
US08167883B2
Improved method for removing large amount of bone and articulate surface including cartilage comprising a bone chipper, which can be adapted for usage with any large articular surface or bony structure through a small incision using minimally invasive surgical approach. The inventive device includes an oscillating chipper tip having a series of metallic blades with sharp cutting edges vertically situated and attached to a metallic circular platform. Said platform is situated at the distal end of shank blade. The circular platform and cutting blade will oscillate horizontally driven by the reciprocating eccentric cam with his attached proximally to a reciprocating central shaft. Each of the vertical blades has two sharp vertical cutting edges. The blade shank contains a suction channel, which allows of the removal of bone particles and tissue debris generated by the cutting process. The electromagnetic driver comprises three or four electromagnetic coils placed in a collinear fashion and in series. The coils being separated by magnetic Neodymium wafers firmly attached to the reciprocating central shaft which actually move back and forth driven by the electromagnetic coils as they receive alternating current from a frequency modulator external power supply unit. A railing in the form of an inverted T located at the bottom of the electromagnet driver and used to guide the movement of the driver when said guide slides into corresponding T grooves located on the femoral and tibial templates which are positioned adjacent to the tibial and femoral bones and firmly secured by two or more large guide wires inserted through the templates and into the bone.
US08167881B2
There is disclosed a method for implanting a device in a fractured bone. The device has an elongated shape and includes a thermo-chemically activated portion including a polymer having a glass transition temperature greater than 37 degrees Celsius. The thermo-chemically activated portion is deformable at a first thermo-chemical state in which the temperature of the polymer is greater than the glass transition temperature. The thermo-chemically activated portion is hard at a second thermo-chemical state in which the temperature of the polymer is lower than the glass transition temperature. The method includes transforming the thermo-chemically activated portion from the second to the first thermo-chemical state. The method includes inserting the device into an intramedullary canal. The method includes transforming the thermo-chemically activated portion from the first to the second thermo-chemical state to harden the thermo-chemically activated portion to a relatively rigid configuration to provide reinforcement to the fractured bone sufficient to promote healing.
US08167880B2
Disclosed embodiments relate to a fixation device for use in supporting and/or aligning an injured body part. An exemplary disclosed fixation device uses a pair of thumb wheel control elements to provide controlled rotational micromovements of a joint fracture. The control elements, their associated drive systems, and at least a tension member allow for converting a rotational force to a translational force to be applied to a driven article in one direction. In addition, the fixation device may incorporate a drive system that introduces a simultaneous longitudinal translation of bone pins with rotation, in order to provide for a translated point of origin of rotation between the fixation device and the affected body part supported by the fixation device.
US08167870B2
A urological medical system for performing a controlled hydrodistention of the urinary bladder for treating a bladder dysfunction problem comprised of a programmed CPU with associated computer equipment for facilitating an automatic control of a treatment procedure to be performed on a patient, a saline solution warmer, a saline solution pump, a four-way catheter wherein a channel is provided for monitoring the pressure within the bladder during the procedure, a syringe for infusing a medicine through the catheter and a strapping device to secure the syringe and to slidingly engage the catheter to a leg of the patient. Desired parameters are monitored during the procedure and a desired pressure is maintained in the bladder for a predetermined time to perform the controlled hydrodistention of the urinary bladder.
US08167868B1
A surgical procedure for performing liposculpture on the human body comprising defining a surgical site where the liposculpture is to be performed including substantially 360 about at least the torso portion of the body. The surgical site is infiltrated with a predetermined quantity of solution and subsequently performing multi-layer emulsification of fat deposits about the surgical site utilizing technology comprising “vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance” or (VASER), wherein the multi-layer emulsification includes at least a superficial layer emulsification of fat deposits and a deep layer emulsification of fat deposits. Subsequently, a multi-layer liposuction extraction of the emulsified fat deposits is performed, wherein the multi-layer liposuction extraction comprises a deep layer liposuction; a superficial layer liposuction and an intermediate layer liposuction.
US08167863B2
A vented vial adapter has a filter attached to a vent arm that includes at least two filter media for suppressing aerosolized medicaments from leaving the vial and suppressing bacteria and other contaminants from entering the vial during reconstitution activities of the medication in the vial. The filter media allows the passage of air to the atmosphere outside the vial for pressure equalization. In another aspect, a third filter medium is used in the vent of the adapter to allow gas to pass in either direction through it, but prevents bacteria and particulate matter in the atmosphere from reaching the second filter device. A first filter is hydrophobic and prevents non-dispersed liquid from reaching the second filter, while conducting liquid dispersed in gas. The second filter absorbs the liquid dispersed in gas.
US08167856B2
A system for providing reduced-pressure treatment to a tissue site of a patient includes a reduced-pressure source for supplying reduced pressure, a fluid source for supplying a fluid, and a plurality of inflatable bladders for placing adjacent the tissue site. The inflatable bladders are operable to receive the fluid to expand from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The system also includes a plurality of chambers that are compressible. At least one of the plurality of chambers is disposed between a first inflatable bladder and a second inflatable bladder of the plurality of inflatable bladders.
US08167855B2
An ocular device for insertion into an eye is provided and includes a body having an anterior surface and a posterior surface for placement on one of superior sclera and inferior sclera of the eye. The posterior surface is defined by a base curve that is substantially identical to a radius of curvature of the one of the superior sclera and inferior sclera of the eye. In one embodiment, the ocular device serves as an ocular drug delivery device and contains an active pharmaceutical agent, a lubricant, etc.
US08167849B2
The present invention relates to drive mechanisms suitable for use in drug delivery devices, in particular pen-type injectors, wherein a number of pre-set doses of medicinal product can be administered. In particular, the present invention relates to such drug delivery devices where a user may activate the drug delivery device.
US08167848B2
A pneumatic retractable syringe has a plunger having an interior retraction lumen. The plunger and syringe barrel have cooperating locking elements so that the plunger is locked after use within the syringe barrel. After injection of medicament is completed, the needle is retracted into the lumen by compressed gas that is released from a gas cell within the syringe when the gas cell is ruptured just before the plunger reaches the end of its downstream path of travel.
US08167840B2
A disposable injector with a housing (10) in which are arranged at least one mechanical spring energy store (50), at least one cylinder-piston unit that can be filled at least temporarily with an active substance, at least one piston actuation plunger (60) and at least one triggering unit (80). The spring energy store comprises at least one pre-loaded spring element. The spring-loaded piston actuation plunger has at least one traction rod (61) which can be moved transversely, at least in certain regions, and by means of a supporting portion supports the tensioned spring energy store on at least one resting surface (37) of the housing. An actuatable triggering slide device (82) unlocks the disposable injector and releases the supporting portion to allow it to move away from the resting surface.
US08167831B2
A method of delivery ultrasonic energy and a therapeutic compound to a treatment site and an ultrasonic catheter system are disclosed. The method comprises providing a catheter with a plurality of ultrasound radiating members, wherein the plurality of ultrasound radiating members are allocated into electrical groups comprising more than one ultrasound radiating member. The method further comprises independently driving each group of ultrasonic radiating members, and delivering the therapeutic compound through the catheter to the treatment site.
US08167819B2
A biopsy needle assembly for use in a biopsy gun includes coaxially slidably engaged outer needle and inner needles. The inner needle defines a cavity adjacent its distal end for receiving a tissue sample. A first hub is attached to the proximal end of the inner needle, and a second hub is attached to the proximal end of the outer needle. An elongated pin having a first end and a second end is fixedly attached to the first hub at the first end of the pin. The second end is in sliding contact with the second hub so that the second hub and the pin are slidable relative to each other. A stop engagement is provided between the second end of the pin and the second hub and is configured to prevent disengagement of the outer and inner needles and to maintain a specific physical relationship between the hubs.
US08167815B2
A biopsy device comprises a targeting set assembly, a probe assembly, and a holster assembly, which are detachable from one another. The targeting set assembly comprises a needle assembly having a tissue piercing tip, a tissue receiving aperture, and a fluid sealing mechanism. The probe assembly comprises a tissue cutter and an internal helix mechanism. The internal helix mechanism may fully retract the cutter within the probe assembly to prevent exposure to the sharp distal end of the cutter when the probe assembly is detached from the needle assembly. When the probe assembly and needle assembly are connected, the internal helix mechanism may extend the cutter into the needle to facilitate biopsy of a tissue sample. The helix may have variable pitch for providing a first translational speed for cutting with the cutter and a second translational speed for cutter retraction.
US08167808B2
A treatment instrument system according to the present invention includes: an endoscope having a treatment instrument channel; an ultrasound probe inserted through the treatment instrument channel of the endoscope; an ultrasound observing apparatus having a blood flow display function and a distance measuring function; a treatment instrument having, at a distal end portion, an ultrasound scattering portion for scattering ultrasound; and an over tube having an endoscope insertion path through which the endoscope can be inserted and a treatment instrument insertion path through which the treatment instrument can be inserted, and having, at a distal end portion, an ultrasound scattering portion for scattering ultrasound.
US08167805B2
Systems and methods for maintaining the alignment of a therapeutic ultrasound applicator to a target site are described. Overlapping ultrasound signals are sent to a target tissue site and the echo detected. An algorithm is described for detecting tissue movement relative to the applicator based on comparison of the echo with a previously stored echo.
US08167801B2
Systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating transient non-glucose related signal noise due to non-glucose rate limiting phenomenon such as ischemia, pH changes, temperatures changes, and the like. The system monitors a data stream from a glucose sensor and detects signal artifacts that have higher amplitude than electronic or diffusion-related system noise. The system replaces some or the entire data stream continually or intermittently including signal estimation methods that particularly address transient signal artifacts. The system is also capable of detecting the severity of the signal artifacts and selectively applying one or more signal estimation algorithm factors responsive to the severity of the signal artifacts, which includes selectively applying distinct sets of parameters to a signal estimation algorithm or selectively applying distinct signal estimation algorithms.
US08167798B2
A device for expanding an elongate opening formed in a skin layer of a patient includes a first arm for engaging one side of the opening and a second arm for engaging the other side of the opening. The device further includes a spreader mechanism, coupled to at least one of the first and second arms, to move the at least one of the first and second arms to widen the opening. The at least one arm is configured to move between a retracted position in which the at least one arm is positioned next to the other arm and an extended position in which the at least one arm is extended to expand the opening. Other embodiments of the device as well as methods for performing a medical procedure are further disclosed.
US08167790B2
An arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath providing an improved inflow and outflow system reducing the diameter of a continuous flow system while eliminating the need for a third portal during arthroscopy. The improved arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath comprises an elongated atraumatic sheath having an inner surface, outer surface, proximal end, and distal end. The atraumatic sheath further comprises plurality of ribs or webs extending from the inner surface of the sheath and designed to contact an outer surface of the arthroscope creating outer lumens facilitating the inflow and outflow of fluid to a surgical site. The atraumatic sheath further comprises a ridge to prevent the sheath from being easily removed from a surgical site.
US08167788B2
A pump that comprises a fluid reservoir, a pump bulb, a plurality of tubing, and at least one inflatable penile cylinder. The pump comprises a pump body, an inlet valve within the pump body, an exhaust valve within the pump body and in fluid communication with the inlet valve, and a deflate valve within the pump body and in fluid communication with the inlet valve and the exhaust valve. The deflate valve enables one-touch release by (i) providing a voluntarily-activated fluid bypass so that fluid from the at least one inflatable penile cylinder can return to the fluid reservoir through at least one of the plurality of tubing without sustained activation of the deflate valve, and (ii) closing upon subsequent inflation of the at least one inflatable penile cylinder when such inflation is initiated by squeezing the pump bulb so that fluid does not flow back to the fluid reservoir.
US08167766B2
A transmission of the present invention has 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 first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least nine forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
US08167765B2
A 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 first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.
US08167759B2
Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable accessory drives (CVAD). In one embodiment, a skew-based control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVAD. In another embodiment, a skew-based control system includes a skew actuator coupled to a carrier member. In some embodiments, the skew actuator is configured to rotate a carrier member of a CVT. Various inventive traction planet assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include legs configured to cooperate with the carrier members. In some embodiments, a traction planet assembly is operably coupled to the carrier members. Embodiments of a shift cam and a traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed.
US08167758B2
An axle assembly having an axle assembly with first and second sumps for holding a lubricant. A rotating ring gear associated with a differential can rotate through the lubricant in the first sump to cause a portion of the lubricant to cling to the ring gear. A portion of the lubricant that has clung to the ring gear can be removed from the ring gear and transferred to the second sump. The lubricant in the second sump can be drained to lubricate teeth of a pinion that is in meshing engagement with the ring gear and/or to lubricate bearings that support the pinion. A related method is also provided.
US08167736B2
A golf club comprising a grip, a shaft having a first end and a second end, with the first end of the shaft having the grip disposed upon it, a shaft cap disposed at the second end of the shaft, and a head having a face portion and a hosel portion with the second end of the shaft having the shaft cap disposed on the shaft coupled to the head.
US08167734B2
A swing training device includes a guiding-arm and a resistance-arm that guides a user through a backswing and a forward swing allowing a user to hit a ball with a naturally swinging follow-through without any hindrance from the guiding components. Two computer-controlled electric motors provide rotation of the corresponding arms. The speed of rotation of the guiding-arm defines a pace of golf club movements. The speed of rotation of the resistance-arm defines the position of the club shaft relative to the user's forearms at each point of the backswing. During the forward swing the resistance-arm defines a pace of golf club movements, while the guiding-arm interactively resists the golf club movements through the guiding-arm lead, which is released from the guiding-arm by means of a trigger mechanism mounted on the distal end of the guiding-arm at a defined point of the swing controlled by the computer system a golf club.
US08167729B2
A sealing assembly includes a sealing element and its placement in homokinetic joints. This sealing element seals the outer joint part relative to a pipe or a hollow shaft. The sealing element is connected with the outer joint part which is connected with a sealing rolled bellows on the opposite side. In this case, the sealing element is configured as a closure lid provided with a pressed projection, and a set back piece on its outer circumference. This lid includes a cylindrical or turned over shape, and is disposed on the outer joint part of the homokinetic joint by way of the pressed projection and by secondary weld seams of a friction weld or magnetic arc weld that connects the outer joint part with a pipe. This connection is with a shape fit or a force fit whereby the closure lid in the set back partial piece is configured with a circumferential groove as well as with planned breakage points.
US08167728B2
To accomplish a superior characteristic for absorbing and damping torsional vibrations in a damper disk assembly and a flywheel assembly. A damper disk assembly includes a pair of plates 11 and 12, a flange 20, coil springs 16 and 17, and friction plates 58 and 59. The pair of plates 11 and 12 is fixed to each other. The flange 20 is disposed between the pair of plates 11 and 12 in the axial direction. The coil springs 16 and 17 elastically couple the pair of plates 11, 12 and flange 20 in the rotational direction. The friction plates 58 and 59 are disposed to operate in parallel with the coil springs 16 and 17 between the pair of plates 11, 12 and the flange 20 in the rotational direction, frictionally engage with the pair of plates 11 and 12, and engage with the flange 20 to be relatively rotatable in only range of the small torsional angle.
US08167713B2
A wagering game developer can support an online wager gaming community and provide digital representatives to members to enhance real-life wager gaming experience. A digital representative of a wagering game player can be imported from a remote store associated with an online wager gaming community. Data associated with the digital representative can also be imported. Wagering game activity of the wagering game player at one or more electronic wagering game machines in a wagering game establishment is determined. One or more digital representative data updates for the digital representative are determined based, at least in part, on the determined wagering game activity of the wagering game player. The one or more digital representative updates are applied to the data associated with the digital representative. The digital representative and the updated data associated with the digital representative are exported.
US08167711B2
A gaming device having a game which requires the same average investment from a player to win an award, including a jackpot award, regardless of the amount that the player bets at any one time. The award can be unchanging, e.g., $10,000, each time a player plays the gaming device. The award can also vary such as with a progressive jackpot, i.e., the jackpot builds until a player “hits” the jackpot. The game enables the average investment necessary to win the jackpot to be uniform by varying the odds of winning the jackpot as the player's bet varies. That is, a player betting less money needs to play the game more times, on average, to win the jackpot. Likewise, a player betting more money needs to play the game less times, on average, to win the jackpot. The average overall bet or investment thus remains constant despite the player's betting habits or betting ability.
US08167710B2
A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining a player account that is logged in to a wagering game session and presenting a wagering game during the wagering game session. The operations can further include determining accounting transaction data that relates to an amount of money that the player account has spent on gambling during a time period. The operations can further include presenting the accounting transaction data during the wagering game session so that the accounting transaction data and the wagering game are both perceptible to the player account. The operations can also include indicating the amount of money that the player account has spent on gambling in the time period.
US08167698B2
A touch screen includes light emitters and light detectors arranged around a periphery thereof. The position, orientation, shape and/or size of objects may be determined by switching the light emitters on one-by-one and detecting shadows caused by the objects. The objects include at least a first part with optical properties of a first type and a second part with optical properties of a second different type. By determining the optical phenomena caused by the second part, the orientation of the objects may be determined and/or the objects may be recognized or identified.
US08167694B2
A battle situation detection unit (205) detects progress status of a battle controlled by a battle control unit (204) and winning and losing statuses of friend and enemy sides. An audio data acquisition unit (209) acquires audio data specified based on the progress status of the battle. The audio data acquisition unit (209) detects winning and losing statuses of the friend and enemy sides at each predetermined timing, and acquires arbitrary matching audio data based on the detected winning and losing statuses. The audio data acquisition unit 209 sends the acquired audio data together with priority orders to a queue buffer (210). An audio output unit (212) reads out the audio data from the queue buffer (210) according to the priority orders, synthesizes an audio signal from the read-out audio data, and outputs audios from a predetermined speaker.
US08167689B2
The invention is based on a system with a tool-holding fixture, which fixture has a slaving device (12) by way of which an inserted tool (14) can be connected operatively to a drive shaft (16), and with an inserted tool (14) which can be connected operatively to the slaving device (12) via at least one detent element (20) that is supported movably counter to a spring element (18), which detent element snaps into place in an operating position of the inserted tool (14) and fixes the inserted tool (14) by positive engagement.It is proposed that the tool-holding fixture and the inserted tool (14) have at least two corresponding shaped elements (22, 24), adapted to one another, to facilitate installation of the inserted tool (14).
US08167688B1
A handheld, arrow broadhead cutting blade sharpener used for cutting blades on an arrow broadhead, knife blades and other cutting edges. The sharpener includes a hollow handle with a first end and a second end. Included inside the first end of the handle is a first coarse stone holder with a first angled groove therein for holding a first coarse sharpening stone. The first end also includes a second coarse stone holder having a second coarse stone holder with a second angled groove therein for holding a second coarse sharpening stone. The ends of the first and second fine sharpening stones extend outwardly from the first end of the handle and are held in a “V” shaped configuration adapted for receiving an edge of a cutting blade there between. The second end of the handle includes a pair of fine sharpening stones held in a “V” shaped configuration for providing a finely sharpened edge on the cutting blade.
US08167686B2
A polisher has an offset axis and a friction cam useful in a method of polishing that comprises a more random, elongated polishing pattern than known orbital polishers and is capable of portable use using a 9 volt battery. The method is capable of using lower contact pressures between fiber ends and a polishing surface and higher rates of rotation of the drive mechanism, reducing the polishing time for preparing fiber ends for applications. The polishing pattern changes when pressure is applied between a fiber end and the polishing surface. The fiber end provides one intermittent axis of rotation and the friction cam provides another intermittent axis of rotation.
US08167683B2
An in-line profile sander is disclosed. The in-line profile sander includes a sander housing configured to be grasped by a user. A plurality of interchangeable profile sanding pads can be mounted at a head of the housing. The sander includes an in-line oscillating mechanism for moving the profile sanding pads in a linear oscillating motion.
US08167676B2
Methods and apparatus for providing a Fluorescent Lighting System are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention may be used as a fluorescent lamp ballast which is controlled using a non-resonant circuit that allows the ballast to lower to fifty percent the light output of the lamp while providing a corresponding fifty percent reduction in energy used.
US08167675B2
A dispersion-type EL element is a dispersion-type electroluminescent element with at least a transparent coating layer, a transparent conductive layer, a phosphor layer, a dielectric layer and a rear electrode layer sequentially formed on a base film surface. The transparent coating layer can be peeled off the surface of the base film. The transparent conductive layer is formed by applying a coating liquid composed mainly of conductive oxide particles and a binder on a surface of the transparent coating layer, applying compression processing to the applied layer and then curing the compressed layer.
US08167662B2
There is disclosed a connector and method for terminating a cable comprised twisted pairs of conductors. In one aspect of the invention the connector comprises a wire lead guide for arranging the twisted pairs of conductors and a plurality of piercing contacts which interconnect with respective ones of the twisted pairs of conductors when the wire guide is secured to the module. In a further aspect of the invention the wire lead guide ensures that the spacing between the conductors of a particular twisted pair is maintained, thereby improving the performance of the subsequent assembly.
US08167660B2
Connector assemblies for use to concurrently transmit multiple signals or sources. The connector assemblies are generally formed by coupling a plurality of ring contacts, sealing rings, and spring contact elements together with at least one holding ring to form a connector having a common bore for receiving a lead cable. Contact grooves or spring chambers for positioning the spring contact elements are formed in part by assembling multiple components together. The connector assemblies may be used in a number of industries and applications.
US08167658B1
A combined structure of a USB plug with a built-in card-reading slot, and more particular, a combined structure for the patent application U.S. Pat. No. 7,575,481 that permit a convenient manufacturing and meets different needs. An isolation base is provided in cooperation with two or three different isolation pieces which are joined by a hooked connection to create a module. The isolation pieces are each provided with an engaging slot. It is possible to choose the desired terminal set of certain type to achieve the predetermined functions of a certain USB specification. A metal housing meeting the specification of USB A-type plug dimensions encloses the compound connection module, thereby creating a first slot for the electric connection with the female connector of USB 2.0 or USB 3.0. Meanwhile, a second slot is provided for the insertion of the thin-type Micro SD/T-Flash memory card. Accordingly, a USB plug with a built-in card-reading slot is created. Moreover, the USB plug is an independent connection element that allows for a convenient connection with circuit boards or electronic products having different functions. As a result, the requirements of different electronic products are fulfilled.
US08167657B2
A jack is provided that has compensation and crosstalk zones. At least one of the zones employs a lattice network that couples conductors in the zone to reduce the net crosstalk in the plug/jack system. The lattice network has a frequency response slope that is different from the frequency response slope of a first-order coupling or of a series LC circuit coupling. A variety of lattice networks are provided.
US08167642B2
An electrical apparatus, in particular a sensor or a control unit, includes at least one component that has at least one contacting device such as a pin or a wire, where the contacting device engages a clamping section of a housing part to produce an electrical connection and has a longitudinal axis, the clamping section being formed as part of a sliding device that is situated in the housing part and is movable transversely to the longitudinal axis of the contacting device.
US08167639B2
A connector assembly includes a receptacle connector that has a housing, a lever arm, and a center contact. The housing defines an interior chamber. The lever arm is pivotally joined to the housing. The center contact is disposed within the interior chamber and is oriented along a longitudinal axis of the receptacle connector. The mating connector includes a plug body and an axial conductive member. The axial conductive member is disposed in the plug body along a center axis of the plug body. The lever arm of the receptacle connector engages the plug body of the mating connector when the plug body is received in the interior chamber and pivots relative to the housing to drive the plug body within the interior chamber and mate the axial conductive member with the center contact.
US08167634B2
A connector has a housing (40) including a terminal mounting portion (41), a receptacle (55) and a mounting flange (61) between the terminal mounting portion (41) and the receptacle (55). A seal ring (150) is mounted on a surface of the mounting flange (61) to be held in contact with a mounting wall (20) for sealing between the mounting flange (61) and the mounting wall (20). The seal ring (150) includes a ring main body (151) surrounding the outer periphery of the terminal mounting portion (41) and fixing portions (160) for fixing the ring main body (151) to the mounting flange (61). Each fixing portion (160) includes a bulge (161) at an inner peripheral side of the ring main body (151). A lock (165) projects from the bulge (161) toward a side opposite to a sealing surface and engages a locking hole (67) in the housing (40).
US08167631B2
The present invention provides a card edge connector as a high-speed differential signal connector configured to equalize electric potentials of ground contacts adjacent to signal line contacts, and thus to reduce crosstalk between adjacent signal line contacts. The card edge connector serves as a female connector in which multiple signal line contacts and multiple ground contacts are arranged in parallel in at least one row. In the card edge connector, the signal line contacts and the ground contacts are arranged in a way that every two signal line contacts for high-speed signals to send and return respectively therethrough are interposed between two ground contacts, and all of the multiple ground contacts arranged in the one row are electrically connected to one another by use of a common contact.
US08167628B2
Disclosed herein is a polymer substrate for a flexible display, comprising a reticular superelastic alloy structure and/or an annular superelastic alloy structure therein. The polymer substrate has an improved flexibility because the superelastic alloy structure is embedded therein.
US08167614B2
A non-contact apparatus and method detect irregular bone defects around a dental implant. Structural resonance frequency is produced and received to recognize a quality, a direction and a depth of an irregular bone defect. Thus, an interfacial osseointegration can be evaluated, and the present invention is of great help to assess osseointegration and diagnosis interfacial bone defects after the dental surgery.
US08167610B2
Premix furnace for heating an occupied space while producing lower NOx emissions and methods of mixing air and fuel delivered to a premix burner and of improving combustion stability. A mixing device may be located within an inlet tube, may have a flat surface that is perpendicular to the direction of fuel flow, or may have two surfaces held at substantially opposite angles to induce swirl. A mixing device may be attached to the fuel injector, may be made from a piece of sheet metal, and may have bends and a hole for attachment to the fuel injector. A fluidic diode in the inlet tube may improve combustion stability and may include a hollow frustum or a frustoconical portion, a cylinder concentric with the inlet tube, or a combination thereof. Some embodiments include refractory insulation lining the combustion chamber or may adjust for elevation or fuel characteristics.
US08167607B2
The apparatus serves for blow molding containers. Preforms of a thermoplastic material are heated in the region of a heating zone and subsequently transferred to a blow molding device. The blow molding device is provided with at least one blow molding station for transforming the preforms into the containers. Provided for handling the preforms is a gripper-like transporting element (41) with two gripper arms (45, 46), which are arranged pivotably in relation to a gripper carrier (42). Each of the gripper arms can be pivoted by means of at least one lever and is coupled with a central element (49). The central element is arranged at least partly between the gripper arms. Each of the gripper arms is resiliently clamped with respect to the central element by at least one spring (56, 57).
US08167599B2
A polyhedral tool for producing an orthodontic appliance has a main body with one upper and one lower surface that are parallel to each other and at least one other pair of nonparallel, opposite lateral surfaces. One of the two nonparallel surfaces of the body extends at an angle of 5°-45° and the other at angle of 45°-85° to the upper and lower surfaces of the body. Each of the nonparallel lateral surfaces is formed with a dovetail groove. Respective thin plates each have a dovetail tongue fittable into a respective one of the grooves.
US08167598B2
A filling shoe for rotary tablet presses, comprising a filling shoe housing with at least one discharge opening for a starting product which is to be compressed and with a seal for sealing the gap between the die plate and filling shoe housing, which seal can be fastened exchangeably to a bottom wall of the filling shoe housing. In order to make it possible to achieve shorter downtimes when changing the seals, the seal in the mounted state is fastened to the bottom wall by means of magnetic force. Changing the seal can then take place, if appropriate even without any further aids, by overcoming the magnetic holding force and replacing the seal with a new seal. The invention also relates to the seal for sealing the gap, which seal can be fastened according to the invention by means of magnetic elements.
US08167595B2
A suction screen member is provided that bridges the inlet port and entrance port between a compressor housing and a suction duct in a scroll compressor. The suction screen member also serves to screen fluid entering the scroll compressor to prevent particulates from entering the scroll compressor. The suction screen member may be formed from only two components, including a sheet metal body that has a folded over section to provide a mounting segment that mounts into the inlet fitting for the outer housing and a tubular extension. Crimping of the folded over segment can secure the screen thereto. Other embodiments may have employ welding for screen attachment.
US08167594B2
A scroll compressor comprises a non-orbiting scroll member having a base and a generally spiral wrap extending from its base, and an orbiting scroll member having a base and a generally spiral wrap extending from its base. The wraps of the non-orbiting and orbiting scroll members interfit to define compression chambers. A drive shaft causes the orbiting scroll member to orbit relative to the non-orbiting scroll member. At least one of the non-orbiting and orbiting scroll operate to move in an axial direction toward the other of the non-orbiting and orbiting scroll members. The scroll compressor supplies a bias force to bias the at least one scroll member toward the other. A first of the non-orbiting and orbiting scroll members have at least a portion of its surface formed of a material that is harder than the material that it will contact on a second of the non-orbiting and orbiting scroll members, such that upon start-up there will be run-in and removal of the material.
US08167590B1
A pedestal fan device having a base; a first support extending upwardly from the base; a fan housing mounted to the first support component, wherein an open hole is disposed in the front surface of the fan housing and a plurality of fan blades is disposed in the inner cavity of the fan housing, the plurality of fan blades is operatively connected to a motor; the base is fluidly connected to the first support component and the first support component is fluidly connected to the fan housing so as to allow air from an air source to circulate; a first door component disposed in the back surface of the fan housing; a second door component disposed in a side portion of the base; and a third door component disposed in a bottom surface of the base.
US08167578B2
An assembly controls the liquid level in a vessel in which a submersible pump is disposed. The assembly has a switch housing and a float housing, arranged proximate to each other. A switch in the switch housing selectively energizes a motor associated with the pump. When a float disposed in the float housing moves in response to a change in the liquid level of the vessel, the movement is coupled to the switch by a pair of magnets arranged in attractive relationship to each other. One of the magnets is in the switch housing and the other is in the float housing. The magnets interact by providing force fields that acts through a wall that separates the switch housing and the float housing. A lever on which the switch housing magnet is positioned tilts the magnets away from alignment as they approach each other, reducing the increase in attractive force therebetween.
US08167574B2
A ceil fan blade assembly includes an upper blade, a lower blade, and a decorative member enclosed between the upper and lower blades. The upper and lower blades are formed with engaging portions which are an engaging rib and en engaging groove to connect the upper and lower blades together. Each of the upper and lower blades is formed with an inner recess at the middle and rear sections thereof so as to enclose the decorative member. The decorative member is made of colored paper, plastic material or embossment board. The upper and lower blades are connected tightly to become one piece after high frequency or ultrasonic process. The surface of the decorative member is printed or carved with a patter to be reflected through the inner recesses. This provides a simply and easy way and is cost-effective.
US08167569B2
An inventive self-aligning blade joint structure is provided to facilitate assembly and clamping of wind turbine blade sections carried on a transporter. The blade joint structure includes alignment pins on one end bulkhead of a blade body section at the joint and complimentary female bushings on a bulkhead of an adjacent blade body section to permit fine alignment of the joint. The blade joint structure also includes through holes in the end bulkheads for the adjacent blade body sections to permit clamping of the sections in preparation for application of adhesive bonding to the joint. A pair of male scarfed surfaces of spar caps extend from one blade section into the second blade section and engage female scarfed surfaces of spar caps formed in the second blade section and recessed from the joint. An inventive method is provided to utilize the self-aligning blade joint structure for assembly of the blade sections.
US08167561B2
A helicopter rotor damper system including a torsional damper with a damper centering bearing providing a damper center of rotation axis, a first elastomeric torsional damper with a first elastomeric torsional damper torsional elastomer bonded between a first elastomeric torsional damper first torsional damper nonelastomeric bonding surface and a first elastomeric torsional damper second torsional damper nonelastomeric bonding surface, and a second elastomeric torsional damper with a second elastomeric torsional damper torsional elastomer bonded between a second elastomeric torsional damper first torsional damper nonelastomeric bonding surface and a second elastomeric torsional damper second torsional damper nonelastomeric bonding surface. The helicopter rotor damper system includes a damper link linked with the torsional damper, with the torsional damper and the damper link connected between a helicopter blade and a helicopter rotor with the elastomeric torsional damper nonelastomeric bonding surfaces relatively rotating.
US08167536B2
A turbine blade for a turbine engine having a cooling system in the turbine blade formed from at least one leading edge cooling chamber for cooling the leading edge and for exhausting cooling fluids through a tip exhaust outlet. The leading edge cooling channel may include a second section that extends radially inward from the tip exhaust outlet and a first section that extends radially inward from the second section along the leading edge. The second section may be narrower than the first section and may direct cooling fluids to be exhausted from tip exhaust outlet skewed angle towards the suction side of the blade. As such, the leading edge cooling channel and tip exhaust outlet cooperate to exhaust the cooling fluids without forming a separation zone at the upstream side of the intersection between the leading edge cooling channel and the tip exhaust outlet.
US08167532B2
A cowling of the invention includes a cover body and an empennage connected with the cover body. The cover body includes an accommodating space for receiving an impeller, and a first opening serving as an air inlet for the impeller. According to the wind direction, the empennage will adjust the first opening to the proper position to face the wind.
US08167530B2
Examples of a robotic de-palletizer and a robotic magazine loader are described herein. The robotic de-palletizer is configured to remove cases (e.g. HSC (half slotted cases) filled with product (e.g. disassembled cartons)) and to place the HSC on one or more conveyors. The conveyor(s) move the full HSC from the “de-palletizing” area to a magazine-loading area for processing by a robotic magazine loader. In one example of the robotic magazine loader, HSC containing unassembled cartons are removed from the conveyor. The contents of the HSC are added to a magazine feeding a carton assembling and filling machinery and the empty HSC is conveyed to a discard location.
US08167522B2
A substrate transport apparatus comprising a drive mechanism, a movable arm assembly, and an end effector with an active edge gripper. The apparatus is configured to avoid the need to provide cables to the end effector for power or communication. In one aspect, the gripper is actuated when a motion sensor senses motion of the end effector. In another aspect, communication signals are wirelessly transferred to the end effector to control the active gripper. In another aspect, power is wirelessly transferred to the end effector to power actuation of the gripper.
US08167516B2
Palletized materials are delivered in controlled quantity into a pulse modulated air stream. A vortex of compressed air gates the pellets into flexible small diameter tubing for transit to a hot melt adhesive application apparatus. Pellets of different materials, sizes, and shapes can be combined in a defined ratio within several seconds of melting at the application point. Pellet delivery air can be utilized for spray application of the melted material.
US08167502B2
A steering column assembly having an adjustable shroud comprises a fixed portion arranged to be secured to a body of a vehicle and a moving portion which can be moved telescopically relative to the fixed portion, a clamp mechanism which releasably fixes the moving portion in position relative the vehicle body, the clamp mechanism being movable between a first, unclamped, position in which the fixed portion and the moving portion can move relative to one another and a second, clamped, position in which the fixed portion and the moving portion are prevented from relative movement, and a lock mechanism, wherein the assembly is so arranged that when the clamp mechanism is in the first position the lock mechanism limits a range of movement of the moving portion relative to the fixed portion at least in a collapse direction by providing a path for collapse forces from the moving portion through the lock mechanism to the fixed portion, and when the clamp mechanism is in the second position the lock mechanism permits additional telescopic movement of the moving portion towards the fixed portion beyond the limited range of movement by removing the force path.
US08167500B2
An inner ring, an outer ring, a circular cone roller constituting a rolling elements arranged between the inner ring and the outer ring, a first seal member arranged at an opening portion between the inner ring and the outer ring, and a second seal member arranged on an outer side in an axial direction of the first seal member are provided, the second seal member includes a core fixed to the outer ring, an elastic ring-like member fixedly attached to the core and having at least one lip, and an outward attached slinger having a section in a channel-like shape fixed to the inner ring to cover the core and the elastic ring-like member and having a portion of a section in an L-like shape and a circular cylinder shape portion.
US08167499B2
A first spacer, a second tubular member, and a second spacer are externally fitted and fixed to an outer peripheral surface of a nut. The second tubular member is formed by stacking a plurality of silicon steel plates without any gap, and is arranged between the first spacer and the second spacer axially. The outer diameter of an outer peripheral surface of the second tubular member is made larger than the outer diameter of an outer peripheral surface of the first spacer and the outer diameter of an outer peripheral surface of the second spacer. A detection surface of a first displacement detector is made to radially face a contact portion between the second spacer and the second tubular member, while a detection surface of a second displacement detector is made to radially face a contact portion between the first spacer and the second tubular member.
US08167488B2
Bag for packaging food products, particularly fruit and vegetable products, which comprises a flexible tubular body, the central portion of which is designed to house the products contained in the bag and the longitudinal ends of which are closed, a flexible oblong element, such as a strip, which is considerably shorter than the tubular body of the bag, being solidly joined to both closed ends, which acts as a handle whereby to suspend said bag, the tubular body being overdimensioned in relation to the volume of the products housed therein, so that when the bag is suspended from the strip that acts as a handle, it is U-shaped, with its end portions empty and in a vertical position and with its central portion filled with products.
US08167484B2
A temperature indication pipe joint, including a shell, wherein a water conduit is arranged in said shell, and including a heat transmission unit which has a first end in said water conduit and a second end connected to the center of a spiral double sheet metal, said spiral double sheet metal further has an indicating needle extended from its other end. By utilizing the double sheet metal to sense the change of temperature and deform accordingly, the water temperature can be indicated, which can reduce the cost and achieve a simpler structure compared to the digital thermometer used before; when rotating the cover of the present invention, the quantity of water stream will be adjusted.
US08167480B2
A device for cutting/shearing in a process vessel (1) product clusters and/or materials (3) into smaller particles and dispersing them in a liquid product bulk (4) or for mixing in the process vessel liquid products with each other that are difficult to mix. The device has an electric motor (13) arranged out-side the process vessel and, driven by the same by magneto drive, a processing unit (12) positioned inside the process vessel. The processing unit comprises a stationary inner part (14) and, rotatable about this, an outer part (15), the inner and outer parts having the shape of substantially concentric rings (16, 17) arranged with a close fit to each other and having a plurality of through slotshaped shearing recesses (18) opposing each other. The products that are to be cut/shorn and/or mixed are suppliable to the area of the common center axis (20) of the rings and are thrown out through the shearing recesses while being shorn into pieces in order to leave the processing unit through the ring of the outer part, which ring also contributes to rotating the products in the process vessel around the processing unit.
US08167474B2
A light guide plate is formed of a light introducing part positioned to face a point light source for confining light and a light guide plate body having a thickness smaller than the thickness of an end of the light introducing part on a point light source side and causing the confined light to be output from a light exit surface to outside. The light introducing part has an inclined surface, and a directivity conversion pattern formed on the inclined surface. The directivity conversion pattern is configured by arranging V grooves in parallel to each other, each having a vertical angle of 120°, and each extends in a direction approximately perpendicular to a light incidence end face of the light guide plate. The length of the inclined surface in a inclination direction where part of light incident to the light introducing part enters the inclined surface at least twice.
US08167471B1
The self-illuminating extension cord consists of an extension cord including a plurality of lights adorning the exterior of said cord in a spiraling pattern that runs the entire length of the extension cord. The extension cord includes a male plug at a first end and a female plug at a second end. The lights provide an illuminating feature that alerts to the presence of said cord in poorly lit environments. An alternative embodiment further includes upon the male plug or female plug, a breaker, a pilot light, and a switch for turning the lights on or off. A third embodiment includes a translucent outer cover protecting both the plurality of lights and the extension cord.
US08167464B2
A light emitting diode contains a light emitting diode chip and a light directing structure disposed thereon. The light directing structure has a pair of connected hemi-ellipsoids and an interface interposed therebetween. Each hemi-ellipsoid comprises a bottom surface in a shape of an incomplete ellipse and an ellipsoidal surface connected to the bottom surface and the interface, wherein the largest vertical distance from the ellipsoidal surface to the bottom surface is longer than a height of the interface. The bottom surface has a major axis and a minor axis intersected to define a center, wherein the interface is connected to the minor axis.
US08167438B2
A light source device is provided. The light source device has: a discharge lamp that emits light by discharge in an interelectrode space between a first electrode and a second electrode; a main mirror arranged at the first electrode side that reflects light flux generated by the discharge in the interelectrode space so as to emit the light flux to an area to be illuminated; a sub-mirror arranged at the second electrode side facing opposite the main mirror that reflects the light flux from the interelectrode space toward the interelectrode space; and a driver that supplies alternating current to the first and the second electrodes, and changes duty ratio of the alternating current supplied to the first and the second electrodes in accordance with a predetermined pattern. In the light source device, maximum value of time ratio of a first anode period in which the first electrode works as anode to one cycle of the alternating current is larger than maximum value of time ratio of a second anode period in which the second electrode works as anode to the one cycle of the alternating current.
US08167433B2
A light engine for use in a projector, comprising a motorized adjustable convergence mechanism for fine adjusting the relative positions of red, green and blue channel sub-assemblies. Motors are mounted on fixed elements of the sub-assemblies for driving movable elements thereof, including imaging devices thereof such as digital micromirror devices.
US08167432B2
A method to display images using four or more different primaries having different spectral distributions wherein, in the LMS color space, at least two of these primaries have the same L coordinates and the same M coordinates; thank to the invention, different metamers, when being legally displayed, will be not only perceptually indistinguishable to a viewer with normal color vision but also indistinguishable by most of the viewers with non-normal color vision.
US08167431B2
A peripheral device is coupled to a system bus of an apparatus via a system bus compatible cable, and transmits to an operating system a request to transmit to the output multiple image stream 3D video data and a request to access a video subsystem for monitoring a status of page flip signals. The peripheral device transmits sync signals to at least one output of the peripheral device representing the page flip signals detected in response to monitoring page flip signal status. The apparatus transmits the multiple image stream 3D video data to the output. The multiple image stream 3D video data is received at a stereographic projection apparatus input. Each stream data contains a plurality of frames. The stereographic projection apparatus comprises an alternating polarizing filter, synced with the alternately projecting images, for separately filtering images from each of the image stream 3D video data at different polarization angles.
US08167426B2
An eyeglass temple works with an interchangeable eyeglass temple cover to change the appearance of the eyeglasses. A clip on the eyeglass temple is used to secure the cover to the eyeglass temple. The temple cover can be made of silicone and include a hole to make inserting and removing the temple cover easier.
US08167422B2
A hybrid printing method using a movable pallet is provided. The movable pallet is used to apply various desired inks on the surface of fabric products and the like. A printing process, a digital printing process, a multicolor foiling process and a multi-color flocking process provides a variety of designs and colors, dissimilar to the conventional method enabling a simple design and a single color work. The method is not an integral (fixed) type and thus is carried out as a selective work for each individual process, thereby improving productivity by more 100-150% as compared to the conventional facility. The movable pallet is formed of a thin aluminum plate of 3-4 mm thickness to minimize the time required for heating and cooling and to provide for easy attachment and detachment due to its light weight. The pallet is supported on a pallet bracket to avoid bending or distortion.
US08167421B2
A machine, such as a phase change or solid ink printing apparatus, has at least one multiple supply unit in the form of an ink stick disposed therein. The ink stick has an electronically-readable memory device associated therewith, and the memory device has stored therein electronic data related to the ink stick and readable by the machine. The memory device is attached to the ink stick and removed before the ink stick is used for printing in the machine. In another aspect, the memory device is attached to a container for the ink stick. The container is a cartridge for use in the machine, or a container for packaging the ink stick. The machine may include a coupler configured to read electronic data from the memory device while the memory device is positioned external to the printing apparatus, thus allowing the machine to verify the suitability of the ink stick before it is installed in the machine.
US08167417B2
The backing pressure of an ink tank is controlled. The ink tank is connected to a pressure control apparatus. The pressure control apparatus has first and second check valves. When the internal pressure of the ink tank becomes smaller than that of outside atmosphere by a first predetermined pressure or more, the first check valve is switched into an open state to connect the outside atmosphere and the ink tank. To the contrary, when the internal pressure of the ink tank becomes larger than that of outside atmosphere by a second predetermined pressure or more, the second check valve is switched to an open state to connect the ink tank with the outside atmosphere. Therefore, the internal pressure of the ink tank is controlled precisely enough to stabilize the meniscus.
US08167416B2
A liquid container includes a housing having a supply port leading out liquid contained in the housing, a spring member configured to generate a negative pressure, a flexible member joined to the housing to form a liquid chamber, a plate member disposed between the flexible film and the spring member, a lid member configured to cover the flexible member and secured to the housing, and a rib member movably disposed in a space surrounded by the lid member and the flexible member and configured to regulate the shape of the flexible member and the position of the plate member.
US08167413B2
In order to recover unevenness in concentration of ink ejected from a print head, an agitation operation of agitating ink by causing the print head to reciprocate is carried out. This agitation operation sets a number of times of moving the print head for agitation according to a condition, such as a printing mode, for a reciprocating motion in a main scanning direction of the print head in printing.
US08167407B2
A liquid discharge head is arranged in a manner that in the cross-section of a discharge port perpendicular to a liquid discharge direction, the discharge port includes at least one projection that is convex inside the discharge port; a first area, for holding a liquid surface connecting a pillar-shaped liquid that is elongated outside the discharge port; and second areas where a fluid resistance is lower than that in the first area so as to pull the liquid in the discharge port in a direction opposite to the liquid discharge direction. The first area is formed in the direction in which the projection is convex, and the second areas are formed on both sides of the projection.
US08167393B2
A system and process for compensating for non-uniform surfaces of a substrate when direct printing traces is provided. The system and process provided herein measures the surface of a substrate and can determine whether the surface is substantially flat, rises or falls, or whether a mesa or valley is encountered. Depending on the surface feature (i.e., mesa, valley, falling or rising surface), the direct printing system can change the frequency of the printing timing signal, advance or retard the print timing signal, advance or retard the print data, or make repeated passes over certain areas. In addition, the process disclosed herein can determine whether two, three or all of the aforementioned steps for compensating for non-uniform substrates should be combined to most effectively and efficiently print on the non-uniform surface of the substrate as intended.
US08167391B2
A method of making edible substrates that have an image registered on them in a consistent manner. The method comprises the steps of providing an edible substrate sheet, and an image source, wherein the image source has at least one image. Further, a trigger pulse signal is provided, which relays the frequency of a process element that is communicated to an image disposal device. The image disposal device uses the trigger pulse signal to determine when to dispose an image from the image source. Then an image is disposed on the edible substrate sheet with the image disposal device to form an image-disposed edible substrate sheet. And then a portion of the edible substrate sheet that comprises an image is separated into an individual piece.
US08167389B2
A refrigerator, which prevents a filler unit from being worn away or broken. The refrigerator includes a main body, storage chambers divisionally provided in the main body, a pair of doors opening and closing one of the storage chambers, a filler unit rotatably connected to at least one of the pair of doors to seal a separation space between the doors, a guide member provided on the main body to guide rotation of the filler unit, and a protection unit mounted on the filler unit to rotate the filler unit according to insertion and separation of the protection unit into and from the guide member and to prevent the breakage of the filler unit due to collision with the guide member.
US08167386B2
Disclosed are rack enclosures for electronic equipment including at least one door configured to define a space between an edge of the door and a wall or frame of the cabinet, kits for retrofitting rack enclosures to include such a door, and methods of installing such.
US08167383B2
A brake control apparatus for a vehicle includes: a master cylinder for raising a wheel cylinder pressure according to operation of a brake pedal; a booster for raising the wheel cylinder pressure by operating the master cylinder independently of operation of the brake pedal; a pressure regulator provided with a hydraulic pump for raising the wheel cylinder pressure independently of operation of the master cylinder; and a control section including: a first controller for controlling the booster; and a second controller for controlling the pressure regulator. The control section detects that at least one of the booster and the first controller is in a state of malfunction; selects one of backup modes according to the state of malfunction, wherein the backup modes restrict operation of at least one of the booster and the pressure regulator in different manners; and controls the wheel cylinder pressure in the selected backup mode.
US08167380B2
The application discloses a wheel assembly comprising a wheel comprising a main body, a substantially cylindrical wall, a front hub face comprising a central portion connecting a hub to an outer rim, wherein the front hub face comprises a socket for receiving a removable weight, wherein the socket or the weight is configured with a stop for preventing the weight from dislodging from the socket; a back face comprising a back central portion connecting the hub to the back outer rim; and the wheel assembly comprising at least one fastener for securing the weigh in the socket on the main body of the wheel.
US08167375B2
The invention provides a furniture chair seatback tilt limiter system for adjustably limiting the seatback recline of a chair. The seatback tilt limiter system includes a first gear toothed rotator with a full forward seatback upright endstop and a full recline seatback endstop. The seatback tilt limiter system includes a second gear toothed rotator having an adjustment endstop. The first rotator is free to rotate between the full forward seatback upright endstop and the full recline seatback endstop when the rotator gear teeth are disengaged and the second rotator adjustment endstop limits the rotation of the first rotator to an adjustable reclined seatback tilt limit when the gear teeth are engaged.
US08167371B2
A seat back assembly (16) for a seat (10), comprising an upper seat back portion (24) for supporting an upper portion of a user's back and a lower seat back portion (22) for supporting a user's pelvis and pelvic region. The lower seat back portion (22) and the upper seat back portion (24) are independently adjustable. The upper seat back portion (24) can be reclined to one of a number of fixed angular positions and it is arranged and configured for dynamic angular movement under a load over a range of positions. The dynamic movement of the upper seat back portion (24) is controlled by a shock absorber (44) having adjustable damping means for providing a required level of tension and rebound in relation to the dynamic back action of the upper seat back portion (24).
US08167369B2
A cushion structure for a bicycle contains a body and a bottom tube. The body includes a circular inserting seat. The inserting seat includes a plurality of crossed support ribs extending radially from a center thereof and connecting with an outer rim thereof and formed in a cross shape. The bottom tube includes a connecting portion disposed on one end thereof. The connecting portion includes a circular inner hole corresponding to the inserting seat and includes a plurality of retaining slots formed therein corresponding to the support ribs.
US08167366B2
An automobile seat including a seating portion, a back that can be folded onto the seating portion and including a rear face at least partially covered by a member defining a tablet and that can be brought into a substantially horizontal position. The member defining the tablet includes a rotary tray mounted on the rear face of the back so as to pivot about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the rear face to be moved into a position in which a portion of the rotary tray laterally protrudes from the rear face of the back.
US08167365B2
An open roof construction for a vehicle having an opening in the fixed roof, comprises stationary longitudinal guide rails on either side of the roof opening and slidable slides with operating mechanisms. A panel supported by the operating mechanisms is adjustable between a closed position, in which it closes the roof opening, and an open position, in which it releases the roof opening at least partially. Each operating mechanism comprises a curve plate attached to the panel and has a first guide track with which a first guide member connected to the slide is in engagement, at least along part of the path of movement of the panel. The slide includes a height-adjustable part which is equipped with the first guide member, and is also equipped with a second guide member which is in engagement with a second guide track having a vertical component. The second guide track is provided at a curve part which is connected to the guide rail. The first and second guide tracks are positioned relatively such that they have a common vertical longitudinal plane extending there through. The guide tracks are selectively movable with respect to each other in a direction parallel to guide rails to enable the first and second guide tracks to overlap in height direction without crossing each other.
US08167364B2
Embodiments disclosed herein provide a vehicle roof having a roof panel formed of molded fiberglass. The panel has a first surface and a second surface. An insert is molded into the roof panel. The insert has an interior surface generally concentrically disposed about an axis that is generally perpendicular to the first surface and the second surface of the roof panel. The insert is at least substantially embedded in the roof panel.
US08167360B2
A vehicle cross member assembly is provided which includes first and second cross members each having first and second ends, and first and second connectors connects to the first ends of the cross member to vehicle structures. The assembly includes a bracket connected to a tunnel structure on a vehicle. The bracket includes first and second brackets for connecting the second ends of the first and second cross members. At least one of the first and second cross members is configured to move laterally inward and downward into the tunnel during a sufficient lateral impact of the vehicle. Additionally, one or more seats may be mounted to the cross members such that the seats move inward and rotate away from the point of impingement during a side impact event.
US08167354B2
The invention relates to a top for a convertible, comprising a front bow, a first surface bow, a second surface bow, and a main link mechanism being adapted to displace the front bow, the first surface bow and the second surface bow with respect to a body-mounted main bearing unit in order to open or to close the top, wherein the main link mechanism comprises a main pillar and a main link, wherein, when the top is closed, the front bow, the first surface bow and the second surface bow cover an interior space of the convertible, wherein the first surface bow is arranged between the front bow and the second surface bow, wherein a first supporting link connects the second surface bow in an articulated manner to the main pillar, and wherein a second supporting link connects the second surface bow in an articulated manner to the main link.
US08167349B1
An auto return structure of a luggage room screen may include a guide portion formed to a luggage side trim toward the rear of a vehicle body, and a reinforcement board wherein the guide portion includes a guide groove formed to the luggage side trim toward the rear of the vehicle body and slidably receiving an end portion of the reinforcement board therein, a movement groove formed to connect from ends of the lower and upper surfaces of the guide groove toward an upper part of the vehicle body to guide the end portion of the reinforcement board toward the upper part of the vehicle, and a locking protrusion formed on an upper connection portion connecting the movement groove and the upper surface of the guide groove and to which the end portion of the reinforcement board may be selectively inserted and fixed.
US08167344B2
A device for collecting and packaging solid waste or toxic material is provided. A first arm and a second arm are coupled with a lever, wherein at least one arm is slidably coupled with the lever. A bag may be positioned in an open position when the first arm is located distally from the second arm, and the bag may be closed by an operator manipulating the arms towards each other. The device may include a motor and/or a spring or springs to drive the arms towards or away from each other. A plate, a pole and/or a handle may be coupled with the arms. The plate may be positioned relative to the arms to stabilize the waste or toxic material for insertion into the bag. The bag may include an adhesive, paper, plastic, recycled plastic and/or cellulose.
US08167337B2
A quick-release, fluid impervious elastic coupling with hook and loop strips conforms to the shape of conduit ends to join, seal and secure together conduits that can have different diameters. The elastic sheet can be a single or multiple layers and can be reinforced with strengthening ribs or cords and/or provided with gripping ridges to assist securing and sealing the conduits against leakage.
US08167317B2
Attachments for a manual wheelchair are provided for navigating a wheelchair over obstacles and uneven terrain, such as a typical curb on a street. The attachments provide for regulating the movement of the wheelchair as the wheelchair descends the curb and to prevent the wheelchair from flipping over during such movement. The attachments include a front caster wheel slider assembly on each side of the wheelchair, a follower wheel assembly and a track belt damping bar. The front caster wheel slider assembly includes a piston that will quickly push the front caster wheels down after they roll over the top edge of the curb. The follower wheel assembly acts as a sensor that will release the piston in the assembly after the front caster wheels roll over the top edge of the curb. As the back wheels of the wheelchair roll over and down the curb, the track belt damping bar slows the descent of the wheelchair.
US08167312B2
An adjustable casing sub having an outer housing, an inner housing insertable into the outer housing, and a ratcheting system for coupling the inner housing within the outer housing. An annulus is between a portion of the inner and outer housing, the annulus including an inwardly tapered section. A metal faced seal is disposed in the annulus, wherein the metal faced seal includes a sliding surface and a compressive sealing surface. The sliding surface may include a malleable inlay and the compressive sealing surface may include a spring like element. Moreover, the metal faced seal radial thickness is greater than the inwardly tapered section radial thickness.
US08167309B1
A method and a system to provide a medium for personal wagering for sporting or non-sporting events. Users wager against each other, for any event. Users can make their own odds and handicaps. Users pre-select events and price-range for wagering. Alerts are automatically distributed to users informing them of available wager offers. Funds are received and distributed to the winners.
US08167308B2
An image forming apparatus is composed of a main body, an image forming portion provided in the main body to form an image on a sheet, a top receiving tray provided on a top of the main body to load the sheet on which the image is formed in the image forming portion so as to be visible from the top of the main body, a side receiving tray provided at a side of the main body and under the top receiving tray to load the sheet on which the image is formed in the image forming portion with a maximum sheet loading amount more than the top receiving tray, and a control unit to control to select one of the top receiving tray and the side receiving tray as a discharge destination for the sheet according to whether or not a number of the output sheets outputted from the image forming portion exceeds a prescribed threshold value.
US08167307B2
Disclosed is an image forming apparatus that includes an image forming unit that forms an image and a conveyance unit that conveys a medium to be recorded opposing the image forming unit. The conveyance unit includes a platen member that guides the medium to be recorded and has plural suction holes formed therein, plural air chambers that the plural suction holes formed in the platen member face, and plural suction units that suction air inside the plural air chambers through the suction holes. At least two or more of the plural air chambers are arranged in a direction crossing a conveyance direction of the medium to be recorded. One of the plural air chambers is connected to one of the plural suction units, and one or two or more of the plural air chambers is connected to at least one of the plural suction units.
US08167303B2
To prevent deviation in a processing position of a sheet bundle caused by buckling of the sheet bundle and handle a number of diversified kinds of sheets without increasing the size of apparatuses, a sheet processing apparatus and a image forming apparatus includes a pair of saddle entrance rollers which discharges a sheet; a stack tray which stacks the sheet discharged by the roller pair; a gripping member which grips the rear end portion of the sheet in the discharging direction which is stacked by the tray; a gripper which grips the front end portion of the sheet in the discharging direction which is stacked by the tray; and a stapler, etc., which processes a sheet bundle at a processing position, wherein the gripping member and the gripper grip the sheet bundle stacked by the tray and move the sheet bundle to the processing position in cooperation with each other.
US08167302B2
A sheet of paper is reliably held by suction at the front and rear of a turn guide on the transport path of the sheet according to paper transport conditions.
US08167301B2
A paper sheet processing apparatus including a housing part capable of stacking a paper sheet in a stable condition. A bill processing apparatus includes: a bill housing part capable of stacking the bill having been inserted into a bill insertion slot. The bill housing part includes a regulatory member having an opening through which a bill to be received; and a contact face which regulates a movement of the bill by contacting. The regulatory member is configured to make a coefficient of friction on the contact face contacting the bill greater than a coefficient of friction caused between stacked and housed bills.
US08167294B2
According to one embodiment, a tray includes a take on surface on which a sheet is placed, a projecting portion configured to stick out from the take on surface, and a slip stopper including a sheet-slip stopper portion having a larger frictional coefficient with the sheet than the take on surface has. The slip stopper sticks the sheet-slip stopper portion out from the take on surface when the sheet comes into contact with the projecting portion.
US08167290B2
A pallet includes a platform and a plurality of support assemblies located at multiple positions on the platform. One support assembly is associated with each location of the component to be supported. Each support assembly has a linkage assembly to support and enable movement of a support element. The support assemblies also each include multiple bases secured to the platform, to position the support element in a desired location for each version of a component. An alignment mechanism on each base allows for rotational alignment of the support element relative to the pallet.
US08167284B2
A second spiral spring is smaller than a first spiral spring and is housed in an open space in the center of the first spiral spring. A folded portion that is formed in an inner end of the first spiral spring and a folded portion that is formed in an outer end of the second spiral spring are hooked in a latch plate, under tension, that is cut and raised from a side. A receiving space is formed between the latch plate and an initial winding portion that starts winding in a curved shape from the inner end of the first spiral spring so as to house a tip of the folded portion of the outer end of the second spiral spring that is hooked in the latch plate.
US08167280B2
Disclosed is a device and method for generating a microbubble infused solution, the device having a cartridge including a first and second compartment separated by a small channel, wherein the cartridge is formed from a pliable and gas-impermeable material, and having a bubble solution inside the cartridge. Applying pressure to a substantial portion of an outer side of a selected compartment forces at least a portion of the bubble solution inside the selected compartment through the small channel to an unselected compartment and form microbubbles inside the cartridge.
US08167278B2
An improved configuration for an in-line direct contact diffuser-type steam injection heater provides for a diffuser whereby steam flow is controlled using an angled sonic diffuser and plug arrangement. The steam flow is controlled by means of a steam plug which selectively exposes holes through which the steam passes. In the preferred embodiment, the configuration provides for a diffuser that had been angled approximately 30° from vertical to facilitate better mixing of the steam with the fluid. The precise angle may be altered depending on the fluid characteristics. A more durable end seal is also used. The end seal is a piston ring which prevents problems associated with the use of elastomeric rings of existing art. A more uniform diameter plug with linear travel is also an improvement over the prior art.
US08167273B2
A winch is provided for taking or winding ropes, cables, and the like. The winch has a drum, a lower crown, a rope groove and an upper crown having a socket which has a fluted cavity. The fluted cavity is configured to cooperate with a pin of a winch handle, which when turned rotates the drum. In an embodiment, the fluted cavity has a groove having a canted coil spring positioned therein. The pin on the winch handle has a groove placed to correspond with the depth of the groove when placed into the socket. The combination allows the winch handle to latch to the winch and to resist unintended separation between the two.
US08167272B2
A portable hand-held lubricant atomizing device includes an inlet for receiving pressurized gas from a pressurized gas source. A flow control mechanism is associated with the inlet for controlling delivery of the pressurized gas. A lubricant tank includes a wire pulling lubricant. An atomizing chamber is provided in where a lubricant spray is produced using the wire pulling lubricant and pressurized gas. An outlet downstream of the atomizing chamber is sized to deliver the lubricant spray to an inner surface of an outer conduit.
US08167260B2
An adjustable brace for supporting a window air conditioner that includes: a pair of interior brackets on the inside adjustably attached to a pair of exterior brackets and a pair of locating brackets on the outside. The pair of interior brackets includes an interior leg extending downwardly from one end and adjustably secured to the wall by interior mounting plates. The pair of exterior brackets includes an exterior leg extending downwardly from one end and adjustably secured to the wall by exterior mounting plates. A cross member adjustably connects the two interior brackets to fit different size air conditioners. The adjustable brace extends through the window to adjustably support the window air conditioner.
US08167249B1
Apparatus and methods provide for a controllable upper surface blown (USB) nozzle aperture. Aspects of the disclosure provide a powered-lift aircraft that utilizes a controllable nozzle aperture to maximize the spreading of the engine exhaust flow over the wing and USB flap surfaces to increase lift when desirable and to minimize exhaust plume contact with the wing and USB flap surfaces when minimizing drag is desirable. The controllable USB nozzle aperture includes movable upper, lower, and side duct surfaces to dynamically vary the geometry of the nozzle exit aperture to minimize the height and maximize the width of the exit aperture for maximum spreading of the exhaust plume or to maximize the height and minimize the width of the exit aperture for minimizing the spreading of the exhaust plume and minimizing the associated drag.
US08167243B2
Systems and methods achieve an optical effect of cabin enlargement of a passenger vehicle. The optical effect creates a visual impression of a higher cabin when viewed from the forward part of the cabin space looking aft, and a wider cabin space when viewed from the aft part of the cabin space looking forward. In preferred forms, a series of alternating interdigitated trapezoidal starboard and port headliner modules are disposed adjacent to the cabin headliner. The headliner modules are also preferably arcuately curved about a central elongate axis of the passenger cabin.
US08167233B2
A dual, coaxial rotor helicopter is provided that is relatively easy to fly. Thrust is provided by two ducted fans that are mounted at the rear of the aircraft and spaced apart laterally. Differential thrust generated by the fans provides yaw control for the aircraft, and forward thrust is provided by the fans working in combination. The coaxial rotors are preferably utilized primarily for lift, and not for forward thrust, which simplifies the control requirements. The coaxial rotor with ducted fan configuration also results in lower vibratory loads being imposed on the helicopter, thereby increasing its speed capability. The fan ducts serve to protect the fans, augment the fan thrust at low airspeeds, increase the efficiency of the fans at cruise speeds, and provide horizontal and vertical stabilizing surfaces to ensure aircraft flight stability.
US08167232B2
A device for improving the effectiveness of the acoustic treatment(s) in an aircraft propulsion unit that includes a pipe (36) into which a gas stream flows, whereby the pipe (36) is delimited by two approximately concentric inside walls (40) and outside walls (42), wherein the device includes at least one partition (38, 38′) that extends over at least one portion of the length of the pipe (36) between the inside and outside walls (40, 42) and in that the profile of at least one wall (44, 46) of the at least one partition (38, 38′) is defined so as to increase the number of reflections of an acoustic beam on at least one of the inside and/or outside walls (40, 42) of the pipe and/or on at least one of the walls (44, 46) of the at least one partition (38, 38′).
US08167231B2
A shielding arrangement for the lightning protection of electrical lines and components in an aircraft includes a protected installation space for receiving the lines that is arranged in the region of a floor framework, at least one delimiting surface of the installation space being provided at least in certain regions with an electrically conductive shielding, the at least one delimiting surface of the installation space being formed with at least one floor panel and a further delimiting surface of the installation space being formed with at least one ceiling panel.
US08167227B2
A lever lift assembly is provided for lifting a reel of cable, wire or other material off the floor. In one embodiment of the lever lift assembly, a lever assembly is actuated to retract a lifter assembly underneath the reel causing the reel to be lifted on a pair of drive wheels and a pair of flanged wheels. In one embodiment the lever lift assembly incorporates drive wheels to unroll material from the reel.
US08167226B2
A chipper knife adapted to be mounted in chippers which have a rotatable tool, in the form of a disc, drum or frustoconical member, on which a plurality of chipper knives are mounted has at least one cutting edge which is defined between two edge-forming surface portions of the knife at an acute angle to each other. At least one of the two edge-forming surface portions extends from the cutting edge inwardly to a shoulder extending parallel to and facing away from the cutting edge and defining a step surface on the knife behind the shoulder with respect to the rest of the adjacent knife surface and chipper knife.
US08167220B2
In one embodiment there is provided an end fitment for use with an actuator used from drawing fluid from a container through a tube, the actuator has a depression face and a neck extending there from for connection to a corner end extending downwardly for securing the end fitment thereto. The end fitment further including a lower end for attaching to a headpiece. The headpiece has a concaved bottom surface that transitions to a surrounding side surface and has a plurality of openings positioned about the bottom surface for ejecting a fluid within the container. The plurality of openings are positioned into a pair of concentric rows, defined as a first concentric row of openings positioned within a second concentric row of openings.
US08167218B2
A support including a rail (10) that preferably has an I-shaped section and is provided in a slot (2) filled with concrete (4). During the manufacture of the rail, the rail is partially coated, substantially along its entire length, with a filler material (8) which defines at least one side extension (16) and bears on the concrete. A side groove (9) is formed in the coating of filler material (8) for the passage of a guiding or rolling wheel. The rail is directly maintained by the concrete such that an intermediate device, for additional maintenance of the rail, is not required. The rail can be bent and curved at the time of installation to conform to the curves of the track without any independent or additional bending step.
US08167204B2
A wireless damage location sensing system uses a geometric-patterned wireless sensor that resonates in the presence of a time-varying magnetic field to generate a harmonic response that will experience a change when the sensor experiences a change in its geometric pattern. The sensing system also includes a magnetic field response recorder for wirelessly transmitting the time-varying magnetic field and for wirelessly detecting the harmonic response. The sensing system compares the actual harmonic response to a plurality of predetermined harmonic responses. Each predetermined harmonic response is associated with a severing of the sensor at a corresponding known location thereof so that a match between the actual harmonic response and one of the predetermined harmonic responses defines the known location of the severing that is associated therewith.
US08167201B2
A composite chip card with a security protection interface and a method for controlling the same are provided. The chip card comprises a carrier, at least one induction coil, at least one chip module, and at least one security protection interface. The security protection interface further comprises a mechanical security protection module and a control unit. The induction coil, the chip module, and the security protection interface are all provided on the carrier. The chip module is electrically connected to the induction coil. The mechanical security protection module is electrically connected to the chip module. The control unit is electrically connected to the mechanical security protection module. The method for controlling the composite chip card includes: contacting a system related to issue of the chip card, by a user of the composite chip card; then activating the security protection interface of the composite chip card; and finally performing a contactless payment transaction.
US08167200B2
A transaction card payment authorization system wherein a user presents the transaction card issued by an issuer to a merchant to facilitate payment to the merchant through an acquirer. The system includes an acquirer server in communication with an issuer server through communication with a data control center. A remote terminal, located with the merchant, is in communication with the acquirer. The terminal is configured to forward the transaction amount and user data the card contains through communication with the acquirer, and in turn, to the data control center for authorization. The data control center assigns an identification code to the transaction and forwards the identification code, the transaction amount, and the user data to the issuer for inclusion in records of the transaction. The issuer server initiates a portable communications device communication to the user at a portable communications device.
US08167199B1
A gift card that dynamically changes its value based on how it is used. For example, a gift card may have a different value in accordance with a merchant where the card is used, a merchant category, a product being purchased, a product manufacturer, etc. The gift card may operate within a traditional credit/debit card processing infrastructure, wherein the card processing infrastructure transmits the merchant details along with the authorization/approval request to a card processor and/or card issuer. The gift card may be authorized for a specific value for that merchant, the merchant category, product, etc. Thus, the gift card may have a value of $25 at a first store, but the same gift card may have a value of $50 at a second store in accordance with a predetermined value factors assigned to the stores.
US08167195B2
An apparatus and method for enhancing the security of a cluster box unit which includes a protective enclosure, internal cabinetry, door, hinge and locking system. The cluster box unit may also include outgoing mail compartment doors that are heavily constructed and rigidly reinforced, with the locks carried thereon protectively shielded, and with the extensible bolts of these locks being engaged by brackets that not only lock the outgoing mail compartment doors but also the master loading doors of the cluster box units. The cluster box unit may also include master loading doors are provided with hinges that extend the full height of the doors—hinges that are defined by pivotally interfitting elements of extrusions that very sturdily mount the master loading doors, that prevent prying or bending the doors in the vicinities of their hinges. The interfitting elements of the hinge extrusions also permit the doors to be installed on their surrounding door frames quickly and easily, and permit one or both of the master loading doors to be quickly and easily removed for service or replacement when necessary.
US08167186B2
A surgical device is disclosed which includes a handle portion, a central body portion and a SULU. The SULU includes a proximal body portion, an intermediate pivot member and a tool assembly. The intermediate pivot member is pivotally secured to the proximal body portion about a first pivot axis and the tool assembly is pivotally secured to the intermediate pivot member about a second pivot axis which is orthogonal to the first pivot axis. The SULU includes a plurality of articulation links which are operably connected to the tool assembly by non-rigid links. The articulation links are adapted to releasably engage articulation links positioned in the central body portion. The body portion articulation links are connected to an articulation actuator which is supported for omni-directional movement to effect articulation of the tool assembly about the first and second axes. The handle portion includes a spindle and barrel assembly drive mechanism for advancing and retracting a drive member positioned in the tool assembly. In one embodiment, the tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly having a plurality of staples and an anvil assembly.
US08167179B2
A roof-rack assembly for a vehicle includes a roof having a first support member extending along a length thereof. A second support member is spaced apart from the first support member and extends along a length of the roof. At least one cross-member extends between and is attached to the first support member and the second support member and is movable between a use position and a stowed position relative to the roof. The at least one cross-member extends away from a surface of the roof in the use position and is received generally within the roof in the stowed position.
US08167175B2
An applicator bottle allows the reconstitution and dispensing of a re-hydrated powdered product. The bottle has a dispenser apparatus detachably mounted on the dispensing end and a spring-loaded plunger apparatus detachably mounted on the distal end with a movable disk defining the distal end of the internal cavity within the bottle. The plunger apparatus includes a telescoping plunger spring-loaded to extend toward the dispensing end and a locking mechanism that will restrain the plunger apparatus in a compressed configuration until released through an external release button. A rotatable, hand-operated mixing apparatus can be mounted on either end of the bottle to provide an aggressive mixing action when needed. The plunger apparatus exerts a mechanical pressure on the reconstituted product to force the product out of the dispenser apparatus for utilization. Clean-up is facilitated by the ability to disassemble the bottle and the apparatus attached thereto.
US08167167B2
The invention is directed to a semi-solid food product metering device and method of operating a semi-solid food product metering device with at least two counter rotating feed rollers each with two ends, a distal end and a proximal end. An at least two feed rollers end plates contain the rollers with a first of the at least two roller end plates being a distal feed roller end plate at the distal end of the at least two counter rotating feed rollers and a second of the at least two roller end plates being a removable end plate at the proximal end of the counter rotating feed rollers with an at least one fastening device to fasten the at least two feed roller end plates in the operational position. An at least one frame support couples the at least two end plates, where the semi-solid food product metering device has a non-operational position and an operational position and is transitioned therebetween by a user, such that when in the operational position the semi-solid food product metering device is in operation and the at least one support bar supports the at least two feed roller end plates in the operating position with the at least one affixing device securing the end plates. When in the non-operational position, the device is not in operation, the affixing device is not securing the end plate and allows for movement, removal, or movement and removal of the second of the at least two end plates away from the end of the two counter rotating feed roller to provide access to a gap between the at least two counter rotating feed roller ends and the two end plates in the non-operational position.
US08167158B2
A folding container includes a lock member L disposed on each of side walls 3 brought down first, the lock member L including a pair of lock bars Lb movable in a horizontal direction and one operation portion La, an inclined spring member 12 provided in the operation portion and including a tip portion placed in a spring receiving and supporting block 3n formed on each of the side walls brought down first, a cam hole portion 21a formed in each of the lock bars and into which a driven short shaft 15 formed on the operation portion is inserted, and a spring member 22 formed on each of the lock bars and configured to come into abutting contact with a spring member abutting block 3x formed on each of the side walls brought down first, so that when the lock bars are moved in a direction in which the lock bars approach each other, the operation portion is prevented from being moved by movement of the lock bars in the direction in which the lock bars approach each other.
US08167139B2
The invention includes compositions of stem and progenitor cells recovered from bone marrow or cord blood containing most of the viable CD34+ cells and substantially depleted of red blood cells resident in the original sample, without any xenobiotic additives to aid cell separation. The invention also includes a system and method for preparing the compositions. The system includes a bag set and a processing device, which utilizes an optical sensor, microcontroller, servo motor, accelerometer, load cell, and battery. The system and method utilize centrifugation to stratify the cells into layers and then separate and transfer the stem cells into a stem cell bag. The processing device's microcontroller receives input from the device's accelerometer, load cell and optical sensor to direct the metering valve in the bag set to open and close to permit the transfer of as many stems cells as possible with as few red cells as possible.
US08167138B2
A dry cleaning apparatus separates heavy objects from mixture of the heavy objects and light objects having specific gravities smaller than those of the heavy objects. The dry cleaning apparatus includes a casing having a tubular shape having a center axis, an internal cylinder provided in the casing, a recovery section for recovering the heavy objects, a loading section for loading the mixture to above the internal cylinder, a flow inlet for introducing air to between the casing and the internal cylinder, and an outlet for discharging the light objects and air from between the casing and the internal cylinder. The casing has an inner surface extending substantially in parallel to a center axis. The internal cylinder has an upper surface having a center portion projecting upwardly, and has an outer surface having a portion which extends in parallel to the inner surface of the casing and which faces the inner surface of the casing. The recovery section is located under the internal cylinder.
US08167135B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for accepting or dispensing or returning bank notes. An operator wishing to remove bank notes protruding from the apparatus for dispensing or returning, is assisted during removal in that the bank notes are transported towards the operator by the apparatus as soon as the operator grasps the bank notes and starts pulling or moving them out of the apparatus.
US08167134B2
A mesh panel of the type having a plurality of spaced apart apertures includes an internal frame member substantially in the form of a perforated sheet, and having a plurality of openings therein larger than the apertures. The frame member has substantial internal rigidity. An elastomeric coating encapsulates at least a portion of said frame member. In a preferred embodiment, a bonding coating between the elastomeric coating and the frame member securely bonds to both the elastomeric coating and the frame member. The bonding coating is of the type that is liquid before application to the frame member and is curable by heat or time to a hard plastic. Preferably, the bonding coating is partially cured before the elastomeric coating is applied, after which both coatings are cured by heat. The panel is particularly well suited for use as a sorting screen.
US08167129B2
A tray system, comprising one or more retaining portions for a food container, the one or more retaining portions receiving and securely holding fitted non-slip inserts. The tray system includes one or more feet which are of a depth at least equal to deepest recessed retaining portion of the tray. The feet may allow the tray to sit stably on a flat surface. The tray may have a non-slip removable insert inserted into the retaining portion which may be fitted to the bottom of the retaining portion and may maintain grip on serving tray and food container.
US08167128B2
An individual cupcake holder having prongs extending inwardly from the outside shell walls in order to secure a cupcake in place within the cupcake holder, either above the baking liner or anywhere below the lip edge of the cupcake baking liner so that the frosting of the cupcake remains unmarred during transport in lunch boxes and the like. It is also disclosed to include a plurality of prongs that secure a cupcake both above and through the baking liner. Of course, other pastries may be transported in this little container, as well as pieces of fruit and other assorted food items.
US08167126B2
A case for electronic devices having buttons may include button mechanisms that allow the case slide over an electronic device without impacting the buttons. Each button mechanism may include a sheet spring that biases the button mechanism away from the buttons. When a user presses the button mechanism, the button mechanism may transmit force from the user to one of the buttons and actuate that button. One type of button mechanism may transmit force that actuates a single push-button. A second type of button mechanism may transmit forces that actuate a rocker switch with two actuation modes such as a volume rocker with a volume up mode and a volume down mode. The button mechanisms may be configured to provide tactile feedback to the user that is similar to the tactile feedback of the electronic device's buttons when the electronic device is not mounted in the case.
US08167124B2
The package (2) has an inner case (7) having a box body (6) with an open end (22) in an upper portion and a lid (4) that is connected to a first side edge of the open end (22) and turns about a lid hinge (24) to open/close the open end (22); and an outer slider (8) that is slidably fitted in a periphery of the inner case (7), the outer slider (8) having a contact flap (48) extending towards the inside of the outer slider (8) in an upper edge (50) of a first side wall (44) corresponding to the lid hinge (24). The inner case (7) includes a band-like member (34), which is connected to the lid (4) at the upper end thereof and has a folded flap (38) engageable with the contact flap (48) of the outer slider (8) in a lower end thereof. When the outer slider (8) is slid down in relation to the inner case (7), the folded flap (38) is engaged with the contact flap (48) and opens the lid (4).
US08167117B2
A sorting deck for paper, board, or pulp rolls has a plane (1) for transporting the rolls and controllable stops (2) for holding the rolls in place and releasing them. The stops (2) are positioned to form at least one line (3) in placed consecutively in the longitudinal direction (4) of the plane (1), and at least one row (5), in which the stops (2) are positioned adjacently to each other along the lateral direction (6) of the plane (1). At least some of the stops (2) are a collector (41) and a feeder (42), both of which can be moved freely between the hold and release positions, so that the travel of the rolls over the stop (2) can be optionally prevented, freely permitted, or permitted one roll at a time. The same sorting deck can be used to handle rolls of different widths.
US08167114B2
A product removal method that includes providing a blade adjacent a conveyor belt along a path of the conveyor belt and operating the conveyor belt. A product removal system that has a rod oriented generally parallel to a conveyor drum is disclosed. A frame is rotatably carried by the rod and has a first portion extending adjacent a conveyor belt curved path and a second portion extending adjacent a return plane of the conveyor belt. A blade is adjacent the first portion. A product removal system for an oven is disclosed that has scraper assemblies rotationally biased about an axis of rotation.
US08167106B2
A clutch drive apparatus includes a clutch actuator and a drive force transmission mechanism that transmits the drive force of the clutch actuator to the clutch. The drive force transmission mechanism includes a case body and a case cover that is closed on the case body and supports the clutch actuator and a worm shaft. An opening is formed in the case cover to expose a marker member that determines a reference position of an auxiliary elastic body. A maintenance lid for covering the opening is mounted in a vehicle head pipe.
US08167095B2
Immobilizer for shopping trolleys, wherein the castor angle of the steering rollers when the immobilizer is activated is equal to zero, as a result of which the steering rollers can set themselves stochastically to an oblique or transverse position with respect to the direction of travel, making the shopping trolley much more difficult to push.
US08167088B2
A ladder attachment configured to attach to a lateral member of the ladder at the upper portion. The ladder attachment has an illuminating portion providing light which can be utilized to identify the location of a ladder in, for example, an emergency situation.
US08167086B1
A system for descending a rope regardless of the tension on the working end of the rope. The system comprises a frame having first, second, third and fourth sides, the first and third sides being relatively positioned at a first angle and the second and fourth sides being relatively positioned at a second angle. In some embodiments, the sum of the first angle and the second angle equals 180 degrees. The system also includes a plurality of friction nodes associated with the first side for: (1) receiving a rope, (2) enabling the frame to selectively move up or down relative to the rope, and (3) applying a select amount of friction to the rope according to the relative position of the frame to the rope.
US08167080B2
A control system for a construction vehicle, such as a motor grader, is provided. The control system includes a plurality of joysticks supported by an operator seat assembly, or by a console and structure independent of the operator seat assembly of the motor grader. The joysticks are positioned such that they are easy to reach while the operator's arms are supported by armrests supported by the operator seat assembly or structure independent of the operator seat assembly.
US08167065B2
A method and device for dynamic torque coordination of power units of a hybrid drive of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. The method has a plurality of successive coordination stages, each coordination stage being assigned an operating range for at least one of the power units, and each coordination stage making at least one demand on a first power unit and/or a second power unit as a function of an overall setpoint torque requested from the hybrid drive, a subsequent coordination state having an enlarged operating range compared to a preceding coordination stage, and the subsequent coordination stage is used if the demand was unable to be satisfied within the operating range of the assigned coordination stage.
US08167059B2
A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from a nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of a plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.
US08167054B2
It is an object of the invention to provide an effective technique for a motor support structure of a power tool to reduce vibration. A representative reciprocating power tool may include a tool body, a tool bit, a grip, a motor, a tool bit side bearing, a grip side bearing, a tool bit side bearing housing, a grip and an elastic element. The tool bit side bearing housing houses the tool bit side bearing, while the grip side bearing housing houses the grip side bearing. The elastic element is disposed between the grip side bearing housing and the grip wherein the grip side bearing housing is elastically supported by the grip via the elastic element. According to the invention, because the grip is adapted to support the grip side bearing housing via the elastic element and the rigidity of the grip side bearing housing can be increased and vibration of the grip side bearing housing can be reduced. Further, the elastic element can absorb manufacturing errors caused between the tool body and the grip when the grip is mounted to the tool body.
US08167046B2
Apparatuses and methods to communicate with a zone below a subsurface safety valve (104, 204) independent of the position of a closure member (106) of the safety valve are disclosed. The apparatuses and methods include deploying a subsurface safety valve (104, 204) to a profile located within a string of production tubing. The subsurface safety valve (104, 204) is in communication with a surface station through an injection conduit (150,152; 250,252) and includes a bypass pathway (144, 244) to inject various fluids to a zone below.
US08167044B2
A perforating apparatus that is usable with a well includes a shaped charge. The shaped charge includes a case, an explosive and a liner. The liner is adapted to form a perforation jet to form a perforation tunnel and promote an exothermic reaction inside the tunnel to create a pressure wave to force debris from the tunnel.
US08167041B2
A system and method for energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly recovery of bitumen aims at recovering unconventional oil in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way that has the potential of eliminating the need of natural gas currently employed for steam production and power generation. The system and method aims at providing low temperature steam for the stimulation of the formation by means of solar radiation. In addition, the system and method provides a novel solution for hydrogen production that does not employ reforming of natural gas. Furthermore, the use of thermoelectric devices in combination with low temperature steam can be employed to power an electrolysis plant to generate the hydrogen necessary to produce synthetic oil.
US08167033B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a packer for use within a conduit, such as casing, having a non-extrusion ring. The non-extrusion ring is comprised of hard segments and an elastic matrix.
US08167028B2
A heat exchanger has a pair of header tanks with a plurality of tubes and a plurality of fins extending between the pair of header tanks. Each fin forms a plurality of corrugations extending in a length direction between the pair of tanks. Each corrugation extends in a width direction and defines a plurality of sections which are offset from each other in the length direction of the fin. Each section is separated from an adjacent section by a slit.
US08167027B2
A pipe arrangement for geothermal probes includes at least two pipes having at least one layer each that surrounds a lumen. One of the pipes functions as inflow pipe and the other pipe functions as return flow pipe. At least one of the pipes is produced at least in part from a non cross-linked polymer material and is distinguished in that the polymer material of the at least one layer for the pipes has a FNCT value (full notched creep test) according to ISO 16770 of at least 3000 hours.
US08167022B2
A die casting process using pattern recognition techniques to identify those die castings manufactured under conditions likely to produce a die casting which would subsequently prove unacceptable for use. By promptly identifying such die castings, they may be discarded before being shipped to a remote facility for further processing. As a result, the rejection rate of die castings at the remote facility may be reduced and the raw materials used to form the discarded die castings may be more readily recycled.
US08167020B2
An example of a horizontal side-moving door with a side-winding or horizontally translating curtain includes an upper seal comprising an upper edge of the curtain sliding within a groove of a seal guide. To protect the door in the event of an impact, at least a portion of the curtain's upper edge can restorably pull out from within the groove. To avoid damage in certain situations, the seal guide might resiliently deflect as well. After an impact, the curtain's upper edge is automatically fed back into the groove by simply opening and closing the door. During normal operation, the curtain's upper edge advantageously deflects in response to air pressure against either side of the door. In some examples, the seal guide is of a uniform cross-section, which makes the seal guide easy to manufacture by way of a conventional plastic extrusion process.
US08167016B2
A heavy-load tire has a wind bead structure in which a turned-up portion of a carcass ply is wound around a bead core, in which a bead portion is equipped with a bead reinforcing layer having a u-shaped cross section and a bead apex rubber having a triangular-shaped cross section. The turned-up portion has an auxiliary turned-up portion passing through the vicinity of a radially outer side of the bead core. The bead apex rubber includes a high complex elasticity modulus inner apex portion disposed at a radially inner side and a low complex elasticity modulus outer apex portion disposed at a radially outer side.
US08167012B2
The foundation includes an assembly of wooden components which interconnect to form an enclosed rectangular configuration for supporting a mattress. At each corner of the assembly are two posts which are interconnected by dowels or by a tongue and groove. The dowels and the mouths of the openings in which they are accommodated are bevelled for facilitating the insertion of the dowels into the openings should they be misaligned. The tongues and grooves are also bevelled for the same reason. The wooden components are subject to compressive forces and to a heat treatment before being assembled into the foundation.
US08166997B2
A toilet flush water supply device for supplying flush water to a flush water tank of a flush toilet is disclosed. The toilet flush water supply device comprises a water supply pipe connected to an external water supply source, a water supply valve for switching between spouting and stopping of flush water supplied from the water supply pipe into the flush water tank, a float for switching between the spouting and stopping of the above water supply valve by a vertical movement thereof linked to fluctuations in the flush water level within the flush water tank, and a float guide disposed on the outer surface of the water supply pipe for guiding the vertical motion of the float.
US08166990B2
An improved crutch assembly and walking aid is provided. The crutch assembly can be retrofitted to an existing walking aid and provides spring assisted motion. The assembly includes a ball-in-socket joint and a spring operably connecting the joint to a walking aid shaft.
US08166989B2
A pole, in particular a Nordic walking pole, comprises a pole body (1), with a tip body (2) and a buffer (3) provided at its bottom end. The buffer (3) is displaceably mounted such that it can be arrested in an axial direction in relation to the pole body (1). The buffer (3) can be secured in at least two axially different positions in relation to the pole body (1) via a form-fitting connection.
US08166983B2
A dishwasher includes a tub formed by a plurality of walls defining an interior and an exterior, a first conduit coupled to the tub, a valve coupled to the first conduit, a rack moveable between an engaged horizontal position and a disengaged horizontal position and between an upper vertical position and a lower vertical position, and a second conduit coupled to the rack. A first portion of the second conduit engages the valve when the rack is in the upper vertical position, and a second portion of the second conduit engages the valve when the rack is in the lower vertical position. The valve permits fluid to flow from the first conduit to the second conduit when the rack is in the engaged horizontal position. The valve does not permit fluid to flow from the first conduit to the interior when the rack is in the disengaged horizontal position.
US08166981B2
A hairstyling tool has a bowl having a plurality of bowl convex portions and bowl concave portions. The bowl concave portions form air channels. A plurality of openings is disposed on a bottom of the bowl. There are more than twenty openings. A handle is connected to the bowl. The handle has a handle connection with the bowl. A base extends from the bottom of the bowl. The base extends downward around the plurality of openings disposed on the bottom of the bowl. The base forms an air capture indent for directing airflow through the plurality of openings. The handle concave portions and handle convex portions may provide the handle a wavy shape. The handle may extend from a bowl convex portion between a pair of air channels. A palm rest can be at a free end of the handle.
US08166975B2
A package housing a condom and dispenser for holding the peripheral wall of the condom folded into a tubular accordion stack and operable upon application of a predetermined force to the closed end of the condom to meter the folds in progression.
US08166970B2
An inhaler is instantly activated upon its removal from a cover or cover unit, and by rotating a cartridge component of the inhaler with respect to a mouthpiece portion, so as to create a flow pathway for ambient air and particles. The cartridge component includes a chamber, whose contents typically include dry powders or the like. Upon creation of the flow pathway, the contents of the chamber are instantly accessible for immediate inhalation by a user through the mouthpiece portion.
US08166969B2
A hydration system for providing fluid to a user. The system comprises a bladder configured to hold a fluid, wherein comprises an outer layer of a fluorinated rubber composite. A spout is connected to the bladder and in communication with the inside of the bladder, wherein the spout comprises an output port and an fill port for filling the bladder with fluid. A cap adapted to engage and close the fill port is included. Also, a tube having a first end is connected to the output port of the spout and having a second end and having a second end connected to a fluid delivery fitting.
US08166962B2
A sight and range finder for a projectile launching device are disclosed. The range finder calculates a range between a target and a projectile launching device, and transmits a signal indicative of the range. The sight visually aligns the target with the projectile launching device. A drive assembly moves an alignment member of the sight, and at least one processor receives the signal and actuates the drive assembly to move the alignment portion a selected distance based on the range.
US08166960B2
A projectile launching system is provided. The system comprises: a projectile; a string for releasing the projectile; and a device for projecting a projectile. The device comprises: a base having a seat for placing the projectile; an air intake duct in fluid communication with the seat; and a pressure release element disposed between the base and the air intake duct.
US08166956B2
In one example, a system for a vehicle travelling on a surface is described. The system includes an engine with a cylinder. The cylinder includes a fuel injector that is supplied with gaseous fuel and liquid fuel by a fuel delivery system. The fuel injector is mounted in the vehicle such that the fuel injector inlet faces at least partially toward the road surface. The orientation of the fuel injector enables a quick transition from liquid fuel to gaseous fuel because the gaseous fuel can rise to the injectors and be preferentially injected. Further, various approaches are described from transitioning operation between gaseous and liquid fuel injection.
US08166955B2
A unitized fuel vapor separator and evaporative emission device; marine fuel system, and marine engine therewith are provided. The device includes a fuel vapor separator and evaporative emissions chamber having a common wall separating the fuel vapor separator from the evaporative emissions chamber. The fuel vapor separator is configured for fluid communication with an upstream fuel tank and with a fuel pump and has a fuel vapor outlet to channel fuel vapor outwardly therefrom. The evaporative emissions chamber is configured for fluid communication with the fuel tank to receive fuel vapor therefrom and has an adsorption material for adsorbing fuel vapor and dissipating air from the fuel vapor through an air outlet to channel the air outwardly therefrom.
US08166954B2
A lubrication apparatus of a fuel pump driven by a fuel pump drive cam, which lubricates a tappet moving reciprocally at an interior circumference of a fuel pump adaptor and the fuel pump operating the tappet, may include a fuel pump adaptor lubrication passage formed in the fuel pump adaptor and communicating with an oil gallery formed inside a cylinder head so as to supply oil in the fuel pump adaptor.
US08166950B2
A variable ratio throttle control is disclosed for an off road utility vehicle. The variable ratio throttle control includes a butterfly throttle on a throttle shaft pivotably mounted to a throttle body, a bell crank on the throttle shaft, and a lever extension extending radially from the bell crank to provide an extended lever arm until the butterfly throttle is partially open. A throttle cable is connected between an accelerator pedal and the lever extension, the throttle cable being displaceable by depressing the accelerator pedal to turn the extended lever arm. The lever extension abuts a kick plate once the butterfly throttle is partially open. The butterfly throttle may be fully opened by displacing the throttle cable to turn the bell crank after the lever extension abuts the kick plate.
US08166947B2
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recoil starter including: a case having a reel supporting shaft; a rope reel having: a tubular shaft portion; an engaging portion; a rope housing groove to house a recoil rope; and a spring housing portion to house a spiral spring; a ratchet axially-slidably arranged outside the tubular shaft portion; a ratchet guide attached to an end of the reel supporting shaft; and a return spring provided between the ratchet guide and the ratchet, wherein an inclined surface and a locking surface are formed on the engaging portion to be engageable with the ratchet, and wherein the inclined surface guides the ratchet toward to be engaged with the driving pulley, thereby rotating the driving pulley and starting the engine, when the rope reel is rotated.
US08166944B2
In a method for starting an internal combustion engine, immediately before a predetermined idling speed is reached for the first time, a rate of injection of fuel into at least one combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine is reduced for at least one cycle of the internal combustion engine.
US08166937B2
A vane rotor includes a vane to partition an advance chamber from a retard chamber. A valve element communicates a lock port with an exhaust port to drain a fluid from the lock port when moving in a first region including an end of a movable range in the first direction. The regulating member moves in the vane rotor in a thrust direction into a recess dented from an inner surface of the housing by being biased from a resilient member to lock the rotation phase in a regulation phase in the first region when a fluid is drained from the lock chamber. The valve element is configured to communicate an operation port with a supply port to supply a fluid into the advance chamber when being in a throttle region in the first region such that a flow of a fluid supplied to the advance chamber is throttled to be less than a flow of a fluid when the valve element is in the end of the movable range in the first direction.
US08166933B2
A power unit for a small-sized vehicle that includes a valve operating system equipped with a hydraulic valve operation mode change mechanism capable of changing the operational mode of an engine valve, and a clutch device disposed between a crankshaft and a shift mechanism so as to switch hydraulically between connection and disconnection of power transmission, wherein a discharge outlet of one oil pump (209) driven by power transmission from the crankshaft is connected in common to a valve operation mode change mechanisms (63, 64) and a clutch device (102). This enables the hydraulic system to be made compact while avoiding any increase in the overall bulk of the power unit, thus providing a power unit suitable for a small-sized vehicle.
US08166931B2
A carburetor has a carburetor housing in which an air passage and a mixture passage are disposed. A barrel valve controls the air passage and the mixture passage. The barrel valve has a mixture passage section and an air passage section formed therein. The air passage in at least one position of the barrel valve is closed off at least partially by the barrel valve. The air passage in the at least one position of the barrel valve in which the air passage is at least partially closed off by the barrel valve is connected by a connection within the barrel valve with the mixture passage. An internal combustion engine equipped with such a carburetor exhibits excellent running behavior.
US08166930B2
A variable compression ratio apparatus for varying a compression ratio, may include a connecting rod that is connected to a piston to take a combustion force; a pin link, one end of which is eccentrically connected to a crankshaft and the other end of which is pivotally connected to the connecting rod to form a connection portion therebetween; a slot link including a control slot to receive and guide the connection portion along the control slot; and a driving unit coupled to the slot link and configured to move the control slot to control a position of the connection portion.
US08166928B2
A system for controlling a variable compression ratio in an engine is provided. The system includes a cylinder, an outer piston located inside the cylinder, the cylinder and the outer piston collectively defining a combustion chamber, an inner piston, variably positioned inside the outer piston, the outer piston and the inner piston collectively defining an auxiliary chamber, a connecting rod including an air duct in fluid communication with the auxiliary chamber, and a crankshaft including an air passage in fluid communication with the air duct of the connecting rod during at least a portion of an engine cycle.
US08166927B2
An outboard motor that facilitates replacement of an impeller of a water pump includes a water pump arranged to pump coolant and a pump driving mechanism arranged to distribute power from a drive shaft to the water pump. At least a portion of the water pump in which an impeller is housed can be detached and attached from the outside of an upper case. The pump driving mechanism distributes power in a direction generally perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft and transmits the power to the water pump.
US08166921B2
A marginals aquarium planting system includes a hanging planter and at least one disc-like trellis raft floating in front of the hanging planter. The trellis raft is comprised of sections of closed-cell foam that form an asymmetrical latticework. The system can also include supplementary floats.
US08166914B2
A plasma processing apparatus of the batch type includes a tubular process container having a closed end and an open end opposite to each other, and a process field for accommodating target substrates, the process container including a tubular insulating body. The apparatus further includes a holder configured to hold the target substrates at intervals, a loading mechanism configured to load and unload the holder into and from the process container, and a lid member connected to the loading mechanism and configured to airtightly close the open end. A first electrode is disposed at the closed end of the process container, and a second electrode is disposed at the lid member, to constitute a pair of parallel-plate electrodes. An RF power supply is connected to one of the first and second electrodes and configured to apply an RF power for plasma generation.
US08166911B2
A method and apparatus for electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) for fabricating a thin-layer yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte on a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anode substrate constructed of nickel-YSZ cermet. By reducing the thickness of the electrolyte, and thereby reducing the cell internal IR drop, an intermediate temperature SOFC (ITSOFC) can operate at 600-800° C. A collar positioned at a distance from a discharge end of a spray nozzle enhances a spray pattern of a precursor including the electrolyte material and thus provides a very thin electrolyte layer.
US08166907B2
The invention provides a display instrument, particularly for a motor vehicle, having an indicator that is rotatable about a rotational axis, wherein the indicator has an inner first region that is radial with regard to the rotational axis and that is not visible to a user, and an outer second region that is radial with regard to the rotational axis and that is visible to a user, wherein at a radial distance from the rotational axis an additional mounting of the indicator and/or a stop for receiving tilting moments positioned substantially perpendicular on the rotational axis are provided.
US08166906B2
The present invention relates to a stimulus-indicating device. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for evidencing when a stimulus sensitive product has been exposed to a designated or predetermined stimulus for a certain period of time, and the invention relates to a method for manufacturing aspects of that apparatus.
US08166899B1
An air cavity vessel having longitudinal and transverse partitions is provided. The air cavity vessel, which injects air into the bottom thereof to form air layers in order to reduce resistance of the vessel, includes transverse partitions partitioning the bottom in a transverse direction, longitudinal partitions partitioning the bottom in a longitudinal direction, spatial areas defined in a grid pattern by the transverse partitions and the longitudinal partitions, an air supply unit installed in a forebody of the vessel and supplying compressed air into the spatial areas, and a compressor for supplying the compressed air to the air supply unit. Thereby, multiple air layers are formed on a bottom flat area on a small scale.
US08166897B2
An adjustment device for use with a quilting frame having end portions and roller supports height adjustably connected thereto via nut and bolt securing mechanism includes a pair of base members connectable to predetermined sides of such roller supports and having threaded apertures disposed therethrough running from top to bottom. A securing mechanism secures such base members to such roller supports. Elongated threaded rod members are rotatably disposed within such threaded apertures. A mechanism for rotating such rod members is operably connected to each top end thereof for gripping by a user and rotating when such nut and bolt are loosened such that such bases and such roller supports are raised and lowered. Protective members are connected to at least one of bottom ends of such rod members, predetermined locations on end portions of such quilting frame, and a combination thereof for protecting such quilting frame from being damaged.
US08166894B1
A table may include a table top and one or more legs or support pedestals. The table may also include one or more handles that may enhance the portability of the table. For example, if the table is a fold-in-half table, then the table top may include first and second sections that may be moved between a folded position and an unfolded position. The handle may include first and second sections that are connected to the first and second sections of the table top. The first and second sections of the handle may be collectively grasped, which may help prevent the table top from unintentionally unfolding. The table top may also include receiving portions that are sized configured to receive one or more portions of the handle.
US08166892B2
A railroad gondola car has a hopper carried between two trucks. The hopper has convergent end and side slope sheets that feed a bottom discharge. The bottom discharge has a pair of longitudinal doors. The door closing mechanism is a mechanical transmission that includes a set of linkages running from the door to a reciprocating pneumatic cylinder. The linkages run generally parallel to the slope sheet. The car has a very short draft installation that includes a removable coupler carrier bar, and the main shear plate has a removable draft gear installation panel. There is a machinery space above the end section shear plate. It is overhung by the slope sheet that is substantially unobstructed by any other primary structure. The pneumatic cylinder is mounted on an angle in this unobstructed machinery space, oriented longitudinally over the draft sill beneath the main drag link of the mechanical transmission, and above the main pivot of the driving input lever of the transmission. The main lever is bifurcated, and straddles the pneumatic cylinder. The mechanism includes a primary lock in the form of an over center lever arrangement, and a compact secondary lock that acts sideways rather than lengthwise. The sidewalls of the car include vertical stiffeners and side sheets. The lower portion of the side sheets lies laterally inboard of the stiffener web, while the upper portion lies laterally outboard of the stiffener web. The side slope sheet of the hopper meets the sidewall at the transition of the sidewall sheet from the inside-the-post to the outside-the-post condition.
US08166891B2
A gasket for a railroad car manway nozzle and cover includes an inner leg portion and an outer leg portion joined by a generally planar annular body portion defining an upper annular cover sealing surface and a lower annular nozzle body sealing surface. Concentric annular chevrons are formed on the upper and lower annular sealing surfaces. In one form, the chevrons have a uniform height relative to the upper and lower sealing surfaces. In a modified form, the height of the chevrons varies relative to the surfaces from which they extend. The height of the chevrons is a minimum where the gasket is radially aligned with cover clamping bolts and a maximum at radial locations midway between clamping bolts. A tab depending from the outer leg portion provides visual verification of the presence of the gasket.
US08166889B2
The present invention provides a communication bellows including at least one external skin which has a succession of inwardly directed undulations and at least one internal skin which has a succession of outwardly directed undulations which are provided facing the inwardly directed undulations of the external skin, the two skins together delimiting an acoustic insulation space, the internal skin being connected to at least some of the inwardly directed undulations of the external skin, the external skin and internal skin being connected to each other only by some mutually facing undulations, other undulations of the two skins remaining separate from each other.
US08166884B2
A switch assembly for magnetic levitation railways includes a girder extending in a travel direction (x) and flexible transversely to it is provided with travel way or equipment parts. A rail and a rack are located transversely to the travel direction. A load-bearing frame, receiving the girder, has a rotatably supported carrying wheel braced on the rail and a drive mechanism with a gear wheel meshing with the rack and with a motor intended for driving it. Switch adjustment is effected by displacement of the load-bearing frame along the rail by means of the drive mechanism and a thus-effected flexing of the girder. The girder, the load-bearing frame and the drive mechanism form a solidly joined-together structural unit which as a whole is located displaceably in the travel direction (x) relative to the rail and the rack.
US08166881B2
A fuze setting circuit in an artillery or tank shell having a case with a press-fitted head assembly is provided with an electromechanical fuze-wiring link that is completed electrically by mechanical assembly of a tracer-carrying projectile on the shell casing, and by the rotational attachment of a programmable fuze onto the projectile.
US08166876B2
A device (1) for transferring a pattern (12) from a stamp (10) to a substrate (20) comprises a table (22) for supporting a substrate (20), a flexible stamp (10) and a movably arranged body (25) having a pressure chamber (27) for exerting pressure on a portion of the stamp (10), so that the portion is pushed toward the substrate (20) and contacts the substrate (20). During a pattern transferring process, the body (25) is moved. As a result, adjacent portions of the stamp (10) successively go through a process of being pushed toward the substrate (20), getting in contact with the substrate (20), and being allowed to move back in place again. In this way, it is achieved that the pattern (12) of the stamp (10) is transferred to the substrate (20), without the introduction of vibrations, so that the transfer of the pattern (12) takes place in a highly accurate fashion.
US08166875B2
In supply of feedback data to improve a positional deviation quantity and a deviation state of a soldering paste printed on individual substrates held on the carrier, a plurality of average values of individual positional deviation for each of the individual substrates are obtained, and then, if the deviation value ΔM indicating a difference between the maximum value Mmax and the minimum value Mmin of the plurality of average values M of individual positional deviation is less than or equal to the tolerance value Δ(t), an intermediate value of the maximum value Mmax and the minimum value Mmin is obtained, and the positioning parameters of the mask plate and the carrier are corrected based on the intermediate value (Mmax+Mmin)/2.
US08166874B2
A system monitors vibration activity in a press machine environment and generates a signal indicative of vibration level severity. An accelerometer can provide measured peak acceleration data that serves as an indication of vibration level. The vibration measurement, is compared to a reference vibration level that corresponds to a run condition of desired operating parameters. A controller controls the press machine shutheight in accordance with the differential expressed in the comparison result. The consequent shutheight adjustment effects a change in the vibration activity that acts as a correction to the deviation in vibration behavior expressed by the differential.
US08166863B2
A resource is protected by an armor structure comprising a magnetic field such that the magnetic field will interfere with a warhead blast to weaken the blast. In particular, magnetic field will interfere with a molten metal jet from a shaped charge to disperse the jet, allowing subsequent layers of armor to absorb the jet energy without penetration. In one embodiment, the magnetic field is produced by a layer of magnetic material magnetized with the field lines perpendicular to the primary threat direction and typically parallel to the surface of the area to be protected. The magnetic material layer may include ferromagnetic (iron or steel, or other) layers to strengthen and contain the magnetic field, protect the magnetic material and act as additional armor layers. The magnetic layer is typically used in conjunction with an inner shield armor layer to absorb the diffused jet after passing through the magnetic layer.
US08166856B2
A system for cutting a three-dimensional portion from a foodstuff. The system includes a scanner for scanning the foodstuff, a computer coupled to the scanner for receiving information from the scanner to determine one or more cutting paths for the foodstuff, and a cutter for portioning the foodstuff according to the one or more determined cutting paths. The computer is configured to perform generally four steps: (i) receiving scan information of the foodstuff from the scanner; (ii) building a three-dimensional map of the foodstuff based on the received scan information of the foodstuff; (iii) fitting at least one desired shape, which is stored in memory of the computer, onto the three-dimensional map in the memory of the computer; and (iv) determining one or more cutting paths to be used in portioning the foodstuff so as to produce one or more portioned foodstuffs corresponding to the at least one desired shape.
US08166850B2
A multipurpose tool is provided which may be useful for functions relating to firearms and explosives. The multipurpose tool may include a variety of tools and features while maintaining a compact form. For example, the multipurpose tool may include a blade positioned in a pocket defined between a handle and a body member which define a hook configuration. Elongate members may be rotatably connected to the multipurpose tool and may include a base member with a cam surface and one or more detents which cooperate with a spring follower to hold the elongate member in either or both of an operational position or a storage position. A receiving aperture may be received in a jaw of a pair of pliers, and configured to receive an accessory member. Further, a sleeve may store a bit on the side of a handle and may be retained in the sleeve by a displaceable button.
US08166846B2
The present invention is designed to lock a plurality of hooks integrally formed on ornaments to a plurality of locking projections integrally formed on a rim of an armature assembly, in order to provide a steering handle that allows the ornaments to be easily assembled by the locking projections formed on the rim and the hooks formed on the ornaments and detachably locked to the locking projections.
US08166842B2
A dual-clutch transmission comprising clutches with input sides coupled to an input shaft and output sides respectively coupled to two transmission input shafts. Toothed idler gearwheels are mounted to rotate on countershafts while toothed fixed gearwheels are connected to the first and the second transmission input shafts and engage with the idler gearwheels. Coupling devices are provided for connecting the idler gearwheels to the countershaft, and drive output gearwheels are fixed to the countershafts and couple an output shaft, while a shifting element couples the input shafts such that eight forward gears and at least one reverse gear can be engaged. Four wheel planes are arranged in the transmission such that at least one winding gear can be engaged by the shifting element.
US08166841B2
A transmission for a motor vehicle is provided that includes, but is not limited to, a drive shaft and at least two countershafts which can be driven by the drive shaft with opposite rotational directions. A first one of the countershafts carries a hollow shaft which can be fixed to the first countershaft and on which a first driven gearwheel is rotationally fixed. Further, on the hollow shaft, a second gearwheel is rotatably attached which meshes with a fixed gearwheel of the second countershaft. A selector sleeve is rotationally fixed on the hollow shaft and is displaceable between an engagement position at a selector gearing of the second gearwheel and an engagement position at a selector gearing of the first countershaft.
US08166838B2
An actuator has a hollow track rail 6 having a slit 8 extending in an axial direction thereof, a movable block 7 disposed inside the track rail 6 to be movable along the track rail, and a ball screw mechanism for moving the movable block 7 along the axial direction of the track rail 6. The track rail has, in a section perpendicular to the axial direction of the track rail, a guide portion 9 for guiding movement of the movable member 7 and an extension 11 extending from the guide portion 9 so as to cover the movable member, and a width W1 of the slit 8 of the track rail formed between the opposed extensions 11 is narrower than a width W2 of the movable member. Accordingly, the actuator can provide a high rigidity in spite of compact outer dimension.
US08166835B2
A sensor chip of an electrical signal detection type, comprises a semiconductor sensing device, the sensor chip being detachable with respect to an inspection device.
US08166824B2
An ultrasonic sensor includes a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a circuit device. The circuit device determines that the receiving device receives an ultrasonic wave reflected from an object, when an output voltage of the receiving device is equal to or greater than a first threshold. The circuit device includes a humidity detection section configured to detect an ambient humidity of the transmitting and receiving devices and a threshold adjustment section configured to calculate, based on the detected ambient humidity, a sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave that is received by the receiving device after propagating over a round-trip distance between the ultrasonic sensor and the object. The threshold adjustment section reduces the first threshold, when the output voltage corresponding to the calculated sound pressure is less than a second threshold that is greater the first threshold.
US08166822B1
The embodiments contemplate methods and devices for communicating an acoustic emission via an array of transducers and wirelessly communicating data via a transceiver. The transceiver may be in communication with the array of transducers. The embodiments also contemplate providing power for the acoustic emission via a power source and processing the data at a relatively remote location with respect to the power source. In addition, the embodiments contemplate providing an indication at a relatively remote location with respect to the power source. The indication may provide, at least in part, numerical information regarding the acoustic emission.
US08166821B2
A method of maintaining a rod of a hydraulic cylinder for a motion compensation system of an offshore platform includes non-destructive testing of a metallic cladding deposited onto the rod. An inspection crawler includes a visual inspection device, an eddy current inspection device and an ultrasonic inspection device. The method includes rotating the visual inspection device, the eddy current inspection device and the ultrasonic inspection device around a circumference of the rod while moving the inspection crawler along a longitudinal axis of the rod to simultaneously collect data related to the metallic cladding from the visual inspection device, the eddy current inspection device and the ultrasonic inspection device. The data is analyzed to detect any discontinuities, i.e., defects, in the metallic cladding.
US08166819B2
At least one transducer of an apparatus in one example is configured to generate a first standing wave field within a cavity. The first standing wave field exerts a first field-induced force to cause a plurality of particles within the cavity to align in a desired configuration. The at least one transducer is configured to generate a second standing wave field within the cavity. The second standing wave field causes one or more of the plurality of particles within the cavity to fuse into the desired configuration.
US08166817B2
An angle-measuring method includes: configuring a state observer to calculate a set of estimated signals based on a set of previously calculated estimated parameters; configuring the state observer to calculate a gain thereof using a dynamic equation associated with a gyroscope; configuring the state observer to calculate a set of currently calculated estimated parameters using the dynamic equation associated with the gyroscope based on the gain calculated by the state observer, a set of sensing signals generated by a sensing module, and the estimated signals calculated by the state observer; and configuring an angle calculator to calculate an angle of rotation of the gyroscope based on a position and a velocity in the currently calculated estimated parameters calculated by the state observer and a stiffness coefficient of the gyroscope. An angle-measuring gyroscope system that implements the angle-measuring method is also disclosed.
US08166810B2
A swinging apparatus comprising an energy provider and a swinging mechanism disposed thereon. By means of adjusting the size and shape of the swinging mechanism and adjusting a distance between the swinging mechanism and the energy provider so as to control the ratio of the distance between the swinging mechanism and the energy provider to a characteristic value corresponding to the swing mechanism in a range between 4 and 0.25, the swinging frequency of the swinging mechanism may be adjusted automatically to comply with the variation of the motion frequency of the energy provider. The present invention further provides an energy harvester to work with the swinging apparatus and a coil to generate an induced current for power generation during the swing of the swing mechanism. In the present invention, the natural frequency of the swing mechanism may be adjusted according to the rotational velocity of the energy provider.
US08166805B1
A probe and method for sensing pressure variations in the exhaust stream of an engine for detecting cylinder misfires. The probe includes a Venturi tube placed in the exhaust stream. The Venturi tube has a sensing tube with an aperture, and the sensing tube is coupled to a pressure sensor for monitoring the pressure of the exhaust stream within the Venturi tube at the point of the aperture. The pressure sensor then generates a voltage signal based on the pressure, and this voltage signal is viewed on an oscilloscope or processed by a microprocessor to generate a waveform readable by a technician. The waveform will indicate the presence of a misfiring cylinder(s), and more specifically, which cylinder(s) is misfiring.
US08166804B2
A method for detecting separation in a structure that comprises at least two portions or layers affixed together comprises forming a cavity into the structure that passes through an interface formed between the two portions and plumbing the cavity to a monitoring system. A pressure differential is established between the cavity and a reference pressure to which the structure is exposed. A monitoring system monitors for a change in the pressure state of the cavity. Changes in the pressure state are indicative of a separation between the portions or layers.
US08166801B2
The noninvasively measurement of the density and viscosity of static or flowing fluids in a section of pipe such that the pipe performs as the sensing apparatus, is described. Measurement of a suitable structural vibration resonance frequency of the pipe and the width of this resonance permits the density and viscosity to be determined, respectively. The viscosity may also be measured by monitoring the decay in time of a vibration resonance in the pipe.
US08166797B2
A gunfire shock simulation apparatus that uses an actual firearm for generating and measuring shock response data without a pyrotechnic discharge. The apparatus exerts an impact on a discharge end of a barrel of the firearm for simulating the pyrotechnic discharge event of a round of ammunition discharged within the firearm. Following such impact, the apparatus cycles a bolt carrier group of the firearm for simulating movement of the bolt carrier group resulting from the pyrotechnic discharge event of a round of ammunition. A sensing device is used for gathering shock response data in three perpendicular reference axes. By adjusting the manner in which the impact is applied to the discharge end of the barrel and/or the manner in which the bolt carrier group is cycled, resulting shock response data can be tuned to closely approximate that generated by live fire of the firearm.
US08166792B2
In a method of making a seamless hot-finished steel pipe a billet heated to a shaping temperature is pierced by a first shaping to a thick-walled hollow ingot which subsequently undergoes a radial forging process using an internal tool inserted in the hollow ingot and at least two forging jaws of a forging machine. The forging jaws act on the outer surface area of the hollow ingot, wherein the hollow ingot is turned and axially advanced in a clocked manner in the idle stroke phase of the forging jaws.
US08166789B2
A reducing mill includes a plurality of stands disposed along a rolling direction line. The stands each include n rolls (n≧3) disposed around the rolling direction line, the n rolls are shifted by 180°/n around the rolling direction line from n rolls included in a preceding stand. The n rolls included in each of the stands excluding the last stand each have a groove having an arch shape. The bottom of the groove has a circular arc shape around the rolling direction line having a first radius in cross section. The distance between the surface of a roll flange portion between the bottom and the edge of the groove and the rolling direction line is longer than the first radius. The distance between the edge of the groove and the rolling direction line is longer than the first radius in the groove of a roll included in the preceding stand.
US08166780B2
A method of manufacturing a bathing-massage glove includes a preparing step, a pre-treating step, a knitting step and a forming step. The preparing step includes preparing a nylon segment with multiple nylon yarns and an environmental-regenerative segment with multiple polyethylene terephthalate bottles. The pre-treating step includes ruffling the nylon yarns of the nylon segment to form multiple winding nylon crepes and processing the polyethylene terephthalate bottles of the environmental-regenerative segment to form multiple environmental-regenerative crepes. The knitting step includes knitting the nylon crepes of the nylon segment and the environmental-regenerative crepes of the environmental-regenerative segment with a knitting speed ratio of 4:5. The forming step includes cutting and seaming a basketwork that is knit by the nylon crepes and the environmental-regenerative crepes to form the bathing-massage glove.
US08166773B2
A thermal cycling system includes a structure defining a load space, a heating assembly positioned to heat to the load space, and a cooling assembly positioned to cool the load space. The cooling assembly includes a refrigeration circuit and a banking circuit. The refrigeration circuit has a compressor, a refrigeration condenser, a first refrigeration evaporator in direct thermal communication with the load space, a second refrigeration evaporator in parallel with the first evaporator, and primary refrigerant circulating throughout the refrigeration circuit. The banking circuit is gravity fed and includes a banking condenser, a banking evaporator positioned to cool the load space, and a banking refrigerant circulating throughout the banking circuit. The banking condenser includes a collection reservoir to store liquid banking refrigerant and is in thermal communication with the second refrigeration evaporator.
US08166772B2
The present invention relates to a flexible plated cooling pack for headwear and a method for making the same that is capable of providing a sufficient cooling effect with a small amount of coolant, not causing worry about leakage of the coolant, and providing a cushion effect without a volume variance regardless of many uses, as well as the cooling effect.The flexible plated cooling pack has an inner and outer synthetic resin film sheet bonded each other and a coolant filled therein, wherein the outer synthetic resin film sheet has a shape respectively corresponding to a piece of the crown portion and a sweatband and the coolant is always maintained in at least a gel state. The flexible plated cooling pack may be disposed in an inner portion of the crown portion and the sweatband of the headwear or may be inserted in a pocket formed at an inner portion of the crown portion and the sweatband of the headwear.
US08166769B2
A self-cooled electronic component comprising a vertical monolithic circuit, in which the vertical monolithic circuit is electrically connected in series with a Peltier cooler so that the D.C. current flowing through the circuit supplies the cooler and in which the circuit and the cooler are placed against each other so that the cold surface of the cooler is in thermal contact with the circuit.
US08166765B2
A fuel delivery and control system is provided including a dual pump fluid circuit configuration comprising a fixed positive displacement pump sized to supply the main engine burn flow ranging from above windmill through cruise and a variable displacement pump sized to supply fluid to engine actuators, valves and other hydraulically operated engine components with a pump flow sharing system interconnecting the two pumps. The combined flow from the two pumps is sufficient to meet the engine flow demand for windmill relight and maximum flow conditions. During cruise or normal operating conditions, the pumps operate in completely isolated flow circuits, minimizing recirculation and therefore heat input into the fuel supply system.
US08166763B2
A fuel injector for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The fuel injector includes an injector housing having a longitudinal axis. The injector housing includes one or more fuel inlets, one or more fuel galleries annularly disposed about the longitudinal axis, and an air inlet. The fuel injector also includes a premix barrel having a proximal end and a distal end circumferentially disposed about the longitudinal axis. The premix barrel is fluidly coupled to the fuel galleries and the air inlet at the proximal end, and configured to mechanically couple to a combustor of the gas turbine engine at the distal end. The fuel injector also includes a pilot assembly disposed radially inwards of the premix barrel. The pilot assembly may include a first end and a second end. The second end is removably coupled to the injector housing, and the first end is proximate the distal end of the premix barrel. The pilot assembly is fluidly coupled to the fuel galleries, the air inlet, and the combustor.
US08166762B2
Fuel control arrangements provide and control fuel flow to injectors through fuel control valves. The injectors are connected to respective fuel control valves which in turn are connected to a first fuel flow path. The injectors are also connected to a second fuel flow path. The fuel paths are associated with a fuel source and generally have a recirculation valve between them. When flow in the flow path is stopped, recirculation of fuel can be provided across the recirculation valve to prevent fuel degradation. By provision of a restrictor valve in the second fuel flow path control of fuel recirculation can be achieved, as well as greater flexibility by presenting fuel flow separately through the second flow path to the injector whilst the first flow path is inhibited.
US08166759B2
An exhaust heat recovery apparatus includes a reciprocating internal combustion engine in which a piston reciprocates in a cylinder to generate motive power; and a Stirling engine that recovers the thermal energy of the exhaust gas discharged from the internal combustion engine and converts the thermal energy into kinetic energy. The Stirling engine is united with the internal combustion engine. A heater that the Stirling engine includes is disposed in an exhaust manifold of the internal combustion engine. With this configuration, it is possible to restrict reduction in the power output from the exhaust heat recovery means.
US08166750B2
An exhaust gas system for purifying exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine, particularly a diesel engine in a motor vehicle, conducts the exhaust gas in a specific flow direction. A catalytic converter, particularly for converting hydrocarbons and carbon monoxides contained in the exhaust gas, an oxidation catalytic converter, particularly for converting nitrogen monoxide contained in the exhaust gas and a particulate trap for collecting particulates contained in the exhaust gas, are disposed successively in the flow direction. The exhaust gas system ensures a highly efficient conversion of harmful substances contained in the exhaust gas, and a particularly positive effect with respect to the regeneration of the particulate trap also occurs.
US08166740B2
A crop conditioner is equipped with an impeller including a rotor to which a plurality of conditioner tines are respectively pivotally mounted at one of their ends. The tines are contoured so that they release crop at an appropriate location for the crop to engage the forming shields and thus become part of a well-defined windrow.
US08166732B2
A stretch wrap machine for wrapping a product comprising a base, a turn table on the base for rotating the product, a source of stretch wrap connected to the base, and a wrapping assembly configured to bring an end of the stretch wrap above the product, cut the stretch wrap at a position above the product after the product has been wrapped and/or hold an end of the stretch wrap at a position above the product as the turntable begins rotating the product.
US08166724B2
A wooden joist comprises wooden top chord and bottom chords. Wooden boards are adhesively connected to the chords to form an I-joist section along a portion of the wooden joist. Wooden webs may be adhesively connected to the chords to form an open-joist section along another portion of the wooden joist. A bearing extension is defined by the wooden top chord extending beyond an end of the wooden joist Metal webs are in alignment on opposed sides of the wooden joist. Each metal web comprises a top connector end fixed to the bearing extension, a bottom connector end fixed to the bottom chord, and a structural arm between the connector ends. The metal webs are solely provided in an end region along the wooden joist, whereby the wooden joist is adapted to be in a top-chord bearing relation with a beam.
US08166721B1
A composite wood-metal structural member comprises a web and a pair of flanges. The web is at least partially made of metal and the flanges are at least partially made of wood. The web includes a pair of metal panels and each panel includes a central section and a pair of end sections. The end sections wrap around a part of the flanges and are attached thereto.
US08166720B2
A roofing membrane retainer is provided having a cylindrical plate. The cylindrical plate has a central aperture for receiving a fastener. The plate also includes a pair of concentric inner and outer raised reinforcing ribs and a plurality of scoop-shaped projections. The scoop-shaped projections extend downwardly from the plate in concentric inner and outer cylindrical arrays. The inner cylindrical array of projections and the outer cylindrical array of projections are radially outward of the inner rib and the outer rib, respectively. The projections each comprise a scoop with a base periphery having an open mouth edge and a remaining peripheral portion contiguous with the plate. The projections in each array are spaced equidistance about the plate. The mouth edge of adjacent projections are oriented in alternating radial inward and outward directions.
US08166719B2
Flood proofing of buildings built on a slab is provided. Water having a depth less than a selected distance H above the slab is excluded from the building by windows, doors and panels that are sealed to prevent water entry. The panels may be applied over a variety of existing veneer materials or may be used in new construction.
US08166716B2
A dry joint wall panel attachment system is provided. The system uses interlocking components to attach aluminum (or other) wall panels to an exterior wall. The system is held together non-adhesively.
US08166715B2
A containerized portable shelter which is small and light enough for helicopter transport but which can also travel through container channels and has increased expandability of the floorspace is provided. It has a fraction (e.g. one-half) the standard ISO width, so that a plurality of modular units can be joined to form a standard ISO container. Two or more modular units can be joined side-by-side and/or end-to-end to form a compound shipping container preferably having ISO freight container characteristics.
US08166703B2
A conical container that is stable includes a cup adapted to contain liquid and/or one or more selected item(s) and a frustoconical skirt depending therefrom. The container may further include a plurality of removable and interchangeable inserts operable with the cup and/or one or more tray operable with the skirt. The container may advantageously be used as a vase for an arrangement of fresh cut flowers, and may optionally be converted for use with one or more additional selected item.
US08166695B2
A shooting support includes a hitch-supported lower tube insertable into a vehicle hitch tube, an upper tube pivoted to the lower tube for angular adjustment toward the vehicle, and a table pivoted to the upper tube. The two pivots each include an arcuate slot around the respective pivot, and a clamp with handled nut for clampingly fixing an adjusted position. The upper tube also includes telescoping extendable tubes and a clamp for fixing its length. By this arrangement, a user sitting on the tailgate can infinitely adjust a length and angle of the upper tube to position the table at a desired horizontal and vertical location relative to the table and to the tailgate. A side handle on the upper tube is in a balanced position when the tubes and table are folded to parallel positions, such that the shooting support can be easily carried. Related methods are also disclosed.
US08166689B1
An ornamental enclosure for the display of a decorative pin. The ornament may be hung or stood on a flat surface. The enclosure has an opening in the front for viewing the interior which is a cavity for the reception of a puncturable, resilient and removable insert with a central portion made of a material for the piercing through of the post(s) portion of a decorative pin and defining a mounting surface for a decorative pin. The removable insert is placed in the enclosure producing a background for the decorative pin. Once inside the enclosure, the resilient insert assumes a shape conforming to a portion of the interior of the enclosure.
US08166685B2
A identifying device for animals comprising an identifying ring comprising a laser or ink jet marker and/or an electronic transponder intended for being arranged around one of the animal's legs, characterized in that the ring comprises adjusting and latching means, comprising at least one latching stem to be engaged concurrently on the one hand, into a latching hole and on the other hand, into a retaining hole.
US08166682B2
A soleplate unit of electric iron with improved front structure, comprising: a shallow groove provided on the bottom surface of the front side of the soleplate unit, a sheet set in said shallow groove and the front of the sheet extending outwardly from the front side of the soleplate unit. A high rigid surface layer is provided on the surface of the sheet, or the sheet is made of high rigid material. The sheet is tongue in shape, and two front sides of the sheet extend outwardly from the front side of the soleplate unit. The soleplate unit can also be provided with a sheet that extends outwardly from the front of the soleplate unit. It is very convenient for users to iron the face fabric near the button and the slide fastener.
US08166680B2
A steam iron is disclosed. The steam iron at least includes a base, a handle and a mechanical pump, in which the base has a steam generator and a water tank. The handle is connected with the base. The handle has a storage space and a shell surrounding the storage space. The mechanical pump is set in the storage space of the handle. The mechanical pump is connected with the steam generator and the water tank, and the bailing member of the mechanical pump is adjacent to the handle. The invention provides the mechanical pump having the bailing member that has short length and mounted in the handle. Because the bailing member may be hidden in the handle, user can easily press the bailing member without driving up finger to press the bailing member. So, the problem is solved that common steam iron is discommodiously used.
US08166678B2
The tooth and adaptor for dredging machines object of the present invention relates to a tooth or wear member which, attached to an adaptor or adaptor member, creates an assembly the purpose of which is to deepen and clean the beds of ports, rivers, channels, etc., removing therefrom sludge, stones, sand, etc., the adaptors being attached to the blades of the propellers and thus forming the cutter head of the dredging machine. The constructive features of the coupling between the tooth and the tooth bar or adaptor allow making better use of the cutting material of the tooth and a simple and quick replacement thereof in the adaptor, between other advantages.
US08166672B2
The present invention provides an improved shoe sole for a running shoe conducive to a midfoot striking gait including a cushioning element positioned between the upper surface and the ground-contacting surface, at least a portion of which is positioned on a lateral side of the sole and contained within a region between 15% and 90% of the length of the shoe sole as measured from a rearfoot end of the sole. One or more high abrasion-resistant ground-contacting crash pads are positioned below the cushioning element, and include a lateral side portion contained within a region extending a distance of 20% the length of the shoe sole, as measured from a rearfoot end of the shoe sole. The shoe sole, preferably devoid of at least vertical arch sculpting, also includes a longitudinal flex groove positioned just medial of the crash pads.
US08166667B1
Clothes drying furniture, comprising a furniture assembly defining a housing. The furniture assembly has a first top wall, a first bottom wall, first and second lateral walls, an intermediate wall, a rear exterior wall, and a door. The first and second lateral walls each have longitudinal tracks mounted thereon. A clothes drying assembly comprises a second top wall, a second bottom wall, third and fourth lateral walls, and a rear wall. The third and fourth lateral walls each have longitudinal rails mounted thereon. The longitudinal rails are journally mounted onto the longitudinal tracks. An electrical assembly comprises a heating element. The heating element is positioned in between the intermediate wall and the rear exterior wall. The electrical assembly further comprises power means. The first and second lateral walls each comprise a latching member to keep the clothes drying assembly housed within the furniture assembly.
US08166664B2
A method of aligning arm reference systems of a multiple-arm measuring machine having at least two measuring units, each having a movable arm; the method including the steps of aligning the reference systems of the measuring units when setting up the machine, and periodically updating alignment of the reference systems by detecting, by means of one measuring unit, a reference member carried by another measuring unit and moved successively by the other measuring unit into a number of positions at an intersection of the measuring volumes of the two measuring units.
US08166662B2
An archery sight for use with an archery bow is described that comprises multiple elements for two-point alignment, but wherein each of the points of the two-point alignment are positioned away from the archer's eyes at the full-draw or ready-to-shoot position. In one embodiment, the archery sight comprises an alignment element and one or more target elements, the position of which are set independently of the other target elements. An adjustment mechanism is coupled to each of the elements, thereby permitting movement such as vertical and horizontal movement of the elements relative to the archery bow.
US08166661B2
A shaving system comprises a bifurcated razor handle (1,90) comprising a unitary, two-shot plastics molding having a pair of hinges (4) with elastomeric springs (11) joined by a cartridge mounting portion (30,91) which receives the bottom side of a generally flat, multi-blade cartridge (60) in fixed, snap-fit relation. The cartridge is retained in a dispenser (80) beneath a resilient leaf (84) and pressed onto the mounting portion along an engagement axis E normal to the shaving plane, the leaf being received in a recess (48) between the mounting portion and the cartridge. The cartridge is then retracted from the dispenser along a retraction axis R generally parallel with the shaving plane. The mounting portion includes digit-receiving regions (40) for pressing the mounting portion onto the cartridge, an ejection element (41,141) for disengaging the cartridge from the handle, and an elastomeric skin-engaging platform (51) arranged in advance of the shaving plane.
US08166659B2
A garden shears has a first shear, a second shear, a separator, an engaging member and two joined pressing arms. A cutting portion of the first shear is offset from the handle portion, and central portion has a centrally positioned first pivot hole and a first eccentric pivot hole. A central portion of the second shear has a second pivot hole. A side of the second shear has a strip-shaped extending portion with an end bent towards the other side of the second shear and having an engaging gear rack, which defines an escape region. An arcuate limiting guide groove is disposed between the second pivot hole above the escape region. The engaging member has an arcuate engaging tip edge with a protrusion. The pressing arms are bi-leveled with a beveled connection and have a handle at a lower portion and a second eccentric pivot hole at an upper portion.
US08166650B2
A method of manufacturing a printed circuit board (PCB) includes of disposing thermal transfer vias and electrical vias through the PCB. The method further includes filling holes of the vias with a solder mask. The thermal transfer vias are filled to about 70% of capacity while the electrical vias are completely filled. Once filled, surfaces of the PCB are coated with an organic solderability preservative.
US08166642B2
The invention removes copper from the concave side of a flex circuit around a bendable region and replaces it with a conductive epoxy to allow it to be formed to tighter bend radii than would otherwise be possible. After the flex circuit is shaped in a tight radius and attached to a mechanical structure, the conductive epoxy is cured to act as functional replacement of the removed copper.
US08166635B2
In a current collector laminating step, a current-collector laminate unit 30 composed of current-collector materials 31 and 32 and a film material 33 is formed. Resist layers 34 having a predetermined pattern are formed on both surfaces of the current-collector laminate unit 30. An etching process is performed with the resist layers 34 used as a mask, whereby through-holes 20a and 23a are formed on the respective current-collector materials 31 and 32. The resist layers 34 are removed from the current-collector laminate unit 30. Since the etching process is performed on the plural current-collector materials 31 and 32, productivity of an electrode can be enhanced. During the application of the slurry, the film material 33 prevents the leakage of the electrode slurry. Therefore, the current-collector laminate unit 30 can be conveyed in the horizontal direction, whereby the productivity of the electrode can be enhanced.
US08166628B2
In manufacturing a stator coil for rotary electric machine having phase windings, plural conductive shaped wire members are integrated mutually to form an integrated body. Each shaped wire member has plural straight portions and plural turn portions alternately connecting adjacent straight portions at each of both ends of each straight portion. The body has plural straight superposed portions each formed by mutually superposing the plural straight portions. A wound-up body has plural straight stack portions The straight portions are fitted to respective fitting grooves of an alignment member, the fitting grooves being formed in the alignment member at intervals each corresponding to the size of a gap between adjacent straight stack portions. The integrated body is wound about a core member together with the alignment member, with the straight portions being fitted to the alignment member to form the wound-up body.
US08166624B2
A linearly extendible impact anchor driving apparatus for positioning and setting a wedge anchor assembly in a pre-drilled hole extending inwardly through the ceiling or wall surface of a structure while at ground level and with a single tool. One embodiment of the apparatus has an extendible tubular housing with a coupling and anchor head at one end and a hemispherical end tip at the other. A slidable handle impacts a stop mounted to the body to impart linear force to the anchor.
US08166621B2
A method of stabilizing a frequency of a piezoelectric vibration element includes: disposing the piezoelectric vibration element in an atmosphere of a vapor of a ring-shaped dimethylpolysiloxane molecule, the piezoelectric vibration element having a metal layer on a surface of a piezoelectric substrate formed of a thickness slip based piezoelectric material; and making the ring-shaped dimethylpolysiloxane molecule subject to chemical absorption with a surface of the metal layer to form a layer of the ring-shaped dimethylpolysiloxane molecule.
US08166620B2
A subsea connector comprises a female element (1) defining a parallel bore (2) adapted to receive a male element (3). First releasable locking means are disposed between elements (2) and (3) and comprise a sprung cage (6) in which balls (5) are retained for movement in tapered grooves circumferentially spaced around element (3). As the cage moves relative to element (3) balls (5) protrude from the cage to a greater or lesser extent to lock the elements together. Second locking means prevent relative movement between elements (1) and (3) in a locking release direction of the first releasable locking means. These second locking means comprise lock balls retained in an apertured body disposed between elements (1) and (2).
US08166611B2
The present invention relates to a door supporting device for a refrigerator. The door supporting device of the present invention can adjust the height of the door. A hinge bracket of the door supporting device of the present invention includes a fixing portion fixed to a front face of the refrigerator, and a supporting portion extending forward from an upper end of the fixing portion and having a threaded hole with threads formed on an inner periphery thereof. A hinge shaft of the door supporting device has threads on an outer periphery thereof and is threadly engaged with the threaded hole so that the hinge shaft can be supported by the hinge bracket. An upper end of the hinge shaft rotatably supports the door. The height of the door can be adjusted by rotating the hinge shaft. A nut is threadly engaged with the hinge shaft below the hinge bracket. The nut prevents the hinge shaft from being rotated so that the door can be constantly maintained at a predetermined height. The door supporting device further comprises a hinge cap fitted around the upper end of the hinge shaft and inserted into a hinge hole formed in a bottom surface of the door so as to rotatably support the door. The hinge cap comprises a rearward extension and a rotation preventing projection extending downward from the extension, and the rotation preventing projection is inserted into a fixing hole of the hinge bracket so as to restrict rotation of the hinge cap.
US08166602B2
A cleaning arrangement for removing accumulated leaves and other debris from an overhead gutter of a building, said arrangement including: a cleaning tool having a blade of comparative cross sectional profile to the gutter to be cleaned, an elongated rod having one end adapted to be held by a user and a remote end substantially perpendicular to the said blade when blade is connected to said rod, said blade including an aperture at an upper corner of said blade for an end of the rod to be releasable fastenable therein, such that the off-centering of the rod to the corner of the blade allows the cleaning tool to be scraped along the length of a segment of guttering without the blade making contact with internal brackets or bracing supporting the gutter.
US08166600B2
A toothbrush for a pet dog is disclosed, in which a groove is longitudinally formed in a center of a head in a direction of a handle, and a cushion material is provided in a surrounding surface, a lower surface and the groove. When a pet dog bites a toothbrush with teeth during a tooth brushing, it is possible to prevent teeth from fracture while preventing a lot of pain occurring when teeth collide with a hard toothbrush. Toothbrush hairs planted in a head are shaped depending on a tooth shape of a pet dog, so it is possible to reliably brush off plague attached on the upper side of a cervical ridge of premolars and molars of a pet dog without applying over stimulation on the gum.
US08166598B2
A cleaning device includes an elongated u-shaped handle terminating with a mounting neck at a distal end. A handgrip engages the handle at the proximal end. A support strap may attached to the handgrip. A cleaning head is releasably attached to the mounting neck. The cleaning head is configured to releasably engage the mounting neck. The handle is u-shaped and resilient to generate a biasing force that facilitates use and cleaning contact. The cleaning head is opposite and in direct alignment with the handgrip, so that a user may determine the exact position of the cleaning head against the user's back by observing the position of the handgrip.
US08166592B2
A sole with adjustable sizing is disclosed. The sole includes a fixed region and an adjustable region. The adjustable region is deformable when the sole is heated to a melting point associated with the adjustable region. The shape and size of the sole may be adjusted by deforming the adjustable region.
US08166591B2
Apparatus and methods for recirculating wash fluid in a washing machine are disclosed. The washing machine includes a wash tub and a wash basket rotatably supported within the wash tub. The washing machine can include a jet pump for recirculation of wash fluid through the wash basket and wash tub. The inlet of the jet pump is in fluid communication with a wash fluid supply line and the outlet of the jet pump is in fluid communication with the wash tub. The jet pump includes a suction port coupled to a recirculation line in fluid communication with the wash tub. The jet pump draws wash fluid from the wash tub through the recirculation line and returns the wash fluid through the outlet of the jet pump to the wash basket according to the Venturi effect when wash fluid flows through the inlet of the jet pump.
US08166587B2
A portable breastfeeding and nursing pillow for a baby includes a base portion in a generally rectangular shape with a contoured side. The base portion further includes a boarder about at least three sides of the base portion and extending a distance above a first feeding surface of the base portion for mitigating problems of the baby rolling off the first feeding surface. The top portion stacked underneath the base portion adds height if needed during the baby nursing time. The top portion also includes a second feeding surface for feeding the baby when additional height of the pillow without the boarder is desired. A strap is joined to the bottom portion for adjustably securing about a person's waist when the pillow is being used for breastfeeding or nursing a baby. The strap is adjustable for resting on a person's shoulder when transporting the pillow. A decorative binding strap holds the top portion to the bottom portion when transporting the pillow. Attachable nursing cover offers privacy during the nursing time.
US08166586B2
A removable pallet configured to be mounted to a patient table. The patient table has a table surface adapted to support patients thereon during a medical procedure or imaging session. The removable pallet includes a support body having a runway configured to slidably engage a transfer board carrying a patient. The support body extends along a longitudinal axis and is configured to be mounted over the table surface of the patient table. The removable pallet also includes a coupling device that is configured to removably couple the support body and the patient table. The coupling device secures the support body over the table surface to permit the transfer board to be moved onto the patient table.
US08166583B1
A bath curtain rack structure includes a curved transverse rod, two pivot members and two wall-mounted brackets. The curved transverse rod has two ends which are connected to hollow pipe portions of the pivot members, respectively. Each pivot member includes a flat rounded end with a semi-circle flange at one end thereof. Each wall-mounted bracket includes a central protruding post which is inserted in a dual awl-shaped guide hole of the pivot member. The wall-mounted bracket further has a pair of lock holes for insertion of screws to be secured on a wall, a recess corresponding in shape to the flat round end, two stoppers to stop the semi-circle flange, and a protruding opening to receive the flat rounded end and the semi-circle flange of the pivot member. A second headless screw is screwed in a second threaded hole of the flat rounded end to engage with the concave pivot point. A first headless screw is screwed in a first threaded hole of the pivot member to engage with the ends of the curved transverse rod.
US08166582B2
An alternative propulsion or motive force for the riders of water features based on generated waves. A wave generator may be used to propel individuals or vessels within a chute for recreation or transportation. In one form, a pool or container having a body of water is configured to support an artificial wave generator which uses compressed gas to discharge water and generate a wave-like motion within a body of water. A source of make-up fluid is configured to mitigate internal low pressure conditions caused by the water discharge to enable effective wave generation with reduced quantities of compressed air. Portions of the waves generated in a pool may be captured in a variety of ways by chutes for stand-alone rides or for portions of chutes in water slides.
US08166580B2
A dispensing means (10) for delivering a dose of a first liquid into a second liquid is provided, the dispensing means comprising an enclosure (12) for the first liquid, and valve means (16), the dispensing means being operable such that raising a level (114) of a second liquid relative to the dispensing means so as to subject the dispensing means to hydrostatic pressure causes a dose of the first liquid to be displaced from the enclosure (12) to establish a column (118) of the first liquid that acts on the valve means, and subsequent lowering of the level (114) of the second liquid relative to the dispensing means so as to reduce the hydrostatic pressure acting on the valve means (16) causes the valve means to deliver the dose. Also provided is a valve means (16) adapted for attachment to an inlet tube and comprising a valve body (62) and a flexible membrane (72), which, when attached to an inlet tube (22) containing a column of a first liquid and immersed in a second liquid, the hydrostatic pressure causes the flexible membrane (72) to seal the valve body (62) so as to prevent a flow of the first liquid, and when a level of the second liquid is lowered, the flexible membrane (72) unseals the valve body (62) so as to allow a flow of the first liquid through the valve body (62).
US08166578B2
An apparatus for releasably locking a protective eye lens to the housing of a protective face cover is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to have an inner and outer lock. The inner lock couples the protective eye lens to the housing. The inner lock can release the protective eye lens from the housing through the use of a release unit. An activator on the release unit is guarded by the outer lock to prevent inadvertent movement of the activator and consequent unintended release of the protective eye lens from the housing.
US08166576B2
An opening/closing device for openably/closably supports an opening/closing part with regard to an opened/closed part, and the opening/closing device is characterized in that it comprises an attaching part attached to the opened/closed part so as to rotate around a rotation axis together with the opening/closing part, a rotation part rotatably attached to an attaching portion extending from a rotation center of the attaching part and engaged with the opened/closed part, and a friction torque generation means provided between the attaching portion of the attaching part and the rotation part, as well as in that the opening/closing device is so configured that it can bring the opening/closing part to stop using free-stop function, when the opening/closing part is opened and closed with regard to the opened/closed part.
