US08237535B2
The primary and/or secondary coils of a relatively high power planar transformer are integrated together with a laminated busbar, thereby incorporating together the planar transformer and the busbar as a single component. A coil is cut out or otherwise formed in at least one busbar conductor, and when electrically connected, the busbar coils act as part of the primary and/or secondary circuit of the transformer. One or more coil lead frames are embedded in the laminated stack, and when electrically connected, form the primary and/or secondary circuit, respectively, of the transformer. Insulating material coils are also embedded within the laminated stack. The center leg of an E-shaped ferrite core passes through the center opening of each of the busbar coils, the coil lead frames, and the insulating material coils. The E-shaped core is located next to (i.e., with an opening) or closed with, an I-shaped or E-shaped core.
US08237518B2
The present invention relates to an antenna-filter module for transferring radio frequency electromagnetic signals between the ambient air and an electronic circuit. The module includes an antenna element and at least two integrated band pass filter disposed adjacent to said antenna element. The antenna element is arranged as a joint antenna element, having a substantially greater bandwidth than each filter and providing a number of antenna-filter combinations within the module. The joint antenna element is arranged in close proximity to a first resonator of each filter in the module so as to provide an electromagnetic coupling to the resonators of each filter and a differentiated, specific pass band for the respective antenna-filter combination. Each filter is provided with a coupling member for coupling to an electronic circuit, such as an amplifier.
US08237516B2
In enhancing signal quality through packages, meta-materials may be used. Meta-materials are designed to make the signal act in such a way as to make the shape of the signal behave as though the permittivity and permeability are different than the real permittivity and permeability of the insulator used. In an example embodiment, a substrate (10) is configured as a meta-material. The meta-material provides noise protection for a signal line (15) having a pre-determined length disposed on the meta-material. The substrate comprises a dielectric material (2, 4, 6) having a topside surface and an underside surface. A conductive material (30) is arranged into pre-determined shapes (35) having a collective length. Dielectric material envelops the conductive material and the conductive material is disposed at a first predetermined distance (55) from the topside surface and at a second predetermined distance from the underside surface. The collective length of the conductive material (30) is comparable to the pre-determined length of the signal line (15).
US08237513B2
A voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) for a phase locked loop (PLL) includes a startup oscillator, the startup oscillator comprising a first plurality of inverters; a primary oscillator, the primary oscillator comprising a second plurality of inverters, wherein a number of the second plurality of inverters is fewer than the number of the first plurality of inverters; and a control module connected to the startup oscillator and the primary oscillator. A method of operating a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) in a phase locked loop (PLL), the VCO comprising a startup oscillator and a primary oscillator includes sending an enable signal to the startup oscillator; waiting a predetermined number of startup oscillator clock cycles; and when the predetermined number of startup oscillator clock cycles has elapsed, sending a disable signal to the startup oscillator, and sending an enable signal to the primary oscillator.
US08237508B2
A power amplifier comprises: an amplifier transistor; a bias circuit supplying bias current to the amplifier transistor; and a collector voltage terminal connected to a collector of the amplifier transistor. The bias circuit includes: a reference voltage terminal into which a reference voltage is input; a power terminal connected to a power source; a transistor having a control terminal connected to the reference voltage terminal, a first terminal connected to the power terminal, and a second terminal that is grounded. The transistor supplies a bias current corresponding to the reference voltage to the amplifier transistor; a variable capacitor connected between the first terminal and a grounding point; and a logic circuit controlling capacitance of the variable capacitor.
US08237507B1
Aspects of a method and system for transmitter linearization are provided. A signal may be amplified via one or more circuits comprising a first transistor having a first bias voltage applied to its gate via a resistor, and a second transistor having its source coupled to a first terminal of the resistor, its drain coupled to a second terminal of the resistor, and its gate coupled to a second bias voltage. The signal may be AC-coupled, via one or more capacitors, for example, to the gate of the first transistor. The first bias voltage and the second bias voltage may be such that the first transistor operates in the active region the second transistor operates in the subthreshold region. The effective channel width of the second transistor may be configurable during operation of the one or more circuits.
US08237494B2
The determination of the signal modulation format for a channel is an important aspect of the operation of a signal receiver. A method (700) is described including the steps of receiving (710) a signal, comparing (720) a sample of the received signal to a first threshold value and a second threshold value, creating (720) a signal profile based on the comparison, and selecting (750) a modulation format for the received signal based on the signal profile. An apparatus (500) is also described including a ring counter (510) that receives a sample of an input signal, compares the sample to a first threshold value and a second threshold value, and creates a signal profile for the input signal, a signal profiler (550) that compares the signal profile for the input signal to at least two reference profiles, and a detector (560) that determines a modulation format for the input signal based on the comparison in the signal profiler (550).
US08237493B2
A semiconductor device capable of reducing an inductance is provided. In the semiconductor device in which a rectification MOSFET, a commutation MOSFET, and a driving IC that drives these MOSFETs are mounted on one package, the rectification MOSFET, a metal plate, and the commutation MOSFET are laminated. A current of a main circuit flows from a back surface of the package to a front surface thereof. The metal plate is connected to an output terminal via a wiring in the package. Wire bondings are used for wirings for connecting the driving IC, the rectification MOSFET, and the commutation MOSFET, all terminals being placed on the same plane. For this reason, the inductance becomes small and also a power source loss and a spike voltage are reduced.
US08237491B2
A semiconductor device includes a first conductive type first transistor, a first conductive type second transistor, a first power supply pad arranged between the first transistor and the second transistor and supplying a first potential, a second conductive type third transistor, a second conductive type fourth transistor, a second power supply pad arranged between the third transistor and the fourth transistor and supplying a second potential, a first output pad arranged between the first transistor and the third transistor, and a second output pad arranged between the second transistor and the fourth transistor, in which a direction in which a line connecting the first power supply pad with the second power supply pad extends is perpendicular to a direction in which a line connecting the first output pad with the second output pad extends.
US08237476B2
A semiconductor memory device includes a delay lock loop (DLL) performing a locking operation at a wide frequency range and reducing current consumption. The semiconductor memory device includes a (DLL) having serially connected delay cells that receive and delay an external clock signal, wherein a predetermined number of delay cells of the serially connected delay cells that are to perform a delay operation are turned on in response to a threshold frequency recognition signal and first and second delay cell on signals, and for generating an internal clock signal; and a controller for generating the threshold frequency recognition signal and the first and second delay cell on signals, which reduce current consumption of each of the serially connected delay cells and increase a period of delay time thereof, if more delay cells are to be turned on when a delay cell indicating a threshold frequency is turned on.
US08237468B2
Described are amplifiers that facilitate high-speed communication with calibrated drive strength and termination impedance. Drivers and termination elements can be divided into a number N of parallel portions, one or more of which can be disabled and updated without interfering with signal (e.g., clock or data) transmission. Some embodiments identify inactive elements by examining incoming signals.
US08237458B2
The present invention relates to electromigration testing and evaluation methods and apparatus for a device under test with an interconnect structure. The method comprises forcing the occurrence of a step resistance-increase of the interconnect structure due to electromigration in the first layer and subsequently subjecting the interconnect structure to at least three respective predetermined stress conditions while concurrently measuring a test quantity indicative of an electrical resistance of the interconnect structure. The method allows performing an electromigration test in much shorter time than known electromigration testing methods, without loss of information or accuracy. It is therefore possible to accelerate the optimization of the interconnect manufacturing process so that the conductor electromigration kinetics remains compatible with a required product lifetime. This allows reducing the time and cost for electromigration testing and thus fabricating integrated-circuit devices with a lower overall cost.
US08237446B2
An imaging tool made includes a pad whose curvature is chosen based on the expected range of borehole radius and the pad size so as to maintain the maximum standoff below a desired value. The curvature may be adjusted using fasteners.
US08237445B2
The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for performing resistivity measurements of a borehole wall using a transverse octupole sensor. The sensor may be a resistivity sensor. Higher resolution is obtained with an octupole sensor than with lower-order-pole sensors. For the resistivity case, the ratio of dual-frequency measurements has reduced sensitivity to standoff.
US08237444B2
An apparatus for investigating a geological formation surrounding a borehole including a logging tool moveable through the borehole, an electromagnetic probe 1 including a pad 2 mounted on the logging tool for engagement with the borehole by a wall-engaging face of the pad, at least one transmitting antenna TxA, TxB mounted in the wall-engaging face, and a plurality of spaced receiving antennas RxA, RxB mounted in the wall-engaging face spaced in relation to the transmitting antenna TxA, TxB. At least one of the antennas RxA, RxB, TxA, TxB is an open-ended antenna forming a substantially pure electric dipole normal to the pad face and wherein the first transmitting antenna of the at least one pair of transmitting antennas is positioned above the plurality of spaced receiving antennas and the second transmitting antenna of the at least one pair of transmitting antennas is positioned below the plurality of spaced receiving antennas.
US08237432B2
A rotation angle sensor providing excellent output characteristics is provided. The rotation angle sensor has a structure in which a ring-shaped permanent magnet provided so as to be rotatable integrally with a rotor connected to a member to be detected; magnetic flux gathering yokes surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped permanent magnet with a certain clearance being formed between the outer circumferential surface and the magnetic flux gathering yokes; and Hall ICs 30 arranged in gaps between the magnetic flux gathering yokes, are arranged inside a casing formed by a casing body and a cover. In the casing body, a guide tube surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped permanent magnet is formed with a certain clearance being formed between the outer circumferential surface and the guide tube. The guide tube is made of a material having a linear expansion coefficient smaller than that of the casing, and the magnetic flux gathering yokes are fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the guide tube.
US08237431B2
A speed sensor assembly includes a bearing having a first race, a second race, a plurality of ball bearings separating the first race from the second race, and a tone wheel coupled to the second race. The speed sensor assembly also includes a spacer abutting the first race and a sensor positioned adjacent the tone wheel.
US08237428B2
A circuit system for detecting a time-variable amplitude via an electric potential-difference to be detected. A first potential-difference detection device for detecting the at least one electric potential-difference and for outputting a first potential-difference signal, and a second potential-difference detection device for detecting the at least one electric potential-difference and for outputting a second potential-difference signal are provided. The first potential-difference detection device has a higher time resolution than the second potential-difference detection device, while the second potential-difference detection device has a higher amplitude resolution than the first potential-difference detection device.
US08237424B2
A system comprises a voltage regulator operably coupled to an external component, a voltage regulator reset circuit and at least one functional element supplied with a voltage by the voltage regulator. The voltage regulator reset circuit is arranged to repetitively reset the voltage regulator upon disconnection of the external component.
US08237422B2
Efficient switch cascode architecture for switching devices, such as switching regulators. The cascode architecture includes a switching stage responsive to an external driver signal for switching transitions, and a bias generator operative to bias the cascode transistor of the switching stage to protect the switching stage from damage during the switching transitions.
US08237407B2
A battery pack connection scheme is shown that provides an synchronized DC environment for every cell in the pack, such that every cell in the same or similar voltage level in the pack sees exactly the same voltage and current environment. In some embodiments, a pack is provided having a positive load connection terminal and multiple batteries connected in parallel to the terminal. The connections are made via respective conductive paths each including a high-power DC precision cable segment, each of the conductive paths having a resistance suitable to allow an average charge acceptance rate of the battery pack to be greater than a one-hour, or “C1”, charge rate. The precision cable segments preferably have matching impedances, or have matching DC resistances.
US08237403B2
A storage battery which can be replaced by simple operations within a very short time. The storage battery includes: a plate-shaped plug-in terminal provided to protrude at one side surface of a storage battery having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape; and a clamping terminal made of a plurality of parallel plate-shaped members that can clamp the plate-shaped plug-in terminal, and that is provided to protrude at the other side surface of the storage battery, thereby facilitating the storage battery replacement operation. The plug-in terminals or clamping terminals are preferably provided side-by-side in pairs on the respective side. The storage battery preferably has a display device 7 to display data of a charged power amount, a consumed power amount, a remaining power amount, or a storage battery temperature; and a data output unit for outputting the data to a control device of the automobile.
US08237386B2
Methods and apparatuses to manage working states of a data processing system. At least one embodiment of the present invention includes a data processing system with one or more sensors (e.g., physical sensors such as tachometer and thermistors, and logical sensors such as CPU load) for fine grain control of one or more components (e.g., processor, fan, hard drive, optical drive) of the system for working conditions that balance various goals (e.g., user preferences, performance, power consumption, thermal constraints, acoustic noise). In one example, the clock frequency and core voltage for a processor are actively managed to balance performance and power consumption (heat generation) without a significant latency. In one example, the speed of a cooling fan is actively managed to balance cooling effort and noise (and/or power consumption).
US08237367B2
According to the plasma treatment on an object accommodated in the processing room, the plasma treatment is carried out as follows. The discharge detecting sensor detects a signal of potential change caused with change in plasma discharge. Receiving the signal, the signal recording section temporarily records the signal as signal data indicating potential change. Referencing the signal data, the signal analysis section extracts index data. The index data shows a condition of plasma discharge, for example, as a count value for discharge-start waves, a count value for abnormal discharge, a count value for feeble arc discharge. The device control section judges a condition of plasma discharge by monitoring the index data and carries out the retry process, the accumulative plasma process, and the maintenance judgment process for performing plasma treatment operations properly.
US08237365B2
In various embodiments, a high-pressure discharge lamp is provided. The high-pressure discharge lamp may include a discharge vessel which is accommodated in a tubular outer bulb, wherein a major part of the outer bulb is closely surrounded by a transparent sleeve composed of highly heat-resistant plastic.
US08237360B2
Disclosed is a color display device containing plural pixels on a substrate, each pixel is composed of plural sub-pixels which emit lights different in wavelength in the visible range and a white sub-pixel, the plural sub-pixels and the white sub-pixel each have a white organic electroluminescence layer interposed between an optically semitransparent reflection layer and a light reflection layer, the optical distance between the optically semitransparent reflection layer and the light reflection layer in each of the plural sub-pixels forms a resonator having a distance for resonating emitted light, and the optical distance between the optically semitransparent reflection layer and the light reflection layer in the white sub-pixel is longer than the maximum optical distance between the optically semitransparent reflection layer and the light reflection layer in each of the plural sub-pixels.
US08237357B2
An organic electroluminescent device includes partition walls dividing a region into a first region, a second region and a third region, a first organic layer disposed in the first region, a second organic layer disposed in the second region, and a third organic layer disposed in the third region. The first region includes a plurality of effective pixels involved in light emission, continuously disposed along a first aligning axis. Each effective pixel includes an effective pixel electrode, a common electrode, and the first organic layer between the effective pixel electrode and the common electrode. The second region and the third region oppose each other with the first region therebetween, and the first region, the second region and the third region are aligned along the first aligning axis.
US08237350B2
A light-emitting device includes a package having, on a surface thereof, a first portion surrounded by a second portion; a semiconductor blue color light-emitting element mounted on the first portion; a first transparent resin layer covering the semiconductor blue color light-emitting element and contacted with the first and second portions. The first transparent resin layer in cross section has an arch-like outer profile. A laminated body having in cross section an arch-like profile is formed on the first transparent resin layer with end faces of the laminated body being contacted with the second portion, and includes in order a red fluorescent layer, a yellow fluorescent layer, a second transparent resin layer and a green fluorescent layer, the second transparent resin layer having a center portion disposed between end face portions, the center portion having a larger thickness than thicknesses of the end face portions.
US08237349B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an antireflective film having an anti-reflection function with which reflection of external light which is incident on the antireflective film can be further reduced and a high-visibility display device having such an antireflective film. The tops of the plurality of pyramidal projections are evenly spaced and each side of the base of a pyramidal projection is in contact with one side of the base of an adjacent pyramidal projection. That is, one pyramidal projection is surrounded by other pyramidal projections, and the base of the pyramidal projection and the base of the adjacent pyramidal projection have a side in common.
US08237347B2
A field emission device includes an insulative substrate, an electron pulling electrode, a secondary electron emission layer, a first dielectric layer, a cathode electrode, and an electron emission layer. The electron pulling electrode is located on a surface of the insulative substrate. The secondary electron emission layer is located on a surface of the electron pulling electrode. The cathode electrode is located apart from the electron pulling electrode by the first dielectric layer. The cathode electrode has a surface oriented to the electron pulling electrode and defines a first opening as an electron output portion. The electron emission layer is located on the surface of the cathode electrode and oriented to the electron pulling electrode.
US08237340B2
There is provided an ignition plug whereby an electrical configuration for discharge and an electrical configuration for guiding and radiating microwaves are provided concomitantly, within dimensions permitting installation in an installation space for an ordinary ignition plug, and adapted to efficiently guide and transmit microwaves into a combustion chamber. The ignition plug comprises a center electrode and a ground electrode for spark discharge; a center wire and an outside conductor forming a coaxial electromagnetic wave transmission line; and a microwave radiation antenna that is electrically integrated with the center wire; the microwave radiation antenna having a profile that defines part of a sphere or arc including a plurality of locations substantially equidistant from the center electrode.
US08237339B2
An LED illuminating device includes a heat sink, a first substrate, a second substrate and a connector. The heat sink comprises a first end, a second end opposite to the first end along the axial direction of the heat sink. The first substrate mounted on the first end, the second substrate mounted on the second end, the second substrate has a size smaller than the first substrate. Heat generated by the first substrate is transferred to air and will not accumulate and be transferred to the second substrate. Additionally, because the first substrate and the second substrate are spaced by the heat sink, the heat radiation efficiency is improved.
US08237332B2
Provided are a piezoelectric acoustic transducer and a method of fabricating the same. In the piezoelectric acoustic transducer, a piezoelectric portion is formed in a portion of a diaphragm, and a deformation layer is formed in another portion of the diaphragm. Deformation of the piezoelectric portion is transferred to the deformation layer, or deformation of the deformation layer is transferred to the piezoelectric layer so that the deformation layer vibrates with the piezoelectric layer.
US08237325B2
The invention is an energy transducer that utilizes a material's internal energy as an energy source by operating in a cycle where there is a net loss in the material's internal energy without the need to raise the temperature of the material above ambient temperature. The invention is accomplished by the use of selected materials in which the material's mechanical strain, magnetization or electric polarization can be controlled by cross coupling forces, and where the cross coupling coefficients are not equal to each other in finite operating regions.
US08237323B2
An electrical rotating machine rotor, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a central shaft, an annular core coaxial with the shaft and two polar wheels which are axially arranged on either side of the core, of the type wherein the shaft includes at least one drive section which is axially force-fitted into a fixing bore of at least one component of the rotor so as to secure in rotation at least one of the two polar wheels of the rotor to the shaft, an intermediate sleeve being radially interposed between each polar wheel and the central shaft, and on which sleeve is mounted said polar wheel. The invention also concerns a method for making such a rotor.
US08237313B2
An electric transmission system utilizes charge displacement for the wireless delivery of electric power. A transmitter for radiating a charge displacement current at a frequency of approximately 2 to 7 kHz to a receiver located remote from the transmitter. The receiver receives the charge displacement current and converts the current into a form of electric power usable by an electrical device coupled to the receiver. The transmitter may use a step up transformer with an input approximating a series of step function pulses at the intended transmission frequency to produce the required high voltage for transmission. The primary winding of the transformer is part of a tuned circuit having a resonant frequency higher than the frequency of the charge displacement current radiated.
US08237311B2
An electrical switching device which enables an electrical system, particularly a power distribution system, is structured rationally and simply. The switching device, in particular embodied in the form of a rail-mounted device, contains a housing and, included therein, a switching unit for interrupting an electrical circuit, and a supply connection for feeding a current to the switching unit. The supply connection has a first coupling contact for connecting to a current busbar, a load connection for connecting a feed conductor of a load circuit to the switching unit, and a return connection which has a connecting terminal for connecting to the return conductor of the load circuit and a second coupling contact connected to the connecting terminal inside the housing for connecting to a second current busbar.
US08237307B2
Methods and systems for providing electrical power, including determining a plurality of fine power duty cycles according to a respective plurality of power values, and generating the respective plurality of power values using a time-shared pulse-width modulator (PWM), the time-shared PWM being configured to be modulated at the respective plurality of fine duty power cycles during a respective plurality of time slots.
US08237304B2
A method of controlling a tethered, underwater, water current-driven turbine, power-generating device. The device is comprised of dual turbines and dual rotor blades turned by fluid flow, each turbine including one or more generators driven by rotor blades. The device is connected by device tethers to a strut, which is moveable to control depth of the device. The strut is connected to the ocean floor by tripodal tethers: a main tether, a left side tether and a right side tether, which are strut control tethers. One or more winches are controlled to maintain operation of the device within set parameters by varying the tension on one or more of the strut control tethers.
US08237302B2
Main circuit of an electric power generating apparatus for dispersed power supply, having a permanent magnet type electric power generator driven by windmill or waterwheel and having three windings, each inducing a different value of induced voltage, AC outputs of the generator rectified by rectifiers, and DC outputs of the rectifiers summed in parallel for output. First and second reactors are respectively connected in series between first and second rectifiers and output terminals of first and second windings, the first winding inducing the lowest induced voltage among the three windings, the second winding inducing the second lowest. A capacitor is connected between a third rectifier and an output terminal of a third winding inducing the highest induced voltage. The sum of inductive impedance by internal inductance of the third winding and capacitive impedance by the capacitor is capacitive impedance within a range of rotational speed of the generator.
US08237294B2
The present invention provides a dicing tape-integrated wafer back surface protective film including: a dicing tape including a base material and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed on the base material; and a wafer back surface protective film formed on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer of the dicing tape, in which the wafer back surface protective film is colored. It is preferable that the colored wafer back surface protective film has a laser marking ability. The dicing tape-integrated wafer back surface protective film can be suitably used for a flip chip-mounted semiconductor device.
US08237292B2
A substrate (1) and a semiconductor chip (5) are connected by means of flip-chip interconnection. Around connecting pads (3) of the substrate (1) and input/output terminals (10) of the semiconductor chip (5), an underfill material (7) is injected. The underfill material (7) is a composite material of filler and resin in which the maximum particle diameter of the filler is 5 μm or below and whose filler content is 40 to 60 wt %. Also, a first main surface of the substrate (1), which is not covered with the underfill material (7), and the side surfaces of the semiconductor chip (5) are encapsulated with a molding material (8). The molding material (8) is a composite material of filler and resin whose filler content is over 75 wt % and in which the glass transition temperature of the resin is over 180° C. An integrated body of the substrate (1) and the semiconductor chip (5), which are covered with the molding material (8), is thinned from above and below.
US08237291B2
A stack package includes a substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface which faces away from the upper surface, a lower stack group, an upper stack group, and connection members. The lower stack group is attached to the upper surface of the substrate and includes at least two semiconductor chips which are stacked in a face-up type to form on or more steps. The upper stack group is disposed over the lower stack group and includes at least two semiconductor chips which are stacked in a face-down type in such a way as to form one or more steps whose direction mirrors the direction of the at least one step of the lower stack group. The connection members electrically connect the semiconductor chips of the lower and upper stack groups to the substrate.
US08237280B2
The present invention proposes a dummy metal fill structure which makes it possible to reduce variations in transistor characteristics as much as possible even if mask misalignment occurs, as well as to ensure the intended planarizing effect of the metal CMP process. The dummy metal fill formed above the gate electrode extends in the gate length direction with both ends thereof protruding from a region corresponding to the gate electrode. Even if a mask for forming a wiring layer is misaligned and the position of the dummy metal fill is misaligned from an intended position, the shape of the dummy metal fill within a region of the gate electrode is kept symmetric with respect to the center of the gate electrode.
US08237278B2
A modularized interposer includes a plurality of interposer units that are assembled to provide a complete set of electrical connections between two semiconductor chips. At least some of the plurality of interposer units can be replaced with other interposer units having an alternate configuration to enable selection of different functional parts of semiconductor chips to be connected through the modularized interposer. Bonding structures, connected to conductive metal pads located at peripheries of neighboring interposer units and an overlying or underlying portion of a semiconductor chip, can provide electrical connections between the neighboring interposer units. The interposer units can be provided by forming through-substrate vias (TSV's) in a substrate, forming patterned conductive structures on the substrate, and cutting the substrate into interposers.
US08237276B2
There is provided a bump structure for a semiconductor device, comprising a metal post formed on and electrically connected to an electrode pad on a substrate, a solder post formed on the top surface of the metal post, said solder post having the same horizontal width as the metal post and the top surface of the solder post being substantially rounded, and an intermetallic compound layer disposed at the interface between the metal post and the solder post. An oxide layer formed on the solder post prevents solder post under reflow from being changed into a spherical shape. An intermetallic compound layer may be formed by an aging process at the interface between the metal post and the solder post. The bump structure can realize fine pitch semiconductor package without a short between neighboring bumps.
US08237272B2
A semiconductor component formed on a semiconductor substrate is provided. The semiconductor substrate has a first surface and a second surface. The semiconductor substrate includes a plurality of devices on the first surface. A plurality of through silicon vias (TSVs) in the semiconductor substrate extends from the first surface to the second surface. A protection layer overlies the devices on the first surface of the semiconductor substrate. A plurality of active conductive pillars on the protection layer have a first height. Each of the active conductive pillars is electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of devices. A plurality of dummy conductive pillars on the protection layer have a second height. Each of the dummy conductive pillars is electrically isolated from the plurality of devices. The first height and the second height are substantially equal.
US08237269B2
An assembly involves an integrated circuit die that is bonded, e.g., flip-chip bonded, to a non-semiconductor substrate by a plurality of low-resistance microbumps. In one novel aspect, at least a part of a novel high-frequency transformer is disposed in the non-semiconductor substrate where the non-semiconductor substrate is the substrate of a ball grid array (BGA) integrated circuit package. At least one of the low-resistance microbumps connects the part of the transformer in the substrate to a circuit in the integrated circuit die. At two gigahertz, the novel transformer has a coupling coefficient k of at least at least 0.4 and also has a transformer quality factor Q of at least ten. The novel transformer structure sees use in coupling differential outputs of a mixer to a single-ended input of a driver amplifier in a transmit chain of an RF transceiver within a cellular telephone.
US08237259B2
An electronic assembly is disclosed. One embodiment includes at least one semiconductor chip and a package structure embedding the semiconductor chip. The package structure includes at least one conducting line extending into an area of the package structure outside of the outline of the chip. The electronic assembly further includes a substrate embedding the package structure.
US08237254B2
Some embodiments include a device having a number of memory cells and associated circuitry for accessing the memory cells. The memory cells of the device may be formed in one or more memory cell dice. The associated circuitry of the device may also be formed in one or more dice, optionally separated from the memory cell dice.
US08237248B2
An object is to provide a highly reliable semiconductor device having resistance to external stress and electrostatic discharge while achieving reduction in thickness and size. Another object is to prevent defective shapes and deterioration in characteristics due to external stress or electrostatic discharge in a manufacture process to manufacture a semiconductor device with a high yield. A first insulator and a second insulator facing each other, a semiconductor integrated circuit and an antenna provided between the first insulator and the second insulator facing each other, a conductive shield provided on one surface of the first insulator, and a conductive shield provided on one surface of the second insulator are provided. The conductive shield provided on one surface of the first insulator and the conductive shield provided on one surface of the second insulator are electrically connected.
US08237246B2
Deep trenches formed beneath contact level in a semiconductor substrate function as crackstops, in a die area or in a scribe area of the wafer, and may be disposed in rows of increasing distance from a device which they are intended to protect, and may be located under a lattice work crackstop structure in an interconnect stack layer. The deep trenches may remain unfilled, or may be filled with a dielectric material or conductor. The deep trenches may have a depth into the substrate of approximately 1 micron to 100 microns, and a width of approximately 10 nm to 10 microns.
US08237239B2
A Schottky diode device is provided, including a p-type semiconductor structure. An n drift region is disposed over the p-type semiconductor structure, wherein the n drift region comprises first and second n-type doping regions having different n-type doping concentrations, and the second n-type doping region is formed with a dopant concentration greater than that in the first n-type doping region. A plurality of isolation structures is disposed in the second n-type doping region of the n drift region, defining an anode region and a cathode region. A third n-type doping region is disposed in the second n-type doping region exposed by the cathode region. An anode electrode is disposed over the first n-type doping region in the anode region. A cathode electrode is disposed over the third n-type doping region in the cathode region.
US08237238B2
An image sensor including a substrate, a deep well layer, multiple first sensing units, second sensing units and third sensing units is provided. The first, the second and the third sensing units are located between a first surface and the deep well layer. A ratio between an area of a part of the deep well layer under each first sensing unit and an area of each first sensing unit is a first area ratio. A ratio between an area of a part of the deep well layer under each second sensing unit and an area of each second sensing unit is a second area ratio. A ratio between an area of a part of the deep well layer under each third sensing unit and an area of each third sensing unit is a third area ratio. The first area ratio is greater than the second and the third area ratios.
US08237236B2
An InSb-based switching device, which operates at room temperature by using a magnetic field controlled avalanche process for applying to magneto-logic elements, is provided. A switching device of one embodiment includes a p-type semiconductor layer; an n-type semiconductor layer; and contact layers disposed on one of the p-type and n-type semiconductor layers, the p-type semiconductor layer being in contact with the n-type semiconductor layer such that a current can be applied through the contact layers to the p-type and n-type semiconductor layers to cause a current flow from one of the contact layers to the p-type and n-type semiconductor layers and from the p-type and n-type semiconductor layers to the other of the contact layers, whereby the current flow can be controlled by an intensity of a magnetic field applied to the p-type and n-type semiconductor layers substantially perpendicularly thereto.
US08237229B2
Methods and apparatus of integrating a buried-channel PMOS into a BiCMOS process. The apparatus comprises at least one bipolar transistor and at least one MOS device coupled to the at least one bipolar transistor, such that a gate of the at least one MOS device may be coupled to an emitter of the at least one bipolar transistor. The MOS device comprises a buried channel having mobility means, such as strained silicon for promoting hole mobility in the buried channel, and confinement means, such as a cap layer disposed proximate to the buried channel for limiting leakage of holes from the buried channel. The apparatus may be formed by exposing a substrate in a PMOS, forming a SiGe layer on the substrate, forming an oxide layer on the SiGe layer, masking the PMOS, and removing at least some of the oxide and at least some of the SiGe layer.
US08237225B2
Provided is a semiconductor device for electrostatic discharge protection capable of protecting an inner circuit from both noises of an overcurrent noise of an ESD and an overcurrent noise of a latch-up test while achieving size reduction, by sharing a guard ring formed in a periphery of an ESD protection element with a cathode of a latch-up protection diode for protecting the inner circuit from the overcurrent noise of the latch-up test.
US08237223B2
A semiconductor device including a substrate, an epitaxial layer, a first sinker, a transistor, a diode unit, a first buried layer, and a second buried layer is provided. When the semiconductor device is operated at the high voltage, the highly large substrate current due to the external load is avoided through the diode unit disposed in the semiconductor device of an embodiment consistent with the invention. Furthermore, according to the design of the semiconductor device, the issue of the narrow input voltage range is improved, and interference of the semiconductor device with the other semiconductor devices is prevented.
US08237214B2
A non-volatile memory device including a metal-insulator transition (MIT) material is provided. The non-volatile memory device includes a gate stack having a tunneling layer, a charge trap layer, a blocking layer and a gate electrode formed on a substrate, wherein at least one of the tunneling layer and the blocking layer is formed of an MIT (metal-insulator transition) material.
US08237204B2
The present invention relates to a method for passivating a semiconductor component having at least one chemosensitive electrode that is blinded by the application of a glass layer. The present invention also relates to a device for detecting at least one substance included in a fluid stream, including at least one semiconductor component acting as a measuring sensor as well as at least one semiconductor component acting as a reference element, the semiconductor components each having a chemosensitive electrode, and the chemosensitive electrode of the semiconductor component acting as the reference element being passivated. For the passivation, a glass layer may be applied at least to the chemosensitive electrode of the semiconductor component acting as reference element.
US08237199B2
A cell array includes a semiconductor substrate including an active region comprising a first region, a second region, and a transition region, the second region being separated from the first region by the transition region, wherein a top surface of the second region is at a different level than a top surface of the first region. The cell array also includes a plurality of word lines crossing over the first region. The cell array also includes a selection line crossing over the active region, wherein at least a portion of the selection line is located over the transition region.
US08237195B2
A field effect transistor device having a strained semiconductor channel region overlying a heterostructure-semiconductor on a metal substrate includes a first semiconductor layer overlying a first metal layer. The first semiconductor layer has a first semiconductor material and a second semiconductor material in a relaxed heterostructure and is heavily doped. A second semiconductor layer overlies the first semiconductor layer and has a first semiconductor material and a second semiconductor material in a relaxed heterostructure. The second semiconductor layer is more lightly doped than the first semiconductor layer. A trench extends into the second semiconductor layer and a channel region has a strained layer of the first semiconductor material adjacent a trench sidewall. The strained channel region provides enhanced carrier mobility and improves performance of the field effect transistor.
US08237193B2
A lateral transient voltage suppressor for low-voltage applications. The suppressor includes an N-type heavily doped substrate and at least two clamp diode structures horizontally arranged in the N-type heavily doped substrate. Each clamp diode structure further includes a clamp well arranged in the N-type heavily doped substrate and having a first heavily doped area and a second heavily doped area. The first and second heavily doped areas respectively belong to opposite conductivity types. There is a plurality of deep isolation trenches arranged in the N-type heavily doped substrate and having a depth greater than depth of the clamp well. The deep isolation trenches can separate each clamp well. The present invention avoids the huge leakage current to be suitable for low-voltage application.
US08237184B2
A semiconductor light-emitting device includes a conductive substrate, a light-emitting structure layer, a metallic reflective layer, a transparent conductive layer, a first patterned dielectric layer, and a second patterned dielectric layer. The light-emitting structure layer, the transparent conductive layer, the metallic reflective layer, and the conductive substrate are sequentially arranged. The first patterned dielectric layer is between the light-emitting structure layer and the transparent conductive layer and includes first structure units separated from one another by a first space. The first portions are located in the first spaces respectively. The second patterned dielectric layer is between the transparent conductive layer and the metallic reflective layer and includes second structure units separated from one another by a second space. The second portions are located in the second spaces respectively. The first and the second portions are not overlapped.
US08237178B2
A light-emitting device includes a base and a light-emitting element that is disposed on the base. The light-emitting element is made up of a plurality of semiconductor layers including a light-emitting layer, and at the same time, is covered with a wavelength converting portion that includes a wavelength converting material. The light-emitting layer emits primary light, and the wavelength converting material absorbs part of the primary light and emits secondary light. The luminance of the primary light emitted from the edge portion of the light extraction surface of the light-emitting device is higher than the luminance of the primary light emitted from the inner region located inside the edge portion, and the ratio of the primary light and the secondary light that are emitted from a light extraction surface of the wavelength converting portion is substantially uniform across the light extraction surface of the wavelength converting portion. Thereby, a light color difference across the light extraction surface of the wavelength converting portion that covers the light-emitting element can be reduced further, and it is possible to irradiate an irradiation surface with light of uniform color.
US08237177B2
In a silicon-based light emitting diode-photodiode (LED-PD) arrangement, the LED is implemented as an avalanche LED (ALED) and the ALED and PD are integrated into a common integrated circuit. The ALED is formed around a cross-shaped PD and is separated from the PD by a deep trench region. In order to create current crowding close to the deep trench the ALED includes an NBL or PBL having a narrowing at its end.
US08237175B2
A semiconductor sensor, solar cell or emitter, or a precursor therefor, has a substrate and one or more textured semiconductor layers deposited onto the substrate. The textured layers enhance light extraction or absorption. Texturing in the region of multiple quantum wells greatly enhances internal quantum efficiency if the semiconductor is polar and the quantum wells are grown along the polar direction. Electroluminescence of LEDs of the invention is dichromatic, and results in variable color LEDs, including white LEDs, without the use of phosphor.
US08237169B2
The object of the present invention is to form a low-concentration impurity region with good accuracy in a top gate type TFT. Phosphorus is added to a semiconductor layer by using a pattern made of a conductive film as a mask to form an N-type impurity region in a self-alignment manner. A positive photoresist is applied to a substrate so as to cover the pattern and then is exposed to light applied to the back of the substrate and then is developed, whereby a photoresist 110 is formed. The pattern is etched by using the photoresist pattern as an etching mask to form a gate electrode. A channel forming region, a source region, a drain region, and low-concentration impurity regions, are formed in the semiconductor layer in a self-alignment manner by using the gate electrode as a doping mask.
US08237167B2
An object is to reduce a capacitance value of parasitic capacitance without decreasing driving capability of a transistor in a semiconductor device such as an active matrix display device. Further, another object is to provide a semiconductor device in which the capacitance value of the parasitic capacitance was reduced, at low cost. An insulating layer other than a gate insulating layer is provided between a wiring which is formed of the same material layer as a gate electrode of the transistor and a wiring which is formed of the same material layer as a source electrode or a drain electrode.
US08237161B2
Amorphous semiconductor films with enhanced charged carrier transport are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for fabricating and treating the film to produce the enhanced transport. Also disclosed are semiconductor p-n junctions fabricated with the films which demonstrate the enhanced transport. The films are amorphous and include boron, carbon, and hydrogen.
US08237158B2
An organic electroluminescence device and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The organic electroluminescence device is suitable for being configured on a substrate. The organic electroluminescence device includes a first electrode, a first doped carrier transporting layer, a light-emitting layer, a second doped carrier transporting layer, and a second electrode. The first electrode is configured on the substrate. The first doped carrier transporting layer is configured on the first electrode. The light-emitting layer is configured on the first doped carrier transporting layer. The second doped carrier transporting layer is configured on the light-emitting layer and has a first surface in contact with the light-emitting layer and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first surface is substantially a planar surface, and the second surface is a rough surface having a plurality of micro-protrusions. The second electrode is configured on the second surface.
US08237156B2
Provided are an organic light emitting display device and a method of manufacturing the same. The organic light emitting display device includes a substrate; at least one thin film transistor including a gate electrode including a metal oxide layer and a metal layer, a semiconductor layer including source/drain regions and a channel layer; at least one capacitor including a first electrode formed on a layer on which the gate electrode is formed by using a material forming the gate electrode, and a second electrode formed on a layer on which the source/drain electrodes are formed by using a material used to form the source/drain electrodes; and at least one organic light emitting device including a pixel electrode formed on a layer on which the gate electrode is formed by using a material used to form the gate electrode and connected to the source/drain electrodes via a contact hole.
US08237155B2
Nanotube electronic devices exhibit selective affinity to disparate nanotube types. According to an example embodiment, a semiconductor device exhibits a treated substrate that selectively interacts (e.g., chemically) with nanotubes of a first type, relative to nanotubes of a second type, the respective types including semiconducting-type and metallic-type nanotubes. The selective interaction is used to set device configuration characteristics based upon the nanotube type. This selective-interaction approach can be used to set the type, and/or characteristics of nanotubes in the device.
US08237154B2
Disclosed herein are a composite light-emitting material, which includes two or more light-emitting materials selected from an inorganic phosphor, a semiconductor nanocrystal and an organic dye in which the surfaces of the two or more light-emitting materials are coated; and a light-emitting device comprising the same, so as to improve the luminous efficiency and lifetime.
US08237153B2
In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus having a substrate, a buried oxide layer formed on the substrate, a silicon on insulator (SOI) core formed on the buried oxide layer, a compressive strained quantum well (QW) layer wrapped around the SOI core, and a tensile strained silicon layer wrapped around the QW layer. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08237147B2
A switching element according to the present invention includes an ion-conducting layer, first electrode 11 and second electrode 12 placed in contact with the ion-conducting layer, and third electrode 15 placed in contact with the ion-conducting layer and to control electrical conductivity between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the shortest distance between any two of first, second, and third electrodes 11, 12, and 13 is defined by the film thickness of the ion-conducting layer.
US08237145B2
According to one embodiment, a nonvolatile memory device includes a stacked body including a first layer, a second layer and a recording layer. The recording layer is provided between the first layer and the second layer. The recording layer is capable of reversibly changing between a first state and a second state having a resistance higher than a resistance in the first state by a current supplied via the first layer and the second layer. The recording layer includes a first portion and a second portion provided in a plane of a major surface of the recording layer. The second portion has a nitrogen amount higher than a nitrogen amount in the first portion.
US08237144B2
Memory devices and methods for manufacturing are described herein. A memory device described herein includes a plurality of memory cells. Memory cells in the plurality of memory cells comprise respective bipolar junction transistors and memory elements. The bipolar junction transistors are arranged in a common collector configuration and include an emitter comprising doped polysilicon having a first conductivity type, the emitter contacting a corresponding word line in a plurality of word lines to define a pn junction. The bipolar junction transistors include a portion of the corresponding word line underlying the emitter acting as a base, and a collector comprising a portion of the single-crystalline substrate underlying the base.
US08237142B2
A structure for a memory device including a plurality of substantially planar thin-film layers or a plurality of conformal thin-film layers is disclosed. The thin-film layers form a memory element that is electrically in series with first and second cladded conductors and operative to store data as a plurality of conductivity profiles. A select voltage applied across the first and second cladded conductors is operative to perform data operations on the memory device. The memory device may optionally include a non-ohmic device electrically in series with the memory element and the first and second cladded conductors. Fabrication of the memory device does not require the plurality of thin-film layers be etched in order to form the memory element. The memory element can include a CMO layer having a selectively crystallized polycrystalline portion and an amorphous portion. The cladded conductors can include a core material made from copper.
US08237139B2
One aspect of the invention provides a substrate position detecting method for charged particle beam photolithography apparatus in order to be able to measure accurately and simply a substrate position on a stage. The substrate position detecting method for charged particle beam photolithography apparatus includes placing a substrate on a stage that can be moved in an X-direction and a Y-direction; measuring a position in the X-direction of the stage while moving the stage in the X-direction, and illuminating obliquely an upper surface of the substrate with a laser beam to receive light reflected from the substrate with a position sensing device; computing a barycentric position of the reflected light when the stage is moved in the X-direction; measuring a position in the Y-direction of the stage while moving the stage in the Y-direction, and illuminating obliquely the upper surface of the substrate with the laser beam to receive light reflected from the substrate with the position sensing device; computing a barycentric position of the reflected light when the stage is moved in the Y-direction; and computing the positions of the substrate from the position measurement results of the stage and the computed barycentric position.
US08237137B2
A photoelectronic sensor collectively adjusts the light emission intensity of plural light emitting elements and the light reception sensitivity of plural light receiving elements automatically or manually. In order to collectively adjust the light emission intensity of plural light emitting elements and the light reception sensitivity of single light receiving elements automatically, a photoelectronic sensor is configured such that constant current light emission signals are applied to the light emitting elements. Additionally, a light amount of the environment is measured by the light receiving elements and stored, and a reflection light amount from a body to be measured is stored. Furthermore, signal intensities indicating the respective light amounts are calculated, and optimal thresholds of light emission intensity and light reception sensitivity are provided automatically or manually, so that setting of sensor sensitivity is performed.
US08237136B2
A method and system for treating a non-planar structure is described. The method includes forming a non-planar structure on a substrate. Additionally, the method includes generating a gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) formed from a material source for treatment of the non-planar structure, tilting the substrate relative to the GCIB, and irradiating the non-planar structure with the GCIB. The system includes a substrate tilt actuator coupled to a substrate holder and configured to tilt the substrate holder relative to a GCIB.
US08237134B2
An ion implantation system and process, in which the performance and lifetime of the ion source of the ion implantation system are enhanced, by utilizing isotopically enriched dopant materials, or by utilizing dopant materials with supplemental gas(es) effective to provide such enhancement.
US08237131B2
A system for carrying out fibered multiphoton microscopic imagery of a sample (10) for use in endoscopy or fluorescence microscopy includes: a femtosecond pulsed laser (1, 2) for generating a multiphoton excitation laser radiation; an image guide (8) having a number of optical fibers and permitting the sample to be illuminated by a point-by-point scanning in a subsurface plane; pre-compensating elements (4) for pre-compensating for dispersion effects of the excitation pulses in the image guide (8), these elements being situated between the pulsed laser and the image guide (8); scanning elements for directing, in succession, the excitation laser beam in a fiber of the image guide, and; in particular, an optical head (9) for focussing the excitation laser beam exiting the image guide in the sample (10).
US08237126B2
The present invention discloses an X-ray imaging device comprising an X-ray absorber that comprises a plurality of semiconductor layers. The plurality of semiconductor layers comprise a substrate having a backside; and at least one absorption layer adapted to absorb at least one X-ray photon impinging on the at least one absorption layer that is adapted to correspondingly generate in response to the at least one impinging X-ray photon at least one electron-hole pair; and a readout unit, wherein the readout unit is operatively coupled to the X-ray absorber such to enable readout of the at least one electron-hole pair. Additional and alternative embodiments are described and claimed.
US08237124B2
This invention relates to a coded aperture mask for use in diagnostic nuclear medicine imaging. The coded aperture mask consists of a sheet of radiation opaque mask material having a series of apertures extending therethrough. The thickness of mask material has an attenuation percentage of less than 75% and, in a preferred embodiment, about equal to 29%. The coded aperture mask also, in a preferred embodiment, has a lead attenuation tube and has a projection of the smallest hole occupying the same area as a single pixel of a detector. The invention extends to a diagnostic nuclear medicine imaging system which uses a 16 bit gamma camera as a radiation detector.
US08237113B2
The invention relates to preparing a matrix layer on a sample support for mass spectrometric analysis. An aspect of the invention includes detecting a light signal that is attenuated, reflected or scattered by the matrix layer, and using the light signal to examine the matrix layer or to regulate the preparation of the matrix layer.
US08237112B2
A method and apparatus for time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry. The apparatus improves the ion focusing properties in an orthogonal direction and permits connection with an orthogonal-acceleration ion source for improvement of sensitivity. The apparatus comprises an ion source for emitting ions in a pulsed manner, an analyzer for realizing a helical trajectory, and a detector for detecting the ions. The analyzer is composed of plural laminated toroidal electric fields to realize the helical trajectory.
US08237109B2
Methods for fragmenting ions retained in an ion trap are described. In various embodiments, a non-steady-state pressure of a neutral collision gas of less than about 5×10−4 Torr and an excitation amplitude of less than about 500 mV (peak to ground) is used to fragment ions with greater than about 80% fragmentation efficiency. In various embodiments, duration of ion excitation is greater than about 25 ms.
US08237108B2
The present invention provides, inter alia, methods of analyzing mass spectral data based on charge states of analyte ions. In some embodiments, the methods can be used for differential profiling of samples, such as comparing a sample comprising a given compound and a sample comprising metabolites of the same compound. The methods can also be used to identify and isolate biomarkers. Systems for performing the methods, as well as computer-readable media for performing the methods, are also described.
US08237104B2
A device for trapping particles contained in a liquid (L) placed in a tank, characterized in that it comprises a substrate that is transparent at a working wavelength, a thin layer of material with non-linear optical properties that are reversible at the working wavelength and which is fixed to a first face of the transparent substrate to form all or part of at least one wall of the tank, a device for forming an optical trap which comprises a laser source which emits a laser beam and means for forming a waist of the laser beam, the laser beam being incident upon that face of the transparent substrate that lies on the opposite side to the first face and the waist of the laser beam being formed in the thin layer, an evanescent electromagnetic field forming at the surface of the thin layer.
US08237101B2
An optical tracking system comprises an array of point source emitters that output respective optical emissions, and a plurality of angle of arrival sensors. Each sensor comprises one or more optical elements and a focal plane array (FPA), with the optical elements arranged to resolve the optical emissions into one or more linear patterns on the FPA. A processing system in communication with the sensors establishes the orientation and position of each of the optical emitters using the linear patterns. A headgear tracking system employs point source emitters on a piece of headgear, with front and rear arrays of angle of arrival sensors located in an aircraft cockpit; a processing system in communication with the sensor arrays establishes an orientation and position for each of the optical emitters on the headgear.
US08237096B1
Apparatus and methods provide a kit for converting a conventional mortar round into a glide bomb. Mortar rounds are readily available to combat personnel and are small and light enough to be carried by relatively small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) such as the RQ-7 Shadow. Advantageously, the kit provides both guidance and relatively good standoff range for the UAV such that the kit-equipped mortar round can be dropped a safe distance away from the intended target so that the UAV is not easily observed near the intended target.
US08237090B2
A hair styling appliance including a first arm pivotable with respect to a second arm. Each arm has a respective housing and heat plate, the heat plate at least partially defines a styling portion of each arm. The appliance also includes a light source positioned to illuminate a work area adjacent the styling portions.
US08237085B2
An effect of interference is eliminated and intensity of a laser beam is homogenized. The beam homogenizer 100 includes reflecting mirrors 103 and 104 which are provided so that reflecting surfaces thereof face each other. The laser beam LB propagates through a space between the reflecting mirrors 103 and 104 while being reflected therebetween, so that intensity distribution of the laser beam LB is homogenized, but the laser beam LB also interferes. The first reflecting mirror 103 and the second reflecting mirror 104 are oscillated in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the laser beam LB is scanned, intensity distribution of the laser beam LB in an oscillation direction is temporally averaged.
US08237079B2
An adjustable plasma spray gun apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, an adjustable plasma spray gun apparatus includes: a plasma spray gun body having a fore portion and an aft portion; and a first coupler configured to removably attach to the plasma spray gun body at the aft portion, the coupler including: a first portion having a first axial opening configured to removably attach to the plasma spray gun body at the aft portion; and a second portion having a second axial opening configured to removably attach to one of an electrode body or a second coupler.
US08237078B2
A multiple welding gun system includes a plurality of welding guns, simultaneously performing welding operations, mounted to a robot arm of a welding robot and a pitch changing device as a space adjusting device disposed between the plurality of welding guns. The pitch changing device is configured to change a gun pitch so as to adjust a space between the welding guns by rotating one of the welding guns relative to other one of the welding guns to thereby move the welding guns closer to or separate from each other.
US08237073B2
A key structure of a keyboard includes a cap having a cover and a key post protruded under the cover, a key base which has a base board, restraining posts and a guiding post protruded on the base board with being arranged and spaced to surround a receiving space thereamong, and a resilient dome with a recessed passageway mounted between the cover and the base board to receive the key post and the posts in the passageway. The key post includes a base pillar and guiding ribs arranged around the base pillar. A guiding channel is opened in an inside of the guiding post to communicate with the receiving space and passes through a top of the guiding post. The key post is movably inserted in the receiving space with one guiding rib being slidably inserted in the guiding channel and the other guiding ribs being resisted against the respective restraining posts.
US08237059B2
A method of manufacturing an electronic component-embedded board is provided which is capable of suppressing warpage without requiring complicated processes at low cost and which offers high productivity and economic efficiency. A worksheet 100 includes insulating layers 21 and 31 on one surface of an approximately rectangular substrate 11, and an electronic component 41 and a plate-like frame member (member) 51 embedded inside the insulating layer 21, wherein the plate-like frame member 51 satisfying the relationship represented by the following formula (1): α1<α3 and α2<α3 . . . (1), is mounted on an unmounted portion of the electronic component 41 on the substrate 11. In the formula, α1, α2 and α3 respectively denote the linear coefficients of thermal expansion (ppm/K) of the electronic component 41, the plate-like frame member 51, and the substrate 11, the respective wiring layers or the respective insulating layers.
US08237055B2
A circuit board includes an insulation layer, a signal layer disposed on one side of the insulation layer, and a ground plane and a power plane disposed on the insulation layer at a side opposite to the signal layer. The insulation layer forms a separating area arranged between the ground plane and the power plane. At least two signal traces parallel to each other are arranged on the signal layer at one side corresponding to one of the ground plane and the power plane. A width of the signal trace close to the separating area is wider than that of the signal trace away from the separating area.
US08237051B2
A flat wire extension cord includes an elongated cord, a first connected attached to a first end of the elongated cord, and a second connected attached to an opposite end of the elongated cord. The elongated cord includes at least one electrifiable conductor for delivering electrical power, first and second insulating layers formed on opposing sides of the at least one electrifiable conductor, and first and second return conductors formed on the first and second insulating layers, respectively, such that said at least one electrifiable conductor is at least substantially entrapped by said first and second return conductors. The first connector is operable to connect the conductors of the elongated cord to a line side input, and the second connector is operable to connect the conductors of the elongated cord to a load.
US08237046B2
The present invention aims to improve the photoelectric current of a dye-sensitized solar cell module and produce a high power dye-sensitized solar cell. The present invention provides a dye-sensitized solar cell module comprising at least two photoelectric conversion elements each comprising a transparent conductive layer, a porous photoelectric conversion layer adsorbing a dye, an electrolytic layer, a catalyst layer, and a conductive layer on a transparent substrate, wherein the respective photoelectric conversion elements are different in at least one among the layering order of the respective layers composing the photoelectric conversion elements; the type and composition of the materials for the respective layers; the particle diameter in the case the materials of the respective layers are granular; the thickness and width of the respective layers; the form of the respective layers; and the open circuit voltage of the photoelectric conversion elements, and thereby the aim is achieved.
US08237042B2
Methods and a system for providing electronic musical instruments are disclosed. Through novel combinations of sensor inputs and processing, they allow simulation of acoustic instruments including but not limited to a Trombone, Trumpet, and Saxophone. Sensor inputs are configured to trigger playback and transitioning of sound and control its various attributes alone, or in combination.
US08237040B2
A technique for combining music and choreographed movement improves physiological and cognitive processes through purposeful movement to a steady beat. Users perform examples of the technique by purposefully executing one or more movement instructions in time with one or more musical selections. The movement instructions require concentration on both the beat pattern of the music and on the movement pattern to execute the movement instruction successfully.
US08237038B2
A support system for an acoustic instrument has connecting elements of flexible material extending between and attaching the instrument and a support frame to support and/or balance the weight of the instrument and isolate acoustic frequencies, thereby eliminating deleterious acoustical effects. Embodied exemplarily herein as a support system for a drum, flexible elements extend between and attach the drum head hoop to a circular frame or support that fully or partially encircles the drum. The flexible elements may be made integral with the drum head and/or its head skin.
US08237032B1
A novel maize variety designated PH18JB and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH18JB with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH18JB through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH18JB or a locus conversion of PH18JB with another maize variety.
US08237028B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP39005 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP39005, cells from soybean variety XBP39005, plants of soybean XBP39005, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP39005. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP39005 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XBP39005, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP39005. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP39005 are further provided.
US08237024B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XB02R10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB02R10, cells from soybean variety XB02R10, plants of soybean XB02R10, and plant parts of soybean variety XB02R10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB02R10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XB02R10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB02R10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB02R10 are further provided.
US08237023B1
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated RJS01002. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety RJS01002, to the plants of soybean RJS01002 to plant parts of soybean variety RJS01002 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety RJS01002 with another soybean plant, using RJS01002 as either the male or the female parent.
US08237019B2
The present invention relates to a plant, which is resistant to a pathogen of viral, bacterial, fungal or oomycete origin, wherein the plant has an increased homoserine level as compared to a plant that is not resistant to the said pathogen, in particular organisms of the phylum Oomycota. The invention further relates to a method for obtaining a plant, which is resistant to a pathogen of viral, bacterial, fungal or oomycete origin, comprising increasing the endogenous homoserine level in the plant.
US08237018B2
A promoter, which may be used to transform a plant and/or express a gene substantially uniformly in substantially all organs and/or tissues of a plant, and which may include a constitutive expression promoter for transforming a monocot plant. A vector including a promoter, which may include a recombinant plant expression vector. A method of producing a target protein using a vector, and a method of producing a transformed cell and/or plant using a vector. A transformed plant, a transformed seed and a transformed cell are included, which may be formed by the method of producing the same using a vector. A PCR primer for a promoter is provided.
US08237016B2
The invention provides methods and compositions for identifying transgenic seed that contain a transgene of interest, but lack a marker gene. Use of an identification sequence that results in a detectable phenotype increases the efficiency of screening for seed and plants in which transgene sequences not linked to a gene of interest have segregated from the sequence encoding a gene of interest.
US08237014B2
The present invention is directed to improved systems and methods for reducing costs and increasing yields of cellulosic ethanol. In particular, the present invention provides plants genetically transformed for increased biomass, expression of lignocellulolytic enzymes, and simplification of harvesting and downstream processing. Also provided are methods for using these transgenic plants in the production of clean, marketable feedstocks for production of renewable fuels and chemicals and in other applications including phytoremediation.
US08237004B2
A process for making products with low hydrogen halide, comprising: a) stripping or distilling an effluent from a reactor into a first fraction having an amount of hydrogen halide, and a second fraction having a reduced amount of hydrogen halide; wherein the reactor comprises: an ionic liquid catalyst having a metal halide, and a hydrogen halide or an organic halide; and b) recovering one or more product streams, from the second fraction, having less than 25 wppm hydrogen halide. In one embodiment the ionic liquid catalyst has metal halide; and the recovering recovers propane, n-butane, and alkylate gasoline having less than 25 wppm hydrogen halide. In another embodiment the recovering uses a distillation column having poor corrosion resistance to hydrogen halide; and the distillation column does not exhibit corrosion. There is also provided an alkylate gasoline having less than 5 wppm hydrogen halide, a high RON, and low RVP.
US08237003B2
This invention relates to a catalyst compound for the metathesis of olefins represented by the formula: wherein M is a Group 8 metal; X and X1 are anionic ligands; L is a neutral two electron donor; L1 is N, O, P, or S, preferably N or O; R is a C1 to C30 hydrocarbyl or a C1 to C30 substituted hydrocarbyl; G* is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a C1 to C30 hydrocarbyl, and a C1 to C30 substituted hydrocarbyl; R1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a C1 to C30 hydrocarbyl, and a C1 to C30 substituted hydrocarbyl; and G is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, C1 to C30 hydrocarbyls and C1 to C30 substituted hydrocarbyls. This invention also relates to process to make alphaolefins comprising contacting an olefin, such as ethylene, with a feed oil containing a triacylglyceride (typically a fatty acid ester (such as methyl oleate)) with the catalyst compound described above. The fatty acid ester may be a fatty acid methyl ester derived from biodiesel.
US08237001B2
The present invention refers to a procedure for obtaining a linear monoalkylaromatic compound, with adjustable 2-phenyl isomer content and an extremely low sulphonation color, in which a catalytic system is used based on highly stable and active solid catalysts and with a high selectivity for linear monoalkylaromatic compounds.
US08237000B2
Processes for using a combination of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons are provided. A hydrocarbon feedstock, carbon dioxide and oxygen are fed to an oxidative dehydrogenation reactor system containing one or more catalysts that promote dehydrogenation of the hydrocarbon feedstock to produce a dehydrogenated hydrocarbon product. The processes of the present invention may be used, for example, to produce styrene monomer by dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene using carbon dioxide and oxygen as oxidants.
US08236998B2
The present invention provides an organic semiconductor material which exhibits a high mobility, and excellent solubility in solvents and oxidation resistance. The present invention also provides an organic semiconductor thin film exhibiting a high mobility, and an organic semiconductor device exhibiting excellent electronic characteristics. A transistor structure is formed by coating the silicon substrate with a thin film of pentacene compound substituted halogens at 6 and 13 positions and aliphatic hydrocarbons at 2, 3, 9 and 10 positions, wherein the substrate is patterned beforehand with gold to have a source and drain electrodes.
US08236997B2
A process for the production of pentafluoroethane is described. The process comprises reacting perchloroethylene with hydrogen fluoride in the vapor phase in a first reactor or a first plurality of reactors in the presence of a fluorination catalyst to produce a composition comprising dichlorotrifluoroethane, hydrogen chloride, unreacted hydrogen fluoride and perchloroethylene. This composition is subjected to a separation step to yield a purified composition comprising at least 95 weight % of dichlorotrifluorethane and less than 0.5 weight % of compounds having the formula C2C16-XFX, where x is an integer of from 0 to 6, base the total weight of organic compounds in the composition. The composition from the separation step is then reacted with hydrogen fluoride in the vapor phase in a second reactor or a second plurality of reactors in the presence of a fluorination catalyst to produce a composition comprising pentafluoroethane and less than 0.5 weight % of chloropentafluoroethane, based on the total weight of organic compounds in the composition.
US08236994B2
The present invention provides a method for the anaerobic production of 1,3 propanediol, by culturing a Clostridium strain in an appropriate culture medium comprising glycerol as a source of carbon, wherein said Clostridium strain does not produce substantially other products of the glycerol metabolism selected among the group consisting of: butyrate, lactate, butanol and ethanol, and recovering of 1,3-propanediol.
US08236991B2
The present invention relates to the purification of (2S,3S,5S)-5-amino-2-N,N-dibenzylamino-3-hydroxy-1,6-diphenylhexane (III) by making its crystalline acid addition salt, which can be used as such to produce Lopinavir/Ritonavir with high purity and yield. Formula III
US08236989B2
The invention relates to processes for preparing rasagiline mesylate that avoid the use of alcohol solvents, thereby producing rasagiline mesylate five of any alkyl mesylates, including isopropyl mesylate. The invention further relates to processes for purifying rasagiline mesylate to obtain a product free of alkyl mesylates, and to the thus obtained rasagiline mesylate.
US08236986B2
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I): Which comprises reaction of a compound of formula (II) with a compound of the formula (III) in the presence of a chlorinating agent, followed by reaction of the resultant compound of the formula (IV) with a compound of formula (V) in the presence of a base: wherein the various symbols are as defined in claim 1.
US08236972B2
The instant invention involves a process for enhancing molecular mass of biomass reactants. The process comprises first forming a substituted or unsubstituted furfural from a biomass. The substituted or unsubstituted furfural is then reacted with an activated methylene compound in the presence of a catalyst and, if desired, a solvent to form a Knoevenagel product. The product may then be hydrogenated to products containing an alcohol, ether, aldehyde, or ketone functional groups or to an olefinic or aliphatic species wherein as much as all of the oxygen and/or nitrogen has been removed.
US08236971B2
A polycyclic ester containing a cyano group and a lactone skeleton, represented by following Formula (1): wherein Ra represents, for example, a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having one to six carbon atoms which may have a halogen atom; R1s each represent, for example, a halogen atom or an alkyl or haloalkyl group having one to six carbon atoms; “m” is the number of R1s; “n” is the number of cyano groups; and CH2═C(Ra)COO— group may have either of an endo conformation and an exo conformation. Accordingly, there is provided a novel polycyclic ester containing a cyano group and a lactone skeleton which is useful typically as a monomeric component for highly functional polymers. A polymer, for example, derived from this compound is highly soluble in an organic solvent while remaining stable typically to chemicals and exhibits improved hydrolyzability and/or improved solubility in water after hydrolysis.
US08236947B2
Disclosed are quinoline compounds having affinity for the 5-HT6 receptor and having the formula: where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, n, m, p and A are defined herein, and salts thereof, compositions containing these compounds and salts and processes for making and using the same.
US08236944B2
The present invention concerns methods and reagents useful in modulating gene expression in a variety of applications, including use in therapeutic, diagnostic, target validation, and genomic discovery applications. Specifically, the invention relates to synthetic chemically modified small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules capable of mediating RNA interference (RNAi) against target nucleic acid sequences. The small nucleic acid molecules are useful in the treatment of any disease or condition that responds to modulation of gene expression or activity in a cell, tissue, or organism.
US08236941B2
The present invention is directed oncolytic Herpes simplex-1 viruses whose replication is controlled using a tetracycline operator/repressor system. The invention also includes DNA sequences used in making the viruses and methods in which these viruses are used in the treatment of cancer patients with solid tumors.
US08236940B2
Disclosed herein are an aldolase gene promoter and the use thereof, more particularly, disclosed are a promoter of aldolase gene derived from Lactobacillus casei, having a base sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, an expression vector containing said promoter, and a recombinant microorganism transformed with said expression vector. The recombinant microorganism transformed with the expression vector containing the disclosed promoter can effectively express a target protein on the surface thereof, and thus will be useful as vaccine vehicles and the like.
US08236936B2
The present invention generally relates to the production of industrially relevant quantities of selenoprotein enzymes in eukaryotic cell cultures. More specifically, the present invention generally relates to the production of such enzymes wherein one or more catalytic cysteine or serine residues are mutagenically replaced by selenocysteine.
US08236932B2
This invention provides antibodies that specifically bind and neutralize Staphylococcus enterotoxin B. In addition, nucleic acids encoding such antibodies, and cells that express such antibodies are provided. Also provided are methods for treating diseases mediated by, and for neutralizing Staphylococcus enterotoxin B.
US08236930B2
The present disclosure provides isolated binding molecules that bind to the human OX40R, nucleic acid molecules encoding an amino acid sequence of the binding molecules, vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecules, host cells containing the vectors, methods of making the binding molecules, pharmaceutical compositions containing the binding molecules, and methods of using the binding molecules or compositions.
US08236929B2
Methods and systems for obtaining zein and/or xanthophylls in highly pure form. Zein is first extracted from corn using aqueous ethanol. Suspended corn solids are separated, and the resulting extract is purified in a single size-exclusion chromatography step to separate impurities and produce substantially purified zein. The chromatography step may simultaneously produce substantially purified xanthophylls.
US08236928B2
A polynucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO:1 is associated with metastatic potential of cancer cells, especially breast cancer cells. Methods are provided for determining the risk of metastasis of a tumor, by determining whether a tissue sample from a tumor expresses a polypeptide or mRNA encoded by a polynucleotide as shown in SEQ ID NO:1. Also provided are therapeutic methods and compositions.
US08236915B2
Disclosed herein are manganese, iron, cobalt, or nickel complexes containing terdentate pyridine diimine ligands and their use as efficient and selective hydrosilylation catalysts.
US08236909B2
The present invention provides a method for preparing a polymer by precipitation polymerization, comprising the steps of mixing an antisolvent a), a monomer b), and a catalyst c), and while polymerizing the monomers, simultaneously precipitating a polymer formed by the monomers b) in a solid phase.
US08236908B2
A solid catalyst component for olefin polymerization comprising a titanium atom, a magnesium atom, a halogen atom, and a cycloheptapolyenedicarboxylic diester; a production method of the solid catalyst component, by contacting with one another a titanium compound, a magnesium compound, and the cycloheptapolyenedicarboxylic diester; a production method of a solid catalyst, by contacting the solid catalyst component with an organoaluminum compound; and a production method of an olefin polymer by polymerizing an olefin in the presence of the solid catalyst.
US08236907B2
A catalyst composition comprising a neutral bimetallic diphenoxydiiminate complex of group 10 metals or Ni, Pd or Pt is disclosed. The compositions can be used for the preparation of homo- and co-polymers of olefinic monomer compounds.
US08236904B2
A bimodal bioabsorbable polymer composition. The composition includes a first amount of a bioabsorbable polymer polymerized so as to have a first molecular weight distribution; a second amount of said bioabsorbable polymer polymerized so as to have a second molecular weight distribution having a weight average molecular weight between about 10,000 to about 50,000 Daltons, the weight average molecular weight ratio of said first molecular weight distribution to said second molecular weight distribution is at least about two to one; wherein a substantially homogeneous blend of said first and second amounts of said bioabsorbable polymer is formed in a ratio of between about 50/50 to about 95/5 weight/weight percent. Also disclosed are a medical device, a method of making a medical device and a method of melt blowing a semi-crystalline polymer blend.
US08236900B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a modified polyolefin resin adhesive agent which is excellent in adhesiveness to a nonpolar substrate, particularly a poorly adhesive polyolefin substrate to which no surface treatment has been given and to a polar substrate, develops the excellent adhesiveness by drying or thermal compression bonding at relatively low temperature, and exhibits a low tack. That is, the present invention provides the modified polyolefin resin obtained by modifying a polyolefin resin with (A) a polarity imparting agent which is at least one selected from chlorine, unsaturated carboxylic acid, derivatives and anhydrides of unsaturated carboxylic acid and radical polymerizable monomers; and (B) an ethylene-α-olefin copolymer having an unsaturated bond at one end, and use of said modified polyolefin resin as an aqueous resin composition or an organic solvent resin composition.
US08236898B2
A melt-mixed composition of non-melt flowable polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and melt-fabricable perfluoropolymer is provided that exhibits thixotropy at increasing shear rate in the molten state and high elongation at break even at PTFE concentrations well above 4 wt %, based on the combined weight of the PTFE and the perfluoropolymer, e.g. at least 200% up to at least 30 wt % PTFE, the composition also exhibiting the structure of a dispersion of submicrometer-size particles of the PTFE in a continuous phase of the melt-fabricable perfluoropolymer.
US08236894B2
The present invention relates generally to monovinylarene-conjugated diene block copolymers adapted for shrinkable film applications. In one embodiment, a block copolymer is provided wherein an oriented 2 mil film of the block copolymer oriented at 100° C. or less exhibits less than 10% shrinkage at 70° C., and at least 70% shrinkage at 100° C.
US08236893B2
The polylactic acid based resin molded article is a molded article formed from a polylactic acid based resin composition comprising a polylactic acid based resin (A), a polypropylene (B) having a crystallinity of 20% by weight or less and a modified ethylene-α-olefin copolymer (C1) or a modified polyolefin (C2), wherein a treatment for accelerating crystallization of the polylactic acid based resin (A) is applied thereto. In the polylactic acid based resin composition, the polypropylene (B) having a crystallinity of 20% by weight or less is blended in an amount of from 10 to 90 parts by weight based on 90 to 10 parts by weight of the polylactic acid based resin (A). In addition, the modified ethylene-α-olefin copolymer (C1) or the modified polyolefin (C2) is blended in an amount of from 1 to 20 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight in total of the polylactic acid based resin (A) and the polypropylene (B) having a crystallinity of 20% by weight or less.
US08236892B2
A functionalized polymer includes a polymer chain and a terminal functionality that includes at least one disilylamino group. The polymer can be the reaction product of a terminally active polymer chain and a compound that includes at least one disilylamino group and a group capable of reacting with terminally active polymers. Methods for making and using such polymers also are provided, as are compositions containing the polymer and one or more types of filler particles as well as vulcanizates provided from such compositions.
US08236889B2
The present invention relates to a cost-effective and environmentally friendly polymeric defoamer formulation for use in various industrial applications that does not contain oil, EBS or free silicone.
US08236888B2
A macromolecule including a polymer and a polyhedral radical chemically bonded to a terminus of the polymer provides numerous processing and performance advantages. Further functionalization of this macromolecule also is described as being advantageous in certain circumstances. Methods of providing, functionalizing, and utilizing the macromolecule also are provided.
US08236882B2
A rubber mixture which exhibits reliable processability contains (A) a rubber or mixture of rubbers, (B) a filler, (C) at least one organosilane, (D) a thiuram accelerator, and (E) a nitrogen-containing co-activator. A weight ratio of thiuram accelerator (D) to nitrogen-containing co-activator (E) is equal to or greater than 1.
US08236880B2
Disclosed embodiments concern using at least one triazine, typically an amine or polyamine triazine (referred to as amino triazines), in combination with at least one ionomer or ionomer precursor to form compositions useful for making sporting equipment, such as golf ball components. The ionomer or ionomer precursor typically includes plural acid functional groups, such as carboxyl or carboxylate groups, that react or form salts with the amino triazine. Specific examples, without limitation, of suitable amino triazines include guanamine, 6-methyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine (acetoguanamine), 6-nonyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine (nonylguanamine), 6-phenyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine (benzoguanamine) and 2,4,6-triamino-triazine (melamine).
US08236879B2
Cementing compositions for use in oilfield applications are designed such that, after setting, a significant amount of cement remains unhydrated. After placement in a subterranean well, the unhydrated cement remains dormant. If the cement sheath becomes damaged, the unhydrated cement hydrates upon exposure to formation fluids, thereby restoring zonal isolation in the wellbore. The compositions comprise emulsions that allow a substantial reduction of the water-to-cement ratio, yet the rheological properties remain suitable for placement in the well.
US08236874B2
A composition that employs a coupling agent with a fluoropolymer processing aid to address melt-processing issues related to the use of interfering components in melt-processable polymeric binders.
US08236864B2
Fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) may have their viscosities affected (increased or reduced, e.g. gels broken) by the indirect or direct action of a composition that contains at least one fatty acid that has been affected, modified or reacted with an alkali metal base, an alkali earth metal base, ammonium base, and/or organic base compound, optionally with an alkali metal halide salt, an alkali earth metal halide salt, and/or an ammonium halide salt. The composition containing the resulting saponification product is believed to either act as a co-surfactant with the VES itself to increase viscosity and/or possibly by disaggregating or otherwise affecting the micellar structure of the VES-gelled fluid. In a specific, non-limiting instance, a brine fluid gelled with an amine oxide surfactant may have its viscosity broken with a composition containing naturally-occurring fatty acids in canola oil or corn oil affected with CaOH, MgOH, NaOH and the like.
US08236853B1
Disclosed is a method of synthesizing new optically pure heterocyclic compounds using Pd(0) catalyzed intramolecular cyclizations. Analogs of cyclopentanes, like isoxazoline-2-oxide and furan, with similar framework to the cyclopentanes act as anti-HIV and anticancer agents which opens a whole new field for application of these compounds. Starting from a meso-diol, optically pure compounds were prepared without utilizing chiral ligands at any stage of the synthesis. The stereochemical outcome of the product (>99% ee) was influenced by desymmetrization catalyzed by Pseudomonas cepacia lipase and the stereoselective nature of the palladium catalyzed transformations.
US08236850B2
The present invention relates to dimeric derivatives of 10-trifluoromethylated artemisinin of formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof with B1 and B2 selected from C═O, CHOH and CH2, as well as to their use in treating cancer and to their preparation method.
US08236848B2
New methods and compositions are disclosed that comprise the phytochemical Diindolylmethane, alone or in combination with immune potentiating steroids. These methods and compositions are utilized to treat subjects suffering from common cutaneous warts (verrucae) and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) related conditions of the oropharynx, larynx, genitalia, and uterine cervix.
US08236843B2
Biphenyl compounds of Formula (I) and Formula (II), and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates or prodrugs, their pharmaceutical compositions, their use and process of preparation are provided. Compounds of Formula (I) and Formula (II) are disclosed to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.
US08236839B2
The invention relates to compounds having the formula: wherein: Ar, r, R3, Z, X, and R5-7 are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds have AT1 receptor antagonist activity and neprilysin inhibition activity. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and process and intermediates for preparing such compounds.
US08236831B2
The present invention relates to a thiazole compound as a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor δ (PPARδ) activator or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and a pharmaceutical composition, a functional cosmetic composition, a health food, health beverages, a food additive and animal feeds containing the same.
US08236827B2
A compound for use in the treatment of proliferative disorders, such as cancer, having the following formula: wherein: R1, R2 and R3 are independently H or lower alkyl; R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are independently H, halo, lower alkyl or —O-lower alkyl, provided that at least one is —O-lower alkyl; or at least one pair of R4 to R8, the members of which pair are adjacent to one another on the ring, are conjoined to form —O—(CR14R15)n—O—, where n is 1 or 2 and R14 and R15 are independently H or lower alkyl, and the remainder of R4 to R8 are independently H, halo, lower alkyl or —O-lower alkyl; and R9, R10, R11, R12 and R13 are independently H, halo, lower alkyl or —O— lower alkyl, provided that at least one is —O-lower alkyl; or at least one pair of R9 to R13, the members of which pair are adjacent to one another on the ring, are conjoined to form —O—(CR16R17)m—O—, where m is 1 or 2 and R16 and R17 are independently H or lower alkyl, and the remainder of R9 to R13 are independently H, halo, lower alkyl or —O-lower alkyl.
US08236812B2
Disclosed herein are compounds that form covalent bonds with Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk). Also described are irreversible inhibitors of Btk. Methods for the preparation of the compounds are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that include the compounds. Methods of using the Btk inhibitors are disclosed, alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases or conditions, heteroimmune diseases or conditions, cancer, including lymphoma, and inflammatory diseases or conditions.
US08236808B2
A compound of Formula I or a hydrate or solvate thereof, where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10 have the meanings as indicated in the specification, is useful for treating diseases which respond to the blockade of the epithelial sodium channel. Pharmaceutical compositions that contain the compounds and processes for preparing the compounds are also described.
US08236792B2
Certain substituted pyrrolidine amide compounds are histamine H3 receptor modulators useful in the treatment of histamine H3 receptor-mediated diseases.
US08236784B2
This application discloses compositions containing synthetic threitol phosphates, in particular threitol monophosphate, threitol-bis-phosphate, threitol diphosphate, and/or threitol triphosphate. The threitol phosphates are useful in treating wounds, for cosmetic applications, and for bone and periodontal regeneration.
US08236775B2
RNA interference using small interfering RNAs which target HIF-1 alpha mRNA inhibit expression of the HIF-1 alpha gene. As HIF-1 alpha is a transcriptional regulator of VEGF, expression of VEGF is also inhibited. Control of VEGF production through siRNA-mediated down-regulation of HIF-1 alpha can be used to inhibit angiogenesis, in particularly in diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, age related macular degeneration and many types of cancer.
US08236759B2
The present invention is directed to peptide analogues of glucagon-like peptide-1, the pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, to methods of using such analogues to treat mammals and to pharmaceutical compositions useful therefore comprising said analogues.
US08236754B2
The present invention relates to the unexpected finding that vessels smaller than even the smallest arteries (i.e. arterioles) thicken, become dysfunctional and cause end organ damage to tissues as diverse as the brain and the kidney. Methods are provided to improve the structure and function of arterioles and to preserve the function of end organs such as the brain and kidney. In various embodiments the methods involve administering to a mammal in need thereof “D” or “L” class A amphipathic helical peptides.
US08236751B2
The present relates to use of follistatin-like related gene (FLRG) to increase muscle mass in a subject. As such, methods of ameliorating the severity of a pathologic condition characterized, at least in part, by a decreased amount, development or metabolic activity of muscle are provided. In addition transgenic non-human mammals expressing FLRG and having increased muscle mass as compared to a corresponding mammal having a myostatin-null mutation or a decreased level of myostatin are provided.
US08236746B2
A detergent composition containing: (a) a nonionic surfactant containing a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether of which alkylene oxide moiety has an average number of moles of from 4 to 8; (b) an anionic surfactant, excluding a fatty acid and a salt thereof; and (c) a clay mineral represented by the general formula (I): [Si8(MgaAlb)O20(OH)4]X−·MeX+ (I) wherein a, b and x satisfy 0
US08236744B2
A composition comprising at least one indicator, at least one light stabilizer, and at least one antioxidant. The composition is useful as a cleanser that provides a usage timer based on color change to indicate to a person that sufficient time has elapsed for cleansing.
US08236743B2
A process for inhibiting dyed hair fibers from losing their color during shampooing involving contacting the dyed hair fibers with a composition containing: (a) at least one polyamine compound having at least two amino groups; (b) at least one anionic silicone; and (c) optionally, at least one surfactant, and wherein (a) is present in the composition in an amount sufficient to inhibit the dyed hair fibers from losing their color during shampooing.
US08236735B2
The use is described of oligoglycerol fatty acid esters, produced from (a) an acid component, selected from (a1) fatty acids of the general formula (I) R—COOH (I) in which R stands for a saturated or unsaturated, branched or linear alkyl- or alkenyl radical with 7 to 21C atoms, and/or (a2) dicarboxylic acids and/or (a3) dimer fatty acids and/or (a4) oligomer fatty acids and/or (a5) hydroxy fatty acids with (b) a polyol component, which is selected from oligoglycerols or alkoxylates of oligoglycerols, as additive to oil-based drilling mud compositions to improve the lubricating effect of these mud systems.
US08236731B2
A herbicidal composition comprises an aqueous solution of one to a plurality of salts of glyphosate at a total glyphosate a.e. concentration not less than about 360 g/l, wherein (a) said glyphosate is in anionic form accompanied by low molecular weight non-amphiphilic cations in a total molar amount of about 110% to about 120% of the molar amount of said glyphosate; and (b) a major amount to substantially all of the low molecular weight non-amphiphilic cations are potassium cations. The composition exhibits improved tank-mix compatibility with a phenoxy-type herbicide salt formulation by comparison with an otherwise similar composition having a lower molar amount of said low molecular weight non-amphiphilic cations.
US08236727B2
An oxygen-absorbing resin composition having excellent performance is provided which contains an oxygen-absorbing polyester and a polyolefin and has enhanced compatibility between the polymers to give an oxygen-absorbing layer inhibited from having a reduced cohesive force or an appearance failure such as roughness unevenness. The oxygen-absorbing resin composition is characterized by being obtained by melt-kneading the following ingredients (A) and (B) together with the following ingredient (C) as a compatibilizing agent. Ingredient (A): an oxygen-absorbing polyester; Ingredient (B): a polyolefin; and Ingredient (C): a copolymer of ethylene and a vinyl monomer having a hydroxy group or an ester bond, the copolymer having an ethylene proportion of 70-99 mol %.
US08236726B2
The present invention discloses a Ni-based catalyst useful in selective hydrogenation, comprising the following components supported on an alumina support: (a) 5.0 to 40.0 wt. % of metallic nickel or oxide(s) thereof; (b) 0.01 to 20.0 wt. % of at least one of molybdenum and tungsten, or oxide(s) thereof; (c) 0.01 to 10.0 wt. % of at least one rare earth element or oxide(s) thereof; (d) 0.01 to 2.0 wt. % of at least one metal from Group IA or Group IIA of the Periodic Table or oxide(s) thereof; (e) 0 to 15.0 wt. % of at least one selected from the group consisting of silicon, phosphorus, boron and fluorine, or oxide(s) thereof; and (f) 0 to 10.0 wt. % of at least one metal from Group IVB of the Periodic Table or oxide(s) thereof; with the percentages being based on the total weight of the catalyst. The catalyst is useful in the selective hydrogenation of a pyrolysis gasoline.
US08236723B2
The invention relates to a catalyst for hydrodesulfurizing naphtha, to a method for preparing said catalyst and to a method for hydrodesulfurizing naphtha using said catalyst. More particularly, the catalyst comprises a Co/Mo metal hydrogenation component on a silica support having a defined pore size distribution and at least one organic additive. The catalyst has high dehydrosulphurisation activity and minimal olefin saturation when used to hydrodesulfurize FCC naphtha.
US08236722B2
An aluminum oxide sintered product including a layer phase containing a rare-earth element and fluorine among grains of aluminum oxide serving as a main component, or a phase containing a rare-earth element and fluorine along edges of grains of aluminum oxide serving as a main component. The product includes a phase containing a rare-earth element and a fluorine element among grains of aluminum oxide, the phase not being in the form of localized dots but in the form of line segments, when viewed in an SEM image. The product can be readily adjusted to have a volume resistivity in the range of 1×1013 to 1×1016 Ω·cm, the volume resistivity being calculated from a current value after the lapse of 1 minute from the application of a voltage of 2 kV/mm to the aluminum oxide sintered product at room temperature.
US08236721B2
In certain examples, this invention provides an inorganic composite binder with high-temperature resistance comprising 5-12% of aluminum hydroxide, 15-35% of phosphoric acid, 0.1-1% of rare earth oxide, 5-20% of silica sol, 1-15% of polyaluminum phosphate, 1-5% of borax, based on the total weight of said binder, and the rest being water, and a method for producing the same. The binder of the example can be used in temporary protective coating layer such as the high temperature coating and the high temperature antioxidation coating layer during the heat treatment of the metal workpiece, can make it possible to form an antioxidation coating layer immediately upon directly spraying the coating onto the substrate surface of the metal at high temperature of 400-1000° C., and can continuously keep its good bonding property under the high temperature environment in the heating furnace, thereby it is helpful to reduce the oxidation loss of the metal material in the heat treatment, and improve the surface quality of the metal material; also, the binder of the invention is usable in patching material for high temperature kiln or refractory material to enhance the material strength and lengthen its service life.
US08236719B2
Sintered product produced from a starting charge containing 75 to 99% zircon, and having the following average chemical composition by weight, the percentages by weight being based on the oxides: 60%
US08236715B2
The present invention relates to an absorbent structure suitable in, or being an adult or infant diaper or feminine hygiene article, comprising a water-absorbing material comprising water-absorbing particles that comprise a film coating, comprising an elastic film-forming polymer and a coalescing agent.The invention also relates to an absorbent structure comprising a water absorbent material obtainable by a process of: a) spray-coating water-absorbing polymeric particles with an elastic film-forming polymer in a fluidized bed reactor at a temperature in the range from 0° C. to 150° C. and b) heat-treatment of the coated polymeric particles at a temperature above 50° C., wherein in step a) and/or b) a coalescing agent is added.
US08236714B2
A fabric having a camouflage appearance in the near infrared (NIR) spectrum with a substantially a single color appearance in the visible (VIS) spectrum is provided. The novel fabric may include at least two synthetic polymer multifilament yarns. The multifilament yarns are selected from 3 types of multifilament yarns: multifilaments comprising carbon black, multifilaments comprising pigments which modify the NIR reflectance characteristics of the multifilaments, and multifilaments substantially free of additives capable of modifying the NIR reflectance characteristics of the multifilaments. The fabric is dyed to a substantially single color appearance in the visible spectrum. In general, the fabric has a NIR spectrum comprising two reflectance curves having about 10% to about 85% reflectance separated by about 5% reflectance in a range of wavelengths from about 700 to about 860 nanometers (nm).The fabric may be used to manufacture garments, equipment, tents and tarpaulins that exhibit a camouflage appearance in NIR reflectance observed using night vision devices. At the same time, these garments, equipment, tents and tarpaulins have a single color and substantially non-camouflage in the VIS reflectance spectrum.
US08236713B2
Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs. The fibers and fibrous articles have further applications in flushable personal care and cleaning products, disposable protective outerwear, and laminating binders.
US08236712B2
A filler cloth includes cellulosic fibers treated with a flame retardant chemistry such that the filler cloth has a char length of less than about nine inches when tested in accordance with NFPA 701, such that thermal shrinkage of the filler cloth at 400° F. is less than about 35% in any direction, and such that the filler cloth maintains flame and heat resistant integrity when impinged with a gas flame in accordance with testing protocols set forth in Technical Bulletin 603 of the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs. The filler cloth cellulosic fibers are treated with a flame retardant chemistry such that the filler cloth has a Frazier air permeability of less than about 400 cfm and a thermal resistance rating of at least about 3 when tested according to NFPA 2112.
US08236706B2
Plasma assisted low temperature radical oxidation is described. The oxidation is selective to metals or metal oxides that may be present in addition to the silicon being oxidized. Selectivity is achieved by proper selection of process parameters, mainly the ratio of H2 to O2 gas. The process window may be enlarged by injecting H2O steam into the plasma, thereby enabling oxidation of silicon in the presence of TiN and W, at relatively low temperatures. Selective oxidation is improved by the use of an apparatus having remote plasma and flowing radicals onto the substrate, but blocking ions from reaching the substrate.
US08236702B2
A semiconductor substrate having an etch stop layer and at least a dielectric layer disposed from bottom to top is provided. The dielectric layer and the etching stop layer is then patterned to form a plurality of openings exposing the semiconductor substrate. A dielectric thin film is subsequently formed to cover the dielectric layer, the sidewalls of the openings, and the semiconductor substrate. The dielectric thin film disposed on the dielectric layer and the semiconductor substrate is then removed while the dielectric thin film disposed on the sidewalls remains.
US08236701B2
A plasma processing apparatus includes a processing chamber arranged in a vacuum vessel. A wafer placed on a sample stage in the processing chamber is processed using a plasma formed in the processing chamber. Before etching the film layers provided on the wafer composed of a metal substance and an underlying oxide film or a material having a high dielectric constant, another wafer, provided on a surface thereof a film composed of a metal of the same kind as the metal substance, is processed and particles of the metal are deposited on an inner wall of said processing chamber.
US08236698B2
The invention relates to a method for forming microcavities (118) of different depths in a layer (102) based on at least an amorphous or monocrystalline material, comprising at least the following steps in which: at least one shaft and/or trench is formed in the layer (102) so as to extend through one face (101) thereof, such that two sections of the shaft and/or the trench, in two different planes parallel to the face (101), are aligned in relation to one another along an alignment axis forming a non-zero angle with a normal to the plane of said face (101); and the layer (102) is annealed in a hydrogenated atmosphere so as to transform the shaft and/or trench into at least two microcavities (118).
US08236695B2
A method of passivating a CMP composition by dilution and determining the relationship between the extent of dilution and the static etch rate of copper. Such relationship may be used to control the CMP composition during the CMP polish to minimize the occurrence of dishing or other adverse planarization deficiencies in the polished copper, even in the presence of substantial levels of copper ions in the CMP composition and at the copper/CMP composition interface.
US08236682B2
Provided is a method of forming a contact structure. The method includes forming a conductive pattern on a substrate. An interlayer insulating layer covering the conductive pattern is formed. The interlayer insulating layer is patterned to form an opening partially exposing the conductive pattern. An oxide layer is formed on substantially the entire surface of the substrate on which the opening is formed. A reduction process is performed to reduce the oxide layer. Here, the oxide layer on a bottom region of the opening is reduced to a catalyst layer, and the oxide layer on a region other than the bottom region of the opening is reduced to a non-catalyst layer. A nano material is grown from the catalyst layer, so that a contact plug is formed in the opening.
US08236677B2
A method of semiconductor junction formation in RTA process for fabrication of solar cells provides for delivery of inert gases in the vicinity of the Si wafer while dopant species are being driven form a dopant source into the surface of the wafer irradiated by a laser beam. The laser beam is emitted by CW- or pulsed operated lasers including fiber lasers operative to provide annealing and diffusion operation. Optionally, the passivation of the surface and formation of the antireflection coating are performed simultaneously with the penetration the dopant species.
US08236671B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including a nitride semiconductor layer having high-precision thickness is provided. The method includes steps of: forming a gallium nitride (GaN) layer whose main face is a +c face on a substrate; forming a trench by selectively etching down a partial region in the +c face of the GaN layer; forming a metal layer so as to bury the trench; and separating the substrate and the GaN layer, after that, polishing a −c face of the GaN layer until the metal layer is exposed, and removing a part in a thickness direction of the GaN layer.
US08236668B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing an SOI substrate provided with a semiconductor layer which can be used practically even where a substrate having a low upper temperature limit such as a glass substrate is used. The manufacturing method compromises the steps of preparing a semiconductor substrate provided with a bonding layer formed on a surface thereof and a separation layer formed at a predetermined depth from the surface thereof, bonding the bonding layer to the base substrate having a distortion point of 700° C. or lower so that the semiconductor substrate and the base substrate face each other, and separating a part of the semiconductor substrate at the separation layer by heat treatment in order to form a single-crystal semiconductor layer over the base substrate. In the manufacturing method, a substrate which shrinks isotropically at least by the heat treatment is used as the base substrate.
US08236661B2
A method of forming a self-aligned well implant for a transistor includes forming a patterned gate structure over a substrate, including a gate conductor, a gate dielectric layer and sidewall spacers, the substrate including an undoped semiconductor layer beneath the gate dielectric layer and a doped semiconductor layer beneath the undoped semiconductor layer; removing portions of the undoped semiconductor layer and the doped semiconductor layer left unprotected by the patterned gate structure, wherein a remaining portion of the undoped semiconductor layer beneath the patterned gate structure defines a transistor channel and a remaining portion of the doped semiconductor layer beneath the patterned gate structure defines the self-aligned well implant; and growing a new semiconductor layer at locations corresponding to the removed portions of the undoped semiconductor layer and the doped semiconductor layer, the new semiconductor layer corresponding to source and drain regions of the transistor.
US08236660B2
Semiconductor structures are disclosed that have embedded stressor elements therein. The disclosed structures include at least one FET gate stack located on an upper surface of a semiconductor substrate. The at least one FET gate stack includes source and drain extension regions located within the semiconductor substrate at a footprint of the at least one FET gate stack. A device channel is also present between the source and drain extension regions and beneath the at least one gate stack. The structure further includes embedded stressor elements located on opposite sides of the at least one FET gate stack and within the semiconductor substrate. Each of the embedded stressor elements includes a lower layer of a first epitaxy doped semiconductor material having a lattice constant that is different from a lattice constant of the semiconductor substrate and imparts a strain in the device channel, and an upper layer of a second epitaxy doped semiconductor material located atop the lower layer. The lower layer of the first epitaxy doped semiconductor material has a lower content of dopant as compared to the upper layer of the second epitaxy doped semiconductor material. The structure further includes at least one monolayer of dopant located within the upper layer of each of the embedded stressor elements. The at least one monolayer of dopant is in direct contact with an edge of either the source extension region or the drain extension region.
US08236653B2
A novel integration scheme for forming power MOSFET, particularly forming salicided layers for both gate contact regions and mesa contact regions, as well as using multiple energy contact implants through the salicided layer to form conductive body contacts which short to the source region by the salicided layers.
US08236650B2
In a semiconductor device, and a method of manufacturing thereof, the device includes a substrate of single-crystal semiconductor material extending in a horizontal direction and a plurality of interlayer dielectric layers on the substrate. A plurality of gate patterns are provided, each gate pattern being between a neighboring lower interlayer dielectric layer and a neighboring upper interlayer dielectric layer. A vertical channel of single-crystal semiconductor material extends in a vertical direction through the plurality of interlayer dielectric layers and the plurality to of gate patterns, a gate insulating layer being between each gate pattern and the vertical channel that insulates the gate pattern from the vertical channel.
US08236638B2
A method for making a semiconductor device is provided which includes (a) providing a layer stack comprising a semiconductor layer (211) and a dielectric layer (209) disposed between the substrate and the semiconductor layer, (b) creating a trench (210) which extends through the semiconductor layer and which exposes a portion of the dielectric layer, the trench having a sidewall, (c) creating a spacer structure (221) which comprises a first material and which is adjacent to the sidewall of the trench, and (d) forming a stressor layer (223) which comprises a second material and which is disposed on the bottom of the trench.
US08236627B2
It is an object to provide a manufacturing method of a structure of a thin film transistor including an oxide semiconductor film, in which threshold voltage at which a channel is formed is positive and as close to 0 V as possible. A protective insulating layer is formed to cover a thin film transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer that is dehydrated or dehydrogenated by first heat treatment, and second heat treatment at a temperature that is lower than that of the first heat treatment, in which the increase and decrease in temperature are repeated plural times, is performed, whereby a thin film transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer, in which threshold voltage at which a channel is formed is positive and as close to 0 V as possible without depending on the channel length, can be manufactured.
US08236626B2
Disclosed is a method for making graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) by controlled unzipping of structures such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by etching (e.g., argon plasma etching) of nanotubes partly embedded in a polymer film. The GNRs have smooth edges and a narrow width distribution (2-20 nm). Raman spectroscopy and electrical transport measurements reveal the high quality of the GNRs. Such a method of unzipping CNTs with well-defined structures in an array will allow the production of GNRs with controlled widths, edge structures, placement and alignment in a scalable fashion for device integration. GNRs may be formed from nanostructures in a controlled array to form arrays of parallel or overlapping structures. Also disclosed is a method in which the CNTs are in a predetermined pattern that is carried over and transferred to a substrate for forming into a semiconductor device.
US08236625B2
In one embodiment, a two terminal multi-channel ESD device is configured to include a zener diode and a plurality of P-N diodes. In another embodiment, the ESD devices has an asymmetrical, characteristic.
US08236623B2
In some aspects, a method of fabricating a memory cell is provided that includes (1) fabricating a steering element above a substrate; and (2) fabricating a reversible-resistance switching element coupled to the steering element by selectively fabricating carbon nano-tube (CNT) material above the substrate. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US08236619B2
A method of making a semiconductor chip assembly includes providing a post and a base, mounting a second adhesive on the base, mounting a substrate with a conductive pattern on the second adhesive, mounting a first adhesive on the substrate and mounting a conductive layer on the first adhesive, then flowing the first adhesive upward between the post and the conductive layer and flowing the second adhesive upward between the post and the substrate, solidifying the adhesives, then providing a conductive trace that includes a pad, a terminal, the conductive pattern, first and second vias and a selected portion of the conductive layer, mounting a semiconductor device on the post, wherein a heat spreader includes the post and the base, electrically connecting the semiconductor device to the conductive trace and thermally connecting the semiconductor device to the heat spreader.
US08236617B2
A semiconductor device has a thermally conductive layer with a plurality of openings formed over a temporary carrier. The thermally conductive layer includes electrically non-conductive material. A semiconductor die has a plurality of bumps formed over contact pads on the die. The semiconductor die is mounted over the thermally conductive layer so that the bumps are disposed at least partially within the openings in the thermally conductive layer. An encapsulant is deposited over the die and thermally conductive layer. The temporary carrier is removed to expose the bumps. A first interconnect structure is formed over the encapsulant, semiconductor die, and bumps. The bumps are electrically connected to the first interconnect structure. A heat sink or shielding layer can be formed over the semiconductor die. A second interconnect structure can be formed over the encapsulant and electrically connected to the first interconnect structure through conductive vias formed in the encapsulant.
US08236615B2
A structure and method for producing the same is disclosed. The structure includes an organic passivation layer with solids suspended therein. Preferential etch to remove a portion of the organic material and expose portions of such solids creates enhanced surface roughness, which provides a significant advantage with respect to adhesion of that passivation layer to the packaging underfill material.
US08236610B2
Systems and methods are disclosed that enable forming semiconductor chip connections. In one embodiment, the semiconductor chip includes a body having a polyhedron shape with a pair of opposing sides; and a solder member extending along a side that extends between the pair of opposing sides of the polyhedron shape.
US08236604B2
A metal grid contact and dielectric pattern on a layer requiring conductive contact in a photovoltaic device. The invention includes, in one aspect, forming a metal film; forming an etch resist over the metal film by, e.g., directly writing and in-situ curing the etch resist using, e.g., ink-jetting or screen-printing; etching the metal film leaving the resist pattern and a metal grid contact pattern under the etch resist intact; forming a dielectric layer over the etch resist; and removing the resist pattern and the dielectric over the etch resist, leaving a substantially co-planar metal grid contact and dielectric pattern. The metal grid contact pattern may form the front and/or back contact electrode of a solar cell; and the dielectric layer may be an optical reflection or antireflection layer. The layer requiring contact may be multifunctional providing its own passivation, such that passivation is substantially not required in the dielectric layer.
US08236589B2
A distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) includes a base substrate and a gain medium formed on the base substrate. A waveguide positioned above the base substrate in optical communication with the gain medium and defines a gap extending between the base substrate and the waveguide along a substantial portion of the length thereof. The waveguide having a grating formed therein. A heating element is in thermal contact with the waveguide and electrically coupled to a controller electrically configured to adjust optical properties of the waveguide by controlling power supplied to the heating element.
US08236587B2
Disclosed is a robot for transferring a substrate, wherein the robot has a robot arm, a hand part, which includes a plurality of plates. A plurality of pins protrude from the plates such that each pin may be folded downward. The pins include a rubber or resin with thermally insulating properties. By selectively folding down a certain number of the pins, contact may be minimized between the substrate and the robot, thereby preventing damage to the substrate such as thermally-induced defects and stains.
US08236586B2
A method of fabricating a light emitting device includes forming a plurality of light emitting elements on light emitting element mounting regions, respectively, of a substrate, forming lens supports on the light emitting element mounting regions, respectively, are raised relative to isolation regions of the substrate located between neighboring ones of the light emitting element mounting regions, and forming lenses covering the light emitting elements on the lens support patterns, respectively.
US08236584B1
The present disclosure provides one embodiment of a method for fabricating a light emitting diode (LED) package. The method includes forming a plurality of through silicon vias (TSVs) on a silicon substrate; depositing a dielectric layer over a first side and a second side of the silicon substrate and over sidewall surfaces of the TSVs; forming a metal layer patterned over the dielectric layer on the first side and the second side of the silicon substrate and further filling the TSVs; and forming a plurality of highly reflective bonding pads over the metal layer on the second side of the silicon substrate for LED bonding and wire bonding.
US08236578B2
A process of forming an electronic device can include forming a stack including a tunnel barrier layer. The tunnel barrier layer can have a ratio of the metal atoms to oxygen atoms of greater than a stoichiometric ratio, wherein the ratio has a particular value. The process can also include forming a gettering layer having a composition capable of gettering oxygen, and depositing an insulating layer over the gettering layer. The process can further include exposing the insulating layer to a temperature of at least approximately 60° C. In one embodiment, after such exposure, a portion of the gettering layer is converted to an insulating material. In another embodiment, an electronic device can include a magnetic tunnel junction and an adjacent insulating layer lying within an opening in another insulating layer.
US08236575B2
A first reactant, which is provided with a reaction site for specific binding with an analyte, and a fluorescent label site, and a second reactant, which is provided with a reaction site for specific binding with the analyte, and a fluorescence recognition site for recognizing fluorescence produced by the fluorescent label site of the first reactant, are respectively fixed onto a support such that the first reactant and the second reactant have a positional relationship adapted for the binding with the analyte.
US08236574B2
The present invention relates to systems and methods for detecting analyte molecules or particles in a fluid sample and in some cases, determining a measure of the concentration of the molecules or particles in the fluid sample. Methods of the present invention may comprise immobilizing a plurality of analyte molecules or particles with respect to a plurality of capture objects. At least a portion of the plurality of capture objects may be spatially separated into a plurality of locations. A measure of the concentration of analyte molecules in a fluid sample may be determined, at least in part, on the number of reaction vessels comprising an analyte molecule immobilized with respect to a capture object. In some cases, the assay may additionally comprise steps including binding ligands, precursor labeling agents, and/or enzymatic components.
US08236567B2
A method and apparatus for automated determining of the chemical oxygen demand of a liquid sample, comprising steps as follows: mixing the liquid sample with sulfuric acid; introducing a carrier gas, especially air, into the liquid sample-sulfuric acid mixture; adding an oxidizing agent to the liquid sample-sulfuric acid mixture to form a reaction mixture; heating (especially under reflux conditions) the reaction mixture at the boiling temperature of the reaction mixture for a predetermined time period; photometrically determining consumption of an oxidizing agent in the reaction mixture; and ascertaining therefrom the chemical oxygen demand of the liquid sample, wherein all steps are automatedly performed in an analytical system with the assistance of an evaluating and control unit.
US08236553B2
Methods and devices for isolating nucleic acids from a mixture containing such nucleic acids and extraneous matter are provided. In one embodiment, the method of the invention comprises passing the mixture through a glass frit under conditions effective to separate the nucleic acids from the extraneous matter. In a more specific embodiment, the glass frit is a sintered glass frit.
US08236552B2
The invention provides a biological method of producing isoprenoids.
US08236543B2
A method of preventing, inhibiting and/or reversing cell motility, actin filament assembly or disassembly, proliferation, colonization, differentiation, accumulation and/or development of abnormal cells in a subject is disclosed. The method is effected by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a ribonuclease of the T2 family having actin binding activity.
US08236541B2
Thymidine kinase mutants and fusion proteins having thymidine kinase and guanylate kinase activities
The present invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a Herpesviridae thymidine kinase enzyme comprising one or more mutations, at least one of the mutations encoding an amino acid substitution located toward the N-terminus from a DRH nucleoside binding site which increases a biological activity of the thymidine kinase, as compared to unmutated thymidine kinase. Such mutations include amino acid substitutions within a Q substrate binding domain which increases a biological activity of the thymidine kinase, as compared to unmutated thymidine kinase. Within a further aspect, fusion proteins are provided which have both guanylate kinase and thymidine kinase biological properties. Also provided are vectors suitable for expressing such DNA molecules, as well as methods for utilizing such vectors.
US08236538B2
Provided are methods for sterilizing a material comprising a biologically-active agent comprising irradiating said material with ionizing radiation at a dose of about 5 kGy to about 25 kGy while maintaining said material in an atmosphere comprising at least 95% by volume inert gas and at a temperature of about 4° C. or lower. Also provided are sterilized materials comprising a biologically-active agent, wherein said materials exhibit substantially the same amount of biological activity as a non-sterilized control.
US08236534B2
A process for producing ethanol including a combination of biochemical and synthetic conversions results in high yield ethanol production with concurrent production of high value coproducts. An acetic acid intermediate is produced from carbohydrates, such as corn, using enzymatic milling and fermentation steps, followed by conversion of the acetic acid into ethanol using esterification and hydrogenation reactions. Coproducts can include corn oil, and high protein animal feed containing the biomass produced in the fermentation.
US08236524B2
To provide a microorganism with enhanced secretory production of a protein or polypeptide and a method of producing the protein or polypeptide using the microorganism. A modified microorganism that has been genetically modified to delete 60 to 80 carboxyl-terminal amino acids of SecA.
US08236518B2
Disclosed are antibodies that selectively bind to blood coagulation factor FVIII, and highly sensitive immunological assays comprising these antibodies. Preferred assays can detect FVIII at about 3500-fold below the normal physiological levels, and have a wide array of applications including accurate monitoring of FVIII concentration in pharmaceutical products for treatment of blood coagulation disorders, and determination of FVIII levels in plasma of human patients, including those with blood coagulation disorders such as hemophilia.
US08236515B2
Methods are provided for detection of concentrations of less than 3.4 picomolar of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) using recombinant luciferase in the luciferin-luciferase reaction. Aspects include a low pH composition for use in detecting the presence of ATP. The low pH composition can include low concentrations of detergents and can be used in combination with methods for reading, calculating and interpreting luminescence generated by the ATP-luciferin-luciferase reaction.
US08236500B2
The present invention is directed to methods and compositions related to α7 acetylcholine nicotinic receptor genes, in particular, the human α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene. The human α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene is associated with the pathophysiological aspects of the disease schizophrenia. The present invention further provides methods and compositions to screen populations for abnormal α7 alleles, as well as methods and compositions for development of therapeutics.
US08236499B2
Provided are methods and compositions for the production of linear single-stranded nucleic acids, which can be used as templates in high-throughput sequencing systems. Also provided are methods and compositions for the production of closed single-stranded nucleic acid loops, which can be used as templates in high-throughput sequencing systems.
US08236498B2
A nucleotide sequence-detecting method, including preparing a first intramolecular detecting sequence having a sequence complementary to a first sequence located at a 3′-side of the detecting site contained in the nucleotide sample and a second intramolecular detecting sequence having a sequence complementary to a second sequence located at a 5′-side of the detecting site, preparing a detecting chain containing a sequence of the detecting chain by connecting the first intramolecular detecting sequence to the 3′ terminal of the nucleotide sample and the second intramolecular detecting sequence to the 5′ terminal, allowing intramolecular hybridization at two positions of the detecting chain, connecting the 3′ terminal of the first intramolecular detecting sequence to the 5′ terminal of the second intramolecular detecting sequence, obtaining a cyclic structure, detecting the desired sequence in the nucleotide sample from the cyclic structure.
US08236494B2
The invention relates to the polynucleotide sequence of a nontypeable stain of Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) and polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides and uses thereof. The invention also relates to NTHi genes which are upregulated during or in response to NTHi infection of the middle ear and/or the nasopharynx.
US08236490B2
The present invention relates to a cell comprising an Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress element operably linked to a reporter element and an exogenous gene encoding a protein that induces ER stress. Methods of screening using the modified cell, constructs used in the modified cell, the candidate agents identified by the screen and uses thereof are also part of the invention.
US08236475B2
Methods for removing a photoresist from a metal-comprising material are provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises applying to the photoresist a substantially non-aqueous-based solvent having a pH no less than about 9 or no pH and subsequently applying to the metal-comprising material an aqueous-based fluid having a pH no less than about 9.
US08236470B2
A toner containing a resin binder and a colorant, wherein the resin binder contains a polyester (A) having a softening point Tm(A) of from 100° to 160° C., and a polyester (B) having a softening point Tm(B) of from 80° to 120° C., the softening point of which is lower than that of the polyester (A) by 5° C. or more, each polyester obtained by polycondensing an alcohol component and a carboxylic acid component, wherein the polyester (A) and/or (B) is a polyester obtained by polycondensing an alcohol component consisting essentially of an aliphatic alcohol, wherein the alcohol component contains a dihydric alcohol component containing 1,2-propanediol in an amount of 65% by mol or more, and a carboxylic acid component. The toner of the present invention is usable in the development or the like of a latent image formed in electrophotography, electrostatic recording method, electrostatic printing method, or the like.
US08236463B2
An electrode for use in a flow cell is presented. The electrode includes a metal plate for collecting current in the electrode that is bonded between a first and second plate.
US08236459B2
Disclosed is a hybrid-type power supplying apparatus which may use a fuel cell device as a main power supplier for a robot and a rechargeable battery as an auxiliary power supplier for the robot. In the hybrid-type power supplying apparatus, when the power consumption of the robot exceeds the selected amount of power generation of the fuel cell device, the loads of the rechargeable battery and the fuel cell stack can be managed in such a manner that power is supplied from the rechargeable battery to the robot as an auxiliary power for the robot supplementing the main power for the robot.
US08236457B2
A waste water management system for a fuel cell cabinet is provided. The waste water management system includes a sealed device that collects and manages the flow of the water from a fuel cell. The sealed device manages a flow of the water from the fuel cell to one of a container and an exterior of the fuel cell cabinet.
US08236455B2
The invention relates to a method for operating a direct oxidation fuel cell in which the fuel cell is supplied generally with methanol via a transport device for the fuel. The invention likewise relates to a corresponding arrangement comprising a direct oxidation fuel cell, a fuel reservoir and at least one device for transporting the fuel through the fuel cell.
US08236447B2
An electrode for non-aqueous secondary batteries that is capable of intercalating and de-intercalating an alkali metal, such as lithium, and a non-aqueous secondary battery comprising the electrode are disclosed. The electrode comprises an electrode current collector, and, on the electrode current collector, an electrode active material. The electrode active material has the overall composition: SiaMbPc; in which 0
US08236433B2
An antireflection structure is provided. The antireflection structure includes a substrate layer having a substrate refractive index; a first inorganic layer disposed on the substrate layer and having a first refractive index different from the substrate refractive index, where a thickness of the first inorganic layer is in a range of 1 to 40 nm; and a second inorganic layer disposed on the first inorganic layer and having a second refractive index different from the first refractive index.
US08236429B2
Polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide, linear, block copolymers and methods of making the copolymers are provided. The method of making the copolymers involves reacting a diamine with a polydiorganosiloxane precursor having oxalylamino groups. The polydioroganosiloxane polyoxamide block copolymers are of the (AB)n type.
US08236425B2
A composition comprises a distribution of telomers of ethylene and at least one fluoroalkyl or perfluoroalkyl halide, the telomers comprising at least one polymethylene segment (—(CH2)n—) and at least one halomethyl group (—CXH2) and optionally comprising at least one non-fluorine heteroatom, and the halogen being selected from iodine and bromine; wherein the distribution has a number average ratio of methylene moieties of the polymethylene segment to the halomethyl groups of at least about 15.
US08236417B2
A pressure-sensitive adhesive contains an acrylic triblock copolymer (I) at not less than 60% by mass based on the total mass of all solids contained in the pressure-sensitive adhesive, the acrylic triblock copolymer being represented by the formula A1-B-A2 wherein: A1 and A2 are each independently an alkyl methacrylate polymer block having Tg of not less than 100° C. and B is an acryl acrylate polymer block having Tg of not more than −20° C.; the content of the polymer block B is 50 to 95% by mass; Mw is in the range of 50,000 to 300,000; and the molecular weight distribution is in the range of 1.0 to 1.5. Preferably, the acrylic triblock copolymer (I) is a combination of an acrylic triblock copolymer (Ia) having Mw of 50,000 to less than 100,000 and an acrylic triblock copolymer (Ib) having Mw of 100,000 to 300,000, in a mass ratio (Ia):(Ib) of 45:55 to 75:25.
US08236409B2
A ceramic matrix composite (CMC) structure (50) with first (26) and second (28) CMC walls joined at an intersection (34) containing continuous fibers (53). A gusset (52) is formed in the intersection by an inward bending of some or all ceramic fibers (53) of the intersection, resulting in a diagonal brace between the first and second CMC walls. This creates a depression (54) or void (59) in the intersection. One or more ceramic reinforcement devices fill or span the depression to prevent distortion of the gusset. The reinforcement devices may include a ceramic filler (60) or core (61), a CMC rod or cord (56), and a CMC tape (62). The ceramic filler (60) may be continuous with a ceramic insulation layer (36) on an outer surface of the first CMC wall.
US08236403B2
A versatile fabric for use as a towel includes multiple surface areas that are formed of different materials. A support web has hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials woven therethrough. The hydrophilic material is interlaced with the web to define loops of material which extend from a first portion of the web surface and loops of material which extend from a second portion of the web surface which is longitudinally spaced from the first portion. Similarly, the hydrophobic material is interlaced with the web to define loops of material which extend from a third portion of the web surface and loops of material which extend from a fourth portion of the web surface which is longitudinally spaced from the third portion. The first and third portions of the support web surface are arranged opposite each other and the second and fourth portions of the support web surface are arranged opposite each other to define four surface portions of the fabric.
US08236401B2
The vacuum insulator includes an internal structure; a filler for filling empty spaces of the internal structure; and an envelope having an upper envelope composed of a metal layer and a polymer layer formed on the metal layer to surround an upper surface of the internal structure, and a lower envelope composed of a metal layer and a polymer layer formed on the metal layer to surround a lower surface of the internal structure, wherein the metal layer of the upper envelope and the metal layer of the lower envelope being opposite to each other, wherein at an area facing the internal structure in an end of the envelope, the upper envelope and the lower envelope are adhered by a heat adhesion part, and at an area opposite to the internal structure in the end of the envelope, the upper envelope and the lower envelope are adhered by polyurethane.
US08236396B2
An intermediate transfer member which holds a toner image transferred from a first toner image carrier and secondarily transfers the toner image to a surface of an image forming material, wherein the intermediate transfer member comprises a substrate having thereon at least a hard carbon-containing layer.
US08236395B2
The inkjet recording medium herein provided has at least: a support; and an ink-receiving layer provided on the support, the ink-receiving layer comprising inorganic fine particles, two polyvinyl alcohols having a degree of saponification different from each other, and a low molecular weight polyvinyl alcohol having an average degree of polymerization of 2000 or less.
US08236391B2
A composition for forming an alignment film used during formation of an alignment film with a droplet discharge method includes a solute, a first organic solvent and a second organic solvent. The solute includes an alignment film formation material. The first organic solvent dissolves the solute. The second organic solvent is for controlling surface tension. The first organic solvent includes a solvent having a lowest vapor pressure among all of solvent components in the composition.
US08236386B2
A method of fabricating nanowires or microwires employs a robust conductive surface whose edges define electrodes for promoting electrochemical deposition of nanowire material at those edges. Controlled deposition times and thin conductive layers allow extremely small diameter wires to be created and then removed without destruction of the pattern and the wires to be applied to a second substrate or used for composite materials.
US08236382B2
A method for preparing a surface of a substrate is provided. The method includes scanning the surface of the substrate by a meniscus, preparing the surface of the substrate using the meniscus, and performing a next preparation operation on the surface of the substrate that was prepared without performing a rinsing operation.
US08236380B2
A gas supply system for supplying a gas into a processing chamber for processing a substrate to be processed includes: a processing gas supply unit; a processing gas supply line; a first and a second processing gas branch line; a branch flow control unit; an additional gas supply unit; an additional gas supply line; a first and a second additional gas branch line; a flow path switching unit; and a control unit. Before processing the substrate to be processed, the control unit performs a pressure ratio control on the branch flow control unit while the processing gas supply unit supplies the processing gas. After the inner pressures of the first and the second processing gas branch line become stable, the control unit switches the pressure ratio control to a fixed pressure control, and then the additional gas supply unit supplies the additional gas.
US08236351B2
Disclosed is an oral dosage form comprising (i) an opioid agonist in releasable form and (ii) a sequestered opioid antagonist which is not released when the dosage form is administered orally intact.
US08236350B2
A biocompatible and biodegradable elastomeric polymer material, the polymer material comprising: glycerol and dodecanedioic acid, wherein the molar ratio of glycerol to dodecanedioic acid is from about 5:1 to about 1:5. Methods for using the biocompatible and biodegradable elastomeric polymer material comprises providing an PGD elastomeric polymer comprising glycerol and dodecanedioic acid, in a molar ratio of glycerol to dodecanedioic acid of about 1:1 and administering the PGD elastomeric polymer to a soft tissue defect site in needs thereof.
US08236340B2
The present invention relates to oil-based formulations of hydrophobic drugs for the uniform coating of medical devices such as vascular stents and balloons. Another aspect of the present invention is an intravascular medical device having an oil-based coating suitable for delivering a water-insoluble drug, comprising one or more of an anti-oxidant, an anti-inflammatory and an anti-restenotic agent.
US08236337B2
The presently disclosed and claimed invention is directed to anti-microbial orthodontic apparatus and anti-microbial orthodontic compositions comprising an effective amount of a selenium compound, kits containing same, and methods of producing and using said anti-microbial orthodontic apparatus and anti-microbial orthodontic compositions.
US08236334B2
Disclosed is a method for protecting a tree from insects by injecting the tree with a fungicide and/or an antibiotic, and applying a composition to the surface of the tree, said composition comprising water, an insect repellent, an antihistamine, and an insect poison.
US08236333B2
An active agent delivery and/or odor retentive composition including a surfactant and wax spheres formed from at least one of beeswax and soy wax and methods of use thereof. The composition is particularly useful in the cosmetics and medical industry for delivering/carrying a particular ingredient to one's skin, scalp or hair; for absorbing odor causing materials, such as fuel byproducts from a skin surface; and/or for providing exfoliating properties to the skin. The delivery system/carrying system is also useful in binding to certain nutritional materials, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and the like for ingestion and release into the body.
US08236331B2
The invention relates to a cosmetic composition having a cooling effect, particularly a clear gel or a spray. The composition has a long-lasting cooling effect of about 8 hours and comprises a cooling complex consisting of 0.05-0.15% Menthyl Lactate, 0.1-0.2% Menthyl PCA and 0.05-0.2% Ethyl Menthane Carboxamide.
US08236322B2
A method of developing seedlings includes germinating the seeds and air pruning the seedlings to a depth of about 3 inches.
US08236315B2
The present disclosure relates to humanized antibodies or binding fragments thereof specific for human von Willebrand factor (vWF), methods for their preparation and use, including methods for treating vWF mediated diseases or disorders.
US08236304B2
The present invention relates to novel regulatory T cell proteins. One protein, designated PD-L3, resembles members of the PD-L1 family, and co-stimulates αCD3 proliferation of T cells in vitro. A second, TNF-like, protein has also been identified as being upregulated upon αCD3/αGITR stimulation. This protein has been designated Treg-sTNF. Proteins, antibodies, activated T cells and methods for using the same are disclosed.
US08236301B2
The invention relates to methods of reducing formation of atheromas and methods of treating atherosclerotic lesions and/or atherosclerosis by reducing the amount of lumican proteglycan in the intima or an artery or in the lesion. The invention also relates to methods of identifying subjects having or at risk of having atherosclerosis comprising detecting an increased amount of lumican proteoglycan in a subject.
US08236295B1
Provided are adenoviral vectors for generating an immune response to antigen. The vectors comprise a transcription unit encoding a secretable polypeptide, the polypeptide comprising a secretory signal sequence upstream of a tumor antigen upstream of CD40 ligand, which is missing all or substantially all of the transmembrane domain rendering CD40L secretable. Also provided are methods of generating an immune response against cells expressing a tumor antigen by administering an effective amount of the invention vector. Further provided are methods of generating an immune response against cancer expressing a tumor antigen in an individual by administering an effective amount of the invention vector. Still further provided are methods of generating immunity to infection by human papilloma virus (HPV) by administering an effective amount of the invention vector which encodes the E6 or E7 protein of HPV. The immunity generated is long term.
US08236293B2
Cells capable of at least, in part, complementing adenovirus an adenovirus defective in E2A function. Such cells include a nucleic acid-encoding adenovirus E2A or a functional part, derivative, temperature-sensitive mutation and/or analogue thereof, integrated into the cell's genome. Methods for producing an adenovirus particle/vector with a functional deletion of E2A are also disclosed. Such methods involve providing a cell with the functionally deleted adenovirus vector, culturing the cell, and harvesting viral particles. The functional deletion may comprise a deletion in E2A. The nucleic acid-encoding E2A in the cell's genome may lack sequence overlap with the vector, preventing formation of a replication-competent adenovirus or restoration of E2A function. The adenovirus vector may further include a functional deletion in the E1-region. Methods are disclosed for providing cells of an individual with a nucleic acid of interest, without risk of administering simultaneously a replication-competent adenovirus vector, comprising administering the individual an adenovirus vector described herein.
US08236284B1
Disclosed are nanoparticles having a metallic core consisting essentially of superparamagnetic iron oxide; a polymeric coat surrounding said core, the coat having a matrix of polyacrylic acid and forming an outer periphery of said nanoparticle; a plurality of hydrophobic pockets formed by the polymeric coat; a plurality of carboxylic groups along an outer periphery of the polymeric coat and effective to conjugate with a predetermined targeting ligand which functionalizes the nanoparticle; a lipophylic fluorescent dye encapsulated in the plurality of hydrophobic pockets; and a drug encapsulated in the plurality of hydrophobic pockets. Associated methods of making the nanoparticles and of treatments using the nanoparticles are also disclosed.
US08236275B2
Provided is a production process for a carbon material comprising an alkali activation reaction step in which a carbon precursor containing an activator selected from alkali metal compounds is heated under flow of inert gas. The above alkali activation reaction is carried out while allowing carbon dioxide gas to flow into a downstream part of an alkali activation reaction region on the condition that the carbon dioxide gas is not substantially brought into contact with the carbon precursor and the activator. This makes it possible to carry out alkali activation treatment safely and stably and obtain a carbon material useful for producing an electric double layer capacitor electrode having a high electrostatic capacity.
US08236267B2
The present invention discloses a high-pressure vessel of large size formed with a limited size of e.g. Ni—Cr based precipitation hardenable superalloy. The vessel may have multiple zones.For instance, the high-pressure vessel may be divided into at least three regions with flow-restricting devices and the crystallization region is set higher temperature than other regions. This structure helps to reliably seal both ends of the high-pressure vessel, and at the same time, may help to greatly reduce unfavorable precipitation of group III nitride at the bottom of the vessel.This invention also discloses novel procedures to grow crystals with improved purity, transparency and structural quality. Alkali metal-containing mineralizers are charged with minimum exposure to oxygen and moisture until the high-pressure vessel is filled with ammonia. Several methods to reduce oxygen contamination during the process steps are presented. Also, back etching of seed crystals and a new temperature ramping scheme to improve structural quality are disclosed.
US08236264B2
Carbon monoxide is removed from material streams by adsorption to an adsorption composition comprising oxides of copper, zinc and aluminum, the copper-comprising fraction of which has a degree of reduction, expressed as weight ratio of metallic copper to the sum of metallic copper and copper oxides, calculated as CuO, of at most 60%.
US08236263B2
Provided is a method for scavenging airborne formaldehyde. The method comprises contacting the airborne formaldehyde with a formaldehyde scavenger of the formula I: where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and RA are as defined herein.
US08236260B2
A fuel processor that extracts, from a fuel source, hydrogen gas used for an electricity generation reaction. The fuel processor includes a reformer that generates hydrogen gas by reacting a fuel source with water, a burner that heats the reformer to an appropriate temperature for a hydrogen generation reaction, a CO remover that removes CO generated during the hydrogen generation reaction in the reformer, and a heat exchanger for cooling the CO remover.
US08236258B2
A method and apparatus can separate and concentrate a selected component from a multi-component material. The multi-component material may include a whole sample such as adipose tissue, whole blood, or the like. The apparatus generally includes a moveable piston positioned within a separation container and a withdrawal tube that is operable to interact with a distal end of the collection container past the piston. Material can be withdrawn through the withdrawal tube.
US08236257B2
This invention provides a biological component-measuring device, enabling the operator to easily calibrate the entire device and capable of measuring biological components accurately, and a method for calibrating the device. The device measures a sample including a body fluid taken through a body fluid sampler by sending it with a pump through a sample channel to a sensor. The device further includes a calibrating liquid channel through which a calibrating liquid can be supplied to the sensor via the sample channel by a switching of a first flow path changeover valve placed in the sample channel at a location upstream of the pump and connected to the channel. The method includes introducing the calibrating liquid in the calibrating liquid channel, via other channels, into the sensor by switching the valve.
US08236254B2
The present disclosure provides test strip carriers for insertion into test strip vials and methods of making the same. Also provided are test strip vials including test strip carriers, and systems including test strip vials, test strip carriers and analytical test strips. The test strip carriers of the present disclosure are capable of engaging with the caps of test strip vials and thereby facilitating the retrieval of one or more test strips from the test strip vials upon opening of the test strip vials.
US08236253B2
A portable steam sterilizer for surgical instruments includes a tray configured to hold the instruments and a pressure chamber. The pressure chamber includes a cavity portion and a handle portion. The cavity portion includes a set of walls and is configured to releasably receive the tray, while the handle portion is coupled to the tray for selectively inserting and removing the tray respectively into and from within the cavity portion. The handle portion is sealingly engageable with the cavity portion to thereby define the pressure chamber. A steam inlet fluidly communicates the pressure chamber with a source of steam to selectively permit steam to flow from the source of steam and into the pressure chamber. A steam outlet fluidly communicates the pressure chamber with a steam management assembly to selectively permit steam to flow from the pressure chamber and into the steam management assembly.
US08236249B2
A particle separator and method for removing particles from an exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine. A prescribed number of flow cells are formed in the particle separator. The exhaust gas stream flows into and/or out of the flow cells via, as viewed in a main direction of flow of the exhaust gas stream, side wall regions of the flow cells. At least one storage space is formed in the flow cells for storing particles removed from the exhaust gas stream, which flows through at least portions of the particle separator.
US08236246B2
Disclosed herein is a gas sensitive apparatus that is useful in view of its applicability to the detection or quantitative determination of individual gases present in a gas mixture, and is advantageous in view of its compact size, and its low power consumption.
US08236245B2
A pixel-by-pixel, digitally-addressable, pixelated, precursor, fluid-assay, active-matrix micro-structure including plural pixels formed preferably on a glass or plastic substrate, wherein each pixel, formed utilizing low-temperature TFT and Si technology, includes (a) at least one non-functionalized, digitally-addressable assay sensor, and (b), disposed operatively adjacent this sensor, digitally-addressable and energizable electromagnetic field-creating structure which is selectively energizable to create, in the vicinity of the at least one assay sensor, an ambient electromagnetic field environment which is structured to assist in functionalizing, as a possession on said at least one assay sensor, at least one digitally-addressable assay site which will display an affinity for a selected fluid-assay material.
US08236239B2
There is disclosed a composition for converting electromagnetic energy to ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength, the composition comprising at least one phosphor capable of converting an initial electromagnetic energy (A) to an electromagnetic energy (B) comprising UVC radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength, and an organic or inorganic media containing said phosphor. There is also a method of sterilizing an article by exposing it to UVC radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength for a time sufficient to deactivate or kill at least one microorganism and/or for a time sufficient to inhibit abnormal cell growth within the body, when said composition is in an implantable medical device. A method of coating an article with such compositions is also disclosed.
US08236226B2
Methods for changing the shape of a surface of an article are disclosed. The methods may include providing a liquid polymer precursor, casting the precursor against a first tool assembly, curing the precursor to form a shape memory polymer substrate, deforming one or more surfaces of the substrate, and mobilizing the shape memory polymer to shift the deformed surface of the substrate from a deformed shape to a pre-set shape.
US08236223B2
A device for winding a filament around a structure disposed concentrically around a distal end of a balloon catheter includes a rotatable holder for retaining a distal end of the balloon catheter, a translatable winding carriage for helically winding the tensioned filament around the balloon catheter distal end, a heater for applying a predetermined amount of heat to a section of the balloon catheter having the filament wound therearound, and a controller for controlling at least the rate of rotation of the holder, the tensioning force applied to the filaments the amount of heat applied by the heater, and the rate of travel of the translatable winding carriage along the longitudinal dimension of the balloon catheter. By use of the device, the balloon is heat set and a predetermined checkering pattern of surface indentations are provided in the structure exterior surface in a single pass.
US08236210B2
Corrugated fluid treatment packs and methods of making corrugated fluid treatment packs are disclosed. The fluid treatment packs may comprise a non-woven fibrous structure and/or porous membrane having a tubular configuration and a longitudinal axis, the fibrous structure and/or porous membrane being corrugated to define at least one crest, at least one trough, and at least one corrugation, each corrugation including first and second webs, the first and second webs extending into one another along a crest or a trough. The crests, troughs, and corrugations may include webs may which extend circumferentially or helically.
US08236204B1
A composition with one or more tetrahydrobenzotriazoles and one or more one or more tetrahydrobenzotriazole activating solvents, wherein the tetrahydrobenzotriazoles are solubilized in the activating solvents in an amount effective to inhibit corrosion of a metal or metal alloy which is corrodible in the presence of copper or copper corroding agents. Also a method of using this composition to inhibit corrosion of a metal component which has a metal or metal alloy which is corrodible in the presence of copper or copper corroding agents.
US08236197B2
The subject is to provide a liquid crystal composition that satisfies at least one characteristic of characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a negatively large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to heat, or that is suitably balanced regarding two characteristics thereof. The subject is to provide an AM device that has a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth.The invention provides a liquid crystal composition having a negative dielectric anisotropy that contains a specific compound having negatively large dielectric anisotropy as the first component, a specific compound having negatively large dielectric anisotropy and a low minimum temperature as the second component, a specific compound having a high maximum temperature and a small viscosity as the third component, and a specific compound having a negatively especially large dielectric anisotropy as the fourth component, and provides a liquid crystal display device containing the composition.
US08236191B2
The present invention provides an electrical double layer capacity comprising a non-aqueous electrolytic solution comprising (A) a solvent comprising a specific fluorine-containing cyclic carbonate and (B) an electrolyte salt comprising a cyclic quaternary onium salt comprising cyclic quaternary onium cation and PF6−, (CF3SO2)2N− or (C2F5SO2)2N−, and (C) a polarizable electrode, and having high withstanding voltage and assuring excellent solubility in a wide range of solvents for dissolving an electrolyte salt.
US08236185B2
Toxic substances such as heavy metals are extracted from a medium using a sorbent composition. The sorbent composition is derived by sulfidation of red mud, which contains hydrated ferric oxides derived from the Bayer processing of bauxite ores. Exemplary sulfidizing compounds are H2S, Na2S, K2S, (NH4)2S, and CaSx. The sulfur content typically is from about 0.2 to about 10% above the residual sulfur in the red mud. Sulfidized red mud is an improved sorbent compared to red mud for most of the heavy metals tested (Hg, Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Se, Th, and U). Unlike red mud, sulfidized red mud does not leach naturally contained metals. Sulfidized red mud also prevents leaching of metals when mixed with red mud. Mixtures of sulfidized red mud and red mud are more effective for sorbing other ions, such as As, Co, Mn, and Sr, than sulfidized red mud alone.
US08236177B1
A spiral wound filter is formed which decreases the cross-sectional area over which the feed fluid flows in order to provide sufficient flow rates across the membrane with less energy consumption, and one embodiment includes a housing that is sealed against substantially the entire outer surface of the filter element.
US08236174B2
Disclosed is a system for treating wastewater. The system includes a microorganism clad structure positioned in a body of wastewater such that the microorganism clad structure is at least partially submerged in the body of wastewater. The apparatus also includes an aeration device, such as a propeller-type, surface mounted aeration device, supplying a horizontal flow of oxygenated water to the microorganisms attached to the microorganism clad structure such that the microorganisms may carry out a biological process.
US08236163B2
A method for cleaning anode media, the method comprising removing the anode media from an electroplating system, and removing scale coatings from substrates of the anode media by vibrational polishing the anode media with abrasive particles.
US08236155B2
An exhaust gas sensor that simultaneously exhibits enhanced water soak resistance and functionality, that is multilayered and exposed to a space in an exhaust path. The exhaust gas sensor includes: an electrolyte layer, positioned between an exhaust electrode and an atmosphere electrode; an atmospheric layer formation layer formed toward the atmosphere electrode to form an atmospheric layer to which the atmosphere electrode is exposed; a porous diffusion resistance layer formed toward the exhaust electrode to control flow rate of an exhaust gas reaching the exhaust electrode; and a porous trap layer formed to cover the entire section exposed to the space in the exhaust path. The trap layer includes a first trap layer, which covers a region near a gas inlet/outlet section of the diffusion resistance layer, and a second trap layer, which covers another region that covered by the first trap layer. The first trap layer is thinner than the second trap layer.
US08236150B2
An application for a recycler includes a pressure and temperature resistant metal vessel that is filled with a liquid. Within the vessel is at least one submerged electric arc between a pair of carbon base electrodes powered by either a DC or AC current. The vessel has mechanical systems that maintain and optimize the electric arc. The electric arc produces a combustible gas. The liquid is pumped through a bore in one or more of the electrodes, delivering the liquid directly to the location of the arc, thereby reducing or eliminating any ignition of the gas by the arc.
US08236143B2
This invention relates to novel methods for affecting, controlling and/or directing various reactions and/or reaction pathways or systems by exposing one or more components in a holoreaction system to at least one spectral energy pattern. In a first aspect of the invention, at least one spectral energy pattern can be applied to a reaction system. In a second aspect of the invention, at least one spectral energy conditioning pattern can be applied to a conditioning reaction system. The spectral energy conditioning pattern can, for example, be applied at a separate location from the reaction vessel (e.g., in a conditioning reaction vessel) or can be applied in (or to) the reaction vessel, but prior to other reaction system participants being introduced into the reaction vessel.
US08236139B1
An apparatus for preventing the creation of non-uniform profiles caused by deckle waves though the use of transforming the deckle boards into active drainage elements in the paper forming area of the paper machine, without the need for expensive rebuilds such as dilution control head boxes.
US08236138B2
The invention relates to a headbox for a machine for producing a fibrous web, in particular a paper or cardboard web, from at least one fibrous stock suspension, having a feed apparatus which feeds the at least one fibrous stock suspension, having a distributor-pipe perforated plate which is adjacent downstream and has a multiplicity of channels which are arranged in rows and in columns, having an intermediate channel which lies downstream of the latter, extends over the width of the headbox and has a plurality of means which are spaced apart from one another in the width direction of the headbox for the preferably regulatable/controllable metering of a fluid in fluid part streams into the at least one fibrous stock suspension. The headbox according to the invention is characterized in that the means for the preferably regulatable/controllable metering of the fluid in fluid part streams into the at least one fibrous stock suspension is also configured for the preferably regulatable/controllable metering of at least one further fluid in fluid part streams into the at least one fibrous stock suspension, wherein the individual means comprises in each case a plurality of metering channels for the at least one further fluid, which metering channels have a respective metering-channel opening, open at different heights and are connected to a common supply channel.
US08236137B2
The invention relates to a headbox which comprises a feed device feeding the at least one fiber suspension, a perforated distribution pipe plate arranged immediately downstream thereof and having a plurality of channels arranged in lines and columns, an intermediate channel arranged downstream thereof, extending over the width of the headbox and having a plurality of means for dosing a fluid in partial fluid streams to the at least one fiber suspension in a preferably adjustable/controlled manner, the means being spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the headbox and the individual means comprising a plurality of dosing channels having respective dosing channel openings and an opening center line, arriving at different levels and being connected to a common supply channel. The headbox further comprises a downstream turbulence generator having a plurality of flow channels arranged in lines and columns and a headbox nozzle which is directly contiguous to the turbulence generator and which has a nozzle gap. The headbox according to the invention has a system pressure loss which is substantially composed of a first pressure loss between the feed device and the intermediate channel and a second pressure loss in the turbulence generator, the second pressure loss and the first pressure loss being in a ratio ranging from 8:1 to 1:1, preferably from 4:1 to 1:1, particularly from 2:1 to 1:1.
US08236136B2
Additives for paper making are disclosed herein. Specifically, the additives are wax-free alternatives to conventional coatings, including ASA, AKD and optionally an acrylic containing composition. Other additives may be included in the coating, such as cationic particles or compositions. The coatings may be used at a variety of points during the paper making process, including on the calender stack and in the wet end.
US08236135B2
A multi-ply paper product is disclosed. The multi-ply paper product is provided with a first play and a second ply. The first ply is a lotioned fibrous structure having a wet burst of less than about 100 grams. The second ply is a non-lotioned fibrous structure having a wet burst of greater than about 100 grams.
US08236131B2
[Problem] To provide a thermoplastic resin composition which is excellent in transparency and adhesion properties and hardly causes staining of an adherend after it is separated, a multilayer laminate using the composition, an article, and a method for protecting a surface of an article.[Means for solving problem] A thermoplastic resin composition (X) comprising the following components (A) to (C): (A) isotactic polypropylene containing not less than 90% by mol of propylene units, in an amount of 1 to 65% by weight, (B) a propylene copolymer which is a copolymer of propylene and at least one α-olefin of 2 to 20 carbon atoms (excluding propylene) and whose melting point, as measured by DSC, is lower than 65° C. or is not observed, in an amount of 30 to 94% by weight, and (C) a 1-butene-based polymer which is selected from the group consisting of a 1-butene homopolymer and a copolymer of 1-butene and an α-olefin of 2 to 20 carbon atoms (excluding 1-butene) (said copolymer containing not less than 16% by mol of 1-butene units) and whose melting point, as measured by DSC, is in the range of 65 to 135° C., in an amount of 5 to 60% by weight, the total amount of said components (A) to (C) being 100% by weight.
US08236129B2
One embodiment provides an attachment pad including a multilayer thermo-reversible adhesive including a shape memory polymer layer and a dry adhesive layer underlying the shape memory polymer layer, the multilayer thermo-reversible adhesive having a curved surface when the shape memory polymer layer is below its glass transition temperature and unaffected by a load; and a means for evenly applying a load and/or detaching force on the perimeter of the multilayer thermo-reversible adhesive including a spring.
US08236126B2
An encapsulation method of an environmentally sensitive electronic element is provided. A first substrate is provided, wherein at least one first alignment mark and a plurality of environmentally sensitive electronic elements are formed on the first substrate. A second substrate is provided, wherein at least one second alignment mark and a plurality of limiting cavities are formed on the second substrate. A plurality of cover lids is respectively disposed in the limiting cavities. An adhesive is formed on the cover lids. The first substrate and the second substrate are laminated together with the first alignment mark and the second alignment mark as reference, so that the environmentally sensitive electronic elements are sealed in the adhesive and located between the first substrate and the second substrate. The second substrate and the cover lids are separated from each other.
US08236122B2
A method of forming an opaque image on a substrate is generally provided. The method generally includes the use of three papers: a toner printable sheet, a coating transfer sheet, and an opaque transfer sheet. Toner printing can be utilized to print an image on the toner printable sheet, and then the toner ink can be utilized to remove a portion of a melt coating layer from the coating transfer sheet to form an intermediate imaged coated transfer sheet. This intermediate imaged coated transfer sheet and the opaque transfer sheet can then be utilized to form an image, defined by the opaque areas, on a substrate.
US08236119B2
Processes for the production of high strength polyethylene tape articles from high strength ultra-high molecular weight multi-filament yarns, and to the tape articles, fabrics, laminates and impact resistant materials made therefrom.
US08236117B2
A chuck and a chuck system, and a method for processing a toroidal structure such as a tire carcass. The carcass includes an internal circumference and tapered ends. The chuck system comprises a plurality of chucks wherein each chuck includes a circumferential or substantially circumferential external surface and a plurality of friction reducing members positioned on the external surface. The friction reducing members are positioned to engage the internal circumference of the toroidal structure such as a tire. The method of processing a tire carcass includes positioning the tire carcass on fixed diameter chucks having friction reducing members on the external surface.
US08236116B2
In certain example embodiments of this invention, there is provided a method of making a window, the method including: forming a multi-layered low-E and/or solar control coating on a glass substrate; providing at least two flexible protective sheets in non-liquid form to the glass substrate over at least part of the low-E and/or solar control coating; applying at least one protective coating in liquid form, before and/or after the flexible protective sheets are provided, so as to reduce one or more gaps formed between the low-E and/or solar control coating and the flexible protective sheet(s) and/or between the flexible protective sheets; and performing one or more of cutting, edge seaming, and/or washing the coated article with the protective coating and protective sheets thereon and peeling the protective sheets and at least part of the protective coating off of the top surface of the low-E and/or solar control coating. Heat treatment (e.g., thermal tempering) may then be performed, and the heat treated coated article may be used in a window unit or the like.
US08236115B2
A method for enshrouding an actuator for use in a fuel injector, comprising the steps of providing an actuator having a body section, a first end piece and a second end piece; providing a shroud having first and second ends; applying a sealant material to at least one portion of an exterior surface of the end pieces, and/or to at least one part of the shroud; and enshrouding the actuator with the shroud, such that the sealant material provides an intermediate layer between the end pieces and the shroud and forms a fluid-tight seal between them.
US08236113B2
The invention relates to a fuel component for an explosive, in which case the fuel component contains a volume-expanded molecularly dispersed hydrocarbon, and a method for its production. Furthermore, the invention relates to an explosive formed of the fuel component and an oxidizer, an explosive body filled with the explosive as well as an explosion method.
US08236101B1
A method for preparing swimming pool plaster includes the addition of titanium dioxide (TiO2) to white swimming pool plaster mixture to improve the appearance of the plaster and reduce or eliminate mottling. Approximately two pounds of TiO2 is added per sack of cement. For example, approximately ten pounds of TiO2 may be added to a 5/7 bag mix of cement and pool sand. The TiO2 is added to water in a mixer in a first step, and the TiO2 and water are mixed dissolving the TiO2 in the water before adding cement or pool sand, thereby providing better mixing of all of the ingredients.
US08236097B2
This invention relates to silicon precursor compositions for forming silicon-containing films by low temperature (e.g., <300° C.) chemical vapor deposition processes for fabrication of ULSI devices and device structures. Such silicon precursor compositions comprise at least one disilane derivative compound that is fully substituted with alkylamino and/or dialkylamino functional groups.
US08236092B1
A gas scrubber employing liquid droplets injected into a flowing gas stream at a higher velocity than the gas velocity, having means to create a gradient of increasing pressure downstream from the droplet injection site, which gradient decelerates the gas and thereby increases the velocity of the droplets relative to the gas, thus increasing the total path length of the droplets through the gas, so as to allow substantial increase of scrubber collection efficiency without use of increased scrubber size or increased liquid droplet flow rate.
US08236084B2
The present disclosure relates to radial wall flow particulate filters comprised of ceramic material. The filters include a filter body that has a plurality of adjacent troughs circumferentially arranged around a longitudinal axis.
US08236083B2
A wall-flow honeycomb filter comprising a ceramic monolith having a plurality of porous walls formed therein. The plurality of porous walls define a plurality of inlet cells and a plurality of outlet cells extending between an inlet end face and an outlet end face of the monolith. The inlet cells are open at the inlet end face and plugged at or near the outlet end face. The outlet cells are open at the outlet end face and plugged at or near the inlet end face. The monolith has a ratio of a combined cross-sectional area of the inlet cells to a combined cross-sectional area of the outlet cells greater than 1. The monolith has at least one inlet cell cluster which contains an N×M group of inlet cells, N and M being integers greater than 1, each inlet cell cluster consisting of a plurality of inlet cells separated by inlet cluster walls.
US08236082B2
The fiber webs described herein may be incorporated into filter media and filter elements. The fiber webs may exhibit a high dust holding capacity. The fiber webs may also exhibit a low thickness. The fiber webs may be sufficiently flexible and/or deformable so that they may be processed to include a series of waves (also known as flutes) that extend along the cross-machine direction.
US08236078B2
A filter bag includes a first filter material layer including an inflow opening, a second filter material layer having edges along which the second filter layer is joined to the first filter material layer to form an inside space; and a flat, multi-layer filter insert arranged in the inside space and having sections connected, respectively, to the first and second material layers. The filter insert has at least two outer layers defining an intermediate area there between. The intermediate area includes a center layer or an intermediate space for dust collection.
US08236072B2
The present invention provides a system and method for producing substitute natural gas and electricity, while mitigating production of any greenhouse gasses. The system includes a hydrogasification reactor, to form a gas stream including natural gas and a char stream, and an oxygen burner to combust the char material to form carbon oxides. The system also includes an algae farm to convert the carbon oxides to hydrocarbon material and oxygen.
US08236069B2
The present invention relates to acrylic block polymers, either block copolymers or homopolymers, synthesized by a controlled free-radical process, and their use as low temperature flow modifiers in bio-derived fuel compositions. They are especially useful in modifying the low temperature flow behavior in bio-derived fuels. The acrylic polymers are especially useful as cold filter plugging control additives in bio-derived fuels.
US08236066B2
A process for melting silicon, in which silicon bodies (4; 14; 24) are detached from a silicon starting material (2) - (40) -, the silicon bodies (4; 14; 24) being dimensioned - (40) - in such a way that they can be arranged in a heatable crucible (6), the silicone bodies (4; 14; 24) are arranged in the crucible (6) and the crucible (6) is heated - (46) -, at least some of the cavities (10) that occur between the crucible walls (7) and the silicon bodies (4; 14; 24) or between monolithic parts of the silicon bodies (4; 14; 24) when the silicon bodies (4; 14; 24) are arranged in the crucible (6) - (42) - being at least partially filled with silicon granules (8; 18, 20; 28) - (44) -, and an arrangement for melting silicon.
US08236065B2
There is provided an azo pigment having excellently good color reproducibility, dispersibility, and storage stability of pigment dispersions and having excellent hue and tinctorial strength. An azo pigment represented by the following formula (1) and having characteristic peaks at Bragg angles (20±0.2°) of 7.2°, 13.4°, 15.0° and 25.9° in X-ray diffraction with characteristic Cu Kα line, and a tautomer thereof:
US08236064B2
The invention relates to a process for producing safety textiles in one of the following colors: fluorescent yellow, fluorescent orange-red or fluorescent red. In a first step a textile starting material is pre-dyed in the desired color such that the pre-dyed fluorescent material has a specified first minimum luminance factor and the color is situated within an associated color diamond. After that the pre-dyed material is cross-dyed with a mixture of a luminescent pigment dye and a binder in such a way that the cross-dyed fluorescent material has a specified second minimum luminance factor and the color of the cross-dyed material continues to be situated within the color diamond. Subsequently the cross-dyed material is dried.
US08236059B2
The present teachings are directed to a modular shoulder prosthesis having an adjustable radial offset and/or angular inclination provided by relative rotation of an adapter interdisposed between the stem and the head. In one example, a shoulder prosthesis comprises a stem having a first longitudinal axis. The shoulder prosthesis can also include an adaptor including a first taper. The first taper can have a first taper axis. The shoulder prosthesis can include a head rotatably supported by the adaptor. The head can have a semi-spherical articulating surface. The head can be coupled to the first taper and can be positionable relative to the stem through rotation of the adaptor about the first taper axis for adjusting an offset of the head relative to the longitudinal axis of the stem.
US08236057B2
Inflatable multi-chambered devices are provided for repairing or replacing spinal discs and distracting neighboring vertebral elements. Also included are cushioning devices that may be used in a joint replacement device cushioning system. Further included are kits and systems for making such devices, and methods of treating patients in need of such devices. Examples further include cosmetic augmentation and restoration devices.
US08236055B2
An intervertebral prosthetic disc for replacing a damaged natural disc includes upper and lower vertebral body engaging surfaces, an exterior wall and one or more generally vertically oriented bone channels of limited cross-sectional area to allow bone to form and fuse into continuous or discontinuous struts between the bodies. The stiffness of the disc, while supporting the bodies, allows the distance therebetween to narrow sufficiently when subjected to a predetermined load such as the patient standing, walking, etc., to transfer sufficient energy to the bone struts to create one or more nonunion joints or pseudoarthrosis at locations along the struts. The disc includes stops to limit the movement thereof to an amount sustainable by the disc without resulting in fatigue failure.
US08236052B2
A device and method of use thereof for incrementally adjusting the size and/or shape of a particular body part is provided. The device comprises first and second layers each formed of a synthetic resin. The first layer is formed of a heat-shrinkable material having a low melting point while the second layer has a melting point much higher than the first layer. Upon being subjected to energy, the first layer will shrink or contract causing the second layer, and thus the overall device, to bend in the direction of contraction. In use, the device is inserted into the particular body part after which energy is applied to the device so as to cause the body to expand, move, reshape, etc. The invention is particularly useful for treatment of accommodative disorders of the eye by positioning one or more of the devices within the eye sclera or attached to the sclera around the limbus so that the sclera and ciliary body are expanded away from the crystalline lens upon being of the device.
US08236049B2
A method for replacing a deficient native mitral valve includes positioning a support band around the leaflets of a native mitral valve and expanding a prosthetic heart valve within the native mitral valve. After the prosthetic heart valve is expanded, the leaflets of the native mitral valve are captured between the prosthetic heart valve and the support band. The prosthetic heart valve and support band are delivered into the body as separate and independent components. The prosthetic heart valve and support band may be deliverable into the left ventricle via a transapical approach in a minimally invasive procedure.
US08236043B2
A stent for insertion in a fluid conduit of a human or animal body includes a hollow structure having generally circumferentially extending parts which have opposite end portions in the longitudinal direction. The circumferential parts are joined to a longitudinally adjacent circumferential parts along the length of the hollow structure wherein the end portions of adjacent circumferential parts are not in parallel planes and/or the end portions of the same part are not in parallel planes. Also, the non-parallel end portions are arranged along the length of the hollow structure such that a flow lumen defined by the hollow structure, and imposed on the flow lumen by the hollow structure when in the fluid conduit, follows a non-planar curve.
US08236034B2
An apparatus for reducing the profile of a bone fixation plate while preventing backing out of screws is disclosed. The plate has at least two openings though which two screws can pass through bony tissue. The apparatus includes at least one section of relief and sections of engagement. As the screw is tightened, it will begin to lag the plate to the bone. When the screw head interferes with the plate at the interference point, there is a slight resistance that insertion forces can overcome. When the screw is advanced further, it snaps into the sliding fit area and is allowed to move freely. The forces that cause the screw to back out from the plate are preferably not strong enough to pass the screw head back past the interference section. At least one of the two openings is configured as an elongated slot to allow the screw to translate in the slot. It may be desirable to include a set screw to help prevent backout.
US08236024B2
A low profile emboli capture device is provided for use in angioplasty and other intravascular procedures. A standard guidewire is utilized having a reduced cross-sectional area formed near its distal end. A filter and self-expanding stent are packaged on the reduced cross-sectional area of the guidewire. A movable sleeve extends over the guidewire and holds the self-expanding stent and filter in their retracted positions while the device is being positioned in the artery. The sheath is moved relative to the self-expanding stent and filter, whereupon the self-expanding stent and filter become deployed.
US08236021B2
The invention relates to a handheld device for the repetitive local puncturing of a skin for an input of a liquid active substance, particularly a permanent make-up and tattoo handheld device, with: a piercing device formed in a needle module with repetitive movement forwards and backwards, which piercing device is driven with the help of a drive unit formed in a drive module, a reservoir for the liquid active substance, a pump system coupled to the reservoir where the said pump system is configured in order to discharge the liquid active substance held in a cavity of the reservoir by means of pressure application, and a fluid connection running at least partially in a needle module casing where said fluid connection is configured in order to supply the liquid active substance from the reservoir to the piercing device.
US08236020B2
An ultrasonic surgical assembly includes an ultrasonic transducer operable to convert a received motional current into a movement of a cutting blade of an ultrasonic waveguide, a measurement circuit connected in a parallel configuration with the ultrasonic transducer, a variable power source operable to supply current through a set of connection points to the parallel configuration and thereby create the motional current in the ultrasonic transducer, and a current controller operable to regulate the motional current by varying an output of the variable power source, thereby maintaining a substantially constant rate of movement of the cutting blade across a variety of cutting loads.
US08236016B2
The devices and methods generally relate to treatment of occluded body lumens. In particular, the present devices and method relate to removal of the occluding material from the blood vessels as well as other body lumens.
US08236013B2
An apparatus includes a carrier configured to be movably disposed within a channel defined by an elongate member. The carrier includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion is configured to be coupled to an actuator. The distal end portion includes a protrusion and an engagement surface. The protrusion has a tip configured to bodily pierce tissue. The protrusion is configured to be received within a lumen defined by a connecting portion of an implant, such as, for example, a pelvic floor implant, such that the tip extends through the lumen defined by the connecting portion of the implant. The engagement surface is configured to engage a portion of the connecting portion of the implant to limit movement of the connecting portion of the implant relative to the protrusion.
US08236012B2
A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween.
US08236009B2
Needle assemblies for tissue manipulation are described herein. In creating tissue folds within the body of a patient, a tissue manipulation assembly may generally have an elongate tubular member, an engagement member slidably disposed through the tubular member and a distal end adapted to engage tissue via a helical member, tissue stabilizing members positioned at the tubular member distal end which are adapted to stabilize tissue therebetween, and a delivery tube pivotable about the tissue stabilizer. A needle deployment assembly is deployable through the tissue manipulation assembly via a handle assembly, through the tubular member, and into or through tissue. An elongate pusher is translationally disposed within a sheath of the needle deployment assembly and can be urged distally for deploying an anchor assembly from the sheath distal end. The anchor assembly is positioned distally of the pusher within the sheath.
US08235994B2
A fixator for use in the reconstruction of acute, chronic and traumatic injuries to the upper and lower extremities. The fixator has a unique clamping system that allows for the snapping in of pins and rails, and for multi-planar fixation of bones.
US08235993B2
An electrosurgical forceps includes a shaft having a pair of jaw members at a distal end thereof that are movable about a pivot from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer to one another for grasping tissue. A movable handle is included that actuates the shaft to move the jaw members relative to one another. One or both of the jaw members are adapted to connect to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy to tissue held therebetween. An insulating boot is disposed on at least a portion of an exterior surface of one or both jaw members, about the pivot and at a distal end of the shaft. The insulating boot includes an inner flexible portion and an outer shell that is operably engaged with one or both of the pair of jaw members.
US08235992B2
An electrosurgical forceps includes a shaft having a pair of jaw members at a distal end thereof that is movable about a pivot from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer to one another for grasping tissue. A movable handle is included that actuates a drive assembly to move the jaw members relative to one another and at least one of the jaw members is adapted to connect to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy to tissue held therebetween. A flexible insulating boot is disposed on at least a portion of an exterior surface of one or both jaw members and about the pivot. The flexible boot includes one or more mechanically reinforcing elements operatively coupled thereto that is configured enhance the rigidity of the insulating boot.
US08235989B2
Methods and devices for the non-thermal, electrically-induced temporary or permanent closure of blood vessels. Methods and devices employ pulsed electrical energy according to a defined regime to effect controlled occlusion of targeted blood vessels without heating the vessel and with minimal damage to adjacent tissue. The extent of vessel closure, i.e., temporary (vasoconstriction) or permanent (thrombosis), is controlled based on the manipulation of various parameters of the electrical stimulation regime as well as the configuration of the electrodes used to apply the regime.
US08235985B2
Visualization and ablation system variations are described which utilize various tissue ablation arrangements. Such assemblies are configured to facilitate the application of bipolar energy delivery, such as RF ablation, to an underlying target tissue for treatment in a controlled manner while directly visualizing the tissue during the bipolar ablation process.
US08235982B2
An electrosurgical system includes an evacuator apparatus and a sensor. The evacuator apparatus evacuates aerosol and smoke generated during application of electrosurgical energy. The sensor is operatively coupled to the evacuator apparatus and senses the aerosol and smoke generated during application of the electrosurgical energy. The sensor generates data in response to the sensed aerosol and smoke. The sensor operatively communicates the data to the evacuator apparatus and the evacuator apparatus evacuates the aerosol and smoke as a function of the data.
US08235981B2
A device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes an antenna assembly and an elongated body member. The elongated body member includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, wherein the proximal and distal end portions define a longitudinal axis. The elongated body member has a chamber defined therein that extends along the longitudinal axis, and a body wall surrounding the chamber. An antenna assembly is disposed in the chamber. The elongated body member also includes an opening in the body wall to allow energy radiated from the antenna assembly to transfer into the target volume of tissue.
US08235975B2
A light transmission system to provide photodynamic treatment to a patient includes a single use integrated control module and catheter assembly having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) to transmit light toward target cells within a patient. The integrated light catheter and control module are used in combination with a light activated drug. Selected operating parameters may be programmed into the control module, or it may be wirelessly programmable in situ prior to use to allow user flexibility to tailor treatment for a particular patient or condition. Among the features that prevent reuse are that the control module lacks access to recharge the power source, and it may include a deactivation module that destroys circuitry or software when triggered. To prevent patient interference when in use, the control module may also be configured to selectively deactivate.
US08235973B2
A device for laser-optical eye surgery includes a source (10) of pulsed femtosecond laser radiation and also optical components (12, 14, 16) for guiding the laser radiation and focusing the same onto a treatment location on or in the eye (28), the optical components including a plurality of lenses (18, 20) arranged in succession in the beam path of the laser radiation. In accordance with the invention, at least one (18) of the lenses is arranged so as to be adjustable relative to other lenses in the direction of the beam path. In particular, the adjustable lens is a first diverging lens of beam-expansion optics (12). An actuating arrangement (24) is assigned to the adjustable lens for its adjustment, for the control of which arrangement a control unit (26) is provided which is set up to access measured data concerning the topography of a surface of the eye and to control the actuating arrangement in a manner depending on the measured surface topography. The laser device enables the abandonment of a contact lens to be placed onto the eye.
US08235972B2
A suction head in fluid communication with a pump head provides a sub-ambient working pressure to a target area, enabling drainage thereof to a waste container. The pump head is coupled non-mechanically to a pump drive. A control system for a suction system is also provided.
US08235971B2
A catheter connection system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a catheter connection system may include at least two components and a deformable sealing element positioned between the at least two components configured to allow, upon deformation, fluid flow through the at least two components. In another embodiment, the catheter connection system may include a sealing element positioned between at least two components, wherein the components are coupled to one another by a locking member.
US08235969B2
Devices and methods for transferring forces down a catheter shaft while also maintaining an open fluid pathway are disclosed. In some of the designs, inner and outer members of the catheter interact, allowing improved transfer of forces down the catheter shaft. These designs also allow for maintenance of a fluid pathway along the length of the shaft, including at locations where the inner and outer members are interacting with one another. Structures are disclosed which extend at least a portion of the length of the shaft, allowing improved force transfer and resistance to kinking. Structures are also disclosed which specifically allow for inner and outer members to engage one another at at least one point along the shaft, improving the transfer of forces down the shaft.
US08235966B1
The present invention is a method for electromanipulation of chemical species in vivo relative to a target tissue utilizing a nonconductive, conformable array base adapted to be placed coincident to the target tissue, a plurality of electrode elements projecting from the array base towards the target tissue, the electrode elements addressable individually, an electrical source coupled to the plurality of electrodes, a control means interposed between the electrical source and the plurality of electrode elements and in circuit communication therein, the control means adapted to establish an electrical potential between at least two electrodes, and a delivery means adapted to introduce chemical species to the target tissue.
US08235961B2
A disposable pants-type diaper of the present invention comprises a diaper main body including a front portion, a back portion, and a crotch portion positioned therebetween, and having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings formed by joining the front portion and the back portion; an absorbent core disposed in the crotch portion; a first elastic means disposed along an upper part of an edge of the both leg openings; and a second elastic means disposed in a middle part in a front-back direction of the crotch portion, extending in a diaper width direction to near the edge of the both leg openings, and having straight side edge portions. According to the disposable pants-type diaper of the above, a foot is hardly caught by the edge of the leg opening in wearing, resulting in easily wearing; and a fitting property of the crotch portion is excellent.
US08235960B2
In an absorbent product in which an absorbent sheet member having an opening and a back sheet are overlapped, a rear pocket is formed between a rear absorbent core of the absorbent sheet member and the back sheet, and side pockets are formed on both sides of the opening. By contracting elastic members bonded to a core covering sheet on the both sides of the opening, the core covering sheet of the absorbent sheet member and the back sheet largely stand up in each side pocket, and the rear absorbent core is raised upward. Thus, it is possible to keep the distance large in a thickness direction between the absorbent sheet member and the back sheet in the vicinity of the opening and to fit a portion around the opening of the absorbent sheet member to a wearer.
US08235954B2
A container has an impermeable outer membrane sized to fit generally within the peri-orbital region and sufficiently flexible to mold to the structure of the closed eye. Heat which is generated by an exothermic reaction inside the container, which provides steady-state heat to the eyelids. A soft, non-abrasive, lint-free material is presoaked in a pH controlled (preferably antibacterial and hypoallergenic) detergent, with or without an ophthalmic antibiotic solution. The compress may also have a handle which makes holding and maneuvering the compress more feasible, while protecting the user's fingers from the heat, and preventing the contamination of the compress by the fingers. The compress may be packed in a watertight, sterile wrapper which will prevent drying of the detergent solution. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08235951B2
The invention relates to an attachment for a syringe or cartridge having a cannula, wherein the attachment comprises a sealing element, which is molded onto the cannula.
US08235944B2
A medical device for placement of regional anesthesia catheters. The device comprises a hollow shaft needle, a plunger attached to the posterior end of the needle, a housing dimensioned so that plunger can slide inside the housing with friction, a regional anesthesia catheter preloaded inside the needle, a protective cover sheath covering the catheter, and a catheter adaptor attached to posterior end of the sheath and the catheter. The medical device allows a practitioner to quickly and effectively place a regional anesthesia catheter inside an organism without the use of an assistant, and with minimal risk of contaminating the catheter before it enters the organism's body. At the end, the needle is withdrawn inside the housing and disposed.
US08235943B2
A system for preventing air from entering a first catheter of a multi-catheter system. Air is prevented from entering the proximal end of the first catheter by an axially elongate chamber having an impeller, the chamber being affixed to the proximal end of the first catheter. The air is removed through a port near the centerline of the chamber. Liquid removed with the air is returned to the chamber to minimize liquid loss during the procedure. A second catheter inserted through the chamber and into the first catheter is unable to entrain gas into the first catheter because any gas that enters the chamber is routed to the centerline of the chamber where it is removed. Inflow of fluid from an external pump scrubs the second catheter shaft of air bubbles attached by surface tension.
US08235942B2
A method for visualizing the interior of a bodily passageway comprising providing a visualization system for deployment in the passageway, the visualization system comprising a tube having non-rotatable distal and proximal end portions and, a rotatable intermediate portion therebetween; visualization apparatus disposed within a lumen of the tube; and a helical thread on an exterior surface of the rotatable intermediate portion of the tube having structural integrity and a surface profile, such that when the tube is in the bodily passageway and the thread engages the interior side wall of the passageway, rotation of the rotatable portion of the tube induces a movement between the tube and the passageway; inserting the visualization system into the bodily passageway at a location remote from the site to be visualized; rotating the rotatable portion of the tube to bring together the site and the visualization apparatus; and using the visualization apparatus to visualize the interior of the bodily passageway.
US08235938B2
The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing care to a patient, comprising a patient care device having a number of configuration databases stored in a memory in the device. Each configuration database preferably includes protocols, operating limits, rule sets and/or operating features that collectively define an operating environment, or personality, of the device. Selection of a specific configuration database preferably is based at least in part upon patient-specific information obtained from any location in a distributed hospital network. Examples of such patient-specific information include patient age or size, patient medical characteristics, a location of the patient or a location of the care device. In a preferred embodiment, programming a patient care device to deliver a drug to a patient entails activating a configuration database and scanning a machine-readable drug label identifying a particular protocol stored in the activated database. The selected protocol includes default parameters for delivering the drug, and the label optionally includes instructions for deviating from the default protocol.
US08235930B1
A fluid loss detection device for dressings at pre-existing port sites, catheter sites, operative sites, ostomy sites, drain sites, line sites such as those utilized in hemodialysis, wound sites, or other areas for which monitoring of fluid or blood loss is medically indicated. The detection device includes a patch having a primary loop circuit and an early warning alarm circuit loop. In one embodiment, closure of the early warning alarm circuit loop activates an alarm. The alarm may be connected directly to the patch and sound locally or may be activated remotely via radio transmission. The alarm may alternatively cause a medical device such as a hemodialysis system to shut down.
US08235929B2
The present invention relates to a method of treating dermatologic pruritis. The skin involved with purities is covered with an organic cloth in order to make it more difficult to scratch. The contact of the organic cloth not only makes it difficult to scratch but adds a soothing feel thus lessening the tendency to need to scratch.
US08235928B2
A low profile dynamic extension splint for biasing a person's fingers and/or a thumb in an open position.
US08235927B2
The invention relates to a wrist orthosis with a cuff, which is open for passage of the thumb and which is provided with stabilizing rods and with at least one tightening strap for fixing the orthosis on the wrist. The cuff has two adjacent thumb openings for receiving either the left or right thumb, wherein a central stabilizing rod extends between the thumb openings, and a lateral stabilizing rod extends along the outer side of each said opening in such a manner that the thumb openings are each located between the central stabilizing rod and the relevant lateral stabilizing rod.
US08235914B2
A sensor and a lancet are integrated with each other. A thin strip-shaped sensor and a lancet are integrated so that the lancet moves in parallel, along a longitudinal direction of the sensor. A measuring device to which an integrated lancet and sensor is attached is provided with a function of driving the attached lancet.
US08235908B2
Devices and methods are disclosed for providing a sensing element to scan tissue and detect the presence of structures within the tissue to avoid the structures when performing a procedure on the tissue. A catheter includes a blood vessel sensing assembly and a working lumen adapted to receive a medical appliance or instrument for performing various medical procedures.
US08235902B2
A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining the presence of tissue change due to exposure to HIFU Therapy.
US08235895B2
A medical examination chair kit includes a group of sensors including electrodes in finger-tip sensors, various other types of sensors incorporated in covers attachable or placeable on a chair and load cells on an adjustable grid supporting the chair, all of which provide data which is partially processed in a transmission pocket mounted on the chair.
US08235890B2
The present invention relates to an endoscopic visioning system and related method for both forward and backward viewing of a body lumen. According to an embodiment, the system includes an endoscope, a vision head including a light source and a vision chip on both a proximal and a distal side of the vision head, and an extension arm for moving the vision head away from and back toward the endoscope. Alternatively, the light source and vision chip may be contained in a distal end of the endoscope. In such an alternative embodiment, the vision head is a parabolic mirror mounted on the extension arm for reflecting images, for example, from behind the distal end of the endoscope to the vision chip in the distal end of the endoscope to permit, for example, a retrograde view of the surgical site entrance.
US08235887B2
An endoscope includes an insertion tube having a distal end and an imaging device with a steerable extension. The proximal end of the extension is attached to the distal end of the insertion tube. An endoscope includes an insertion tube having a distal end region and a rear-viewing imaging device at least partially disposed inside the distal end region. An endoscope includes an insertion tube having a distal end cap, an imaging device, and a link that couples the imaging device to the distal end cap of the insertion tube.
US08235885B2
A method and system are provided for percutaneously gaining access to oxygenated blood with an anastomosis device and pumping such oxygenated blood to other arterial regions of the vascular system via an LVAD system. In one embodiment, a system may include an anastomosis device extending through an opening of the atrial septum. A filament may be coupled to the anastomosis device. A snare device may access the right atrium through the superior vena cava, grasp the filament, and withdraw the filament through the superior vena cava. The filament may then be used as a guide to direct a catheter, a conduit or some other structure into the right atrium of the heart via the superior vena cava. A flow path may be defined between the anastomosis device and an arterial location, such as in the aorta, such that at least some oxygenated blood may by-pass the left ventricle and be discharged into the aorta.
US08235881B2
A method for folding signatures is provided. The method includes the steps of forcing a trail edge of a first signature away from a folding cylinder using a signature support, tucking a second signature held by a gripper using a tucker at a first fold location and performing a mode change to tuck a further signature at a second fold location different from the first fold location, the mode change including moving the gripper and the signature support automatically with respect to the tucker. A signature support is also provided.
US08235870B2
A physical exercise apparatus comprises a mat/cushion device and accessories designed for fitness interactivity using an array of variations of graphics specifically placed on the mat. The locations of the graphics are provided as an aid to guide proper body positions or postures, placement and alignment in yoga and physical exercise, and for the use of creative sequencing of movement, proper technique, and body mechanics. The apparatus is a foundation and map for physical exercise programs, games, interactive play, physical therapies and methods. The apparatus contains graphics with anthropometric measurements that may be synchronized with instruction, audio and/or video displays, and/or video games containing and delivering corresponding graphics for body placement and timing. The method through instruction and gaming can be delivered auditorially and/or visually, through interactive multimedia systems, on a timed and/or touch sensitive system, as well as an array of different technologies such as the internet.
US08235869B2
A device for generating power from a locomotion energy associated with leg muscles acting across an ankle joint. The device including: a cuff worn on the leg; a shoe; an energy absorbing element operatively connected to the cuff and shoe for absorbing energy during one or more periods of a periodic motion of the joint in which energy is absorbed by the muscles.
US08235868B2
A clutch control apparatus for a vehicle provided with a hydraulic clutch in the middle of a power transmission path between an engine and a drive wheel. Before the clutch of the vehicle is brought into an engagement state, intermittent hydraulic pressure Y is applied to the clutch while maintaining the clutch in a disengagement state, and thereafter a predetermined hydraulic pressure is applied to the clutch to bring it into the engagement state. A solenoid valve is provided to control hydraulic pressure supplied to the clutch. Before the clutch is brought into the engagement state, a pulsed drive current D is supplied to the solenoid valve. The clutch control apparatus so configured suppresses a motion delay at the time of engaging the clutch, thereby allowing a quick and smooth start and shifting of the clutch.
US08235866B2
A method of actuating a gear step in an automatic or automated transmission of a motor vehicle. The gear step of the transmission and a parking lock, which immobilizes the vehicle, can be engaged as a function of a gear step (P, R, N, D) that can be selected by the driver via a controllable selector device, and as a function of other motor vehicle operating parameters. A separate operating device, which is in addition to the selector device, can activate a holding phase, in which the transmission is in a traction-free neutral position, independently of a predetermined gear step “Park” (P), “Reverse” (R), “Neutral” (N) and/or “Forward” (D) that is specified by the selector device, if the motor vehicle is at least almost at a standstill and at the same time, an ignition circuit acting on a drive motor of the motor vehicle is electrically interrupted.
US08235865B2
An automated gear shift transmission and method of controlling the same are described. The transmission is installed in a motor vehicle comprising several forward gears and at least one reverse gear and that allows choosing from several different driving modes by means of a driving mode selector lever. A forward gear is maintained in engagement in case of an uphill orientation of the motor vehicle when the parking mode is chosen. Instead of the forward gear, a reverse gear is maintained in engagement in case of a downhill orientation of the motor vehicle when the parking mode is chosen. This allows taking specific driving conditions or driving situations into account with relatively simple means.
US08235861B2
A compound planetary gear transmission unit includes a second stage with axially staggered planets.
US08235859B2
Provided is a power transmission apparatus using a planetary gear having a plurality of gear trains. The apparatus includes: a housing including a cover which is open or closed, and a speed change locking unit which locks and releases selectively one of ring gears; a carrier installed inside the housing; a planet gear set including three or more different sized planet gears; a ring gear set including ring gears; a sun gear set including sun gears meshed with external teeth of the planet gears and having an output shaft which outputs power to an outside of the housing; and an input shaft which is aligned coaxially to the output shaft and rotates the carrier by external force transmitted from the outside of the housing. The input shaft extends out of the housing by passing through the shaft extension.
US08235854B2
The present invention provides a power train for a hybrid vehicle that can achieve a fixed gear ratio mode where a vehicle is driven at a fixed gear ratio, such as shift stages of common transmission, only by the driving force of an engine without driving a motor generator, as well as an electric vehicle mode and a hybrid mode that are basic driving modes of a hybrid vehicle, such that it is possible to drive the vehicle with high efficiency in accordance with traveling conditions of the vehicle and improve fuel efficiency. Further, according to the power train for a hybrid vehicle, the number of gear teeth of a sun gear and a pinion of a planetary gear set, which is a component, can be changed in various ways, such that it is possible to more freely select the capacity of a clutch or a motor generator. Therefore, it is possible to design a compact transmission.
US08235853B2
A transmission for use in a motor vehicle having an engine and a driveline is provided. The transmission includes an input shaft driven by the engine, an output shaft adapted for connection to the driveline, a mainshaft, a first planetary gearset, a motor/generator and a second planetary gearset. The first planetary gearset includes a first input member driven by the input shaft, a first output member driving the mainshaft and a first reaction member. The second planetary gearset includes a second input member, a second output member fixed to the output shaft and a ring gear operable to drive or be driven by the motor/generator. A rotor of the motor/generator circumscribes and is fixed to the ring gear.
US08235842B2
Embodiments of club heads with contoured back faces and methods of manufacturing the same are described herein. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.
US08235839B2
A golf club incorporating an interchangeable shaft system includes a shaft, a shaft sleeve, a club head. The shaft sleeve is coupled to an end of the shaft and is received in a hosel included in the club head. The shaft sleeve is removably coupled to the club head. Hosel and shaft sleeve alignment features provide discreet orientations between the shaft and club head.
US08235829B2
A constant velocity joint is disclosed that includes a first rotatable shaft, the first shaft comprising an axle portion having on one end an enlarged pocket portion, the pocket portion having a plurality of circumferentially and radially spaced ball pockets and a distal end; a corresponding plurality of spherical balls disposed in the pockets; and a second rotatable shaft comprising a joint housing, the joint housing having a central bore with a corresponding plurality of axially extending, circumferentially and radially spaced ball grooves disposed about the second longitudinal axis and a base, the joint housing disposed over the pocket portion with the corresponding plurality of balls disposed in the grooves, the joint providing a range of angular and axial movement of the first shaft relative to the second shaft, the distal end of the pocket portion having a convex surface configured to provide a predetermined a range of angular movement.
US08235827B2
Disclosed is a compliant joint achieving passive compliance. The compliant joint includes a housing and a rotating member mutually rotatably provided; and a cam provided between the housing and the rotating member, and connected to the housing and the rotating member respectively. The cam is connected to the rotating member to rotate together with the rotation of the rotating member, or be independent of the rotating member so as to move in the axial direction of the rotating member separately from the rotating member. The cam is connected to the housing such that the cam can maintain the connection with the housing when external force below a designated value is applied to the rotating member, and release the connection with the housing in the case that external force more than the designated value is applied to the rotating member.
US08235820B2
A system and method for allowing users to select photos from social networking websites (e.g., Facebook®) or other dedicated websites for use with select gaming devices wherein the selected photos are used as game indicia (e.g., game reel indicia). Thus, instead of cherries and bars, the gaming device may depict photos of a player's girlfriend and pet. “Friends” of the player may also be able to observe the real-time gaming activities of the player via the social networking website or other dedicated website.
US08235814B2
An impression normalization function can be established and applied against recorded values for impressions occurring in two or more games. A normalized impression record is created to provide advertisers independent and realistic measurements by which they can compare impressions to enable agreement on the degree of exposure offered by a given advertisement.
US08235813B2
A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game comprises a pendant lighting assembly coupled to the gaming machine cabinet. The pendant lighting assembly includes a light source mounted to the gaming machine cabinet and at least one light conduit mounted to the gaming machine cabinet. The at least one light conduit is adjustable to direct and redirect light from the light source to one or more locations external to the gaming machine cabinet. The color and/or timing of the light directed at each location may be synchronized with events occurring in the wagering game.
US08235807B1
A method for managing game accounting on at least one gaming machine comprising one or more active games is provided. The method comprises providing a memory means operatively connected to the gaming machine, wherein the memory means comprises a set of active game meters for each active game on the gaming machine, and one set of removed game meters accumulating data corresponding to all games removed from the gaming machine. Active game data is received and stored in applicable active game meters. For any removed game, the game state data is captured prior to the game's removal and is stored in the applicable accumulating removed game meters. The stored game data is accessed in the active and removed game meters and a theoretical win value is used to determine the overall gaming machine performance.
US08235793B2
Systems and methods for use with a gaming machine that, in response to the staking of a wager by a player, is arranged to randomly determine an outcome of a game, display on a display representations of the outcome, and award an award if a winning outcome occurs, wherein the player can stake a variable sized wager on the occurrence of a winning outcome, the systems and methods including varying the probability of selecting the outcome associated with a special prize dependent on the size of the wager staked by the player and/or varying the probability of one or more other prizes that are alternatives to the special prize.
US08235790B2
A slot machine includes a display device for displaying a symbol matrix display region in which plural types of symbols are displayed; a memory for storing data concerning a number of predetermined symbols arranged in the symbol matrix display region; and a processor for controlling the display device and the memory, the processor being programmed to: (a) execute a basic game; (b) rearrange the plural types of symbols in the symbol matrix display region during the basic game; (c) cumulatively store in the memory, the data concerning the number of the predetermined symbols from among the plural types of symbols, the predetermined symbols being rearranged in the symbol matrix display region during the basic game; (d) determine a number of times in executing a free game by executing a sub game by a number of times equal to the number of the predetermined symbols rearranged in the symbol matrix display region by referring to the data concerning the number of the predetermined symbols stored in the memory; and (e) execute the free game based on the number of times determined in the itemized (d).
US08235788B1
A display and input system 10 provides an enhanced means for displaying service and system information 14 from a system network 18 to a player and to a casino employee. The display and input system 10 enables part or all of a video display screen 40 in a gaming device 50, which had previously been used only as a gaming interface 30, to be utilized as a systems interface 20 for data entry and retrieval of the service and system information 14. This provides a dramatic improvement over traditional system components 60 (input/output peripherals) that have been used as in the past to access service and system information 14 from the system network 18, such as 2-line, 20 character VF displays and 12-digit keypads. The display and input system 10, does not control game play itself (e.g., game play betting, game play flow, or game play operation). Rather, the system 10 provides a limited form of game play monitoring, indirectly, with respect to the monitoring player points.
US08235786B2
A gaming system and associated methodology include means for a player to place a wager to participate in play of a plurality of base games, the wager entitling the player to a block of credits. A central lottery computer system is configured to randomly divide the block of credits between the plurality of base games and to conduct the plurality of base games. Means are provided for the player to interact with the central lottery computer system for simulated play of each of the plurality of base games. A prize is awarded for a winning play of any one of the base games and is a function of the number of credits that were randomly assigned to the respective base game by the central lottery computer system.
US08235785B2
A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine comprises selecting a plurality of playable elements from a set of playable elements. The method further comprises displaying an individual outcome having first elements randomly selected from a set of individual elements. The set of individual elements correspond to the set of playable elements. The method further includes displaying a community outcome having second elements randomly selected from a set of community elements. The set of community elements correspond to the set of playable elements. An award is achieved in response to the plurality of playable elements matching the randomly selected first and second elements.
US08235783B2
A monitor screen is provided on which symbols may be provided for use in video wagering games, including poker games, card games, slot games, bingo and keno. The player makes a wager to purchase a block of sequentially-playable games. The wager is the aggregate total of the wagers placed on each individual game. This aggregate total wager becomes the wager for the first game. A first partial (or intermediate) outcome of the first game is displayed. The player, having certain information about the potential final outcome from the partially displayed outcome, may choose to either: (a) play the partial first game to a final conclusion, or (b) pass by forfeiting the wager for the individual game. If the player decides to play the first game to its conclusion, the player will either lose the aggregate total wager, or win according to a predetermined paytable, in either case terminating any further play of the remaining games. If the player passes, the individual game wager is forfeited, and the partial outcome of the next sequential game in the block is displayed. The wager on this next or second game is the aggregate total wager minus the first single game wager. The process is repeated, subtracting individual passed game wagers from the aggregate total wager, until the player plays a game to its conclusion.
US08235782B2
A method of operating slot machines permits a machine to be identified as available for team play. Upon being identified for team play, the machine is grouped with other slot machines and subject to bonus conditions dependent on the team play. Bonus conditions typically including selected bonus outcomes and a bonus time period, during which bonus time period all outcomes of the grouped machines are monitored to determine the total bonus outcomes. If the total bonus outcomes of the team meet the bonus conditions within the bonus time period, then a bonus payout is awarded to all of the players. Players are thus encouraged to participate in a social, team environment with others of the team to win the group bonus. The invention is applicable to all slot machines, including video poker machines wherein the bonus outcomes include selected video poker hand ranks, and reeled slot machines wherein the bonus outcomes include selected reel outcomes.
US08235780B2
Card game system and device having supplemental awards based on consecutive non-terminating outcomes
A card game includes a plurality of rounds playable upon at least one base wager and at least one supplemental wager. Each one of the rounds results in an outcome, where a base award is associated with at least one of the outcomes. A pattern condition is fulfillable when a pattern of the outcomes corresponds to one of a plurality of designated patterns. Different supplemental awards are provided based on the fulfillment of the pattern condition.
US08235779B2
The present invention provides a gaming machine which: displays a moving symbol on a main display in a case where a plurality of specific symbols are displayed; displays a plurality of score symbols associated with scores on a second display from a first side edge to a second side edge of the second display; displays the moving symbol in a direction that intersects with a moving direction of the score symbols displayed on the second display in response to each input from an input device; and, in a case where the moving symbol is determined to superimpose any one of the plurality of score symbols, provides an award corresponding to a score of the score symbol being superimposed.
US08235778B2
Disclosed is a game system capable of introducing a distinctive feature into each of a processing of designating offensive and defensive locations and a processing of determining a competition result so as to provide a game having a high level of playability. The game system comprises a plurality of game apparatuses each equipped with a touch panel 10 and a monitor 3, and connected to each other via a network. Each of the game apparatuses includes an image display control section 302 adapted to display a strike zone image (SZ image) on the monitor 3, and a setup section 304 adapted, based on manipulation information accepted from the touch panel 10, to set up a pitch location (or swing location) within the SZ image, and set up a shape of a first mark image on the basis of the setup location. The image display control section 302 is also adapted to display the first mark image on the SZ image in a superimposed manner, and, after completion of the setup processing by the setup section 304, display, onto the SZ image, a second mark image for the swing location (or pitch location) which is received from an opponent's game apparatus. The game apparatus further includes a batting result-setting section 307 adapted to set a batting result depending on a degree of overlapping between the first and second mark images.
US08235777B2
The described method and apparatus pertains namely to the HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) industry, though its many functions extend into any and all forms of air-fluid movement, metering, distribution, and containment. Essentially, the scope of operation of the method and apparatus encompasses all forms of scientific and engineering measurement dealing with fluid dynamics, fluid statics, fluid mechanics, thermal dynamics, and mechanical engineering as they pertain to precise, articulated control of air-fluid distribution and delivery. The described method and apparatus offers complete, comprehensive, and correct utilization of air-fluid movers and terminal devices under unique sensor logic control, from initial lab testing stages through to equipment cataloguing, selection, design and construction of any and all air-fluid distribution systems in entirety, whereas previously there was no such cohesive, total and terminal method of control for these systems or their components.
US08235766B2
A maternity garment, which provides mild support to shape a woman's body and to act as a suspender for bottoms such as pants, shorts, or skirts that may be ill fitting due to body changes as a result of pregnancy, wherein the preferred garment has at least one shoulder strap, a belly panel, a hip band, two side panels, and a back panel, and is made of high performance fabric with varying degrees of compression.
US08235764B2
A body-shaping garment and fabric is provided. The garment includes an inner fabric layer and an outer fabric layer. The inner fabric layer is placed in an angular orientation relative to the outer fabric layer. Further, the inner fabric layer and the outer fabric layer have sufficiently isotropic hysteresis.
US08235756B2
Apparatus, systems, and methods for assembling a plug with a low profile for use with an electronic device are provided. In some embodiments, a 4-pin plug may include a diameter similar to the diameter of a 3-pin plug. In some embodiments, the fourth pin may be coupled to the plug such that a portion of the fourth pin may be coupled to any suitable device on an internal surface of the plug. In some embodiments, the fourth pin may dive into the plug at the same depth as one of the other three pins of the plug. The pins within the plug may be coupled (e.g., soldered) at the ends that may emerge underneath an overmold to any other suitable device to form electrical connections. The plug may be used to transmit audio or transfer data to a user of the electronic device.
US08235742B2
A connector having a sliding cam that prevents twisting when mating with a mating connector. The connector having an inner housing, an inner housing, a slider receiving slot, and a slider. The inner housing includes a contact positioned in the inner housing, while the outer housing is attached to the inner housing. The slider receiving slot is positioned in the outer housing, and the slider includes a plurality of multiple cam grooves with cam pin insertion openings into which a plurality of cam pins positioned along a side surface of a mating connector are inserted. The slider is slidably received in the slider receiving slot. A plurality of temporary mating projections are positioned along the cam pin insertion openings, wherein a height of one of the plurality of temporary mating projections is higher than a height of another of the plurality of temporary mating projections.
US08235741B2
The invention relates to an electric plug-in connector having a contact carrier (1) and a threaded part (2), which can be screwed together with a counter-threaded part (4) of a counter plug connector in a configuration as a cap nut or cap screw, wherein an elastic sealing element (5) is pressed together, wherein an actuation sleeve (6) is associated with the threaded part (2), to which a torque can be applied, and which is pivot-coupled to the threaded part (2). In order to avoid damage to the sealing element, the invention provides an elastic active element (7, 30, 34) that deforms during the pressing together of the sealing element (5) such that the pivot coupling is released between the actuation sleeve (6) and the threaded part (2) upon exceeding a threshold deformation
US08235738B2
A card edge connector for mating with an electronic card includes an elongated housing (1), a number of contacts retained to the housing (1), and a retainer (2) at one end of the housing (1). The housing (1) has a pair of opposed side walls (11), a central slot (12) between the side walls and a fitting section at one end thereof. The fitting section defines a pair of axes holes (145). The retainer (2) has a base portion (21) with a pair of pivots (211) engaging with the axes holes (145), a latch projection (22) inwardly extending from the base portion for locking the electronic card, a flexible arm (23) unitarily extending from the base portion (21) to resist an inner wall of the fitting section for fastening the retainer (2) to the housing (1).
US08235736B2
A connector is connectable to a cable having a plurality of signal wires and a drain wire. Each of the signal wires includes a signal conductor. The connector comprises a plurality of contacts, a holding member and a shell. The holding member is provided with an accommodating portion configured to accommodate an end part of the drain wire. The accommodating portion extends through the holding portion along a predetermined direction. The contacts configured to be connected to the signal conductors, respectively. The contacts are held by the holding member so that connection works between the contacts and the signal conductors are performable along the predetermined direction. The shell covers, at least in part, the holding member. The shell has a fixing portion exposed in the accommodating portion so that the end part of the drain wire is fixable to the fixing portion within the accommodating portion.
US08235733B2
In an electrical connector to be attached to a circuit board, a terminal has a contact section on one free end side to contact with a terminal of a mating connector and has a connecting section on the other free end side to be connected by soldering to a circuit portion of a circuit board. The terminal has a holding section and a connecting section. The holding section has a face-contact section, a backside section, and a side-face section. The terminal has a low solder wetting area at least on a part of a circumferential area of the holding section in the longitudinal direction, and the contact section is formed above the upper end of the low solder wetting area on the backside section. The upper end of the low solder wetting area is provided below the upper end at the side-face sections and the contact-face section.
US08235729B2
A connector has an insulating housing of which two opposite ends extended frontward to form a pair of supporting arms, terminals mounted in the insulating housing having soldering portions projected out of a bottom of the insulating housing, and a positioning member. The positioning member has a base slice. A rear of a side edge the base slice is extended downward to form a holding slice movably received in a through slot recessed at the supporting arm. A front of the side edge of the base slice is extended downward and then bent perpendicularly to form a soldering slice. As the height between the base slice and the soldering slice is bigger than that of the supporting arm, the positioning member is capable of moving up-and-down to adjust the relative position between the soldering slice and the soldering portions of the terminals.
US08235728B2
An apparatus for teaching and practicing an ophthalmologic surgical technique of creating the continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis comprises a flexible and removable cellophane-type cover, which is wrapped substantially around a putty-like malleable body to mimic the human anterior lens capsule and lens anatomy.
US08235721B2
The subject matter of the invention is, in one example, a dental implant for implantation in a human or animal jawbone with an implant for receiving a dental prosthesis. Providing a dental implant that can be implanted with less discomfort for the patient is achieved in that the implant is at least in parts surrounded with bone substance of the patient, said bone substance not originating from the place in the jaw of the patient at which the dental implant is intended to be implanted.
US08235720B2
A prophylactic system 100 for a dental hand piece 101 of a selected shape and having an outlet 112 for providing a fluid to an operating field is disclosed. A cover 102 has a shape substantially similar to the hand piece 101 for enclosing the dental hand piece 101 and includes an aperture 118 for communicating with the operating field. An s-shaped valve 600 includes a path 605 for coupling the fluid from outlet 118 of the hand piece 101 to the aperture 118 of the cover.
US08235715B2
A dental template formed of an ultraviolet light-blocking or chemical cure inhibition material configured to restrict the curing of excess adhesive flash during the bonding of orthodontic devices to teeth. The dental template is configured to be positioned over a patient's teeth to guide placement of brackets on the teeth. The brackets are secured to the teeth using adhesive, which is cured by exposure to ultraviolet light or chemically cured. The dental template at least partially blocks ultraviolet light or restricts the chemical cure process from fully curing the adhesive underneath the template so that any exposed adhesive “flash” underneath the template can be easily cleaned after the template is removed from the teeth. The adhesive securing the brackets to the teeth can be fully cured after the “flash” is cleaned.
US08235713B2
The present invention provides improved devices, systems and methods for repositioning teeth from an initial tooth arrangement to a final tooth arrangement. Repositioning is accomplished with a system comprising a series of polymeric shell appliances configured to receive the teeth and incrementally reposition individual teeth in a series of successive steps. The individual appliances may be formed from layers having different stiffnesses (elastic moduluses), and the stiffnesses of successive appliances may be different, or both.
US08235712B1
A device intended to assist in the accurate and controlled shrinkage of thermo-shrinkable container-jacketing material. Said device producing at least an elevated temperature in a heated processing zone. Heat energy available in said heated processing zone primarily derived from a first heat source, preferably pressurized steam. Said first heat source steam exhibiting preferred characteristics related to the controlled shrinking of thermo-shrinkable materials. A second heat source, other than steam, acting in cooperative relationship with said first heat source steam, delaying the decay of one or more preferred characteristics of said first heat source steam. Said first heat source steam, urging said heat-shrinkable materials to shrink, substantially conforming to receiving containers in a preferred manner along one or more axis.
US08235702B2
An apparatus comprises an extruding device having a dispensing opening for extruding a flowable material along an exit direction through the dispensing opening, and a cutting arrangement for separating a dose from the flowable material, the cutting arrangement being movable with a motion component that is parallel to the exit direction.
US08235701B2
A device is constructed for adjusting the concentricity of a die within an extrusion die assembly. The adjustment mechanism involves a series of compound screws having multiple operating threads that employ different pitches to generate a fine adjustment motion. The compound screws are coupled to opposing spring loaded plungers that move against a bias spring in reaction to movement of the compound screws.
US08235698B2
A blowing machine for containers, in particular bottles, with a preform heating module, to which a blow wheel is assigned and which contains a conveyor chain with exchangeable heating mandrels and optionally exchangeable shielding plates, with a service area provided on the conveyor chain in the heating module, in which an automatic changer for the automatic changeover of at least the heating mandrels is arranged. The automatic changer includes a magazine holder, a turret, which is adjustable and rotatable between the magazine holder and the conveyor chain, with grippers, and movably drivable unlocking components for engaging locks.
US08235693B2
A power supply device for supplying an electric power to a servo amplifier is configured by an AC/DC converter and a power accumulating device. Among a molding cycle, during a process where an amount of consumed power is small, a DC voltage is supplied to the servo amplifier from the AC/DC converter and a power is accumulated in the power accumulating device. In a process such as an injection process where a large power is required, a high DC voltage is supplied to the servo amplifier from the power accumulating device in place of the AC/DC converter.
US08235690B2
There is disclosed a scroll compressor capable of improving the oil separating device of a refrigerant gas discharged from a scroll compression element to effectively suppress the amount of oil to be discharged through a discharge tube. The scroll compressor has, in a sealed container, a scroll compression element, a motor element which drives the scroll compression element, and a support frame having a bearing portion which keeps a shaft of the motor element, and provided with a communication path. The scroll compressor further includes a shield plate which extends from the support frame to the motor element side to surround the periphery of the bearing portion, and a guide member provided at an outlet of the communication path to guide the discharged gas in the direction of the shield plate.
US08235686B2
Two embodiments of a portable fan for use in the cup holder of a recreational vehicle such as a golf cart are shown and described. In the first embodiment, a bottle-shaped body has a cup-shaped lower portion separated from the body by a shoulder which acts as a limit stop when inserting the base into a cup holder. A shrouded impeller is pivotally connected to the top of the base and exhibits an integral carry handle. The entire structure is made of a suitable plastic such as high density polyethylene. In the second embodiment, the impeller is located intervally of the body for safety and a bell-shaped outlet directs air through a diffuser with circular louvers.
US08235683B2
A Inlet pipe (151) communicating the space inside the hermetic enclosure with sound absorbing space (147) of inlet muffler (145) is provided so as to be inclined downward from inlet-pipe inlet (155) toward inlet-pipe outlet (157). Outlet pipe (153) communicating sound absorbing space (147) with an inlet valve includes outlet-pipe inlet (161) and outlet-pipe outlet (163). Inlet-pipe inlet (155) and outlet-pipe inlet (161) are formed at substantially same height. Herewith, introducing a refrigerant gas to outlet-pipe inlet (161) making efficient use of potential energy of the refrigerant improves the compression efficiency and stabilizes the performance of the compressor.
US08235678B2
A differentially pumped vacuum system includes first, second and third chambers, and a pumping arrangement for evacuating the chambers. The pumping arrangement includes a compound pump having a first inlet connected to an outlet from the first chamber, a second inlet connected to an outlet from the second chamber, a first pumping section and a second pumping section downstream from the first pumping section, the sections being arranged such that fluid entering the compound pump from the first inlet passes through the first and second pumping sections and fluid entering the compound pump from the second inlet passes through, of said sections, only the second section. The pumping arrangement further includes a booster pump having an inlet connected to an outlet from the third chamber, and a backing pump having an inlet connected to the exhaust from the booster pump. Fluid exhaust from the compound pump can be conveyed to either a second booster pump inlet or the backing pump inlet as required.
US08235677B2
A compressing diaphragm pump having automatic air expelling and pressure abnormal-preventing features for spray use has a hollow tubular air discharge assembly having a plunger body and compressed spring as well as an air passage pierced at the wall of the water exit port and an air discharge orifice pierced of the central top surface of the air discharge assembly for connecting with the plunger body. When air is mixed within the pressurized water, the resilient force of the compressed spring is bigger than the water pressure of the pressurized water. This allows the air mixed in the pressurized water to get into the air passage and pass the plunger opening of the plunger body via through pore, and is dispelled out of the upper hood via the air discharge orifice of the air discharge assembly.
US08235671B2
A wind turbine blade has upper and lower shell members with a respective spar cap configured on an internal face of the shell members. A shear web extends between the spar caps along a longitudinal length of the blade. A connection assembly is configured between the transverse ends of the shear web and the spar caps and includes a channel structure configured on the spar cap. The channel structure includes rigid side walls that extend from the spar cap along the longitudinal sides of the shear web. Bond paste is disposed between the channel structure side walls and the longitudinal sides of the shear web.
US08235670B2
A ceramic matrix composite (CMC) airfoil assembled from a pressure side wall (42) and a suction side wall (52) joined by interlocking joints (18, 19) at the leading and trailing edges (22, 24) of the airfoil to produce a tapered thin trailing edge. The trailing edge (24) is thinner than a combined thicknesses of the airfoil walls (42, 52). One or both of the interlocking joints (18, 19) may be formed to allow only a single direction of assembly, as exemplified by a dovetail joint. Each joint (18, 19) includes keys (44F, 54F, 56F, 46F) on one side and respective keyways (44K, 54K, 56K, 46K) on the other side. Each keyway may have a ramp (45) that eliminates indents in the airfoil outer surface that would otherwise result from the joint.
US08235668B2
A multiblade air blower has a multiblade impeller, an orifice, an axially overlaid portion, and an airflow collision prevention device. The multiblade impeller includes a main plate and a blade. The blade is provided at the main plate to form a blade inner periphery. The orifice has an open end and an orifice inner periphery. The open end is positioned toward the main plate from a blade end face. The orifice inner periphery has an inner diameter larger than that of the blade inner periphery, and guides air to the multiblade impeller. The axially overlaid portion is a part where the orifice and the blades are overlaid. The airflow collision prevention device is provided at the blade and at an inner side of the orifice inner periphery. The multiblade air blower suppresses loss of air distribution efficiency and increased noise.
US08235666B2
A propeller for a marine propulsion system is disclosed which comprises a propeller hub having a casing formed from three segments (16a, 16b, 16c), each of which has a part of an opening (28) for mounting a propeller blade (34). A locking and unlocking mechanism (51, 54, 95, 100) is provided for disengaging the propeller blades to enable pitch adjustment of the blades. A push rod (50) is connected to the mechanism (100) to cause disengagement and adjustment of the pitch of the blades. The mechanism (100) includes a claw (101) having pivotally connected fingers (95). The hub also has a slide ring (51) having a load surface (61) is provided for receiving load when the propeller blades are unlocked to enable pitch adjustment to take place.
US08235662B2
A wind turbine and system for controlling a wind turbine using a nosecone mounted metrology system is disclosed. The wind turbine comprises at least one wind sensor for determining at least one wind characteristic. The wind sensor is mounted on a boom and located at a predetermined distance outward from the wind turbine nosecone.
US08235651B2
The purpose of the invention is to protect, in a horizontal axis wind turbine with an exhaust aperture for exhausting air from within the nacelle, the exhaust aperture and the internal structures from storm winds through facing the exhaust aperture away from the storm wind, even when storm winds are received from all directions relative to the nacelle. A rotary duct is attached to the nacelle so as to be able to rotate freely in the yaw direction, and is rotated in the yaw direction in accordance with changes in the wind direction. The exhaust aperture is provided at a position that changes direction depending on the rotation of the rotary duct in the yaw direction. By rotating the rotary duct in the yaw direction so that the exhaust aperture will face the downwind side in accordance with changes in the wind direction, the exhaust aperture can be faced away from storm winds, even when storm winds are received from all directions in relation to the nacelle.
US08235650B2
A cooling fan includes a fan housing (30) having a central tube (34) extending upwardly therefrom, a bearing (60) being received in the central tube, a stator (20) being mounted around the central tube, and a rotor (10) having a shaft (18) extending through the bearing. At least one notch (180, 184) is defined in an end of the shaft. A balance structure (62) is mounted around the shaft, and has a portion facing and surrounding an upper portion of the at least one notch of the shaft. The balance structure is made of magnetic material, which can attract the shaft downward to thereby counter the upward force generated by the rotor when it is driven to rotate. Accordingly, the noise problem incurred by the floating of the rotating rotor can be resolved by the present invention.
US08235643B2
A component loader orients a component along its long-axis for transfer from a rotatable load plate. The load plate has an outer peripheral edge and an upper surface inclined from a horizontal plane. Slots on the upper surface terminate at the outer edge of the load plate and are sized to receive at least one elongate chip lying with its long axis perpendicular to the axis of the load plate and in parallel with radius of the load plate. An outer wall conforms to the curvature of the outer edge and is mounted adjacent thereto. A transfer slot extends axially from and into the upper surface of the load plate on outer ends of the slots and terminates at the outer edge of the load plate. Each transfer slot is shaped so that a chip descending therein from a slot has a ninety degree rotation about the long axis.
US08235639B2
A method for producing adhesive-bound book blocks from gathered signatures for which the individual signatures forming a non-bound book block are supplied while positioned on the spine on a transfer section to an opened conveying clamp on a perfect binder and are subsequently held while clamped in by the closed conveying clamp along the flat outer surfaces. The gathered signatures of a book block are released in an additional conveying section from the conveying clamp in order to be aligned while guided. Prior to leaving the conveying section for aligning the signatures, the signatures are clamped in once more by the conveying clamps along the flat outer surfaces, so that they can be conveyed to further processing locations.
US08235635B1
An anchoring fastener comprises a shaft (100) with straight and tapered portions, a tip (105) at the front, cam follower surfaces (110, 111) at the rear, a body (120) with a bore, a head (125) with a hole, and fins (115). There is a bendable region by the fins. The anchor is inserted into a wallboard (600) until the head contacts the wallboard. The fins slice into the wallboard, thereby preventing rotation during and after insertion. An activating member (900), a screw or a pin, is inserted into the hole and urged against the cam follower surfaces, thereby forcing the shaft to rotate until it comes into contact with the inner surface (615) of the wallboard. An object-holding washer (905), restrained by the activating member, is secured to the anchor which in turn is secured to the wallboard.
US08235634B2
A cage nut assembly is provided for retaining a nut within a cage's nut capture region defined by a base with a hole substantially in its center, two lateral truss integral with the base and perpendicular to each other, and two upwardly extending arms also integral with the base. The two upwardly extending arms form a C-shaped head at the distal end that extend over the nut capture region. Thus a nut disposed in said cage is substantially flush with the base of said cage. A multiple cage nut assembly is provided for retaining a nut within cage's plurality of nut capture regions. One such nut capture region being defined by a base with a hole substantially in its center, two lateral truss integral with the base and perpendicular to each other, and two upwardly extending arms also integral with the base. The two upwardly extending arms form a C-shaped head at the distal end that extend over the nut capture region. Thus a nut disposed in said cage is substantially flush with the base of said cage. At least one other nut capture region being defined by a base with a hole substantially in its center, two lateral truss integral with the base and perpendicular to each other, and two upwardly extending arms also integral with the base. The two upwardly extending arms form a head with a bearing surface at the distal end that extend over the nut capture region. Thus a nut disposed in said cage is substantially flush with the base of said cage.
US08235630B2
A method for driving a number of sheet pile planks which have jaw slots into the ground, having the steps of: providing a previous sheet pile plank provided with at least one discontinuity, driving this previous sheet pile plank into the ground, causing the jaw slots of a previous sheet pile plank driven into the ground and a next sheet pile plank to interlock, driving the next sheet pile plank into the ground while maintaining the interlocking of said jaw slots, causing the next sheet pile plank to interact with the discontinuity of the previous sheet pile plank, and stopping the process of driving the next sheet pile plank into the ground after this mechanical event has been detected at the top end of this sheet pile plank.
US08235627B2
A system for detecting and remediating a discharge of fuel from a fuel source facility is disclosed. The system can comprise a contamination detection subsystem configured to detect a discharge of fuel from the fuel source facility and a remediation subsystem configured to remediate contamination due to the discharge of fuel. A controller can automatically activate the remediation subsystem upon detection of a discharge by the contamination detection subsystem. The controller can automatically send a notification that a contamination has been detected and the remediation system has been activated. Alternatively or in addition, the controller can automatically send a notification that a contamination has been detected and the remediation system has been activated.
US08235624B2
A restrictor plate assembly is disclosed. The assembly is adapted for being positioned within a catch basin throat so that the throat extends rearward of the assembly. The assembly has a longitudinally extending restrictor plate and a restrictor plate securing system, which includes a first clamp arm, pivotally positioned against the restrictor plate, for engaging a first throat surface of the catch basin; a second clamp arm pivotally positioned against the restrictor plate, for engaging a second throat surface of the catch basin, the second throat surface opposing the first throat surface; and an urging member which simultaneously urges the first and second clamp arms against the first and second throat surfaces, respectively.
US08235618B2
Device for distributing a low volume or dose of product includes a reservoir defined by a joining area of two groups and that contains a distribution orifice, and an applicator including a grasping organ and a distribution organ composed of a rod, whose end is fitted with a distribution nozzle and whose other end is included in the grasping organ, at least one of the groups being a shell including a cavity having a collar that the joining area in part of and at least one of the groups has a collar including a trough; the distribution orifice communicating with the reservoir by a neck formed by the space between the two groups, the trough forming its wall at least partially; the neck including a breakable structure, breaking an area opening the orifice.
US08235594B2
An alignment fixture for taking X-ray images of a patient, such as an image of the patient's hip region preparatory to hip arthroplasty. The alignment fixture comprises multiple support legs for resting on the patient at known positions, such as upon known bony prominences, in combination with aiming marks used for anatomically aligning the patent's pelvis under an X-ray beam. A ruled grid plate on the fixture is adjustably positioned between an image beam source and the patient, as a function of patient thickness in the pelvic region, so that a ruled grid overlays the anatomical region of interest and exhibits an apparent parallax image magnification corresponding with the parallax image magnification of a centerline of the anatomical region, such as the hip joint. X-ray images taken by use of the alignment fixture can be viewed and/or scaled to select a properly sized prosthesis for the specific patient.
US08235589B1
The specific heat of a working fluid flowing along a channel is measured without having to provide an explicit flow rate correction. A specific heat sensing probe is configured with a stagnation enclosure surrounding a thermal transfer sensor. The stagnation enclosure is designed to provide a stagnation chamber in throttled communication with an outside of the enclosure so that the working fluid can flow into and out of the stagnation chamber at a seepage rate substantially less than the fluid flow rate. The thermal transfer sensor is operable to exchange heat with adjacent fluid and to provide a signal representative of the quantity of heat exchanged.
US08235582B2
A tumbler is mounted for rotation around a trunnion with a screen fixedly mounted to a portion of the trunnion residing within the tumbler. A multiple blade paddle is mounted to a shaft that is rotatably supported through the trunnion. The paddle blades are formed with angular edges. As the tumbler rotates and the paddle rotates, powder is repeatedly dropped onto the screen to be sifted with the aid of the paddle. Rotating the tumbler further drops unsifted portions of the powder from the screen to mix with additional powder in the tumbler body. Thus, sifting and blending of powders is accomplished in one single operation.
US08235578B2
Provided here is an agitation vessel which enhances energy transmission efficiency in an agitation apparatus and an analysis apparatus, simplifies the structure of the agitation apparatus and the analysis apparatus, and allows for downsizing and improved maintenanceability. An agitation vessel (5) agitates retained liquid by sound waves. A sound wave generating member (24) which generates sound waves is provided integrally with the agitation vessel (5). The agitation vessel (5) includes a bottom wall (5d) and plural side walls (5c) made of an optically transparent material, and a part of the opposing side walls among the plural side walls (5c) is a photometric window (5b) that optically measures the liquid agitated. The sound wave generating member (24) is arranged on the side wall (5c), on which the photometric window (5b) is arranged, among the plural side walls (5c).
US08235577B2
Methods and apparatus for coating particulate material are provided. The apparatus includes a vessel having a top and a bottom, a vertically extending conduit having an inlet in the vessel and an outlet outside of the vessel, a first fluid inlet in the bottom of the vessel for introducing a transfer fluid, a second fluid inlet in the bottom of the vessel for introducing a coating fluid, and a fluid outlet from the vessel. The method includes steps of agitating a material, contacting the material with a coating material, and drying the coating material to produce a coated material. The invention may be adapted to coat aerogel beads, among other materials. A coated aerogel bead and an aerogel-based insulation material are also disclosed.
US08235575B2
Disclosed is a light emitting diode (LED) light board. The LED light board includes: a light guide panel (LGP) shaped as a rectangle; an LED module disposed at a lateral side of the LGP and including a plurality of LEDs; a first frame having the LED module embedded therein and coupled to one side of an edge of the LGP; a second frame coupled to the other side of the edge of the LGP perpendicular to both ends of the first frame; and a corner finishing end on which the first frame and the second frame are connected to each other and corners of the first frame and the second frame are finished. The first and second frames include a sidewall formed at one edge of the LGP, an upper wing bent on an end of a sidewall, and a lower wing bent on the other end of the sidewall.
US08235561B2
Among other disclosed subject matter, a lighting device cooled by being at least partially submerged is provided. The lighting device includes a housing forming a chamber having at least one transparent portion. The lighting device includes a diode in the chamber emitting light through the transparent portion. The lighting device includes a cooling conduit configured for a liquid to flow along the chamber when the lighting device is at least partially submerged in the liquid, without the liquid contacting the diode. The diode is mounted on a surface that abuts the cooling conduit.
US08235559B2
A light fixture comprises a housing configured to store a plurality of light bulbs therein, wherein at least one of the light bulbs is located in a non-illumination position within the housing. The light fixture may also comprise an openable door such that at least one light bulb is coupled to the door. The light fixture may also comprise an actuatable mechanism that releases the light fixture from a fixed position when actuated to enable variable positioning of the light fixture.
US08235554B2
Provided is a light fixture having a first elongate body defining a mounting surface. A light module is disposed adjacent the mounting surface and includes a module body and a plurality of light emitting devices disposed on the mounting body. The light emitting device defines an emitting axis about which light is emitted. The fixture further includes a first reflector member and a second reflector member disposed on opposed sides of the emitting axis for reflecting light emanated by the light emitting devices. The first reflector member and the second reflector member are pivotable to vary the angle at which light is emitted from the light fixture.
US08235542B2
An illumination device for illuminating a paved floor comprising a container, which comprises a box creating a cavity therein and a first frame, integrally connected to the upper rim of the box; an illumination set comprising at least one light source (e.g. LED), where the illumination set is installed inside the container, where at least one light source enables illumination of the illumination device; a cover, which is adapted to be seated within the first frame, where the cover enables light from the illumination set to be transferred therethrough; a second frame, enabling to hold the cover between the first and the second frame; and at least two fastening means enabling to fasten the second frame to the first frame to hold the cover therebetween. The illumination device may be configured to be installed in the paved floor as one of the floor's tiles.
US08235536B2
Image projectors with increased light intensity and methods for providing brighter images are provided. Image projectors, described herein, can provide the brightness while still providing any or all of compactness, low power consumption, and long lifetime. To increase brightness, sectional mirrors are used to respectively compress the light from two light sources into a single pupil (e.g. an aperture) of an imaging device. The compression can be accomplished by regions (e.g. sections) of the mirror having different angles with respect to the pupil. Relatively little light may be lost in the compression since minima for a light intensity pattern from a light source may occur between the regions that reflect the light.
US08235535B2
A projector which modulates light emitted from a light source and projects the modulated light, includes: a light source drive device which includes a light source drive unit for driving the light source and a light source control unit for controlling operation of the light source drive unit; and a control unit which includes a first communication unit connected with the light source control unit and a second communication unit connected with the light source drive unit, and allows the light source control unit to control operation of the light source drive unit by outputting control command from the first communication unit. The control unit determines whether the control corresponding to the control command has been normally performed, and outputs control information from the second communication unit to control the light source drive unit when it is determined that the control has not been normally performed.
US08235532B2
A system comprises two or more light sources comprising a first light source and a second light source, each light source of the two or more light sources configured to provide light of a particular wavelength, wherein a first wavelength of a first light provided by the first light source differs from a second wavelength of a second light provided by the second light source, and wherein the first light has a first radiant energy that experiences roll-off. The system further comprises a controller configured to modulate an attribute of each light source to compensate for the roll-off, the modulation comprising modulating an attribute of the first light source, and the modulation further comprising modulating an attribute of the second light source, the modulation of the second attribute being different from the modulation of the first attribute.
US08235527B2
A medical imaging apparatus capable of concurrently performing a plurality of imaging operations including an imaging sequence setting unit configured to set a sequence for each of the plurality of imaging operations, an overlapping determination unit configured to determine temporal overlapping between an imaging sequence of an imaging operation that is currently performed and an imaging sequence for an imaging operation that is to be started, and an imaging sequence adjustment unit configured to adjust, based on a result of determination made by the overlapping determination unit, the imaging sequence for the imaging operation that is to be started.
US08235521B2
A recording apparatus has a pair of bearings 38 having: two surfaces 38a and 38b which support both edge portions of a conveying roller 40; driven rollers 42 which press the conveying roller 40 in the direction where extension lines of the two surfaces 38a and 38b cross; and further, an intermediate bearing 47 which presses the conveying roller 40 in the direction of a point where the extension lines of the two surfaces 38a and 38b cross.
US08235520B2
A droplet discharge device includes a stage, a droplet discharge head, a movement unit and a light radiating unit. The droplet discharge head includes nozzles arranged to discharge droplets of photo-curable liquid material toward a drawing region of a workpiece. The movement unit is arranged to move the stage and the droplet discharge head relative to each other. The light radiating unit has a light emitting part capable of emitting light to an entire area of the drawing region and disposed on a side opposite from the surface of the workpiece on which the liquid material is applied. The light emitting part is arranged not to emit the light to the portion of the drawing region when the droplet discharge head is disposed at a position over the portion, and to emit the light to the portion when the droplet discharge head has moved away from the position.
US08235512B2
A liquid container includes a liquid-containing bag filled with liquid and having a supply port that discharges the liquid; an outer frame accommodating the liquid-containing bag; a detecting plate fixed on the liquid-containing bag for detection of a liquid-exhausted state; and at least one protrusion disposed on the outer frame. The protrusion regulates transfer of the detecting plate in a direction along which the liquid-containing bag is compressed when the amount of the liquid remaining in the liquid-containing bag becomes small, and ensures a space through which the liquid can flow in the liquid-containing bag.
US08235504B2
An inkjet head includes a discharge element substrate including a base material provided with an energy generation element for generating energy to be used for discharging ink, a discharge port provided corresponding to the energy generation element, and an electrode pad electrically connected to the energy generation element, an electric contact substrate including an electric contact terminal for receiving an electric signal from an inkjet apparatus, and an electric wiring tape for electrically connecting the electric contact substrate and the discharge element substrate to each other, wherein a sealing member sealing a vicinity of an electric connection portion between the electric contact substrate and the electric wiring tape is a cured product of a composition including a silicone-modified resin, a boron trifluoride compound, and a mercaptosilane compound.
US08235502B2
A print engine for a printer unit includes a cradle unit including a print engine controller provided on flex printed circuit board, and a cover assembly for covering a recess defined by the cradle; a replaceable cartridge unit received within the recess of the cradle unit in a releasable manner, the replaceable cartridge having a body, an ink storage module assembly, and a pagewidth printhead assembly; and a print media transport means for transporting print media. The ink storage module assembly includes a plurality of ink storage modules received in the body from a first side, and the pagewidth printhead assembly is mounted to the body at a second side opposite the first side. The cover assembly is engaged with the flex printed circuit board to pivot the flex printed circuit board in and out of electrical engagement with the pagewidth printhead assembly upon closing and opening of the cover assembly with respect to the recess.
US08235492B2
A recording apparatus has a controller that controls a conveying roller and a discharge roller for conveying a recording medium. The controller controls the rotation phases of the conveying roller and the discharge roller when the recording medium leaves the conveying roller before the recording medium enters the conveying roller.
US08235491B2
A registration plate assembly for a compliant conveyance system and is adapted for use in combination with an array of print heads each having a print head nozzle. The registration plate assembly includes a mounting plate, a registration plate affixed to the mounting plate and at least one runner fastened to the mounting plate and disposed within an opening defined by the registration plate. The mounting plate has at least one aperture therein for accepting a print head nozzle associated with each of the print head and the registration plate includes and an opening for permitting the deposition of ink from each of the print head nozzles. The runner is aligned with the feed path of the conveyance system and has a blade portion disposed at a location between adjacent print head nozzles which is operative to maintain a stand-off distance from the face surface of each mailpiece to one of the print head nozzles.
US08235483B2
A droplet jetting device that includes a recording head section, a pressure sensor and a regulation pump is provided. The recording head section includes a recording head that jets droplets from nozzles and records an image at a recording medium. The pressure sensor is provided at the recording head section and senses a pressure of liquid supplied to the recording head by a main pump from a main tank. The main tank is disposed at a position away from the recording head section. The regulation pump is provided at the recording head section that is smaller in scale than the main pump and regulates pressure of the liquid such that the pressure of the liquid sensed by the pressure sensor is constant.
US08235480B2
A door hinge assembly for a refrigerator includes a refrigerator door pivotally coupled to a main body of the refrigerator and provided with at least one groove and a hinge unit enabling the refrigerator door to pivot. The hinge unit includes a hinge pin providing a pivot axis of the refrigerator door and a hook member provided at a side of the hinge pin and inserted and hooked in the groove.
US08235475B2
An anti-tip linkage mechanism for vertical file cabinets of the type having drawers and/or pivotal front panels includes molded polymeric cam follower housings that snap-fit onto each of the slide channels for the drawers or panels and non-circular connecting rods attached to cam actuators that enable interaction of the anti-tip mechanisms incorporated with each slide channel. Lock actuated auxiliary cam mechanisms and panel locking assemblies controllable by a single cabinet lock are connected with a cabinet lock by linkage bars or cables.
US08235471B2
An apparatus for controlling a pump driving motor includes estimated fluid volume obtaining means for obtaining an estimated volume of a brake fluid discharged to a reservoir, hydraulic pump controlling means for specifying the number of rotations of the motor for driving a hydraulic pump based on the estimated volume and for driving the hydraulic pump with the specified number of rotations, and changing means for changing the number of rotations of the motor to be smaller than the number of rotations specified on the basis of the estimated volume in a case where an actual time defined from a driving start of the hydraulic pump to a point where the brake fluid in the reservoir actually turns to zero is shorter than an estimated time over which the estimated volume turns to zero by a driving of the hydraulic pump with the specified number of rotations of the motor.
US08235469B2
The invention relates to an adjustable belt guide for the upper hold point of a three-point seat belt with a directing element, via which the belt band of the three-point seat belt can be guided, with a connecting element to fix the belt guide 4 to a backrest of a vehicle seat and with an adjustment element arranged between connecting element and directing element. It is provided according to the invention that the adjustment element is developed such that the distance between the backrest, i.e. the connecting element, and the directing element is variable perpendicular to the backrest and the directing element can be fixed in various positions vis-á-vis the backrest.In addition, the invention relates to a vehicle seat with integrated three-point seat belt in which the belt band of the three-point seat belt is guided by an adjustable belt guide connected to the backrest.
US08235461B2
In at least one embodiment, a shock absorbing ventilated seat is provided that includes a seat portion; and a back portion adjustably hinged to the seat portion. At least one of the seat and the back portions include a planer sheet of shock absorbing material located therein. The shock absorbing material has a top layer, a bottom layer, and a plurality of pairs of ribs that couple the top layer to the bottom layer so as to create a plurality of channels in the material. The top layer has a plurality of perforations therein that communicate with the plurality of channels, each of the plurality of channels having an opening on an end of the material coupled to an air source that cause air to pass through the openings of the channels and exit through the perforations in the material.
US08235458B2
Provided is a side part structure of a vehicle capable of efficiently suppressing deformation of a rocker using a center pillar when the rocker begins to buckle due to a load transmitted from the center pillar to the rocker in the event of a side collision or the like, so that the deformation amount of the rocker may be decreased.The side part structure of the vehicle includes a center pillar 2 that extends in the vertical direction, and the lower end of the center pillar 2 is connected to a rocker 1 that extends in the longitudinal direction. A portion bonded to the rocker 1 in the center pillar 2 is provided with a front ridge line 24 and a rear ridge line 25 respectively located at the front and rear sides of the vehicle, and the front ridge line 24 and the rear ridge line 25 are both formed toward the center portion of the width direction of the center pillar 2 and become close to each other as they go downward.
US08235451B2
A method and system for deforming a drive rod in a door after an impact to the door. An automobile having a door with a door handle, a drive rod, a latching system, a striker, and a drive rod deformation member. The drive rod deformation member can be positioned adjacent to the drive rod. Upon impact to the door, the drive rod deformation member impacts and deforms the drive rod. The deformation of the drive rod can correspond to a compression of the door and the door can be opened by actuating the door handle. However, the deformation of the drive rod prevents the drive rod from controlling the latching system to disengage from the striker through compression of the door.
US08235449B2
A roof is split into plural parts, a front roof and a rear roof. A roof-storage space is formed between a passenger's seat and a rear bulkhead which forms a rear end of a vehicle compartment, in which the roof is stored when the roof is open. There is provided a support mechanism which substantially horizontally supports the roof which is stored in the roof-storage space so that an upper space of the roof-storage space between the passenger's seat and the bulkhead is covered with only one of the plural parts of the roof.
US08235421B2
A transport frame includes a plurality of beams interconnected to form the frame with a first group of the beams intersecting and extending through a second group of the beams. The first group of the beams is secured to the second group of beams at their respective intersections. At least one of the beams comprises a polymer beam.
US08235413B2
An airbag assembly for use within a vehicle includes an airbag, an inflator configured to provide gas to the airbag, and a housing configured to retain the inflator and the airbag in position. The housing includes first and second portions configured to be separably coupled together. The second housing portion includes a second snap mechanism for engaging with a first snap mechanism located on the first housing portion. The engaged housing portions surround and retain the inflator and the airbag in position.
US08235412B2
A trailer of the type adapted to be folded from an expanded state to a compact state. The trailer includes a central chassis portion with pivot means at longitudinal ends thereof, as well as a front and rear chassis portion pivotably connected to the central chassis portion through respective front and rear pivot means. When the trailer is in the expanded state, the front chassis portion, rear chassis portion and central chassis portion extend in a substantially horizontal plane, and when the trailer is in the compact state, the front chassis portion and rear chassis portion extend substantially perpendicularly to the central chassis portion. In this state, at least one of the front or rear chassis portions extends at least partially below the central chassis portion to thereby assist in stabilizing the trailer in the compact state.
US08235406B2
A damper unit includes: a cylinder, connected to a reservoir; a piston dividing an interior of the cylinder into two chambers; a piston rod which is connected to the piston at one end; an inner sleeve adapted to be accommodated within a hollow recess portion in the piston rod; a pump rod; a pump unit which performs pumping for generating a force with which the piston is pushed out of the cylinder or the piston is drawn into the cylinder; a hydraulic fluid releasing unit configured to release the a hydraulic fluid within the inner sleeve and the pump rod to the reservoir or the two chambers when the piston reaches a predetermined position relative to the cylinder within a sliding range thereof by pumping of the pump unit; and a control unit configured to control the predetermined position where the hydraulic fluid is released.
US08235405B1
A linkage for connecting a frame of a vehicle to an unsprung mass component of the vehicle, includes: a first portion connectable to the frame, the first portion includes a first toothed surface and a fourth rotatable connection; a second portion connectable to the unsprung mass component, the second portion includes a second toothed surface and a fifth rotatable connection; a third portion connectable to the first portion and the second portion, the third portion includes a sixth rotatable connection and a seventh rotatable connection, and where the first portion is rotatably connected to the second portion and configured to be rotatable between the first toothed surface and the second toothed surface, where the first toothed surface and the second toothed surface are configured to engage, where the fourth rotatable connection is connected to the seventh rotatable connection, where the fifth rotatable connection is connected to the sixth rotatable connection, and where the third portion is configured to connect the first portion to the second portion.
US08235395B2
A joint seal of a constant velocity universal joint which has a sealing effect relative to a shaft journal includes an axial securing sleeve which is connected to the inner joint part and which ends in individual axial fingers which radially elastically engage an annular groove in the shaft journal, wherein the ventilation channels for the joint interior of the constant velocity universal joint are formed by axial slots between the individual axial fingers which freely end in the interior of the rolling boot and can be closed towards the outside of the rolling boot by a sealing lip which is formed on to the rolling boot, which, in the position of rest, annularly sealingly contacts the shaft journal and which, at an increased speed, lifts off the shaft journal to expose the ventilation channels.
US08235391B2
A radial shaft seal assembly includes an outer case having an axially extending cylindrical outer rim and an axially extending cylindrical inner rim spaced radially from one another by an annular pocket. A radially extending first leg connects the outer rim to the inner rim and a second leg extends radially inwardly from the inner rim to a free end. The assembly includes a wear sleeve having an axially extending cylindrical wall with an outer surface providing a running surface and a flange extending radially outwardly from the running surface. A seal lip extends inwardly from the free end of the second leg into sealing abutment with the running surface. A first porous filter is received in the pocket, and a second porous filter extends in substantial abutment with the outer rim and the second leg of the outer case.
US08235382B2
A paper sheet stacking apparatus includes: a feeding unit 26 configured to feed in paper sheets one by one from outside; a rotary body 10 including a holding member 16 for holding the paper sheet fed in by the feeding unit 26, the rotary body 10 being configured to be rotated with the paper sheet being held by the holding member 16, so as to transport the paper sheet along a rotational direction of the rotary body 10; and a stacking unit 32 on which the paper sheets transported by the rotary body 10 are stacked on one another.
US08235376B2
A removable input tray assembly for an image forming device according to one embodiment includes a media tray having a bottom surface and a wall extending upward from the bottom surface. The bottom surface defines a media storage location for storing a stack of media sheets. The assembly further includes a housing having an opening therein to receive the media tray. An inclined media dam is formed in the wall and has a media contact surface for directing media advanced from the media storage location. A channel is provided in the wall and extends the height of the wall for directing media passing therethrough. A roller nip is formed in the channel within the media tray by a pair of rollers for advancing media through the channel.
US08235371B2
According to an embodiment, there is provided a sheet finishing apparatus including a folding roller that nips the middle of bundle of sheets and forms a fold line, a fold reinforcing roller that reinforces the fold line by moving along the fold line while applying a pressure to the fold line, a stack tray that stacks the bundle and a control unit that sets the number of times of fold reinforcing performed by the fold reinforcing roller as a first number when it is determined that a quantity of stacked bundle on the stack tray is less than a predetermined standard quantity which is set to be less than a maximum stack quantity and sets the number of times of the fold reinforcing as a second number greater than the first number when it is determined that a quantity of the stacked bundle is greater than the predetermined standard quantity.
US08235368B2
A fine positioner module is used to perform fine positioning of a device that is pressing against a work surface. In some embodiments, the fine positioner module includes a contact member for making contact with a work surface, a position adjustor for using the contact member to move the device along the work surface, and an actuator for relieving pressure of the device against the work surface while the contact member is used to move the device along the work surface.
US08235341B2
A wall mounting device for a flat panel display includes a wall bracket and a mounting bracket. The wall bracket is adapted to be directly coupled to a wall and includes a top rail and a bottom rail. The mounting bracket is adapted to be coupled to the flat panel display, and includes first and second plate members connected to each other and defining an upper end and a lower end. At the upper end, the mounting bracket includes a hook to engage the top rail of the wall bracket. At the lower end, the mounting bracket includes a spring clip that selectively engages the bottom rail of the wall bracket.
US08235340B2
A spring-loaded clamp device including a C-shaped frame having first and second substantially opposing arms interconnected by an intermediate shank, the first arm having a substantially hollow carrier sleeve aligned substantially along a clamping direction oriented substantially transverse of the second arm, and the second arm having a thin and flat anvil portion positioned opposite from the carrier sleeve and further comprising an interior clamping surface that is oriented substantially transverse of the clamping direction. A clamping rod is carried in the hollow of the sleeve for longitudinal movement in the clamping direction toward an internal face of the second arm and in an opposite unclamping direction away from the second arm. An expansive biasing member is coupled for expanding the clamping rod for longitudinal movement along the clamping direction.
US08235337B2
A vacuum suction device is provided for temporary fixing on a substantially smooth, air-impermeable fixing area, including a supporting cup (3) and a flexible suction plate (4) as well as an actuating mechanism for creating a partial vacuum between the suction plate and the fixing area while dislocating the suction plate at least in parts thereof, wherein a vacuum indication device (15) for indicating the partial vacuum is provided. To provide a constructionally simple indication device by which a decrease in partial vacuum can be easily and reliably detected even by a non-trained individual and even under different environmental conditions, the vacuum indication device is provided with an indicating element (16), which is mechanically coupled to the suction plate. By the indicating element (16), a change in partial vacuum can be optically and/or haptically detected and indicated. The indication device can be integrated in the actuating element.
US08235336B2
A vacuum suction base includes a base, a fixing mechanism secured on the base, an adjusting cam, and an adjusting bolt. The base includes a suction piece and a column extending upwardly from the center of the suction piece. The fixing mechanism includes a column housing resisting an edge of the suction piece, and a sleeve connected to the column and defining a through hole. The adjusting cam is rotatably installed in the through hole and partially extends out from the through hole. One end of the adjusting bolt is fixed in the adjusting cam and the other end is engaged in the column.
US08235335B2
There is provided a multi-display device capable of displaying the entity of an image even in a case of a large image to be displayed, and capable of changing a horizontally long image screen to a vertically long image screenor vice versa by utilizing no mechanism for rotating, by 90 degrees, a display section and any specific soft therefor. For this purpose, the multi-display device is characterized by arranging a plurality of basic displays each having a function as a display in at least either one of vertical direction and horizontal direction.
US08235334B1
A foldable support for a tablet computer or other object is an upright, self-standing or anchorable device. A base having foldout wings is adapted to be rotated in place and anchored under the legs of a person in a seated position, or under the person's torso for a reclining or supine person. The support includes a body with a recessed portion into which the base is attached about a horizontal axle to enable the rotation. Two arms are rotatably pinned together with the other ends attached to ball joints on the body and a receptacle. The receptacle holds the tablet computer or other object and includes a frame housing with rotatably attached rods that extend outwardly from side openings in the frame. A gripper is mounted to the far end of each rod to hold the corners or edges of the tablet computer or other object mounted between the grippers.
US08235331B2
Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for supporting a flexible duct. The apparatus comprises a concave duct support structure with a convoluted anterior end and one or more straps. The concave duct support structure is placed in contact with outer surface of the flexible duct. The convoluted anterior end supports curved surfaces of the flexible duct. The concave duct support structure comprises multiple slits. The straps pass through the slits of the concave duct support structure. Distal ends of the straps may be affixed to a structural member for suspending the flexible duct supported on the concave duct support structure. The concave duct support structure prevents the flexible duct from sagging and crimping, thereby allowing free flow of air, liquids, etc. through the flexible duct.
US08235329B1
A vehicle control method (and concomitant control structure) comprising deploying an electrolaminate affixed to a substrate and using the combination to control motion of the vehicle.
US08235325B2
A positional measurement system for a fan variable area nozzle (FVAN) remotely determines the position of each flap or set of flaps relative a core nacelle. The positional measurement system includes a sensor system with a multiple of transceivers located within the core nacelle to remotely measure the position of each flap or set of flaps without the heretofore necessity of moving measurement components.
US08235298B2
Detection systems that detect and decode machine-readable information and other indicia having varying spectral emissivity values are provided. The detection systems include a sensor, circuitry, and temperature influencing mechanism. The system may be connected to other hardware, such as a computer display screen, or audio emitting device. Meanwhile, the sensor detects differential emissivity values by measuring energy emitted from the targets of interest.
US08235295B2
A data card insertion device, in particular for a tachograph of a motor vehicle, with a front panel having a slot-shaped receiving opening through which a data card can be inserted. The device also has a sealing device behind, in the direction of insertion of the data card, which has an insertion slot behind the receiving opening, in the direction of insertion, for the sealed insertion of the data card.
US08235294B2
An accuracy-enhanced scanner provides (in response to a first user input) illumination of potential scan targets and scans (in response to a second user input) a selected scan target. The user uses the illumination to aim the scanner at the selected scan target in between providing the first and the second user inputs. The scanner has switches to communicate the user inputs, to specify an operating mode for the scanner, and/or to communicate information codes to a computing device. The scanner has one or more scan engines (such as a barcode reader or an RFID tag reader), and optionally communicates wirelessly with the computing device. A scanning system including the scanner optionally provides feedback to the user based on feedback from a host processor. The scanner is any of a Multi-Mode Ring Scanner (MMRS), a cordless hand scanner, or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) with an add-on scanner.
US08235286B2
It is possible to prevent use of a forged card. An authentication chip describing information which cannot be copied or difficult to be copied is attached to a card and a card processing device includes a card authentication processing device. The information described in the authentication chip is degitized and encrypted to obtain encrypted data, which is described on an authentication certifying chip. The authentication certifying chip is attached to the card. The authentication certifying chip checks the validity of the authentication chip. Before a specific operation such as entry of a password is started, it is judged whether the card is true so as to exclude a forged card.
US08235285B1
The present disclosure facilitates gesture-based interaction with a computer-system. The method may comprise pairing a transaction account with a likeness, receiving the likeness and a transaction request based upon the location of a marker in three dimensional space, retrieving the transaction account paired with the likeness, and approving the transaction request at least partially based upon the transaction account and the likeness.
US08235282B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for determining, communicating, and/or executing hold decisions for deposit items. For example, a method is provided that includes: (a) receiving information associated with a deposit item; (b) determining an actual deposit amount identified by the deposit item; (c) determining a payee account to receive the deposit item and a drawer account on which the deposit item is drawn; (d) determining a hold limit for the payee account; (e) determining an adjusted deposit amount for the deposit item based at least partially on: (i) the actual deposit amount identified by the deposit item, and (ii) one or more characteristics associated with the drawer account, and (f) determining a hold decision for the deposit item based at least partially on a comparison of the adjusted deposit amount to the hold limit.
US08235280B2
A method for one or more portions of one or more regions of an electronic paper assembly having one or more display layers includes, but is not limited to: obtaining first information associated with one or more conformations of one or more portions of one or more regions of the electronic paper assembly and controlling display of one or more portions of one or more display layers of the electronic paper assembly regarding display of second information having one or more classifications in response to the first information associated with the one or more conformations of the one or more portions of the one or more regions of the electronic paper assembly. In addition to the foregoing, other related method/system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
US08235272B2
A device for clamping tissue includes a first jaw having a distal portion for communicating with tissue and a proximal portion having a first wing and a second wing. The device also includes a second jaw having a distal portion for communicating with tissue and a proximal portion having a first slot and a second slot, the first slot disposed between a middle structure and a first lateral structure, the second slot disposed between the middle structure and a second lateral structure. The first jaw is rotatably coupleable to the second jaw with the first wing extending into the first slot and the second wing extending into the second slot.
US08235258B2
The configuration of a feedstock material is controlled by bringing it into contact with at least a first gas moving against it at a location with an area and thickness of the feedstock liquid that forms drops or fibers of a selected size. In one embodiment, drops of agricultural input materials are formed for spraying on agricultural fields. In another embodiment, nanofibers of materials such as chitosan or metals are formed. In another embodiment seeds are planted with gel. In another embodiment particles carrying desired agricultural inputs with modified release characteristics are delivered.
US08235253B2
A dual mode pistol grip grease gun that operates in either the volume mode or the pressure mode. The grease gun includes a cylinder head having a handle attached thereto. Attached to the cylinder head via a shiftable link is a lever, which has a slot at one end. The shiftable link is disposed in the slot of the lever, and its position therein defines whether the grease gun is in the volume or the pressure mode. The shape of the slot is such that, when the grease gun is in volume mode and when the lever is fully pressed toward the handle, an angle defined by a first axis (defined as a line connecting a pivot point of a connection of the link to the cylinder head and a pivot point of a connection of the link to an end of the slot defining volume mode) and a second axis (defined as a line connecting the pivot point of the connection of the link to the end of the slot defining volume mode and a point along a bottom curve of the slot where the concavity of the curve changes) is approximately ten degrees. The shape of the slot, roller and tabs on the link allow for ease of shifting.
US08235250B2
A dispenser includes a flexible outer tube, a flexible inner tube in the outer tube, a plunger switch, a spring biased valve assembly having a rotation actuator, and a cap. After cap removal, a rotation of the rotation actuator enables an extrusion of a material in the outer tube out of the spout of the valve assembly via a material dispensation tunnel of the rotation actuator when the outer tube is depressed. A further rotation of the rotation actuator enables an extrusion of a material in the inner tube out of the spout of the valve assembly via the material dispensation tunnel when the outer tube is depressed. A still further rotation of the rotation actuator enables a mixed extrusion of the materials in both the inner and outer tubes out of the spout of the valve assembly via the material dispensation tunnel when the outer tube is depressed.
US08235245B2
A detachable grip device has a body, two jaw-forming elements which are mobile in relation to each other between an open position and a closed position, a system for displacing the jaw-forming elements which are designed in such a way as to be able to alternate between a stable closing state and a stable opening state, via an intermediate state of unstable equilibrium, and a system for opening the jaw-forming elements. The opening system is adapted in such a way as to drive the displacement system initially in their closed state past the intermediate state of unstable equilibrium. The opening system comprises at least one button which is arranged on a longitudinal side of the body and is mounted in a sliding manner according to a direction of displacement having a component in the transverse direction.
US08235244B2
A beverage can end is provided which utilizes less material and has an improved internal buckle strength based on the geometric configuration of a chuck wall, inner panel wall and central panel, and which, in one embodiment utilizes an arcuate shaped chuck wall with a radius of curvature between about 0.140 inches and 0.250 inches.
US08235236B2
A cup lid for attachment to a disposable drinking cup having a center portion with an opening therein, a peripheral edge surrounding the center portion for engaging the drinking cup, a plug disposed outside the peripheral edge of the cup lid and connected to the peripheral edge of the cup by two flexible support arms for allowing the plug to be repositioned at the opening.
US08235222B2
A system for detecting the potential theft of product from a display shelf may comprise: at least one shelf for containing product, a barrier, and an alert device. The barrier may be movable between a closed position and an open position. The alert device may be operatively connected to the barrier by an air switch and a pressurized pneumatic tube connected to the air switch and located adjacent to the first end of the barrier, wherein the alert device detects movement of the barrier and provides an alert indicative of a potential theft of product from the shelf. When the barrier moves from the closed position to the open position, the barrier may engage the pneumatic tubing, thereby compressing the pneumatic tubing, activating the air switch, and sending a signal to the alert device.
US08235214B2
According to one embodiment, a liquid container generally includes a base member, a sidewall member, a neck member, a spout, and a handle. The sidewall member is attached to and extends upwardly from the base member. The neck member couples the sidewall member to the spout. The base member has a recessed portion and at least one slot. The recessed portion extends upwardly into the container such that the base member may rest upon the neck member of another container. The slot may be tunnel-shaped to conform to one or more ribs of the neck member of another container. The tunnel shape may form a cavity that extends across the base member.
US08235211B2
A retainer for a welding wire container has a base element and at least one upper element which rests on the base element. The base element has a central opening for allowing the welding wire to pass through, and at least two guiding openings through which holding fingers extend. The holding fingers are part of the upper element and are made from a flexible material.
US08235205B2
A folded, substantially wedge shaped pack useful for holding thin, elongate products such as tobacco sticks includes a back panel, inner front panel, top panel and front closure panel, the front closure panel including a tab at a free end thereof engageable with a closure slot in the inner front panel. The closure tab slides into the closure slot by sliding along a bearing surface and the top panel establishes a raised fulcrum effect which tends to maintain the closure tab in the closure slot when the pack is in a closed condition.
US08235198B2
A hydraulic clutch assembly for a motor vehicle driveline is provided. The clutch assembly comprises an input member, and output member and a friction clutch pack operably disposed therebetween for controlling torque transfer. A first fluid circuit contains hydraulic based fluid at a first pressure and is in fluid communication with the friction clutch pack for lubrication thereof. A second fluid circuit is in fluid communication with the first fluid circuit for replenishing the second fluid circuit with the hydraulic based fluid at a second pressure that is less than the first pressure. The clutch assembly further comprises a motor and a gear train. A first piston is in fluid communication with the second fluid circuit for delivering the hydraulic based fluid thereto A second piston is translated by the hydraulic based fluid displaced by the first piston to actuate the friction clutch pack.
US08235189B2
A cylinder body 60 of a wheel cylinder assembly 6 for expanding a pair of brake shoes 3 and 4 by a pair of pistons 31 and 32 brought into contact with the respective brake shoes has a shape of a single straight pipe with both ends which are opened. The cylinder body 60 includes a first cylinder portion 35 for the one 32 of the pistons and a second cylinder portion 34 for the other 31 of the pistons. A valve seat 43 of a control valve 39 is arranged between the cylinder portions 34 and 35.
US08235170B1
Methods integrated tailcone muffler (ITM) is provided for minimizing noise generated while discharging pressurized air from one or more aircraft gas turbine engines. The ITM comprises a tail cone defining a conical backing cavity, the conical backing cavity having a large forward end and a narrow aft end and a porous exhaust liner with a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to an oil cooler eductor discharge plenum of a first gas turbine engine of the one or more gas turbine engines and a second end discharging to atmosphere via the narrow aft end of the conical backing cavity. The ITM further comprises a bleed air discharge conduit configured to discharge pressurized bleed air from the one or more gas turbine engines into the conical backing cavity and a firewall bulkhead defining the large forward end of the conical backing cavity, defining a first aperture passing the cylindrical porous exhaust liner and defining a second aperture passing the bleed air discharge conduit, the firewall bulkhead extending radially from both of the cylindrical porous exhaust liner and the bleed air discharge conduit.
US08235165B2
An electromechanical power steering system with a ball screw drive may include a hollow shaft motor with a stator secured to the housing and a rotatably mounted rotor arranged coaxially with a longitudinal axis of, and which may be drivingly connected to, a hollow shaft. The system may further include a ball screw nut arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis, and which may drive a ball screw spindle via balls. The rotor may drive the ball screw nut via a reduction gear.
US08235160B2
A power unit for a small type vehicle wherein a speed change mechanism is disposed on a lateral side of a crankcase on the side of one end of a crankshaft. A valve operation controller for controlling the operations of valve operation mode change mechanisms and a speed change controller for controlling a speed change operation of a speed change mechanism are attached to an engine body, to lay out the valve operation controller and the speed change controller in good balance of center of gravity so as to prevent the center of gravity of the power unit from being deviated to one side. The valve operation controller and the speed change controller being attached to the engine body on the opposite side of the clutch device with respect to a vehicle body center line in a direction along the axis of the crankshaft.
US08235158B2
A wheel includes a main body, a tire, a movable fixing pin, an electromagnet, and an elastic member. The tire is sleeved on the main body and defines a fixing hole. The tire is operable to rotate around the main body. The fixing pin is operable to be inserted into the fixing hole to fix the tire to the main body. The electromagnet is operable to attract the fixing pin to separate the fixing pin from the tire when the electromagnet is powered on. The elastic member is disposed between the electromagnet and the fixing ping, and pushes the fixing pin into the fixing hole when the electromagnet is powered off.
