US08368366B2
Provided is a driver circuit that outputs, from an output end, an output signal corresponding to an input signal supplied thereto, comprising an output resistance section that is provided between a constant voltage source and the output end; an output switching section that switches voltage of the output end according to the input signal; and a switching section that switches a resistance value of the output resistance section. The output resistance section includes an output resistance FET having a source/drain connection between the constant voltage source and the output end, and the switching section supplies a control voltage to a gate of the output resistance FET such that the resistance between the source and the drain of the output resistance FET switches to a designated value.
US08368359B2
A power management unit (PMU) for supplying electrical energy to a circuitry of a portable electronic device includes a power supply module, a power detection module connected to the power supply module, and a power control module connected to the power detection module and the circuitry. The power supply module includes a battery, a charge controller, and an adapter. The power detection includes a detection resistor connected to the battery, the charge controller, and the adapter. The battery or the adapter provides electrical energy to the circuitry. The adapter further charges the battery to charge the battery when it is used to provide electrical energy to the circuitry. The charge controller detects the current for charging the battery via the detection resistor, and regulates the current for charging the battery when the charging current exceeds a predetermined value.
US08368357B2
The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to techniques and/or circuitry to adapt the charging of a battery/cell using data which is representative of an overpotential of the battery/cell. In yet another aspect the present inventions are directed to techniques and/or circuitry to calculate data which is representative of an overpotential of the battery/cell.
US08368356B2
A battery pack detachably connectable to an equipment body to supply power to the equipment body, the battery pack including a battery cell, a microcomputer for communicating with the equipment body, a connection terminal connected to the microcomputer, a positive power supply input terminal connected to a cathode of the battery cell; and a negative power supply input terminal connected to an anode of the battery cell. After the power of the equipment body is turned on, the microcomputer alternately sends to the equipment body by serial communication via the connection terminal information to be used in authentication processing executed by the equipment body and information to be used in a battery residual quantity count executed by the equipment body. After the authentication processing is complete, the microcomputer sends to the equipment body information to be used in updating the battery residual quantity count executed by the equipment body.
US08368352B2
A control pilot circuit of a power cable having a male-type plug generates a pilot signal such that the power cable can be identified as a power cable for charging on the vehicle side. On the other hand, a control pilot circuit of a power cable having a not-shown female-type plug generates the pilot signal such that the power cable can be identified as a power cable for power feeding on the vehicle side. An ECU of a vehicle controls an AC/DC converter in any one of the charging mode and the power feeding mode in response to the pilot signal.
US08368348B2
An automated recharging system to automatically recharge a vehicle is disclosed. A recharging device may be incorporated into the automated recharging system to perform the automatic recharge. The recharging device may include one or more sensors to sense the location of an electrical receptacle of the vehicle, an electrical connector to automatically connect to the receptacle to provide electrical current through the connection, and a controller to cause the connection to be made so as to automatically recharge the vehicle.
US08368337B2
An HVAC unit includes a transformer and a system controller. The transformer is configured to receive power from a first and a second phase of a three-phase power source and to produce a first reduced-voltage waveform therefrom. The system controller is adapted to sample the reduced voltage waveform to determine a figure of merit of the three-phase power source. The controller is further configured to operate the HVAC unit in response to the figure of merit.
US08368334B2
A control method for a brushless, three-phase DC motor. A voltage induced by rotation of a rotor may be sampled at a first expected zero crossing value to produce a first sampled voltage value. An average of a plurality of sampled voltage values, including voltage values sampled at a plurality of prior expected zero crossing values and the first sampled voltage value, may be calculated. The first sampled voltage value may be subtracted from the calculated average to produce a delta zero crossing error. A pulse-width modulation duty cycle may be adjusted based on the delta zero crossing error. The pulse-width modulation duty cycle may be used to control a rotational velocity of the rotor.
US08368333B2
A DC motor is provided. The DC motor prevents rush or overload of current in the DC motor during and/or after power input irregularities to the DC motor. A control circuit of the DC motor is configured to control current provided to the DC motor. When power irregularities in the power input to the DC motor are detected by the control circuit, the control circuit stops generating PWM (Pulse Width Modulated) signals and stops the current provided to the DC motor. After the stoppage of PWM signals, the control circuit can perform a soft-start of the PWM signals when the power irregularities are no longer detected. The soft starting of the PWM signals generates gradual increase in current to the DC motor, thus, preventing sudden rush of current that cause malfunction of the DC motor.
US08368330B2
The invention relates to a variable speed drive comprising a direct-current power bus having a positive line (16) and a negative line (17), and an inverter module (14) supplied by the direct-current bus in order to supply a variable voltage to an electric load (M). The drive comprises an energy-recovery device (10) comprising a first direct-current/direct-current converter (20), the output stage of the first converter (20) being connected in series to the positive line of the direct-current bus, a second direct-current/direct-current converter (30), the input stage of the second converter (30) being connected between the positive line and the negative line of the direct-current bus, and an electric energy storage module (Cs) connected in parallel with the input stage of the first converter (20) and with the output stage of the second converter (30).
US08368327B2
The system periodically measures the battery voltage of the toothbrush and the current in a stator portion of the motor for the appliance. The amplitude of movement of the toothbrush workpiece is determined from the measured stator current. A circuit/control program changes the duty cycle or pulse width of the drive signal from the motor if the battery voltage drops below a first threshold value and a circuit or control program changes the drive frequency of the appliance if the amplitude of the workpiece movement falls below a first threshold value. A circuit/control program terminates the operation of the toothbrush if the voltage drops below a second threshold value or if the amplitude drops below a second threshold value, both of which are less than the respective first thresholds.
US08368323B2
In a power supply unit, if a dimmer rate is changed within a range of k1, k2, . . . k7 by a dimmer signal k of a dimmer signal generator, light-emitting diodes are controlled to be lighted by a constant current characteristic in an area where the dimmer rate is small according to a load characteristic corresponding to the dimmer rates k1, k2, . . . k7. As the dimmer rate becomes larger, a tendency of a constant voltage characteristic is gradually strengthened from a constant current characteristic so that the light-emitting diodes are lighted at the larger dimmer rate.
US08368314B2
A charge pump electronic ballast for use with low input voltage is described. The charge pump electronic ballast includes a DC/AC inverter circuit having two switching transistors, a resonant circuit having an inductor and a capacitor. The charge pump electronic ballast further includes a voltage multiplying rectifying circuit for transforming low input AC voltage into high output DC voltage, and a charge pump circuit having an inductor and a first pump capacitor.
US08368312B2
Circuit and method of driving light emitting diodes, and light emitting diode system having the same
A light-emitting-diode driving circuit includes a current driving circuit configured to control current signals flowing through light-emitting-diode strings in response to a first signal that includes information of a light-emitting-diode current, a dynamic headroom controller configured to generate a third control signal that changes according to a change of the current signals flowing through the light-emitting-diode strings based on voltage signals of first terminals of each of the light-emitting-diode strings and a second control signal that includes the information of the light-emitting-diode current, and a power supply circuit configured to generate a light-emitting-diode driving voltage that changes in response to the third control signal, and provide the light-emitting-diode driving voltage to second terminals of each of the light-emitting-diode strings.
US08368311B2
The present invention overcomes image defects such as the brightness inclination or smears by reducing the line resistance of a power source bus line which supplies electricity to organic EL elements. A plurality of pixels which are arranged in a matrix array is connected to power source lines, and the plurality of power source lines are connected to a power source bus line. Both ends of the power source bus line are connected to a power source part via a FPC. By supplying electricity to both ends of the power source bus line from the power source part, the line resistance of the power source bus line can be reduced.
US08368309B2
Thermal control is provided for an extraction electrode of an ion-beam producing system that prevents formation of deposits and unstable operation and enables use with ions produced from condensable vapors and with ion sources capable of cold and hot operation. Electrical heating of the extraction electrode is employed for extracting decaborane or octadecaborane ions. Active cooling during use with a hot ion source prevents electrode destruction, permitting the extraction electrode to be of heat-conductive and fluorine-resistant aluminum composition.
US08368305B2
The present invention relates to an electrode device (1, 2) for gas discharge sources and to a gas discharge source having one or two of said electrode devices (1, 2). With the proposed design of the cover (8), an efficient cooling of the electrode wheel (7) is achieved, allowing high electrical powers for operating gas discharge sources with such an electrode device.
US08368302B2
A flat panel display device and a method of fabricating the same, the flat panel display device including: a first substrate including a display portion to display an image and a peripheral portion disposed outside the display portion; a second substrate facing the first substrate; a frit disposed on the peripheral portion, to attach the first substrate to the second substrate; and a signal interconnection having portions overlapping the frit, to transmit a signal to the display portion. Edges of the signal interconnection that are overlapped by the frit are patterned, to prevent delamination of the frit.
US08368296B2
An electron emission apparatus includes an insulating substrate, one or more grids located on the substrate, wherein the one or more grids includes: a first, second, third and fourth electrode that are located on the periphery of the grid, wherein the first and the second electrode are parallel to each other, and the third and fourth electrodes are parallel to each other; and one or more electron emission units located on the substrate. Each the electron unit includes at least one electron emitter, the electron emitter includes a first end, a second end and a gap; wherein the first end is electrically connected to one of the plurality of the first electrodes and the second end is electrically connected to one of the plurality of the third electrodes; two electron emission ends are located in the gap, and each electron emission end includes a plurality of electron emission tips.
US08368295B2
The present disclosure provides an electron emitter. The electron emitter includes a carbon nanotube linear compound. The carbon nanotube linear compound includes a conductive linear support and a carbon nanotube pipe. The conductive linear support is located in the carbon nanotube pipe. A plurality of carbon nanotube peaks extends from one end of the electron emitter.
US08368286B2
The present invention relates to an electronic power converter comprising a piezoelectric transformer, a drive circuit arranged to generate and provide an input voltage signal to the piezoelectric transformer, said input voltage signal comprising a burst frequency and a substantially constant excitation frequency, and a rectifier module. According to the present invention the excitation frequency is selected among a plurality of excitation frequencies in such a way that an equivalent load resistance, Req, is matched to an output impedance of the piezoelectric transformer so as to minimize power losses in the piezoelectric transformer. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for configuring an electronic power converter.
US08368274B2
Dynamoelectric machine having holding grooves recessed into yoke portions with openings on respective facing portions of inner wall surfaces of trough portions, at axially inner ends of the yoke portions, having axial groove directions, and an end surface in a groove length direction constitutes a stopping surface. Magnet material holders are disposed spanning the trough portions radially inside inner circumferential surfaces near tip ends of claw-shaped magnetic pole portions, fitted from axially inside into each holding groove, are recessed to face each other on the trough portions restricting circumferential and radial motion by inner wall surfaces of the holding grooves and axially outward movement restricted by the stopping surface. Interfitting grooves having openings on surfaces facing the inner circumferential surfaces near the tip ends, having axial groove directions, and passing through in the axial direction, and permanent magnets fitted into the interfitting grooves are held by the magnet material holders.
US08368268B2
An optical-device switching apparatus of a microscope includes a driving motor, and a rotation unit that is rotatably attached to a body and to which optical devices are attached, and a gear apparatus that is located between the driving motor and the rotation unit and transmits power from the driving motor to the rotation unit. The gear apparatus includes a backlash reduction system that reduces backlash.
US08368260B2
An instantaneous magnetodynamic generator includes a magnetic plate and a first metallic electrode plate. The magnetic plate has at least one pair of N and S magnetic poles. One magnetic pole of the pair of N and S magnetic poles has a first magnetic pole face, and the other magnetic pole of the pair of N and S magnetic poles has a second magnetic pole face. The first metallic electrode plate has an electrode face and at least one metallic wire. The electrode face faces the first and second magnetic pole faces. The metallic wire has a free end moving between a position beneath the first magnetic pole face and a position beneath the second magnetic pole face to induce a positive or negative tunneling current on the first metallic electrode plate.
US08368252B2
A power supply for providing power to an electrical device is described. The power supply converts a received input signal to a first electrical having a first voltage level at a first power converter. The power supply additionally converts the first electrical signal to a second electrical signal having a second voltage level at a second power converter, to provide the second electrical signal having the second voltage level to an output port. The power supply includes a circuit to selectively bypass the second power converter and provide the first electrical signal having the first voltage level from the first power converter to the output port. The first power converter may include one or more switches that may be disabled to disconnect power from the first power converter for additional standby power saving features.
US08368247B2
A semiconductor body (1) comprises a first contact pad (2), a second contact pad (3), an integrated circuit (5) and an impedance (4). The integrated circuit (5) comprises a first terminal (6) which is coupled to the first contact pad (2) and a second terminal (7) which is coupled to the second contact pad (3). The impedance (4) additionally couples the first contact pad (2) to the second contact pad (3).
US08368235B2
A resin sealing method of a semiconductor device includes: positioning semiconductor devices at predetermined positions of an adhesive layer formed on a support body and adhering the semiconductor devices thereto, sealing a part of each of the semiconductor devices with resin by curing a first seal resin in a fluidization state so as to fix the semiconductor devices adhered to the predetermined positions of the adhesive layer formed on the support body, setting the semiconductor devices fixed to the predetermined positions of the adhesive layer formed on the support body in a mold and sealing the exposure parts of the semiconductor devices exposed from the first seal resin with a second seal resin, and removing the support body and the adhesive layer from the semiconductor devices sealed with the resin.
US08368233B2
A semiconductor device comprises a wiring substrate including a wiring pattern; a semiconductor chip installed on the wiring substrate, including a plurality of pads formed on a surface of the semiconductor chip, which opposes the wiring substrate; a first resin layer covering over a part of the wiring pattern within a region of overlapping the semiconductor chip; and a second resin layer installed between the semiconductor chip and the first resin layer. The pads are oppose to and coupled with a part of the wiring pattern exposed over the first resin layer; and the linear expansion coefficient of the wiring substrate is larger than that of the semiconductor chip, the elastic modulus of the wiring substrate is lower than that of the semiconductor chip and the linear expansion coefficient of the first resin layer is larger than that of the second resin layer. The elastic modulus of the first resin layer is lower than that of the second resin layer.
US08368232B2
A sacrificial material applied to a thin die prior to die attach provides stability to the thin die and inhibits warpage of the thin die as heat is applied to the die and substrate during die attach. The sacrificial material may be a material that sublimates at a temperature near the reflow temperature of interconnects on the thin die. A die attach process deposits the sacrificial material on the die, attaches the die to a substrate, and applies a first temperature to reflow the interconnects. At the first temperature, the sacrificial material maintains substantially the same thickness. A second temperature is applied to sublimate the sacrificial material leaving a clean surface for the later packaging processes. Examples of the sacrificial material include polypropylene carbonate and polyethylene carbonate.
US08368230B2
A multi-chip module includes a package board, a plurality of chips, and a wiring board. The plurality of chips are horizontally disposed on the package board. The plurality of chips are electrically connected with the package board, and respectively provided with via holes which penetrate through the plurality of chips. The plurality of chips are respectively provided with circuits at surfaces facing the package board. The wiring board is disposed on an opposite side to the package board across the plurality of chips. The wiring board includes a wiring pattern which is electrically connecting adjacent chips one another. The circuit is electrically connected to the wiring pattern through the via holes.
US08368225B2
A layout structure of a semiconductor integrated circuit is provided with which narrowing and breaking of metal interconnects near a cell boundary can be prevented without increasing the data amount and processing time for OPC. A cell A and a cell B are adjacent to each other along a cell boundary. The interconnect regions of metal interconnects from which to the cell boundary no other interconnect region exists are placed to be substantially axisymmetric with respect to the cell boundary, while sides of diffusion regions facing the cell boundary are asymmetric with respect to the cell boundary.
US08368207B2
A pressure-contact power semiconductor module is arranged on a heat sink. The power semiconductor module is used with at least one substrate provided with conductor tracks and power semiconductor components. The module has a mounting body, on the underside of which the at least one substrate is arranged, and which is formed with cutouts. The module also includes a load connection element which is provided with contact feet that project away from strip sections and make pressure contact with the conductor tracks. The power semiconductor module additionally has a dimensionally stable cover, which covers the mounting body on all sides and is connected to the mounting body by means of snap-action latching connections. At least one pad element is restrained between the cover and the strip sections of the load connection elements.
US08368204B2
A chip with a metallization structure and an insulating layer with first and second openings over first and second contact points of the metallization structure, a first circuit layer connecting the first and second contact points and comprising a first trace portion, first and second via portions between the first trace portion and the first and second contact points, the first circuit layer comprising a copper layer and a first conductive layer under the copper layer and at a sidewall of the first trace portion, and a second circuit layer comprising a second trace portion with a third via portion at a bottom thereof, wherein the second circuit layer comprises another copper layer and a second conductive layer under the other copper layer and at a sidewall of the second trace portion, and a second dielectric layer comprising a portion between the first and second circuit layers.
US08368200B2
A method of manufacture of a shielded stacked integrated circuit packaging system includes: forming a first integrated circuit structure having a first substrate and a first integrated circuit die; mounting a shield over the first substrate and the first integrated circuit die; mounting a second integrated circuit structure having a second substrate and a second integrated circuit die over the shield; and forming a package encapsulation for covering the first integrated circuit die, the shield, and the second integrated circuit structure.
US08368188B2
A method for manufacturing an integrated circuit package system includes: providing an integrated circuit; mounting a lead on the periphery of the integrated circuit; connecting the integrated circuit to the lead with an interconnect; and forming a conformable material by pressing the conformable material on the integrated circuit, the lead, and the interconnect.
US08368183B2
A nitride semiconductor device is provided that prevents development of cracks, that has nitride semiconductor thin films with uniform thicknesses and good growth surface flatness, and is thus consistent in characteristics, and that can be fabricated at a satisfactory yield. In this nitride semiconductor device, the nitride semiconductor thin films are grown on a substrate having an off-angle between a direction normal to the surface of ridges and the crystal direction <0001>. This helps either reduce or intentionally promote diffusion or movement of the atoms or molecules of a source material of the nitride semiconductor thin films through migration thereof. As a result, a nitride semiconductor growth layer with good surface flatness can be formed, and thus a nitride semiconductor device with satisfactory characteristics can be obtained.
US08368179B2
A method for improved growth of a semipolar (Al,In,Ga,B)N semiconductor thin film using an intentionally miscut substrate. Specifically, the method comprises intentionally miscutting a substrate, loading a substrate into a reactor, heating the substrate under a flow of nitrogen and/or hydrogen and/or ammonia, depositing an InxGa1-xN nucleation layer on the heated substrate, depositing a semipolar nitride semiconductor thin film on the InxGa1-xN nucleation layer, and cooling the substrate under a nitrogen overpressure.
US08368165B2
A SiC Schottky diode which includes a Schottky barrier formed on a silicon face 4H—SiC body.
US08368164B2
A phototransistor used for an image sensor is provided. The phototransistor can reduce a dark current that occurs in the phototransistor and improve sensitivity at low luminance without crosstalk with a neighboring pixel or an image lag by including a buried collector. In the phototransistor including the buried collector, since the collector is not directly connected to outside, the phototransistor has a low dark current and a high photosensitive characteristic at low luminance. Since each image sensor is isolated, crosstalk between pixels or an image lag does not occur.
US08368147B2
A semiconductor device having a strained channel and a method of manufacture thereof is provided. The semiconductor device has a gate electrode formed over a channel recess. A first recess and a second recess formed on opposing sides of the gate electrode are filled with a stress-inducing material. The stress-inducing material extends into an area wherein source/drain extensions overlap an edge of the gate electrode. In an embodiment, sidewalls of the channel recess and/or the first and second recesses may be along {111} facet planes.
US08368137B2
Structures and techniques are disclosed for reducing bit line to bit line capacitance in a non-volatile storage system. The bit lines are formed at a 4ƒpitch in each of two separate metal layers, and arranged to alternate between each of the layers. In an alternative embodiment, shields are formed between each of the bit lines on each metal layer.
US08368135B2
A transistor having a narrow bandgap semiconductor source/drain region is described. The transistor includes a gate electrode formed on a gate dielectric layer formed on a silicon layer. A pair of source/drain regions are formed on opposite sides of the gate electrode wherein said pair of source/drain regions comprise a narrow bandgap semiconductor film formed in the silicon layer on opposite sides of the gate electrode.
US08368120B2
A hybrid device including a silicon based MOSFET operatively connected with a GaN based device.
US08368119B1
A process for fabricating an integrated group III nitride structure comprising high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) and Schottky diodes, and the resulting structure, are disclosed. Integration of vertical junction Schottky diodes is enabled, and the parasitic capacitance and resistance as well as the physical size of the diode are minimized. A process for fabricating an integrated group III nitride structure comprising double-heterostructure field effect transistors (DHFETs) and Schottky diodes and the resulting structure are also disclosed.
US08368118B2
A semiconductor structure includes a substrate, a thermally and electrically conductive mask positioned upon the substrate, and an epitaxial lateral over growth (ELOG) material positioned upon the thermally and electrically conductive mask.
US08368117B2
Semiconductor structures including one, or more, III-nitride material regions (e.g., gallium nitride material region) and methods associated with such structures are provided. The III-nitride material region(s) advantageously have a low dislocation density and, in particular, a low screw dislocation density. In some embodiments, the presence of screw dislocations in the III-nitride material region(s) may be essentially eliminated. The presence of a strain-absorbing layer underlying the III-nitride material region(s) and/or processing conditions can contribute to achieving the low screw dislocation densities. In some embodiments, the III-nitride material region(s) having low dislocation densities include a gallium nitride material region which functions as the active region of the device. The low screw dislocation densities of the active device region (e.g., gallium nitride material region) can lead to improved properties (e.g., electrical and optical) by increasing electron transport, limiting non-radiative recombination, and increasing compositional/growth uniformity, amongst other effects.
US08368115B2
A method of fabricating semiconductor devices, such as GaN LEDs, on insulating substrates, such as sapphire. Semiconductor layers are produced on the insulating substrate using normal techniques. Trenches that define the boundaries of the individual devices are formed through the semiconductor layers and into the insulating substrate, beneficially by inductive coupled plasma reactive ion etching. A first support structure is attached to the semiconductor layers. The hard substrate is then removed, beneficially by laser lift off. A second supporting structure, preferably conductive, is substituted for the hard substrate and the first supporting structure is removed. Individual devices are then diced, beneficially by etching through the second supporting structure. A protective photo-resist layer can protect the semiconductor layers from the attachment of the first support structure. A conductive bottom contact (possibly reflective) can be inserted between the second supporting structure and the semiconductor layers.
US08368112B2
A multiple element emitter package is disclosed for increasing color fidelity and heat dissipation, improving current control, increasing rigidity of the package assembly. In one embodiment, the package comprises a surface-mount device a casing with a cavity extending into the interior of the casing from a first main surface is provided. A lead frame is at least partially encased by the casing, the lead frame comprising a plurality of electrically conductive parts carrying a linear array of light emitting devices (LEDs). Electrically conductive parts, separate from parts carrying the LEDs have a connection pad, wherein the LEDs are electrically coupled to a connection pad, such as by a wire bond. This lead frame arrangement allows for a respective electrical signal can be applied to each of the LEDs. The emitter package may be substantially waterproof, and an array of the emitter packages may be used in an LED display such as an indoor and/or outdoor LED screen.
US08368110B2
A side view light emitting diode (LED) package structure includes a package housing, a side view LED chip and a thermal conductive member. The side view LED chip is enclosed by the package housing and an emitting direction of the side view LED chip is perpendicular to a thickness direction of a substrate. The thermal conductive member connected with the side view LED chip is disposed inside the package housing and a portion of which extends out of a dissipation opening of the package housing to be exposed so that heat of the side view LED chip is dissipated.
US08368109B2
An (Al,Ga,In)N-based light emitting diode (LED), comprising a p-type surface of the LED bonded with a transparent submount material to increase light extraction at the p-type surface, wherein the LED is a substrateless membrane.
US08368108B2
A light emitting element housing package comprises a ceramic substrate on which a light emitting element is mounted, and a wiring pattern that is formed on the ceramic substrate and to which a light emitting element chip is electrically connected, wherein a white thin film layer formed from a sintered body of white inorganic particles is formed on at least an upper surface of the wiring pattern, except a connection region in the wiring pattern to be connected to the light emitting element chip.
US08368102B2
A light emitting device has a light emitting layer having a first semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type, a second semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type different from the first conductivity type, and an active layer sandwiched between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer, a reflecting layer provided on a side of one surface of the light emitting layer, which reflects a light emitted from the active layer, a supporting substrate provided on an opposite side of the reflecting layer with respect to the light emitting layer, which supports the light emitting layer via an adhesion layer, an ohmic contact portion provided on a part of the reflecting layer, which electrically connects between the reflecting layer and the light emitting layer, and convexo-concave portions formed on other surface of the light emitting layer and side surfaces of the light emitting layer, respectively, and an insulating film configured to cover the convexo-concave portions.
US08368101B2
An arrangement and a method for producing such an arrangement serve for generating mixed light. In this case, a semiconductor chip that emits an electromagnetic primary radiation has a luminescence conversion element in the beam path of the primary radiation. Furthermore, the arrangement includes a connecting element and a carrier element, wherein the carrier element carries and shapes the luminescence conversion element and the connecting element.
US08368098B2
The present invention provides a light emitting device loaded with a light emitting semiconductor chip with a protective film formed on a light emitting portion, in which the protective film contains a first dielectric film formed of aluminum oxynitride, a second dielectric film formed of silicon nitride or silicon oxynitride, and a third dielectric film formed of an oxide or a fluoride, the first dielectric film is located more toward the light emitting portion than the second dielectric film, and the second dielectric film is located more toward the light emitting portion than the third dielectric film, and a manufacturing method of the light emitting device.
US08368097B2
An LED package comprises a frame having a concave portion formed in the center thereof; one or more LED chips mounted on the bottom surface of the concave portion; and a lens filled in the concave portion, the lens having an upper surface formed of continuous prismatic irregularities forming concentric circles.
US08368091B2
Disclosed is a light-emitting device. The light-emitting device comprises a blue light-emitting source and a light-emitting source. The light-emitting source includes first semiconductor nanocrystals and second semiconductor nanocrystals. The first and second nanocrystals emit lights of different wavelengths from each other to produce a color complementary to blue. The first and second semiconductor nanocrystals are spatially clustered to form first and second composites respectively.
US08368084B2
In an embodiment, provided is a semiconductor device in which a normally-on type FET; a capacitor having one electrode electrically connected to a gate of the FET and the other electrode electrically connected to an input terminal; and a diode having an anode electrode electrically connected to the gate of the FET and a cathode electrode electrically connected to a source of the FET are formed on the same chip on which the FET is formed. Also, the capacitor may have a structure in which an insulation film such as a dielectric substance is formed on a gate drawn electrode of the FET, and a metallic layer is formed on the insulation layer.
US08368082B2
A non-single-crystal semiconductor layer is formed over a substrate, and then a single crystal semiconductor layer is formed over part of the non-single-crystal semiconductor layer. Thus, a semiconductor element of a region which requires a large area (e.g. a pixel region in a display device) can be formed using the non-single-crystal semiconductor layer, and a semiconductor element of a region which requires high speed operation (e.g. a driver circuit region in a display device) can be formed using the single crystal semiconductor layer.
US08368070B2
An antifuse structure and methods of forming contacts within the antifuse structure. The antifuse structure includes a substrate having an overlying metal layer, a dielectric layer formed on an upper surface of the metal layer, and a contact formed of contact material within a contact via etched through the dielectric layer into the metal layer. The contact via includes a metal material at a bottom surface of the contact via and an untreated or partially treated metal precursor on top of the metal material.
US08368063B2
An organic semiconductor device includes a gate electrode above a substrate. A gate insulation film is over the gate electrode. A first electrode is above the gate insulation film. A second electrode is above the gate insulation film. The second electrode is annular and surrounds the first electrode. An organic semiconductor layer is above the gate insulation film and over the first electrode. The second electrode surrounds the organic semiconductor layer and defines an outer periphery of the organic semiconductor layer. A conductive guiding member is above the gate insulation film. The conductive guiding member is annular and surrounds the second electrode. A protective film is above the gate insulation film and over the organic semiconductor layer and the second electrode. The conductive guiding member surrounds the protective film and defines an outer periphery of the protective film.
US08368051B2
An infrared detector having a hole barrier region adjacent to one side of an absorber region, an electron barrier region adjacent to the other side of the absorber region, and a semiconductor adjacent to the electron barrier.
US08368046B2
A light-emitting element includes a n-type silicon oxide film and a p-type silicon nitride film. The n-type silicon oxide film and the p-type silicon nitride film formed on the n-type silicon oxide film form a p-n junction. The n-type silicon oxide film includes a plurality of quantum dots composed of n-type Si while the p-type silicon nitride film includes a plurality of quantum dots composed of p-type Si. Light emission occurs from the boundary between the n-type silicon oxide film and the p-type silicon nitride film by injecting electrons from the n-type silicon oxide film side and holes from the p-type silicon nitride film side.
US08368022B2
A bolometer comprising an outer surface for the thermal absorption of incident radiation in thermal contact with a radiation measurement element having a variable resistance (R) depending on the temperature, the element being in a heat feedback loop comprising a corrector for applying a heating power to a resistive heating means in order to maintain the temperature of the resistor equal to a setpoint temperature (Tref). According to the invention, the resistive heating means comprises the element, the corrector is designed to generate a frequency component (S1) of the heating power, which is applied to a coupling means provided between the element and the corrector in order to apply a DC-free signal to the element, a coupling means, separate from the means, is provided between the element and a DC bias means in order to maintain the resistor at a prescribed continuous operation point.
US08368021B2
In a temperature measuring device (1) an IR-radiation detector (2) and a reference element (3) are provided, connected to a surface (6) of an object (7) in a heat-conducting fashion, with a first area (4) with high emissivity and a second area (5) with high reflectivity formed at the reference element (3), and the IR-radiation detector (2) is equipped for a separate detection of IR-radiation (9, 10, 11) from the first and second areas (4, 5) and a surface area (12) of the object (7). A computer (13) in the IR-radiation detector (2) is equipped to deduct a temperature measurement for the object (7), corrected for emissions and reflections from the detected IR-radiations (9, 10, 11).
US08368017B2
The invention relates to a method for operating a measurement system containing a scanning probe microscope, in particular an atomic force microscope, and to a measurement system for examining a measurement sample using a scanning probe microscope and for optically examining said sample. In the method, an optical image of a measurement section of a measurement sample to be examined, said image being recorded with the aid of an optical recording device, is displayed on a display apparatus, a choice of a position in the optical image is detected, and, for a scanning probe measurement, a measurement probe which is configured for the scanning probe measurement is moved, using a movement apparatus which moves the measurement probe and the measurement sample relative to one another, to a measurement position, which is assigned to the selected position in the optical image in accordance with coordinate transformation, by virtue of the movement apparatus being controlled in accordance with the coordinate transformation, wherein a previously determined assignment between a coordinate system of the optical image and a coordinate system of a space covered by movement positions of the measurement probe and the measurement sample is formed with the coordinate transformation, wherein the movement positions comprise the measurement position.
US08368016B1
An electron beam apparatus, in which an electron beam emitted from an electron gun having a cathode and an anode is focused and irradiated onto a sample, and secondary electrons emanated from the sample are directed into a detector, the apparatus further comprising means for optimizing irradiation of the electron beam emitted from the electron gun onto the sample, the optimizing means may be two-stage deflectors disposed in proximity to the electron gun which deflects and directs the electron beam emitted in a specific direction so as to be in alignment with the optical axis direction of the electron beam apparatus, the electron beam emitted in the specific direction being at a certain angle with respect to the optical axis due to the fact that, among the crystal orientations of said cathode, a specific crystal orientation allowing a higher level of electron beam emission out of alignment with the optical axis direction.
US08368015B2
The present invention relates to a multi-beamlet multi-column particle-optical system comprising a plurality of columns which are disposed in an array for simultaneously exposing a substrate, each column having an optical axis and comprising: a beamlet generating arrangement comprising at least one multi-aperture plate for generating a pattern of multiple beamlets of charged particles, and an electrostatic lens arrangement comprising at least one electrode element; the at least one electrode element having an aperture defined by an inner peripheral edge facing the optical axis, the aperture having a center and a predetermined shape in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis; wherein in at least one of the plurality of columns, the predetermined shape of the aperture is a non-circular shape with at least one of a protrusion and an indentation from an ideal circle about the center of the aperture.
US08368013B2
An analyzer performs dielectric barrier discharge and ionization of a sample by a reaction between the sample and excited molecules or ions generated by the dielectric barrier discharge at a pressure lower than an atmospheric pressure.
US08368012B2
Charged spray droplets are guided in a pseudopotential distribution generated by audio frequency voltages at electrodes of a guiding device, focusing the spray droplets toward the axis. An axial electric field profile and an axial flow profile of a drying gas in the guiding device allow the drift of different-sized droplets to be controlled in the longitudinal direction of the guiding device, so that the droplets are roughly equal in size when they leave the guiding device and finally dry up shortly after leaving. As a result, the ions are formed in a relatively small spatial region. Electrostatic potentials guide the analyte ions from this small spatial region to the entrance aperture of the inlet capillary; during this process, very light ions, especially protons and water-proton complexes, can be filtered out by a mobility filter.
US08368006B2
A laser projector can generate a pulse signal capable of being generated according to the resolution of the clock signal, the pulse signal having a basic period and a basic pulse width each infinitely approximated to the characteristics of the resonance frequency. Moreover, because the laser projector can generate a pulse signal capable of correcting the errors led to be included in the approximated pulse signal, the laser projector can drive the scanning section with a horizontal vibration width corresponding to the resonance frequency, and can suitably display a projected image on a projection plane.
US08368001B2
A system is provided that includes: a sensor device adapted to selectively monitor a plurality of sensors including an electrical sensor adapted to monitor at least one electrical parameter associated with a circuit and a heat sensor adapted to monitor heat, wherein the sensor device includes a wireless transceiver within the sensor device adapted to transmit measurement information from the selected sensor; and a receiver indicator device adapted to wirelessly receive the measurement information from the sensor device, and provide an indication based on the measurement information to a user operating the receiver indicator device.
US08367997B2
An image reading device has: a light source at which plural light-emitting elements are arrayed; a detection unit that detects light amounts of illumination light which are emitted from the light-emitting elements and are reflected by a reference plate; a derivation unit; and an adjustment unit. On the basis of detected light amounts, the derivation unit derives difference amounts between a reference value and average values of light amounts per predetermined first number of adjacent light-emitting elements. On the basis of the derived difference amounts, the adjustment unit adjusts light amounts per the first number of light-emitting elements such that the average values become the reference value.
US08367996B2
This invention discloses a solar sensing system and a solar tracking method thereof. The solar sensing system comprises a solar module, an azimuth sensor unit, an elevation sensor unit and a driving unit. The azimuth sensor unit and the elevation sensor unit are disposed on the surface of the solar module. The azimuth sensor unit senses sunlight to generate an azimuth signal. The driving unit receives the azimuth signal to turn the solar module until the azimuth sensor unit is aligned precisely towards the sunlight. The elevation sensor unit senses the sunlight to generate an elevation signal. The driving unit receives the elevation signal to turn the solar module until the elevation sensor unit is aligned precisely towards the sunlight. If the azimuth sensor unit and the elevation sensor unit are aligned precisely towards the sunlight, the solar module will also be aligned precisely towards the sunlight.
US08367995B2
The system and method for automatic positioning of a solar array utilizes modular neural processors pre-trained from existing solar data to estimate the direction of the sun at any location and at any time, irrespective of the orientation or movement of the base unit, and to determine solar panel servo tracking system steering commands for optimal orientation of the solar panel surfaces towards the sun. The automatic positioning system may be used in power generation or water desalination facilities. The device integrates a GPS system, an electronic compass, and an inclination sensor for determination of the orientation of the base unit. Periodic control commands are issued to conventional servo systems for automatic steering of a solar array for maximum solar power acquisition to optimize energy gain versus energy consumption in steering.
US08367993B2
A missile has a flight termination system that includes deployable lift surfaces that deploy forward of a center of gravity of the missile. When deployed, the lift surfaces cause the missile to rotate about its longitudinal axis. This rotation eventually increases in rate until the missile nears a natural roll frequency of the missile. As the missile nears or reaches its natural roll frequency, the missile's nose pitches up, angle of attack diverges and the missile tumbles, resulting in rapid termination of flight by loss of aerodynamic lift, vertical plunging and crashing. The lift surfaces may be curved surfaces that conform to the shape of a fuselage of the missile, prior to the deployment of the lift surfaces. The lift surfaces may be canted slightly relative to a missile longitudinal axis when the lift surfaces are deployed, so as to provide a sufficient rolling moment to overcome aerodynamic damping or resistance (roll drag) of the missile.
US08367991B2
A modulation device provides optical energy to hamper the operation of a mobile tracking device. The optical energy may include multiple mobile device specific optical codes directed at the mobile tracking device in parallel.
US08367989B2
The invention relates to a removable lid for defining a food cooking or heating enclosure (5) in a microwave oven, comprising an outer wall (2) pervious to microwaves and sealed for air and steam, an inner wall (3) pervious for microwaves and adapted for the passage of air and steam, and an intermediate ply (4) made of a porous water-retaining material and provided between the inner and outer walls, characterised in that the outer wall (2) includes at its inner face oriented towards the inner wall (3) at least one convex conformation (10) for defining a cold condensation area, the inner wall (3) being open opposite each convex conformation in order to expose at least the portion of the intermediate ply (4) surrounding the convex conformation (10).
US08367985B2
A mica board heater has a mica board support plate assembly that isolates the mica boards from the frame of the heater. The mica board support plate assembly includes a mica board with openings sized to receive ends of the mica boards that support the resistance wires. The mica board with the specially sized openings is supported by a frame that is attached to the heater frame. By using the mica board support plate assembly, the mica boards are electrically isolated from the frame and without compromising the structural soundness of the frame.
US08367982B2
Provided is a built-in cooking appliance. According to the built-in cooking appliance, the inside of the cooking appliance is effectively cooled and the inside can be waterproofed without protruding the top plate above the cabinet. Therefore, cooling efficiency, stability in using, convenience in cleaning, esthetic feeling, and reliability of a product can be improved. The built-in cooking appliance includes a top plate, a main body below the top plate, a fan, a cabinet, a gap portion, and a top frame. At least a heating unit is disposed inside the main body. The fan forms a cooling passage inside the main body. The plate is installed on the cabinet. The gap portion defines at least a portion of the cooling passage, and is formed by at least an edge on one side of the top plate and the cabinet separated from each other. The top frame covers the gap portion.
US08367978B2
An infrared convection paint baking oven comprising a tunnel having an entrance and exit, the tunnel having top and side walls equipped with air ducts that communicate with a at least one air pressure blower to form an air plenum in the interior of said tunnel. The oven is equipped with at least one exhaust to re-circulate heated air and vent moisture and volatiles from said tunnel. The exhaust communicates said pressure blower with air make up and an RTO. The re-circulated air flow is divertible from the exhaust to the furnace to control temperature and VOC emissions. Infrared light assemblies are arranged in said tunnel interior on the top and side walls such that air from said plenum is circulated around said light assemblies to form a convection air current. The light assemblies are in close proximity to each other at the entrance and along a distance of said tunnel to form a warm up zone. The light assemblies are spaced further apart along the remainder of said tunnel length toward said exit to form a curing zone.
US08367974B2
A hair cutting device (100) comprising: a housing (106); a detector adapted to detect motion of the device with respect to a skin surface (400) against which the device is juxtaposed; a hair cutting head (300) having a heated wire (260) suitable for heating hair growing from the skin, the hair cutting head being movable between a first, hair cutting position and a second retracted position at which the wire is removed from the vicinity of the skin; a controller (118) adapted to move the cutting head to the first position or to the second position when it does not responsive to said detected motion.
US08367973B2
A heater with temperature detecting device, arranged to accurately detect the temperature of a laminated sheet heater over long periods, and a battery structure including the same. A first embodiment includes a laminated sheet heater and a temperature sensor having a temperature measuring portion. The laminated sheet heater includes first and second insulating resin films, a heater element, a first metal sheet, and a second metal sheet and includes a heater metallic section in which, any one of only the first metal sheet and only a combination of the first metal sheet and the second metal sheet is arranged in a lamination layering direction of the laminated sheet heater. The temperature sensor is fastened to the heater metallic section with a flat rivet and fixed to an outer surface of the first metal sheet with the temperature measuring portion in contact with the first metal sheet.
US08367965B2
An upper electrode for use in a plasma processing chamber is provided, which includes a center segment and a plurality of outer segments. The outer segments are attached to the center segment to adjust the area of the overall electrode. Gas distribution holes may be selectively formed on the center and outer segments, or both. By adding or removing the outer segments and stacking layers, the dimension of the electrode, the area of gas spurting region and the thickness of the provided upper electrode may be adjusted.
US08367962B2
A tool welding system is disclosed that includes a table that heats a tool. A multi-axis robot includes a welding head that is moved relative to the table in response to a command. A controller is in communication with the robot and generates the command in response to welding parameters. The weld parameters are based upon a difference between an initial tool shape and a desired tool shape. The difference between the initial tool shape and the desired tool shape corresponds to a desired weld shape. The desired weld shape is adjusted based upon initial tool shape variations, which includes thermal growth of the tool. The tool is welded to provide the desired weld shape to achieve a desired tool shape.
US08367955B2
An electrical switch includes a housing and at least two electrical terminals. A pivoting toggle is provided within the housing for controlling the electrical connection between the two terminals. A light source is mounted to the housing in a fixed position and a length of optically conductive material extends from within the toggle to adjacent the light source, such that, when the light source is on, light is visible through the toggle via the optically conductive material.
US08367952B2
An acceleration sensor is provided. The acceleration sensor contains a first electrically conductive element and a second electrically conductive element. An electrically insulative element is connected to the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element, where at least a portion of the first electrically conductive element and at least a portion of the second electrically conductive element make contact with the electrically insulative element. At least one electrically conductive spring is located within a cavity of the sensor, wherein the cavity is defined by at least one surface of the first electrically conductive element, at least one surface of the electrically insulative element, and at least one surface of the second electrically conductive element.
US08367951B2
A retrofit diverter switch which has a mechanical and electrical interface that is compatible with the existing designs is provided. The diverter switch may include a vacuum switch. The feature where the mechanical and electrical interface is compatible enables a retrofit from traditional On Load Tap Changers to a vacuum based on Load Tap Changers. The diverter switch may be retrofitted into existing tap changer housings. Retrofitting from traditional to vacuum based, traditional to vacuum based and up rating, and vacuum up rating may be possible. Also, the diverter switch may include modular components that allow for easy customization of the diverter switch for different applications.
US08367949B2
An electric operating device includes an operation member for operating to activate a plurality of electric functions provided at a vehicle seat. The operation member is disposed at a position outside of the vehicle seat allowing operation by a seated person seated on the vehicle seat. The operation member is constructed to be capable of operating to pivot about an axis and operating to move to slide in a diametrical direction. Further, an operation structure for pivoting about the axis for switching a pivoting position of the operation member is configured as an electric function mode switching structure for selecting the electric function as an operational object from the plurality of electric functions. Further, a slide moving operating structure for switching a slide position in the diametrical direction of the operation member is configured as an activation control structure for operating to activate the electric function selected as the operational object.
US08367944B2
A cable and flexible conduit gland for securing a cable and a flexible conduit to a box member is disclosed to include a casing having a middle stop flange extending around the periphery thereof, a first fastening member and a second fastening member formed integral with the periphery thereof and respectively disposed at two opposite sides relative to the middle stop flange ad and a tapered inner surface portion located on the inside wall, a collar inserted into the casing and having a tapered front extension fitting the tapered inner surface of the casing, an elastic packing ring stopped against the rear end of the collar, and a holding-down cap fastened to the first fastening member of the casing to hold down the collar and the packing ring and to lock the inserted flexible conduit and cable together.
US08367934B2
An insulating coating composition that improves lubricity without reduction of the varnish adhesion strength and an insulated wire using the insulating coating composition, and a coil using the insulated wire are provided. An insulating coating composition comprises a polyamide-imide resin, which is obtained through a synthetic reaction of isocyanate component with acid component, and a lubricant component, wherein the terminal isocyanate group of the polyamide-imide resin is capped with a blocking agent of higher alcohol having a carbon number of eight or more.
US08367923B2
The teachings described herein are generally directed to a system, method, and apparatus for learning music through an educational audio track embodied on a computer readable medium. The system can comprise components including a processor, an input device, a database, a transformation module, an emulation recording module, an integration engine, an output module, and an output device, wherein each component is operable in itself to perform it's function in the system and operable with other system components to provide a system to a user for learning music.
US08367920B2
A method of creating a visual representation of a musical work. Data processing apparatus analyzes the work, determines attributes, including a the pitch and duration of each note, and creates a data file which is used output the work in a form readable by the human eye. Symbols representing notes are placed on a grid at vertical positions in accordance with their pitch, and horizontal positions representing time. A first basic symbol is assigned to the natural notes in an octave, a second basic symbol is assigned to sharp accidentals, and a third basic symbol is assigned to flat accidentals. The horizontal extent of the symbols represents note duration. Each of the seven natural notes in an octave is assigned a color and a vertical position on the grid, and the sharp accidental and flat accidental notes are assigned the same color and vertical position as the associated natural note.
US08367915B1
A string compact adjustment apparatus installed on a head of a stringed instrument includes a tuning peg, a pintle, a string holder, a holding ring, a clamp ring and a compact bushing. The pintle runs through the head. The holding ring and clamp ring run through the pintle and fixedly couple on the head. The string holder is fastened to one end of the pintle close to the holding ring, and the tuning peg is fastened to another end thereof. The compact bushing has a contact surface and the clamp ring has a mating latch surface. The compact bushing is pushed by the tuning peg to allow the contact surface to tightly press the latch surface so that the compact bushing is fixedly coupled on the tuning peg and the tuning peg is fixed without turning reversely, thus string tone can be maintained for a long duration.
US08367912B1
A novel maize variety designated X8F933 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X8F933 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X8F933 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X8F933, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X8F933. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X8F933.
US08367904B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV182075. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV182075, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV182075 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV182075 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV182075.
US08367903B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV385282. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV385282, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV385282 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV385282 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV385282.
US08367896B2
The present invention relates to a new and distinctive canola cultivar, designated DN051535. Also included are seeds of canola cultivar DN051535, to the plants, or plant parts, of canola DN051535 and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing the canola DN051535 with itself or another canola cultivar, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of canola DN051535.
US08367887B2
It is intended to provide a simple normal-tension glaucoma model capable of spontaneously, age-dependently and surly developing conditions similar to symptoms of normal-tension glaucoma which occurs more frequently in elder people, and a method of evaluating therapeutic effect on normal-tension glaucoma whereby a drug useful in treating and diagnosing can be conveniently screened by using the normal-tension glaucoma model. A normal-tension glaucoma model comprising a nonhuman mammal, which is deficient in a transcriptional regulator NF-κBp50 and thus spontaneously develops the normal-tension glaucoma symptom age-relatedly, an organ or a tissue thereof or cells collected from any of the same. A method of evaluating therapeutic effect on normal-tension glaucoma of a test substance which comprises administering or adding the test substance to the above-described nonhuman mammal, an organ or a tissue thereof or cells collected from any of the same, and measuring a morphological defect, cell count, pressure, the expression amount or activity strength of a protein, the expression amount of a nucleic acid and/or the activity strength of an antibody in the organ, tissue and/or cells as indication(s) for the evaluation.
US08367885B2
This invention relates to a method of preparing a multicomponent bismuth molybdate catalyst by changing the pH of a coprecipitation solution upon coprecipitation and a method of preparing 1,3-butadiene using the catalyst. The multicomponent bismuth molybdate catalyst, coprecipitated using a solution having an adjusted pH, the preparation method thereof, and the method of preparing 1,3-butadiene through oxidative dehydrogenation using a C4 mixture including n-butene and n-butane as a reactant are provided. The C4 raffinate, containing many impurities, is directly used as a reactant without an additional process for separating n-butane or extracting n-butene, thus obtaining 1,3-butadiene at high yield. The activity of the multicomponent bismuth molybdate catalyst can be simply increased through precise pH adjustment upon coprecipitation, which is not disclosed in the conventional techniques. This method can be applied to the increase in the activity of multicomponent bismuth molybdate catalysts reported in the art.
US08367880B2
Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for continuously producing and dehydrating gas hydrates. The apparatus includes a gas source, a water source, a reactor, a spinning wheel, and a centrifugal separator. The gas source and the water source are connected to the reactor. Gas and water are respectively supplied from the gas source and the water source into the reactor and react with each other in the reactor to form gas hydrate slurry. The spinning wheel and the centrifugal separator are provided in the reactor. The spinning wheel supplies the formed gas hydrate slurry to the centrifugal separator. The centrifugal separator dehydrates the gas hydrate slurry. Water removed from the gas hydrate slurry by the dehydration of the centrifugal separator is re-supplied into the reactor.
US08367874B2
The present invention relates to a process for producing a 2-(1-hydroxyalkyl)cycloalkanone which includes the steps of (i) continuously mixing a cycloalkanone and an alkyl aldehyde in the water and a base catalyst to form a reaction system and allow both the compounds to react with each other; (ii) continuously withdrawing a reaction mixture produced in the step (i) out of the reaction system while allowing the step (i) to proceed; and (iii) adding an additional amount of water containing the base catalyst to the reaction system to maintain a constant concentration of the base catalyst and/or a constant amount of water in the reaction system while allowing the step (ii) to proceed.
US08367871B2
An optically active sulfoxide compound that is useful as an intermediate for synthesis or an active ingredient of a physiologically active substance such as a pharmaceutical agent is produced at a high optical purity. A process for producing an optically active sulfoxide compound of formula (4) comprises oxidizing a sulfide compound of formula (3) in the presence of an optically active metal complex of formula (1), (1′), (2) or (2′) by using an oxidizing agent. The present invention is also directed to the optically active metal complex.
US08367867B2
A process for producing urea is disclosed, wherein liquid ammonia and carbon dioxide are reacted in a high-pressure synthesis section (100), and at least part of the carbon dioxide is fed to said synthesis section (100) in liquid phase. A plant operating according to said process and a method for modernizing existing plants accordingly are also disclosed.
US08367860B2
The present invention provides a method for efficiently using an aqueous solution of (meth)acrylic acid at a low concentration formed in a production/storage step of (meth)acrylic acid.In the present invention, a (meth)acrylic acid derivative is produced by using as a raw material an aqueous solution of (meth)acrylic acid formed by one or both of: a device which reduces a pressure of a gas comprising (meth)acrylic acid in production of (meth)acrylic acid; and a device which collects (meth)acrylic acid from a gas comprising (meth)acrylic acid.
US08367855B2
Process for preparing silylorganoamines, which process comprises the following steps: (A) provision of silylorganoamines of the formula I: [R2a(R1O)3-aSiR3]nNH3-n in a reactor, (B) reaction of the silylorganoamines of the formula I in the presence of particulate metallic noble metal at a temperature in the range from 100° C. to 300° C. to form silylorganoamine products of the formula II: [R2a(R1O)3-aSiR3]yNH3-y, where each radical R1 and each radical R2 is selected independently from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, aralkyl and cycloalkyl radicals having fewer than 20 carbon atoms; R3 is selected from the group consisting of divalent hydrocarbon radicals having fewer than 20 carbon atoms and a=0, 1, 2 or 3; n=1 or n=2 or n=1 and 2; and y=3.
US08367852B2
Synthetic methods for preparing deoxycholic acid and intermediates thereof are provided.
US08367850B2
Triphenylene containing benzo-fused thiophene compounds are provided. Additionally, triphenylene containing benzo-fused furan compounds are provided. The compounds may be useful in organic light emitting devices, particularly as hosts in the emissive layer of such devices, or as materials for enhancement layers in such devices, or both.
US08367849B2
There is provided a means to produce industrially a highly pure 2-hydroxy-4-oxa-5-thiatricyclo[4.2.1.03,7]nonane 5,5-dioxide derivative in high yield from highly pure and industrially available raw materials.The production method for a sultone derivative of the present invention comprises a step (A) to obtain a sulfonic acid derivative by hydrolyzing a sulfonyl halide derivative represented by the following chemical formula 1: or an enantiomer thereof and a step (B) to obtain a corresponding sultone derivative represented by the following chemical formula 2: or an enantiomer thereof by treating the sulfonic acid derivative with a oxidizing agent.
US08367846B2
The present invention provides a method of producing 2-alkyl-3-aminothiophene derivative represented by Formula (4), the method comprising oxidizing a compound represented by the following Formula (1) to produce a compound represented by the following Formula (3) and reducing the compound represented by the following Formula (3): wherein in Formula (1), Formula (3), and Formula (4), R represents an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, or a bicycloalkyl group; and X represents a hydroxyl group, a halogen atom acyloxy group, an alkylsulfonyl group, or an arylsulfonyl group.
US08367844B2
The present invention relates to heterocyclic compounds of formula I which have microbiocidal activity, in particular fungicidal activity as well as methods of using the compounds of formula (I) to control microbes: wherein A is x-C(R10R11)—C(═O)—, x-C(R12R13)—C(═S)—, x-O—C(═O)—, x-O—C(═S)—, x-N(R14)—C(═O)—, x-N(R15)—C(═S)—, x-C(R16R17)—SO2— or X—N═C(R30)—, in each case x indicates the bond that is connected to R1; T is CR18 or N; Y1, Y2, Y3, and Y4 are independently CR19 or N; Q is O or S; n is 1 or 2; p is 1 or 2, providing that when n is 2, p is 1. R1 is phenyl, pyridyl, imidazolyl, or pyrazolyl; wherein the phenyl, pyridyl, imidazolyl and pyrazolyl are each optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 haloalkyl, halogen, cyano, hydroxy and amino; R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R10, R11, R12, R13, R16, R17, R18, R19 and R30 each independently are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, C1-C4alkyl, or C1-C4haloalkyl; R8, R14 and R15 each independently are hydrogen or C1-C4alkyl; and R9 is phenyl, benzyl or group (a): wherein the phenyl, benzyl and group (a) are each optionally substituted with 1 to 3 substituents independently selected from C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C4 haloalkyl, halogen, cyano, hydroxy and amino; or a salt or a N-oxide thereof.
US08367843B2
Disclosed are a novel compound and a pharmaceutical product, each having a remarkable uricosuric effect. Specifically disclosed are: a novel phenol derivative represented by general formula (1) that is shown in FIG. 1; a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; a hydrate of the derivative or the salt; and a solvate of the derivative or the salt. (In the formula, R1 and R2 may be the same or different and each represents a lower alkyl group, a lower alkenyl group, a lower alkynyl group, a lower alkoxy group, a haloalkyl group, a haloalkoxy group, an alkylsulfanyl group, an alkylsulfinyl group, an alkylsulfonyl group, a lower alkyl-substituted carbamoyl group, a saturated nitrogen-containing heterocyclic N-carbonyl group, a halogen atom, a cyano group or a hydrogen atom; R3 represents a lower alkyl group, a haloalkyl group, a halogen atom, a hydroxy group or a hydrogen atom; and X represents a sulfur atom, an —S(═O)— group or an —S(═O)2— group.)
US08367837B2
A process for (R,S)-nicotine is described. Condensation of 1-(but-1-enyl)pyrrolidin-2-one with nicotinic acid ester gave 1-(but-1-enyl)-3-nicotinoylpyrrolidin-2-one which on treatment with an acid and a base gave myosmine. Myosmine was converted to (R,S)-nicotine by reduction followed by N-methylation.
US08367825B2
The present invention is directed to substituted pyrimidine compounds of formula (I): and forms thereof, their synthesis and use for treating, preventing or ameliorating a chronic or acute protein kinase mediated disease, disorder or condition.
US08367823B2
The present invention includes methods, articles, compositions and colorant dyes and pigments that include biocidal N-halamine dye composition having two or more heterocyclic ring structures attached to one or more N-halamine groups, wherein one or more halogens associate with the one or more one or more N-halamine groups to affect biocidal activity.
US08367820B2
Disclosed is an optically active quaternary ammonium salt compound represented by the formula (1) below. Also disclosed are a production intermediate of such an optically active quaternary ammonium salt compound, and a method for producing such an optically active quaternary ammonium salt compound. (1) (In the formula, R1, R2, R21, R3 and R4 respectively represent an alkyl group, an aryl group or the like; R5 and R6 respectively represent an alkyl group, an alkoxy group or the like; and X− represents an anion.)
US08367809B2
This invention relates to a composite material that comprises a support member that has a plurality of pores extending through the support member and, located in the pores of the support member, and filling the pores of the support member, a macroporous cross-linked gel. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the composite material described above, and to its use. The composite material is suitable, for example, for separation of substances, for example by filtration or adsorption, including chromatography, for use as a support in synthesis or for use as a support for cell growth.
US08367804B2
The present invention provides T cell receptors (TCRs) having the property of binding to SLLMWITQC-HLA-A*0201, the SLLMWITQC SEQ ID NO:126 peptide being derived from the NY-ESO-1 protein which is expressed by a range of tumour cells. The TCRs have a KD for the said peptide-HLA complex of less than or equal to 1 μM and/or have an off-rate (koff) of 1×10−3 S−1 or slower.
US08367800B2
The invention provides novel guanylate cyclase-C agonist peptides and their use in the treatment of human diseases including gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation or cancer (e.g., a gastrointestinal cancer). The peptides can be administered either alone or in combination with an inhibitor of cGMP-dependent phosphodiesterase. The gastrointestinal disorder may be classified as either irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, or excessive acidity etc. The gastrointestinal disease may be classified as either inflammatory bowel disease or other GI condition including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and cancer.
US08367797B2
A polyamide represented by formula (6) is provided. The polyamide is fabricated by performing a polycondensation reaction with amine compound shown in formula (4) and an acid or derivative thereof shown in formula (5) as monomers. In formulas (5) and (6), X represents aromatic groups or aliphatic groups. In formula (5), R represents OH group or halogen.
US08367787B2
Use of a metallocene compound of general formula Ind2R″MQ2 as a component of a catalyst system in producing polyethylene, wherein each Ind is the same or different and is indenyl or substituted indenyl; R″ is a bridge which comprises a C1 to C4 alkylene radical, a dialkyl germanium or silicon or siloxane, alkyl phosphine or amine, which bridge is substituted or unsubstituted, M is a Group IV metal or vanadium and each Q is hydrocarbyl having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or halogen; and the ratio of meso to racemic forms of the metallocene in the catalyst system is at least 1:3. The metallocene may be supported. The ethylene may be polymerized in a reaction medium that is substantially free of any external comonomer, with comonomer being formed in situ. The produced polyethylene may have long chain branching. The produced polyethylene may be atactic.
US08367786B2
This invention relates to the oligomerisation of olefinic compounds in the presence of an oligomerisation catalyst activated in two stages by two catalyst activators According to the invention there is provided a process for activating an oligomerisation catalyst by contacting the catalyst with i) a first activator component selected from the group consisting of the aluminoxanes and a mixture of at least one aluminoxane and at least one organylaluminium compound, and ii) a second activator component which is an organylaluminium compound, the process being characterised therein that the oligomerisation catalyst is first contacted with one of the first activator component or second activator component, and the resulting mixture is thereafter contacted with the other of the first activator component or second activator component.
US08367783B2
The present invention relates to a process for improving the polymerization of ethylene and one or more optional co-monomer(s) in a polymerization loop reactor characterized in that said process comprises the step of controlling the hydrogen/monomer ratio along the path of the reactor by multiple, spatially separated, feeding of hydrogen along the path of the loop reactor. In particular, the invention provides a process for controlling, and preferably narrowing, the molecular weight distribution of the produced polymer particles. In another aspect, the invention relates to a polymerization loop reactor suitable for the polymerization process of ethylene and an optional olefin co-monomer, wherein the molecular weight distribution of the produced ethylene polymer can be controlled.
US08367776B2
The present invention includes crosslinked perfluoroelastomeric compositions and molded articles formed from a cross-linkable perfluoroelastomeric composition having a first curable perfluoropolymer having a cure site monomer and a second perfluoropolymer having a cure site monomer. The molar ratio of the tetrafluoroethylene monomer to perfluoroalkylvinyl ether in one perfluoropolymer is about 0 to 100 to about 65 to 35 in the perfluoropolymer. The molar ratio of the tetrafluoroethylene monomer to the perfluoroalkylvinyl ether monomer in the second polymer is about 65:35 to about 95:5 in the second perfluoropolymer. The composition further includes a curative. One fluorine-containing elastomer composition herein, having a short crosslinking time, has perfluoroelastomers (A) having a tetrafluoroethylene unit, a perfluoralkylvinyl ether unit (a) and a monomer unit (b) having at least one kind selected from the group consisting of a nitrile group, a carboxyl group and an alkoxycarbonyl group, wherein the composition has two or more kinds of perfluoroelastomers (A) having differing contents of perfluoroalkylvinyl ether unit (a).
US08367762B2
The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one amphiphilic glycidyl ether copolymer composed of special structural units I to V, wherein at least one of the structural units I has an aromatic group, and wherein the structural units may each be arranged in a block, a gradient or randomly, as a dispersant and a dispersed solid matter or as an emulsifier and an unsaturated polymer system in the form of a water-in-oil emulsion to be cured.
US08367759B2
A micronized filler for use in thermoplastic compositions, polymeric emulsions and other end products can include micronized recycled asphalt paving. The recycled asphalt paving filler can include calcium carbonate, calcium magnesium carbonate and silicon dioxide. The filler can have a particle size of 325 mesh screen, and a specific gravity of 2.4. The filler increases the post consumer content of various end products.
US08367755B2
There are provided a thermoplastic resin composition excellent in a balance between fluidity and low outgassing, and a molded product and a sheet including the thermoplastic resin composition.The thermoplastic resin composition may include from 70 to 99% by mass of (A) a polyphenylene ether, from 1 to 30% by mass of (B) a copolymer including an aromatic vinyl compound and an unsaturated dicarboximide derivative as constituent monomers, and from 0 to 20% by mass of (C) a copolymer including an aromatic vinyl compound and a cyanided vinyl compound as constituent monomers, based on 100% by mass of the total of the (A) component, the (B) component and the (C) component, wherein the (B) component has a weight-average molecular weight of from 70,000 to 250,000.
US08367754B2
A flameproof thermoplastic resin composition comprises (A) 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin; (B) about 1 to about 40 parts by weight of a sublimational filler; and (C) about 1 to about 30 parts by weight of a flame retardant. The thermoplastic resin composition can solve the problems of high specific gravity and deterioration of flame retardancy caused by adding a conventional filler.
US08367751B2
A solid ink that includes an ink carrier and a resinous compound of the formulas or a salt thereof, wherein G1 is —X1C(O)OR1, —X2OC(O)R2, or —X2OH; G2 is R4, R12, —C(O)R2, —C(O)X1C(O)OR1, or —C(O)X2OC(O)R2; R1 is an alkyl having from 10 to 80 carbon atoms; R2 is an alkyl having from 2 to 40 carbon atoms; each R3 and R4 is independently hydrogen, alkyl, arylalkyl or alkylaryl; each R5 and each R6 is independently hydrogen or alkyl; X1 and X2 are both a straight or branched alkylene group; t1 is 1 to 20; t2 and t3 is independently 0 to 20; u1 is 1 to 30; u2 and u3 is independently 0 to 30; each R7 and each R8 is independently hydrogen, alkyl, or alkoxyl; each R9 and each R10 is independently hydrogen, alkyl, or alkoxyl; Ar is a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic moiety; p is 1 to 5; q is 1 to 12; AΘ is selected from the group consisting of Cl−, Br−, I−, HSO4−, HSO3−, CH3SO3−, NO3−, HCOO−, CH3COO−, H2PO4−, SCN−, ClO4−, SSO3−, PF6−, and SbCl6−; and J is alkyl, arylalkyl, or alkylaryl.
US08367749B2
The invention relates to microspheres coated with a phenolic novolak resin, a process for preparing them, and their use in making foundry shapes, e.g. molds, cores, sleeves, pouring cups, etc., which are used in casting metal parts.
US08367748B2
A filler which is surface-modified with a compound of the formula [(PG)-R1—Z]n—SP—[Y—R2-(AG)]m is particularly suitable for use in dental materials, for the preparation of adhesives, coatings and composites.
US08367745B2
To provide a dual curing type composite resin for core build-up having improved curing property by chemical polymerization with improved mechanical strength of a cured body under the condition of no light irradiation and with a shortened setting time, the composite resin is composed of a first component including a (meth)acrylate polymerizable resin and an organic peroxide, and a second component including (meth)acrylate polymerizable resin and a reducing agent, a photopolymerizaton initiator and a filler are included in the first component and/or the second component, and oxide powder of a Group II element in the periodic table having an average particle diameter of 1 μm or less is blended in the first component and/or the second component.
US08367715B2
The invention relates to pyrazole derivatives of general formula (I): in which X represents chlorine or fluorine; to a process for preparing said derivatives, and to therapeutic uses of said derivatives.
US08367707B2
Disclosed is a composition for use as a pest control agent, comprising a compound represented by formula (I) or an agriculturally and horticulturally acceptable salt thereof as active ingredient and an agriculturally and horticulturally acceptable carrier:
US08367706B2
The instant invention provides for compounds that inhibit the four known mammalian JAK kinases (JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 and TYK2) and PDK1. The invention also provides for compositions comprising such inhibitory compounds and methods of inhibiting the activity of JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 TYK2 and PDK1 by administering the compound to a patient in need of treatment for myeloproliferative disorders or cancer.
US08367694B2
In accordance with the present invention, compounds that inhibit the expression of VEGF post-transcriptionally have been identified, and methods for their use provided. In one aspect of the invention, compounds useful in the inhibition of VEGF production, in the inhibition of angiogenesis, and/or in the treatment of cancer, diabetic retinopathy or exudative macular degeneration are provided. In another aspect of the invention, methods are provided for the inhibition of VEGF production, the inhibition of angiogenesis, and/or the treatment of cancer, diabetic retinopathy or exudative macular degeneration using the compounds of the invention.
US08367689B2
The present invention is directed to compounds of formula I and tautomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which are selective inhibitors of JAK. The present invention is also directed to intermediates used in making such compounds, the preparation of such a compound, pharmaceutical compositions containing such a compound, methods of inhibition JAK activity, and methods to prevent or treat a number of conditions mediated at least in part by JAK activity.
US08367684B2
This invention provides potassium channel modulators which are compounds of formula I where at least one of W and Z is N; where the moiety is one of Groups A or B below A where Ar is a 1,2-fused, six membered ring aromatic group, bearing substituents R1 and R2 as defined below, and containing zero or one ring nitrogen atom; and where other substituents are defined herein. The invention also provides a composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and at least one of the following: i) a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound of formula I and ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, or prodrug thereof. The invention also provides a method of preventing or treating a disease or disorder which is affected by activities of potassium channels, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I or a salt, ester, or prodrug thereof.
US08367681B2
The invention provides compounds of general formula (I) that inhibit selected kinases (Pim and/or CK2 kinases) and compositions containing such compounds. These compounds and compositions are useful for treating proliferative disorders such as cancer, as well as other kinase-associated conditions including inflammation, pain, and certain infections and immunological disorders.
US08367679B2
This invention provides compounds of Formula (I) which are PAFR antagonists: Formula (I) and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds are useful for treating PAF-mediated disorders, and can be used in methods for treating atherosclerosis and preventing or reducing risk for atherosclerotic disease events. The compounds are also useful for treating or ameliorating pain, e.g. inflammatory pain and/or nociceptive pain, and for treating or ameliorating autoimmune and/or inflammatory diseases, among other conditions.
US08367677B2
Pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one compound of the formulas (Ia) or (Ib) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier which is useful in a medicine wherein the symbols, indices and substituents have the following meaning R1═H, CN, NO2, CF3, F, Cl, Br, I, CH3 R2═H, CN, NO2, CF3, F, Cl, Br, I, CH3, Et, n-Pr, i-Pr, n-Bu, t-Bu, phenyl, thienyl, furyl, thiazolyl and either R1 or R2 must be H R3═H, CN, NO2, CF3, F, Cl, Br, I, CH3, Et, n-Pr, i-Pr, n-Bu, t-Bu, phenyl, thienyl, furyl, thiazolyl then X is e.g. with R4 being H, CH3, CH2CH3 or and Y being or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters or amides and prodrugs of the above identified compounds of formulas (Ia) or (Ib). The compounds are applied to modulate the in-vitro and in-vivo binding processes mediated by E-, P- or L-selectin binding.
US08367676B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I), wherein R1 is heteroaryl or heterocyclyl, optionally substituted; R2 is C1-4alkyl, heterocyclyl, C1-4alkylaryl, C1-4alkylheteroaryl, carbocyclyl, C1-4alkylheterocyclyl, heterocyclyl-heteroaryl, aryl-heterocyclyl, carbocyclyl-heteroaryl, heterocyclyl-aryl, optionally substituted; R3 is hydrogen or C1-4alkyl, or R2 and R3 may together with the nitrogen atom, form a saturated ring system containing 4, 5 or 6 ring forming atoms, and optionally substituted; R4 is hydrogen, halogen, methyl or methoxy; to pharmaceutical composition containing said compounds and to the use of said compounds in therapy, for instance in treating cognitive disorders. The present invention further relates to new intermediates useful in the preparation thereof.
US08367675B2
The present invention is directed to methods of use of a compound of Formula I: and/or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, tautomer, optical isomer, or combination thereof, a composition comprising the thiosemicarbazone, a method of administration thereof, and use thereof to treat a cancer.
US08367669B2
Methods and compounds for the treatment or prevention of oxidative damage in a mammalian subject. The treatment and/or prevention may be on inhibiting heme-induced lipid peroxidation. Also discloses are methods and compounds for treating or preventing isoprostane-mediated tissue damage.
US08367668B2
Compounds of the formula (I), in which R1, R2 and R3 have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, are inhibitors of tyrosine kinases, in particular Met kinase, and can be employed, inter alia, for the treatment of tumours.
US08367657B2
The present invention provides processes and intermediates for the preparation of 3-benzazepines and salts thereof which can be useful as serotonin (5-HT) receptor agonists for the treatment of, for example, central nervous system disorders such as obesity.
US08367655B2
The present invention discloses pyridoindolobenzox- and thiazepine compositions of Formula 1, wherein A is —CH(R9)—X—, —XCH(R9)—; —CO—X— or —X—CO—; X is —O—, —S—, —SO—, or —SO2—. Y is a single bond or a double bond. D and E are independently —(CH2)n—; and ‘n’ varies from 0 to 2. R1 to R9 are various electron donating, electron withdrawing, hydrophilic, or lipophilic groups selected to optimize the physicochemical and biological properties of compounds of Formula I.
US08367645B2
The invention relates to a composition that includes a first agent selected including an agent that possesses anti-inflammatory activity or acetaminophen, phenacetin, tramadol and the like; a second agent selected from the group consisting of an oxidative phosphorylation inhibitor, an ionophore, and an adenosine 5-monophosphate-activated Protein kinase (AMPK) activator; a third agent that possesses or maintains serotonin activity.
US08367640B2
The invention relates to a complex consisted of a polysaccharide and an HBP, said polysaccharide being consisted from glycoside bonds of (1,6) and/or (1,4) and/or (1,3) and/or (1,2) type and functionalized with at least one salifiable or salified tryptophan derivative. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a complex according to the invention and to the use of a polysaccharide consisted of glycoside bonds of (1,6) and/or (1,4) and/or (1,3) and/or (1,2) type and functionalized with at least one salifiable or salified tryptophan derivative, for the preparation of a pharmaceutical formulation of stable HBPs.
US08367623B2
The invention is a glycolipid useful in treating autoimmune diseases and a medicine thereof as active ingredient for autoimmune diseases, represented by the formula wherein R1 is an aldopyranose group, R2 is a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group, R3 is —CH2—, —CH(OH)—CH2— or —CH═CH—, R4 is a hydrogen atom or CH3, x is 0-35, y and z represent integers satisfying y+z=0-3.
US08367621B2
Disclosed are compositions and methods useful for targeting tissue undergoing angiogenesis or to cells or tissue expressing αv integrins. The compositions and methods are based on peptide sequences that selectively bind to and home to tissue undergoing angiogenesis or to cells or tissue expressing αv integrins in animals. The disclosed targeting is useful for delivering therapeutic and detectable agents to tissue experiencing angiogenesis or to cells or tissue expressing αv integrins.
US08367619B2
Compositions and methods are provided for promoting elastin fiber formation (elastogenesis) in a cell, including methods that comprise contacting a cell that is capable of elastogenesis with (i) a mutated biglycan polypeptide that lacks chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan chains, (ii) a versican V3 isoform polypeptide that lacks most or all of the polypeptide regions encoded by one or more of exons 4, 5 or 6 or by exons 9-10 or 11-13, and/or with (iii) metastatin.
US08367611B2
In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for decreasing FSH levels in a patient. The patient may, for example, be diagnosed with an FSH-related disorder or desire to delay or inhibit germ cell maturation.
US08367610B2
A method for administering nerve growth factor to treat cravings is provided. Pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of cravings comprising nerve growth factor are also provided.
US08367601B2
Disclosed are concentrated liquid rinse cycle fabric softener compositions comprising a quaternary ammonium cation and benzylated alcohol solvent having between 50% to 90% weight active ingredients. Benzyl alcohol is disclosed as a preferred solvent to produce a clear liquid solution formulation rather than emulsion. The concentrated liquid rinse cycle fabric softener compositions of the present invention possess desirable stability, sustainability and fabric-softening properties. Methods of use are further described.
US08367596B2
A laundry additive article comprises surfactant, water-soluble and/or water-dispersible film-forming polymer, plasticizer, bleach, suds suppressor and Remaining Water. The article is in the form of a first flexible porous dissolvable solid structure having a dry density and having a Percent open cell content.
US08367589B2
A treatment fluid for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is formed from an aqueous medium, a diutan heteropolysaccharide having a tetrasaccharide repeating unit in the polymer backbone and a peroxide breaker. A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore may be carried out by introducing the treatment fluid into the formation through the wellbore. Breaking aids or catalysts may also be used with the treatment fluid.
US08367587B2
The present invention provides methods and systems for discretized, combinatorial processing of regions of a substrate such as for the discovery, implementation, optimization, and qualification of new materials, processes, and process sequence integration schemes used in integrated circuit fabrication. A substrate having an array of differentially processed regions thereon is processed by delivering materials to or modifying regions of the substrate.
US08367576B2
Industrial blast nozzles are disclosed which have liners made, at least in part, from a SiAlON-containing ceramic material which has a surface resistance of about 12 megaOhms or less and an erosion rate of about 1.9×10−4 cm3/g or less. The SiAlON-containing ceramic material preferably contains a two-phase SiAlON, silicon carbide, and a conductive phase that is one or more of titanium nitride, tantalum nitride, zirconium nitride, and titanium carbide.
US08367574B2
The alkaline earth metal aluminosilicate glass for light bulbs with molybdenum parts has a composition (in percent by weight on an oxide basis) of SiO2, 56-60; Al2O3, 17-18; B2O3, 0.5-2; MgO, 0.5-2; CaO, >14-15.5; SrO, 0-3; BaO, 6-8; ZrO2, 0-5; CeO2, 0-0.1 and TiO2, 0-0.5.
US08367573B2
A glass composition substantially free from lead and bismuth and containing vanadium oxide and phosphor oxide as main ingredients, wherein the sintered glass of the glass composition exhibits 109 Ωcm or more at 25° C.
US08367572B2
An optical glass has a composition including: 40 to 65 mass % of P2O5, and 0 to less than 5 mass % of Li2O+Na2O+K2O. In the optical glass, (MgO+CaO)/(Li2O+Na2O+K2O) which is a ratio of the total content expressed in mass % of MgO and CaO to the total content expressed in mass % of Li2O, Na2O, and K2O, is in a range from 6 to 38.
US08367568B2
The present disclosure generally relates to wet wipes having liquid wipe compositions that including an organopolysiloxane that reduces sheet-to-sheet adhesion, improves the stack height, increases flexibility and maintains strength in the wet wipe. The liquid wipe compositions include an organopolysiloxane having the following structure: wherein p+q=1 to 2000, R1 is independently selected from a monovalent hydrocarbon group or hydroxyl group, and R2 and R3 are independently selected from a monovalent hydrocarbon group, a hydroxyl group, a monovalent hydrocarbon group functional in amine, a monovalent hydrocarbon group functional in polyether, a monovalent hydrocarbon group functional in quaternary, and a monovalent hydrocarbon group functional in polyampholyte.
US08367561B2
The present invention relates to a method for enhancing uniformity of metal oxide coatings formed by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) or ALD-type processes. Layers are formed using alternating pulses of metal halide and oxygen-containing precursors, preferably water, and purging when necessary. An introduction of modificator pulses following the pulses of the oxygen-containing precursor affects positively on layer uniformity, which commonly exhibits gradients, particularly in applications with closely arranged substrates. In particular, improvement in layer thickness uniformity is obtained. According to the invention, alcohols having one to three carbon atoms can be used as the modificator.
US08367559B2
Characteristics of a low-k insulating film grown on a substrate is modulated in the thickness-wise direction, by varying the ratio of high-frequency input and low-frequency input used for inducing plasma in the course of forming the film, to thereby improve the adhesion strength while keeping the dielectric constant at a low level, wherein the high-frequency input and the low-frequency input for inducing plasma are applied from a single electrode, while elevating the level of low-frequency input at least either at the start of formation or at the end of formation of the insulating film, as compared with the input level in residual time zone.
US08367558B2
A method for tuning the work function of a metal gate of the PMOS device is disclosed. The method comprises depositing a layer of metal nitride or a metal on a layer of high-k gate dielectric by physical vapor deposition (PVD), as a metal gate; doping the metal gate with dopants such as Al, Pt, Ru, Ga, Ir by ion implantation; and driving the doped metal ions to the interface between the high-k gate dielectric and interfacial SiO2 by high-temperature annealing so that the doped metal ions accumulate at the interface or generate dipoles by interfacial reaction, which in turn tunes the work function of the metal gate. The method can be widely used and its process is simple and convenient, has a better ability of tuning the work function of the metal gate, and is compatible with the conventional CMOS process.
US08367551B2
The present invention is directed to processes for printing compositions containing etchants or modifiers onto surfaces by spinning a filament from a viscoelastic polymer solution containing an etchant or modifier. The present invention also relates to viscoelastic compositions used in the printing processes, and devices made therefrom.
US08367537B2
An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method of forming a memory cell. The method includes etching a trench in a substrate and filling the trench with an oxide to form a shallow trench isolation (STI) region. A portion of an active region of the substrate that comes in contact with the STI region forms a bitline-STI edge. The method further includes forming a gate structure over the active region of the substrate and over the STI region. The gate structure has a first width substantially over the center of the active region of the substrate and a second width substantially over the bitline-STI edge, and the second width is greater than the first width.
US08367534B2
Provided is a method of planarizing a semiconductor device. The method includes providing a substrate. The method includes forming a first layer over the substrate. The method includes forming a second layer over the first layer. The first and second layers have different material compositions. The method includes forming a third layer over the second layer. The method includes performing a polishing process on the third layer until the third layer is substantially removed. The method includes performing an etch back process to remove the second layer and a portion of the first layer. Wherein an etching selectivity of the etch back process with respect to the first and second layers is approximately 1:1.
US08367530B2
A substrate processing apparatus, including: a reaction container in which a substrate is processed; a seal cap, brought into contact with one end in an opening side of the reaction container via a first sealing member and a second sealing member so as to seal the opening of the reaction container air-tightly; a first gas channel, formed in a region between the first sealing member and the second sealing member in a state where the seal cap is in contact with the reaction container; a second gas channel, provided to the seal cap and through which the first gas channel is in communication with an inside of the reaction container; a first gas supply port that is provided to the reaction container and supplies a first gas to the first gas channel; and a second gas supply port that is provided to the reaction container and supplies a second gas into the reaction container, wherein a front end opening of the first gas supply port opening to the first gas channel, and a base opening of the second gas channel opening to the first gas channel being separated from each other in a state where the seal cap is in contact with the reaction container.
US08367525B2
A process for forming nanostructures comprises generating charged nanoparticles with an electrospray system and introduction of the charged nanoparticles to a substrate, so that the particles adhere to the substrate in order to form the desired structure. The charged nanoparticles may be directed to a target position by at least one deflector in the electrospray apparatus, which may also include a column optic system. The adhered nanoparticles may be sintered to form the structure. The electrospray apparatus may be single source, multi-source injection, or multi-source selection. An array of electrospray apparatuses with deflectors may be used concurrently to form the structure.
US08367524B2
A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes coupling a semiconductor structure to an interconnect region through a bonding region. The interconnect region includes a conductive line in communication with the bonding region. The bonding region includes a metal layer which covers the interconnect region. The semiconductor structure is processed to form a vertically oriented semiconductor device.
US08367523B2
Method for manufacturing semiconductor light-emitting device and semiconductor light emitting device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor light-emitting device of the invention includes: forming a semiconductor layer including a light-emitting layer and a first interconnect layer on a major surface of a temporary substrate; dividing the semiconductor layer and the first interconnect layer into a plurality of chips by a trench; collectively bonding each divided portion of the first interconnect layer of a plurality of chips to be bonded not adjacent to each other out of the plurality of chips on the temporary substrate to a second interconnect layer while opposing the major surface of the temporary substrate and the major surface of a supporting substrate forming the second interconnect layer, and collectively transferring a plurality of the bonded chips from the temporary substrate to the supporting substrate after irradiating interfaces between the bonded chips and the temporary substrate and separating the chips and the temporary substrate from each other.
US08367522B1
A method for fabricating a monolithic integrated electronic device using edge bond pads as well as the resulting device. The method includes providing a substrate having a surface region and forming one or more integrated micro electro-mechanical systems and electronic devices on a first region overlying the surface region. One or more trench structures can be formed within one or more portions of the first region. A passivation material and a conduction material can be formed overlying the first region and the one or more trench structures. The passivation material and the conduction material can be etched to form one or more bonding pad structure. The resulting device can then be singulated within a vicinity of the one or more bond pad structures to form two or more integrated micro electro-mechanical systems and electronic devices having edge bond pads.
US08367511B2
A manufacturing method for a high voltage transistor includes the following steps. A substrate is provided. A P-type epitaxial (P-epi) layer is provided above the substrate. An N-well is formed in the P-epi layer. A P-well is formed in the P-epi layer. Field oxide (FOX) layers are formed above the P-epi layer. A gate oxide (GOX) layer is formed between the FOX layers. P-type implants are doped into the P-well or N-type implants are doped into the N-well to adjust an electrical function of the high voltage transistor.
US08367508B2
A method for forming a field effect transistor includes forming a gate stack, a spacer adjacent to opposing sides of the gate stack, a silicide source region and a silicide drain region on opposing sides of the spacer, epitaxially growing silicon on the source region and the drain region; forming a liner layer on the gate stack and the spacer, removing a portion of the liner layer to expose a portion of the hardmask layer, removing the exposed portions of the hardmask layer to expose a silicon layer of the gate stack, removing exposed silicon to expose a portion of a metal layer of the gate stack, the source region, and the drain region; and depositing a conductive material on the metal layer of the gate stack, the silicide source region, and the silicide drain region.
US08367504B2
In a replacement gate approach, the semiconductor material of the gate electrode structures may be efficiently removed during a wet chemical etch process, while this material may be substantially preserved in electronic fuses. Consequently, well-established semiconductor-based electronic fuses may be used instead of requiring sophisticated metal-based fuse structures. The etch selectivity of the semiconductor material may be modified on the basis of ion implantation or electron bombardment.
US08367503B2
A semiconductor device, including: a first group of transistors formed on a semiconductor substrate; and a second group of transistors formed on the semiconductor substrate, each of which is lower in operating voltage than each of the transistors in the first group; wherein each of the transistors in the first group includes a first gate electrode formed on the semiconductor substrate through a first gate insulating film, and a silicide layer formed on the first gate electrode; each of the transistors in the second group includes a second gate electrode formed in a trench for gate formation, formed in an insulating film above the semiconductor substrate, through a second gate insulating film; and a protective film is formed so as to cover the silicide layer on each of the first gate electrodes of the first group of transistors.
US08367502B2
The method involves providing a semiconductor substrate comprising first and second regions in which different conductive metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistors are to be formed. A gate dielectric layer above the semiconductor substrate sequentially forming a first metallic conductive layer and a second metallic conductive layer on and above the gate dielectric layer; covering the second region with a mask, and performing ion plantation of a first material into the first metallic conductive layer of the first region. Removing the second metallic conductive layer of the first region and forming a first gate electrode of the first region and a second gate electrode of the second region by patterning the gate dielectric layer and the first metallic conductive layer of the first region, and the gate dielectric layer, the first metallic conductive layer, and the second metallic conductive layer of the second region. The first and second regions of the semiconductor substrate having different work functions because the gate electrodes of the first and second regions have different thicknesses and at least one of the first and second gate electrodes include impurities.
US08367501B2
An oxide termination semiconductor device may comprise a plurality of gate trenches, a gate runner, and an insulator termination trench. The gate trenches are located in an active region. Each gate trench includes a conductive gate electrode. The insulator termination trench is located in a termination region that surrounds the active region. The insulator termination trench is filled with an insulator material to form an insulator termination for the semiconductor device. The device can be made using a three-mask or four-mask process.
US08367498B2
A FinFET device and method for fabricating a FinFET device is disclosed. An exemplary method includes providing a semiconductor substrate; forming a fin structure over the semiconductor substrate, the fin structure including a first material portion over the semiconductor substrate and a second material portion over the first material portion; forming a gate structure over a portion of the fin structure, such that the gate structure traverses the fin structure, thereby separating a source region and a drain region of the fin structure, wherein the source and drain regions of the fin structure define a channel therebetween; removing the second material portion from the source and drain regions of the fin structure; and after removing the second material portion, forming a third material portion in the source and drain regions of the fin structure.
US08367492B2
An electronic device includes a conductive channel defining a crystal structure and having a length and a thickness tC; and a dielectric film of thickness tg in contact with a surface of the channel. Further, the film comprises a material that exerts one of a compressive or a tensile force on the contacted surface of the channel such that electrical mobility of the charge carriers (electrons or holes) along the channel length is increased due to the compressive or tensile force in dependence on alignment of the channel length relative to the crystal structure. Embodiments are given for chips with both hole and electron mobility increased in different transistors, and a method for making such a transistor or chip.
US08367490B2
The present application discloses a semiconductor structure and a method for manufacturing the same. The semiconductor structure according to the present invention adjusts a threshold voltage with a common contact, which has a portion outside the source or drain region extending to the back-gate region and provides an electrical contact of the source or drain region and the back-gate region, which leads to a simple manufacturing process, an increased integration level and a lowered manufacture cost. Moreover, the asymmetric design of the back-gate structure further increases the threshold voltage and improves the performance of the device.
US08367488B2
A method includes the steps of preparing a multilayer film 80 formed by sequentially stacking a first metal layer 10, an inorganic insulating layer 20, a semiconductor layer 30, and a second metal layer 40; forming a source electrode 42s and a drain electrode 42d comprised of the second metal layer 40 by etching the second metal layer 40; pressure-bonding a resin layer 50 onto a surface of the multilayer film 80 provided with the source electrode 42s and the drain electrode 42d to burry the source electrode 42s and the drain electrode 42d in the resin layer 50; and forming a gate electrode 10g comprised of the first metal layer 10 by etching the first metal layer 10. The inorganic insulating layer 20g functions as a gate insulating film. The semiconductor layer 30 functions as a channel.
US08367480B2
A semiconductor device has a carrier. A first semiconductor die is mounted to the carrier with an active surface of the first semiconductor die oriented toward the carrier. A dam structure is formed on the carrier and around the first semiconductor die by depositing dam material on the carrier with screen printing, electrolytic plating, electroless plating, or spray coating. An encapsulant is deposited over the carrier and around the first semiconductor die. The encapsulant has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that corresponds to a CTE of the dam material. The CTE of the dam material is equal to or less than the CTE of the encapsulant. The carrier is removed to expose the active surface of the first semiconductor die with the dam structure stiffening a periphery of the first semiconductor die. The semiconductor device is singulated through the dam structure.
US08367474B2
Warpage and breakage of integrated circuit substrates is reduced by compensating for the stress imposed on the substrate by thin films formed on a surface of the substrate. Particularly advantageous for substrates having a thickness substantially less than about 150 μm, a stress-tuning layer is formed on a surface of the substrate to substantially offset or balance stress in the substrate which would otherwise cause the substrate to bend. The substrate includes a plurality of bonding pads on a first surface for electrical connection to other component.
US08367472B2
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes providing a semiconductor substrate having an active surface, thinning the substrate by removing material from a second surface of the substrate opposite the active surface, bonding a metal carrier to the second surface of the thinned substrate, forming a via opening in the thinned substrate, forming a conductive member in the via opening, and patterning the metal carrier bonded to the second surface of the thinned substrate to form a metal pattern.
US08367463B2
Nonvolatile memory elements are provided that have resistive switching metal oxides. The nonvolatile memory elements may be formed from resistive-switching metal oxide layers. Metal oxide layers may be formed using sputter deposition at relatively low sputtering powers, relatively low duty cycles, and relatively high sputtering gas pressures. Dopants may be incorporated into a base oxide layer at an atomic concentration that is less than the solubility limit of the dopant in the base oxide. At least one oxidation state of the metal in the base oxide is preferably different than at least one oxidation sate of the dopant. The ionic radius of the dopant and the ionic radius of the metal may be selected to be close to each other. Annealing and oxidation operations may be performed on the resistive switching metal oxides. Bistable metal oxides with relatively large resistivities and large high-state-to-low state resistivity ratios may be produced.
US08367458B2
The present invention relates to a process for producing an electronic device having two contacts, an anode and a cathode being completely or partly transmissive to light, one or more organic semi-conducting layers and one or more organic buffer layers between the contacts or the cathode and anode respectively. A solution is sprayed which contains organic material for applying at least one porous layer.
US08367451B2
Methods and structures for fabricating MEMS devices on compliant layers are provided. In particular, disclosed are methods and structures that can include the use of a sacrificial layer composed of a material having material properties relative to one or more other layers. These methods and structures can reduce final device shape sensitivity to process parameters, deposition temperature differences, specific material, time, and/or geometry. Further, such methods and structures can improve the final as-built shape of released devices, reduce variability in the as-built shape, eliminate decoupling of the deposited layers from the substrate, and reduce variability across a product array, die, or wafer.
US08367444B2
A display substrate includes a gate line, a gate insulation layer, a data line, a switching element, a protection insulation layer, a gate pad portion and a data pad portion. The gate insulation layer is disposed on the gate line. The switching element is connected to the gate line and the data line. The protection insulation layer is disposed on the switching element. The gate pad portion includes a first gate pad electrode which makes contact with an end portion of the gate line through a first hole formed through the gate insulation layer, and a second gate pad electrode which makes contact with the first gate pad electrode through a second hole formed through the protection insulation layer. The data pad portion includes a data pad electrode which makes contact with an end portion of the data line through a third hole formed through the protection insulation layer.
US08367430B2
Shapes and orientations of contacts or other closed contours on an integrated circuit are characterized by calculating Elliptic Fourier descriptors. The descriptors are then used for generating design rules for the integrated circuit and for assessing process capability for the manufacturing of the integrated circuit. Monte Carlo simulation can be performed in conjunction with the elliptic Fourier descriptors.
US08367421B2
An improved detection reaction for benzene in gas analysis with a gas detector tube formed of a carrier material impregnated with gold(III) oxide in a display layer.
US08367417B2
The discovery that alterations in methylation, which can cause one or more genes on the single X chromosome in males to be partially silenced or overexpressed, constitute a predisposition to autism spectrum disorders is generally disclosed herein. These alterations provide the rationale and basis for methods to diagnose autism spectrum disorders.
US08367409B2
Provided herein are novel angiogenic cells from amnion, referred to as amnion derived adherent cells, and populations of, and compositions comprising, such cells. Further provided herein are methods of obtaining such cells and methods of using the cells in the treatment of individuals.
US08367407B2
The present invention relates to a cell and mammal in which GDP-mannose 4,6-dehydratase is knocked-out. The cell and mammal are useful for the production of an antibody molecule having high antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxic activity, such as an antibody useful for treating various diseases. The cell and mammal are also useful for the production of a fragment of the antibody, and a fusion protein having the Fc region of the antibody.
US08367405B2
The present invention relates to the use of tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) as a marker for identifying and/or isolating adult multipotential cells. The present invention also relates to cell populations enriched by methods of the present invention and therapeutic uses of these cells.
US08367404B2
An improved baculovirus vector capable of expressing genes in mammalian or insect host cells, and the uses thereof are disclosed. The improved baculovirus vector includes in sequence: a promoter; a first nucleic acid operably linked to the promoter for expressing a first protein in the mammalian or insect host cells; a chimera internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) comprising a portion of an enterovirus (EV) IRES sequence at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO: 1 and a portion of a Rhopalosiphum padi virus (RhPV) IRES sequence at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2; and a second nucleic acid operable linked to the portion of the RhPV IRES sequence for expressing a second protein in the mammalian or insect host cells.
US08367401B2
The present invention provides a replication competent hepatitis C virus that includes a heterologous polynucleotide. The invention also includes methods for modifying a hepatitis C virus polynucleotide, selecting a replication competent hepatitis C virus polynucleotide, detecting a replication competent hepatitis C virus polynucleotide, and identifying a compound that inhibits replication of a hepatitis C virus polynucleotide.
US08367400B2
The present invention, in one aspect, provides a culture vessel which includes a body having at least a first edge at least partially perimetrically bounding the body, and at least a first seal extending from the first edge. The first seal is breachable and fluid-tight, and disposed obliquely to the first edge so as to subtend an acute angle therewith. The first seal separates the body into first and second chambers. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a culture vessel is provided which allows for volume expansion in situ.
US08367398B2
Provided is a microfluidic apparatus including: a microfluidic structure for providing spaces for receiving a fluid and for forming channels, through which the fluid flows; and valves for controlling the flow of fluid through the channels in the microfluidic apparatus. The microfluidic structure includes: a sample chamber; a sample separation unit receiving the sample from the sample chamber and separating a supernatant from the sample by using a centrifugal force; a testing unit receiving the supernatant from the sample separation unit for detecting a specimen from the supernatant using an antigen-antibody reaction, and a quality control chamber for identifying reliability of the test.
US08367394B2
The present invention relates to a novel selective synthesis of 9α-hydroxy-steroid derivatives of the general formula (I) (I)—wherein the meaning of -A-A′- is —CH2—CH2— or —CH═CH— group—by the bioconversion of compounds of the general formula (II) (II) wherein the meaning of -A-A′- is —CH2—CH2— or —CH═CH— group—by using Nocardia farcinica bacterium strain, deposition number of which is NCAIM (P)—B 001342, as hydroxylating microorganism in the bioconversion.
US08367389B2
The present invention relates to stable cyanuric acid hydrolase enzymes, compositions, and devices for use in the treatment of a liquid, such as water. The present invention also relates to methods of using these enzymes, compositions and devices for the treatment of a liquid, such as water.
US08367388B2
Improved compositions comprising a cross-linkable protein or polypeptide, and a non-toxic material which induces cross-linking of the cross-linkable protein. The compositions are optionally and preferably prepared in a non-phosphate buffer solvent. Optionally and preferably, the cross-linkable protein includes gelatin and any gelatin variant or variant protein as described herein. Optionally and preferably, the non-toxic material comprises transglutaminase (TG), which may optionally comprise any type of calcium dependent or independent transglutaminase, which may for example optionally be a microbial transglutaminase (mTG).
US08367381B2
A highly active L-isoleucine dioxygenase from Bacillus thuringiensis is provided. A method for manufacturing (2S,3R,4S)-4-hydroxy-L-isoleucine or a salt thereof by reacting L-isoleucine in an aqueous solvent in the presence of L-isoleucine dioxygenase and isolating (2S,3R,4S)-4-hydroxy-L-isoleucine is also provided.
US08367373B2
An oviduct specific expression promoter and a recombinant expression vector including the same. A promoter of an AGR2 gene is expressed specifically in the chicken oviduct, and a recombinant expression vector includes the promoter and a desired gene for encoding a desired protein. The oviduct specific promoter and the recombinant expression vector including the promoter can induce the expression of a protein specifically in the oviduct, i.e., an organ that secrets proteins so as to accumulate with a large amount in the egg. Accordingly, the oviduct specific promoter and the recombinant expression vector of the present invention can be advantageously used to produce transformed chickens, which can massively yield useful elements of high added value, produce functional eggs, and improve the economic traits of the poultry.
US08367372B2
The presently disclosed subject matter relates to Managed Ecosystem Fermentation (MEF) which is a continuous microbial process utilizing a managed ecosystem approach employing dozens to thousands of species of microorganisms, occurring in a controlled artificial environment and consuming organic materials without benefit of sterilization. The process of utilizing this fermentation for the consumption of organic materials on a continuous basis is within the scope of this disclosed subject matter. The process of separating chemicals as industrial chemicals from this fermentation on a continuous basis is within the scope of this disclosed subject matter. The process of separating biomass useful as high protein animal feed or fertilizer from this fermentation on a continuous (or semi-continuous) basis is within the scope of this disclosed subject matter.
US08367366B2
The invention provides methods and kits for characterizing the activity of a methyltransferase or demethylase. The method involves enzymatically methylating or demethylating in vitro a substrate that is a peptide fragment of a full-length polypeptide, and then non-enzymatically methylating the peptide substrate with methyl groups that differ in molecular weight from the enzymatically added or removed methyl groups. Typically, deuterated or 13C formaldehyde is used to non-enzymatically methylate the substrate. The fully methylated substrate is then characterized by mass spectrometry to determine the ratio of enzymatically produced nonmethyl, monomethyl, and dimethyl residues on the peptide.
US08367353B2
The present invention relates to a method for improved diagnosis of dysplasias based on simultaneous detection of INK4a gene products and at least one marker for cell proliferation. Particularly the present invention provides a method for discriminating dysplastic cells over-expressing INK4a gene products from cells over-expressing INK4a gene products without being dysplastic by detection of a marker suitable for characterizing the proliferation properties of the respective cell. The characterization of the proliferation properties may comprise the detection of a marker or a set of markers characteristic for active cell proliferation and/or a marker or a set of markers characteristic for retarded or ceased cell proliferation. The method presented herein thus enables for a specific diagnosis of dysplasias in histological and cytological specimens.
US08367350B2
Biomarkers for predicting the severity of malaria and methods for their detection are disclosed. In one aspect, the present application discloses CXCL4, CXCL10, VEGF, PGDF, IL-1Ra, IL-8, MIP-1β, sFas, Fas-L, sTNF-R2, and sTNF-R1 as biomarkers for the severity of malaria. In another aspect, the present application discloses a method for determining the severity of malaria and predicting mortality due to cerebral malaria. The method comprises the detection of the biomarkers CXCL4 and/or CXCL10 and at least one more biomarker and determining the severity of malaria and predicting mortality due to cerebral malaria based upon the ratio of expression of the biomarkers in the subject versus the expression of the biomarkers in a control.
US08367347B2
The present invention relates to methods for the diagnosis of a brain tumor and for the estimation of a prognosis for patients having a brain tumor using the presence/absence of a particular IDH1 mutation as a marker.
US08367335B2
The invention relates to methods and devices for preparing synthetic nucleic acids.
US08367330B2
The invention provides methods for detection of TCR-γ nucleic acid in acellular body fluid. The methods can be used to detect the TCR-γ gene rearrangement in acellular body fluid. The detection of TCR-γ gene rearrangement is useful in determination of clonality of T-cell population. The invention is useful in the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorder.
US08367328B2
A DNA synthesis reaction-enhancer comprising at least one kind selected from the group consisting of acidic substances and cationic complexes; a DNA synthesis method in which during a DNA synthesis reaction a reaction is carried out in the presence of the above enhancer by using DNA polymerase; a DNA synthesis reaction composition comprising the above enhancer; a DNA synthesis reaction composition comprising two or more kinds of DNA polymerases each having 3′→5′ exonuclease activity; a DNA synthesis method in which during a DNA synthesis reaction two or more kinds of DNA polymerases each having 3′→5′ exonuclease activity are used; a kit for use in in vitro DNA synthesis, comprising two or more kinds of DNA polymerases each having 3′→5′ exonuclease activity; and a kit for use in in vitro DNA synthesis, wherein the kit comprises the DNA synthesis reaction-enhancer and DNA polymerase. According to the present invention, DNA synthesis can be carried out at an efficiency more excellent as compared to conventional DNA synthesis reaction.
US08367321B2
A method for detection of pathogenic organisms wherein the method includes differentiation between species. The method is especially suitable to detect and to diagnose infection by pathogenic organisms which are hard and/or laborious to detect with conventional methods. The method relies upon analysis of specific variable regions of the RNase P RNA gene, namely the P3 and/or P19 region(s).
US08367317B2
The present invention relates generally to viral variants exhibiting reduced sensitivity to particular agents and/or reduced interactivity with immunological reagents. More particularly, the present invention is directed to hepatitis B virus (HBV) variants exhibiting complete or partial resistance to nucleoside or nucleotide analogs and/or reduced interactivity with antibodies to viral surface components including reduced sensitivity to these antibodies. The present invention further contemplates assays for detecting such viral variants, which assays are useful in monitoring anti-viral therapeutic regimens and in developing new or modified vaccines directed against viral agents and in particular HBV variants. The present invention also contemplates the use of the viral variants to screen for and/or develop or design agents capable of inhibiting infection, replication and/or release of the virus.
US08367300B2
A resin composition for laser engraving, including: a binder polymer; and a metal compound containing a metal selected from the group consisting of metals in Group 1 to Group 15 in the periodic table.
US08367299B2
A resist composition including: a base component (A) which exhibits changed solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid; and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, wherein said acid-generator component (B) comprises an acid generator (B1) including a compound represented by general formula (b1-11) shown below: wherein R7″ to R9″ each independently represent an aryl group or an alkyl group, wherein two of R7″ to R9″ may be bonded to each other to form a ring with the sulfur atom, and at least one of R7″ to R9″ represents a substituted aryl group having a group represented by general formula (I) shown below as a substituent; X− represents an anion; and Rf represents a fluorinated alkyl group.
US08367288B2
To provide a yellow toner satisfying good toner particles and a superior coloring power, the toner has toner base particles having at least a binder resin, a colorant and a wax component, and contains as the colorant at least a coloring matter compound represented by the following general formula (1) and a pigment represented by the following formula (2).
US08367286B2
A photoconductor that includes, for example, a substrate, an undercoat layer thereover wherein the undercoat layer contains a metal oxide dispersed in a mixture of a urea formaldehyde resin and a phenolic formaldehyde resin; a photogenerating layer; and at least one charge transport layer.
US08367284B2
An exposure device includes a determining unit determines specific transfer patterns, which are transfer patterns of predetermined portions of a unit pattern, among transfer patterns projected through a photomask including an internal pattern having a plurality of unit patterns that is arranged at a predetermined interval and has the same shape, for two or more unit patterns, an error calculating unit calculates an error between the transfer pattern and the specified transfer pattern on the basis of the comparison between the relative position between the specific transfer patterns and a specified value of it, a correction parameter calculating unit calculates correction parameters for correcting the transfer patterns on the basis of the calculated error, and a correction control unit corrects exposure conditions using the correction parameters such that the transfer patterns are corrected.
US08367283B2
The positive photosensitive resin composition of the present invention has a polyamide resin and a photosensitive agent, wherein the polyamide resin has a specific structure. The cured film of the present invention has a cured product of the positive photosensitive resin composition. The protecting film and insulating film of the present invention has the cured film each. The semiconductor device and display device of the present invention has the cured film each.
US08367271B2
A fuel cell device includes a housing containing a fuel processor that generates fuel gas and a fuel cell having electrodes forming an anode and cathode, and an ion exchange electrolyte positioned between the electrodes. The housing can be formed as first and second cylindrically configured outer shell sections that form a battery cell that is configured similar to a commercially available battery cell. A thermal-capillary pump can be operative with the electrodes and an ion exchange electrolyte, and operatively connected to the fuel processor. The electrodes are configured such that heat generated between the electrodes forces water to any cooler edges of the electrodes and is pumped by capillary action back to the fuel processor to supply water for producing hydrogen gas. The electrodes can be formed on a silicon substrate that includes a flow divider with at least one fuel gas input channel that can be controlled by a MEMS valve.
US08367269B2
A separator unit inserted into a fuel cell having an electrolyte layer interposed between a fuel electrode and an oxygen electrode is provided with a plate like separator that separates fuel gas supplied to the fuel electrode from oxidizing gas supplied to the oxygen electrode, and a mesh like collector having an opening that forms one of a passage through which the fuel gas flows and a passage through which the oxidizing gas flows. The collector is provided to at least one side of the separator base in abutment against one of the fuel electrode and the oxygen electrode. The separator base has a coolant passage formed therein, through which a coolant is allowed to flow, and an electrode abutment portion of the collector, which abuts against one of the fuel electrode and the oxygen electrode, has an aperture ratio higher than those of other portions of the collector.
US08367262B2
Provided is a visualization apparatus for a transparent PEMFC using a transparent window having conditions approximating a real PEMFC. More specifically, the present invention includes a heat-exchange passage heat exchanging a transparent plate of a visualization apparatus with a current collector plate in order to control heat. In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes: current collector plates each provided at both surfaces of a membrane electrode assembly of a fuel cell and formed with a channel in which reaction gas and products flow; transparent plates provided at an outer surface of the current collector plates and provided with a heat-exchange passage having a fluid flowing therein to be heat-exchanged with the current collector plates; and fixing frames having a visualization window for observing the current collector plates and provided at the outer side of the transparent plates.
US08367260B2
A remedial method for starting a fuel cell system is described. The method includes determining if the remedial method is required; providing air to an exhaust of a fuel cell stack; setting a hydrogen flow rate to an anode side of the fuel cell stack; providing a predetermined volume of hydrogen to the anode side of the fuel cell at the hydrogen flow rate; providing a predetermined volume of air to a cathode side of the fuel cell stack after the predetermined volume of hydrogen has been provided to the anode side while continuing to provide air to the exhaust of the fuel cell stack and hydrogen to the anode side of the fuel cell stack; determining if a stack voltage is stable after the predetermined volume of air has been provided to the cathode side; and closing the anode outlet valve after the stack voltage is stable.
US08367259B2
The present invention has been devised in order to solve the problems described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell system that can discharge an impurity in an anode gas flow channel while suppressing wasteful discharge of a fuel gas to the outside of the system. An exhaust valve is connected to a downstream end of an anode gas flow channel of a fuel cell. The exhaust valve has an exhaust mode in which a substantially smaller amount of gas than the consumption of a fuel gas in the anode gas flow channel is discharged to the outside of the system. After a request to stop electric power generation by the fuel cell, the output current value of the fuel cell is increased to a predetermined value. Then, the exhaust valve is set in the exhaust mode before or when the output current value is increased, and the discharge flow rate of the exhaust valve is increased in accordance with the increase of the output current value.
US08367253B2
The present invention relates in general to the field of lithium rechargeable batteries, and more particularly relates to the positive electrode design of lithium-ion batteries with improved high-rate pulse overcharge protection. Thus the present invention provides electrochemical devices containing a cathode comprising at least one primary positive material and at least one secondary positive material; an anode; and a non-aqueous electrolyte comprising a redox shuttle additive; wherein the redox potential of the redox shuttle additive is greater than the redox potential of the primary positive material; the redox potential of the redox shuttle additive is lower than the redox potential of the secondary positive material; and the redox shuttle additive is stable at least up to the redox potential of the secondary positive material.
US08367234B2
A battery pack includes a secondary battery, a discharge-control transistor, a charge-control transistor connected in series with the discharge-control transistor between a negative power source terminal of the secondary battery and either a terminal of a load or a negative power source terminal of a charger, and a battery protection semiconductor device for protecting a secondary battery. The battery protection semiconductor device includes a detection circuit that detects at least one of an excessively charged state, an excessive discharging state, an overcurrent state, a short-circuit state, and an overheating state of the secondary battery, a control circuit that turns on and off the discharge-control transistor and the charge-control transistor, and a charge prevention circuit that prevents the secondary battery from being charged by turning off the charge-control transistor when a voltage of the secondary battery is not greater than a predetermined low-voltage criterial voltage variable by trimming a portion of the charge prevention circuit.
US08367232B2
A pressurized underground enclosure includes a battery venting system having a battery within a battery box in a sealed enclosure. A first pipe is fluidly connected to the battery box and an ambient atmosphere and includes a vacuum generator for reducing a pressure in the battery box. A second pipe is fluidly connected to the battery box and the ambient atmosphere and includes a one-way valve permitting airflow to the battery box and precluding airflow from the battery box to the ambient atmosphere. The enclosure includes a scissors lift including scissor linkage units having arms pivotally connected at terminal ends and at central positions. The scissor linkage units are moveable from a retracted to an extended position by pneumatic cylinders. The internal pressurization of the enclosure is selectively released and locking mechanisms are retracted before a rack of the scissors lift is extended through an opening of the enclosure.
US08367229B2
The present invention relates to a perpendicular magnetic recording medium including a nonmagnetic substrate, and at least a soft magnetic layer (SUL), an alignment control layer, a magnetic recording layer and a protective layer formed on the nonmagnetic substrate, wherein the magnetic recording layer is constituted of two or more layers and includes a first magnetic recording layer and a second magnetic recording layer from the nonmagnetic substrate side and, regarding magnetocrystalline anisotropic energy Ku of each magnetic recording layer, the first magnetic recording layer has 4×106 erg/cc or higher and the second magnetic recording layer has 2×106 erg/cc or lower, wherein the first magnetic recording layer is constituted of CoCrPtRu magnetic alloy crystal grains and grain boundaries made of an oxide and the area of grain boundaries is 30% or more based on the entire area in a planar TEM observation of the first magnetic recording layer. The present invention also relates to a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus using the perpendicular magnetic recording medium.
US08367224B2
Disclosed is an organic electroluminescence element comprising an anode, a cathode and a plurality of organic compound layers between the anode and the cathode, provided that one of the organic compound layers is a light emitting layer containing a phosphorescence emitting compound, wherein at least one of the organic compound layers contains a compound represented by Formula (1), wherein, X represents O or S; Y1 to Y3 each represents a hydrogen atom, a substituent or a group represented by Formula (A) disclosed in the specification, provided that at least two of Y1 to Y3 are groups represented by Formula (A), not all of Y1 to Y3 are the same group, and at least one of the groups represented by Formula (A) has Ar of a carbazolyl group, or an azacarbazolyl group containing 2 to 5 nitrogen atoms.
US08367222B2
Provided is an organic electroluminescence device, including: an anode; a cathode; and organic thin film layers provided between the anode and the cathode, in which: the organic thin film layers have a light emitting layer, and have a hole injecting layer and a hole transporting layer, or a hole injecting/transporting layer on a side which is closer to the anode than the light emitting layer is; the hole injecting layer or the hole injecting/transporting layer contains an aromatic amine derivative having a specific substituent, and the hole transporting layer or the hole injecting/transporting layer contains an aromatic amine derivative having a specific substituent.
US08367218B2
A white organic electroluminescent element for an organic electroluminescent display and a display using the white organic electroluminescent are provided. The organic electroluminescent display comprises a white organic electroluminescent element and a color filter. The white organic electroluminescent element comprises an anode, a cathode, a capping layer, and an organic layer. The capping layer is disposed on the cathode. The organic layer is disposed between the anode and the cathode, and comprises a blue light emitting layer. The thickness of the organic layer is X+120N nm, wherein 85≦X≦125, and N=0, 1, or 2. The white organic electroluminescent element is configured to emit a white light. The color filter is configured to convert the white light to a first color beam, with the first color beam being either red, blue, or green.
US08367216B2
A laminate for a laminated glass which is used as a head-up displays (HUD) and is not deteriorated even if exposed to light, and with which a laminated glass having excellent impact resistance can be prepared, wherein an interlayer film for a laminated glass and a retardation element sandwiched between adhesive layers are laminated, the interlayer film for a laminated glass contains a thermoplastic resin and an ultraviolet absorber, the interlayer film for a laminated glass contains, as the ultraviolet absorber, a benzotriazole compound or a benzophenone compound, and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a malonic ester compound, an oxanilide compound and a triazine compound.
US08367213B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a biochemical instrument having a surface that can simultaneously inhibit adsorption of a biopolymer and that of a hydrophobic low-molecular-weight compound. The present invention provides a biochemical instrument comprising a region that inhibits adsorption of a hydrophobic low-molecular-weight compound and a region that inhibits adsorption of a biopolymer on the surface of a water-insoluble material.
US08367212B2
Provided is an ultraviolet-curable silicone composition including: (A) a non-terminal epoxy group-containing organopolysiloxane, (B) an organopolysiloxane containing epoxy groups at the two terminals of the molecular chain, and an onium salt photoinitiator capable of generating cations upon irradiation with ultraviolet light. The silicone composition of the present invention yields a cured film that exhibits excellent ultraviolet-curability and can be readily peeled from a pressure-sensitively adhesive material. In particular, the silicone composition yields a cured film that exhibits a tight release force relative to pressure-sensitive adhesives such as acrylic-based pressure-sensitive adhesives, and also exhibits minimal fluctuation in the release force.
US08367211B2
A cast photochromic lens including a photochromic film and a cast resin, curable by heat or radiation.
US08367209B2
An engineered nano-composite coating may include hydrophobic an hydrophilic domains, may be applied to transparent and non-transparent substrates using a continuous process, may be UV curable and may impart antifogging characteristics to the substrate.
US08367206B2
Provided is barium titanate based powder represented by Chemical Formula 1: (BaxR1r1R2r2)(TiyR3r3R4r4)O3 [Chemical Formula 1] wherein R1 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of yttrium (Y) and lanthanoids; R2 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca) and strontium (Sr); R3 includes phosphorus (P) and niobium (Nb); R4 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of aluminum (Al), vanadium (V), chrome (Cr), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), zirconium (Zr) and tantalum (Ta); r1 and r3 independently represent a real number greater than 0 and equal to or less than 0.05; r2 and r4 independently represent a real number greater than 0 and equal to or less than 0.1; and (x+r1+r2)/(y+r3+r4) is a real number ranging from 0.85 to 1.15.
US08367198B2
Precisely-shaped composites and methods for making these composites are disclosed. The method of this disclosure comprises introducing a precursor composition onto a production tool having at least one continuous surface and a plurality of cavities so as to fill at least a portion of the cavities with the precursor composition and wherein the precursor composition, upon curing, forms a composition having a shape corresponding to the cavities thereby resulting in a plurality of discrete, precisely-shaped particles having a porosity comprising one of the following: (a) 10 m2/g or greater or (b) 5 kdalton or greater. The precisely-shaped particles have at least one essentially flat side. The precisely-shaped particles can be confined in a vessel and used for chromatographic applications.
US08367192B2
A main object of the present invention is to provide an intermediate transfer belt for image-forming devices and a method for producing the intermediate transfer belt, the intermediate transfer belt having excellent image transfer to rough paper and resistance to abrasion and being free from problems such as filming, by forming a surface layer that has excellent resistance to abrasion and in which defects such as pinholes are not likely to occur even when the surface layer is thinned.
US08367191B2
Optical thin-films are disclosed that are formed from optical thin films formed on a base plate arranged in a vacuum chamber. The base plates are held on a plurality of retaining frames of a base-plate retainer. The thin films are formed by heating the base plate and emitting a deposition material from a deposition source. The retaining frames are configured to make the entire base plate uniformly heated.
US08367180B2
A cold chain package including a plurality of panels surrounded by an overwrap, each of the panels including a plurality of layers of dissimilar materials, and a hinge formed between adjacent panels of the plurality of panels for facilitating folding of the panels to fit in a shipping container.
US08367173B2
Disclosed herein are degradable sachets useful for enclosing a consumer product, such as, for example, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, bar soap, and detergent. The sachets of the invention have a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of less than about ten grams per square meter per day (g/m2/day) at 37° C. and 90% relative humidity (RH), and can disintegrate into pieces sufficiently small to pass through a one millimeter sieve, within two years after first and continuous exposure to water and microorganisms.
US08367170B2
Metal plated organic polymer compositions are useful as vehicular electronic and electrical housings. Such housings may have lighter weight, better strength and/or stiffer and may be more easily made than conventional housings.
US08367168B2
An article comprising at least one cured, liquid-impervious polymeric shell substantially free from defects, at least one liner, and a non-tacky, thermoplastic adhesive layer between the shell and the liner, wherein the adhesive layer is melted and solidified to create a non-tacky bond between the shell and the liner, which can be moisture-absorbing or cut-resistant, whereby the liner supports and limits stretch ability of the shell, thereby preventing adhesive delamination between the adhesive layer and either of the shell and/or the liner; a method for the manufacture of an article comprising a supported, polymeric shell, such as a glove, a gauntlet, an apron, or a boot, comprising providing a cured, liquid-impervious, polymeric shell, providing a knitted/woven liner, incorporating a non-tacky, thermoplastic adhesive layer between the shell and the liner, such as by hot-melt spraying, dry-powder spraying or fiber-coating, creating intimate contact between the shell, the adhesive layer, and the liner, subjecting the shell, the adhesive layer, and the liner to infrared radiation to melt the adhesive layer and create a bond between the shell and the liner, and cooling the shell; as well as other methods.
US08367167B2
A liquid crystal composition that satisfies at least one characteristic, such as, high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, small viscosity, suitable optical anisotropy, large dielectric anisotropy, large specific resistance, large elastic constant, high stability to ultraviolet light and high stability to heat, or that is suitably balanced between at least two of the characteristics; and provides an AM device that has short response time, large voltage holding ratio, large contrast ratio, long service life and so forth. A liquid crystal composition is provided that has a nematic phase and includes a specific three-ring compound having a large dielectric anisotropy as a first component, a specific four-ring compound having a high maximum temperature and a large dielectric anisotropy as a second component, and a liquid crystal display device containing the composition.
US08367156B2
A magnetoresistive device has an MgO (magnesium oxide) layer provided between a first ferromagnetic layer and a second ferromagnetic layer. The device is manufactured by forming a film of the MgO layer in a film forming chamber. A substance whose getter effect with respect to an oxidizing gas is large is adhered to surfaces of components provided in the chamber for forming the MgO layer. The substance having a large getter effect is a substance whose value of oxygen gas adsorption energy is 145 kcal/mol or higher. Ta (tantalum), in particular, is preferable as a substance which constitutes the magnetoresistive device.
US08367155B2
There is provided a manufacturing method of a magnetic recording medium that maintains a high level of perpendicular orientation of a perpendicular magnetic layer and enables to further increase high recording density, prepared such that at least on a non-magnetic substrate, there are laminated a soft magnetic base layer, an orientation control layer 11 that controls the orientation of the layer immediately thereabove, and a perpendicular magnetic layer with a magnetization easy axis thereof primarily oriented perpendicular to the non-magnetic substrate. The manufacturing method is characterized in that when configuring the perpendicular magnetic layer with two or more magnetic layers 12 to 14 and crystal-growing each layer so that the crystal grains that constitute the respective magnetic layers 12 to 14, together with the crystal grains that constitute the orientation control layer 11, form column-shaped crystals S1 to S3 in a consecutive manner in the thickness direction, lamination of the orientation control layer 11 is performed while the substrate is being cooled or immediately after the substrate has been cooled.
US08367154B2
The present invention is to provide an apparatus for coloring an electrical wire to improve a visibility and design of the electrical wire. The apparatus includes a coloring device for ejecting a liquid coloring material to an outer surface of the electrical wire and a sliding device for moving relatively the coloring device in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the electrical wire so as to color each whole outer surface of a plurality of coloring regions thereof responsive to a belt-shaped design pattern.
US08367147B2
In order to provide an improved powder coating process using gelatin particles for the production of coatings or shaped bodies based on gelatin, it is proposed that the gelatin particles are produced by drying an aqueous gelatin solution, wherein the gelatin does not pass through a gel state before or during the drying.
US08367141B2
Provided is an instant black tea, which includes the non-polymer catechins at high concentration, is further reduced in bitterness and astringency, and is excellent in the appearance of its infusion. The instant black tea includes a beverage material containing black tea leaves and a dried green tea extract and sealed in a tea bag. A mass ratio of the non-polymer catechins/tannin in the beverage material is from 0.65 to 0.95.
US08367140B2
A concentrated beverage composition for reconstitution is reduced in bitterness and astringency, adequate in both sweetness and sourness and improved in storage stability despite the inclusion of a high concentration of non-polymer catechins. The concentrated beverage composition for reconstitution contains (A) from 0.5 to 25.0 wt % of non-polymer catechins, (B) a carbohydrate, and (C) a hydroxycarboxylic acid, and meets the following conditions (D) and (E) as well as at least one condition selected from the following conditions (F1), (F2) and (F3): (D) a content of gallic acid is lower than 0.6 wt %, (E) a percentage of non-epi-forms in the non-polymer catechins is from 5 to 25 wt %, (F1) a Brix degree is from 20 to 70, and when diluted with deionized water to give a non-polymer catechin concentration of 0.13 wt %, a pH is from 2.5 to 6.0, (F2) a solid content is not lower than 70.0 wt %, and when diluted with deionized water to give a non-polymer catechin concentration of 0.13 wt %, a pH is from 2.5 to 6.0, and (F3) an absorbance at 400 nm is smaller than 0.5 and a pH is from 2.5 to 6.0, when diluted with deionized water to give a non-polymer catechin concentration of 0.13 wt %.
US08367138B2
The present invention relates generally to dairy compositions comprising non-caloric or low-caloric high-potency sweeteners and methods for making and using them. In particular, the present invention relates to different dairy compositions comprising at least one non-caloric or low-caloric natural and/or synthetic high-potency sweetener, at least one sweet taste improving composition, and a dairy product. The present invention also relates to dairy compositions and methods that can improve the tastes of non-caloric or low-caloric natural and/or synthetic, high-potency sweeteners by imparting a more sugar-like taste or characteristic. In particular, the dairy compositions and methods provide a more sugar-like temporal profile, including sweetness onset and sweetness linger, and/or a more sugar-like flavor profile.
US08367135B2
An ice-candy forming container is provided which produces ice-candies having a complicated shape copying the face of a cartoon character or the like with higher quality and without a loss in shape. A forming container includes a first mold having a pattern portion formed in one face thereof, and a second mold configured to slide over and along the one face of the first mold, in a close contact relation, in directions designated by arrows A1-A2, so as to contain the first mold therein. In such a containing position, the second mold contacts externally and closely substantially an entire surface of the outer periphery of the pattern portion.
US08367122B2
In a method for treating an affected skin region of a patient having a skin disorder, a vasodilation composition is applied to an affected skin region of a patient, the affected skin region exhibiting a skin disorder characterized by at least one abnormal blood vessel, and the affected skin region is then treated so as to non-invasively disrupt tissue architecture, e.g., by inducing ischemia, of the at least one abnormal blood vessel. A vasoconstriction composition can then be applied to the skin region to cause vasoconstriction of the at least one blood vessel in order to promote healing.
US08367119B2
The invention relates to the pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of a brain tumor, which contains in an effective amount from pharmaceutical point of view Peptidtoxin from spiders, Sicarius species and/or the saliva of the vipers from the Elaphe species; and the total poison or part of the spiders poison from the Latrodectus species, as well as the use of the pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of the brain tumor, a process for producing the pharmaceutical composition as well as a kit of parts containing the pharmaceutical composition.
US08367113B2
The present invention generally relates to polymers and macromolecules, in particular, to block polymers useful in particles such as nanoparticles. One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of developing nanoparticles with desired properties. In one set of embodiments, the method includes producing libraries of nanoparticles having highly controlled properties, which can be formed by mixing together two or more macromolecules in different ratios. One or more of the macromolecules may be a polymeric conjugate of a moiety to a biocompatible polymer. In some cases, the nanoparticle may contain a drug. The moiety, in some embodiments, may have a molecular weight greater than about 1000 Da; for example, the moiety may include a polypeptide or a polynucleotide, such as an aptamer. The moiety may also be a targeting moiety, an imaging moiety, a chelating moiety, a charged moiety, or a therapeutic moiety. Another aspect of the invention is directed to systems and methods of producing such polymeric conjugates. In some embodiments, a solution containing a polymer is contacted with a liquid, such as an immiscible liquid, to form nanoparticles containing the polymeric conjugate. Other aspects of the invention are directed to methods using such libraries, methods of using or administering such polymeric conjugates, methods of promoting the use of such polymeric conjugates, kits involving such polymeric conjugates, or the like.
US08367091B2
Coatings for implantable medical devices comprising non-fouling moieties or polymers chemically bonded to the surface of the device via chelating structures, and methods of fabricating the coatings are disclosed.
US08367067B2
The present invention provides synthetic immunogenic lipopeptide molecules comprising co-linear T-helper and B cell epitopes, and methods for their production and use in the generation of primary and secondary immune responses, and for the vaccination of animal subjects against particular antigens. More particularly, the present invention provides highly soluble lipopeptides wherein the lipid moiety is attached to the terminal side-chain group of an internal lysine or lysine analog, preferably to the terminal side-chain group of an internal diamino acid residue. Preferably the internal lysine or lysine analog is positioned between the T-helper epitope and the B cell epitope or within the T-helper epitope.
US08367060B2
The present invention relates to a composition and a method for the treatment of liver dysfunction which contains administration of a composition containing arazyme as an active ingredient, more precisely arazyme produced by Aranicola proteolyticus. The arazyme of the present invention inhibits apoptosis in injured liver cells, increases SMP30 expression, inhibits P-smad3 expression and protects the liver by inhibiting liver injury around the central vein region. Therefore, the arazyme of the invention can be effectively used as a composition for the treatment of liver dysfunction.
US08367057B2
The present invention relates to stem cells suitable for transplantation and to methods for their preparation.
US08367054B2
Lyophilized and stabilized formulations of PEG-Interferon alpha conjugates and the process for their preparation that reduces lyophilization cycle time and are more cost competitive.
US08367053B2
The present invention provides novel cyclosporin analogue compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and methods of using these compounds for the treatment of disorders and diseases, including immune disorders, inflammatory disorders and viral infections.
US08367052B2
CXCL9 promotes bone marrow regeneration, increases peripheral white blood cells, and increases survival if administered prior to treatment of a subject with chemotherapeutic drugs such as 5-FU or radiotherapy. Similar effects are obtained by administering an anti-CXCL9 antibody following chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Compositions and methods are presented for the treatment of cancer and bone marrow diseases.
US08367048B2
Shampoo compositions comprise (a) from about 5% to about 50% of one or more detersive surfactants, by weight of the shampoo composition; (b) a dispersed gel network phase comprising, by weight of the shampoo composition, (i) at least about 0.05% of one or more fatty amphiphiles; (ii) at least about 0.01% of one or more secondary surfactants; and (iii) water; and (c) at least about 20% of an aqueous carrier, by weight of the shampoo composition. A process for preparing a shampoo composition comprises the steps of: (a) combining a fatty amphiphile, a secondary surfactant, and water at a temperature sufficient to allow partitioning of the secondary surfactant and the water into the fatty amphiphile to form a pre-mix; (b) cooling the pre-mix below the chain melt temperature of the fatty amphiphile to form a gel network; (c) adding the gel network to one or more detersive surfactants and an aqueous carrier to form a shampoo composition.
US08367047B2
The present invention relates to hair compositions comprising at least one lecithin, at least one amphoteric surfactant, at least one nonionic surfactant, at least one film forming polymer, and at least one cationic polymer. The compositions are preferably used to maintain hair's natural shape and/or its curl definition.
US08367041B2
A contrast agent for angiography is disclosed, in particular, for examining animal or human bodies or components thereof such as members or organs thereof, comprising an essentially oil-based apolar contrast component for X-ray examinations, the contrast component having a contrast component viscosity in the range of 30-100 mPas. The contrast agent is characterised in that the contrast component is present in a mixture with at least one further apolar component, the viscosity of which is less than or at most equal to the contrast component viscosity. Methods for angiography examination are also disclosed, in which such a contrast agent or also a polar contrast agent are used at least periodically and applications of such contrast agents.
US08367039B2
The present invention relates to a compound of the following general formula (I): Signal-Linker-Peptide (I) in which Signal is a signal entity; Linker, is absent or is a chemical bond, and Peptide is a peptide having a VCAM-targeting peptide and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The VCAM-targeting peptide may be X10-X11-X12-X13-X14-X15-X16-X17-X18 (SEQ ID No. 4) with X10 chosen from cysteine and methionine; X11 chosen from methionine and cysteine; X12 chosen from lysine, arginine and alanine; X13 chosen from threonine and serine; X14 chosen from aspartic acid and glutamic acid; X15 chosen from threonine and serine; X16 chosen from arginine, alanine and lysine; X17 chosen from leucine, isoleucine and valine; X18 chosen from cysteine and methionine; preferably, the peptide CMKTDTRLC (SEQ ID No. 5).
US08367028B2
A porous material comprises oxides of silicon and aluminum and is substantially free of X-ray diffraction peaks in its calcined form. The material is characterized by the following properties: (a) a Bronsted acid site density as measured by temperature programmed ammonia adsorption of at least 0.005 mmol/g; (b) an alpha value of at least 0.5; (c) a specific surface area of about 50 to about 160 m2 g−1; (d) a total pore volume of about 0.14 to about 1.0 cm3 g−1; and (d) a micropore volume of about 0.001 to about 0.015 cm3 g−1.
US08367026B2
A method for converting depleted uranium tetrafluoride (UF4) to triuranium octaoxide (U3O8), and producing sulfur tetrafluoride, using a two step process. The first step uses heat and a mixture of the uranium tetrafluoride and an alkaline compound, either an alkaline oxide or an alkaline hydroxide, to produce U3O8 and a water-soluble metal halide. The second step uses heat, sulfur and a halogen to produce sulfur tetrafluoride and triuranium octaoxide.
US08367013B2
An optical reflectance kit including a reading device and membrane test strip is disclosed for conducting a lateral flow assay. The reading device is portable. Assays may be conducted on bodily fluids to detect with high sensitivity the presence of certain hormones, glucose, or other bodily fluids of interest. Membrane test strips may receive a test fluid or test sample containing an analyte to be detected. The membrane test strips may be inserted directly into a receiving port of a reading device. Shielding stray light from the receiving port improves sensitivity and reduces the entry of stray or ambient light into the reading device. The reading device also includes one or more sensors capable of detecting the intensity of reflected electromagnetic radiation.
US08367011B2
A blower type chemical diffusing apparatus is small in thickness, simple in structure, and reduced in cost. The apparatus allows the chemical and a battery to be exchanged readily and facilitates electrically connecting the battery to the motor in the blower. The apparatus casing includes a first and a second side casing counterpart hinged together to allow opening and closing. The apparatus further includes a blower with a motor and fan mounted in the first casing body. A chemical cartridge is disposed between the blower and the second casing body, and contains a chemical impregnated body which includes a carrier in the form of a sheet impregnated with the chemical. The first casing body has a battery accommodating recess in which dry cells are removably accepted to drive the motor and thereby to rotate the fan. Air is thus forced to flow through the chemical cartridge.
US08367009B2
A liquid separator system having a gas phase zone, an aqueous phase zone and a denser liquid zone is used to separate mixtures of fluids. The separator can be used for separating molten sulfur from liquid redox solution or reslurry water. The system includes a vessel with a top part and a bottom part. The vessel has a larger diameter at the top part than at the bottom part. The system also includes an inlet for introducing a redox solution or reslurry water and molten sulfur, which is denser than redox solution or reslurry water, into the vessel. An outlet near the bottom part of the vessel allows a flow of the molten sulfur from the vessel. An interface control structure senses an interface level between the redox solution or reslurry water and the molten sulfur, and the interface control structure controls the flow of molten sulfur from the outlet. The interface control structure is adjusted to optimally alter the vertical height of the interface level within the vessel so that the residence time of the molten sulfur in the vessel does not decrease as the sulfur production throughput decreases, and so that the interface area of the molten sulfur and the redox solution is reduced as the sulfur throughput decreases. A pressure controller monitors the pressure in the vessel and adds or removes gas from a gas phase zone in the vessel to maintain a predetermined pressure regardless of the vertical height of the interface.
US08367002B2
The present invention relates to a (nano)material comprising at least one inorganic and/or organomineral layer, integrated into which is at least one type of organic or organometallic fluorescent nanocrystal that emerges from the surface of said layer so that at least one part of the fluorescent nanocrystals is in direct contact with the outside environment. These emerging nanocrystals constitute, due to their fluorescence, a signalling function, and they may thus be functionalised by grafting a biomolecule bearing a probe function, such as a half-strand of DNA, to thus produce a biochip, biocaptor or biosensor comprising such a (nano)material, a support for a biochip, biocaptor or biosensor, and a method for preparing such a nanomaterial.
US08366994B2
A method for manufacturing a cobalt (Co) alloy-based ceramic composite sputtering target is provided. A cobalt ingot and a chromium (Cr) ingot are melted in vacuum and then nebulized to form a cobalt-chromium (CoCr) alloy powder. Additionally, a ceramic powder and a platinum powder are wetly mixed to form a platinum-ceramic (Pt-ceramic) slurry, in which the ceramic powder is applied onto the platinum powder's surface uniformly. Next, the CoCr alloy powder and the Pt-ceramic slurry are wetly mixed to form a CoCrPt-ceramic slurry. Thereafter, the CoCrPt-ceramic slurry is dried, molded and compressed to form the cobalt alloy-based ceramic composite sputtering target. The resulted cobalt alloy-based ceramic composite sputtering target, which has a fine and dense structure, uniform composition and lower magnetic permeability, is beneficial to a magnetron sputter deposition process, as well as a film sputtering process used in the magnetic recording industry.
US08366991B2
An apparatus for recovering platinum group elements comprises a furnace body having an interior space substantially shot off from external air, a material charging port and an exhaust port provided in an upper half of the furnace body, at least two fluid discharge ports provided in a lower half of the furnace body at different height levels. a material charging chute connected to the material charging port. an exhaust unit connected to the exhaust port; and electrodes for passing electric current through and heating material charged into the furnace. The material charging chute is equipped with a vertical two stage shutter so as to maintain airtightness when material is charged into the interior space of the furnace.
US08366983B2
A method of manufacturing a thermal insulation article may include positioning, between opposing mold walls, a first layer comprising a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material and a second layer comprising a plurality of tiles. The method may further include moving the opposing mold walls together to compress together the first and second layers, and curing the compressed together first and second layers to produce the thermal insulation article.
US08366977B2
Provided is a process for manufacturing a polyamide yarn exhibiting good dyeability, while utilizing polyamide waste. The recycled polyamide yarn with a high waste polymer content is used for making quality articles by a low cost method, which is further friendly to the preservation of the environment.
US08366976B2
A method and apparatus for fabricating a flat panel display device is disclosed. A thin film is patterned in a patterning process using a soft mold without using a photo process. A thin film layer and a resist are sequentially formed on a substrate. A designated resist pattern is formed by applying pressure to the resist using a soft mold. The resist has a dipole moment μ value equal to or higher than 2 (D), or has a solubility parameter value lower than 6 (cal/cm3)1/2 or higher than 11 (cal/cm3)1/2.
US08366975B2
This invention relates to processes for making kesterite compositions with atypical Cu:Zn:Sn:S ratios and/or kesterite compositions with unusually small coherent domain sizes. This invention also relates to these kesterite compositions and their use in preparing CZTS films.
US08366974B2
An article of manufacture and methods of making same. In one embodiment, the article of manufacture has a plurality of zinc oxide layers substantially in parallel, wherein each zinc oxide layer has a thickness d1, and a plurality of organic molecule layers substantially in parallel, wherein each organic molecule layer has a thickness d2 and a plurality of molecules with a functional group that is bindable to zinc ions, wherein for every pair of neighboring zinc oxide layers, one of the plurality of organic molecule layers is positioned in between the pair of neighboring zinc oxide layers to allow the functional groups of the plurality of organic molecules to bind to zinc ions in the neighboring zinc oxide layers to form a lamellar hybrid structure with a geometric periodicity d1+d2, and wherein d1 and d2 satisfy the relationship of d1≦d2≦3d1.
US08366973B2
An ink for forming CIGS photovoltaic cell active layers is disclosed along with methods for making the ink, methods for making the active layers and a solar cell made with the active layer. The ink contains a mixture of nanoparticles of elements of groups IB, IIIA and (optionally) VIA. The particles are in a desired particle size range of between about 1 nm and about 500 nm in diameter, where a majority of the mass of the particles comprises particles ranging in size from no more than about 40% above or below an average particle size or, if the average particle size is less than about 5 nanometers, from no more than about 2 nanometers above or below the average particle size. The use of such ink avoids the need to expose the material to an H2Se gas during the construction of a photovoltaic cell and allows more uniform melting during film annealing, more uniform intermixing of nanoparticles, and allows higher quality absorber films to be formed.
US08366969B2
An intermediate transfer media, such as a belt, that includes for example, a polyamideimide, a phosphate ester and a conductive component, like carbon black.
US08366968B2
An active material, an electrode, and a battery which exhibit high safety in overcharging tests, and methods of manufacturing them are provided. The active material comprises a first metal oxide particle 1 and a second metal oxide particle group 2 attached to a surface of the first metal oxide particle 1. The second metal oxide is at least one selected from the group consisting of zirconia, silica, and tin oxide. The first metal oxide particle 1 contains fluorine atoms from its surface to deepest part.
US08366960B2
The invention pertains to a peroxide composition comprising, based on the total weight of the composition: a) 10-90 wt % of an organic peroxide; b) 90-10 wt % of an organic solvent in which the organic peroxide does not dissolve; and c) optionally additives; wherein the water content is less than 20 wt %.
US08366956B2
A quaternary ammonium salt of the formula (1), a composition containing the quaternary ammonium salt and an organic solvent, and an electrochemical device using the salt wherein R1 and R2 are both methyl and X− is BF4− or N(CF3SO2)2−.
US08366955B2
A fire extinguishing composition is provided that is suitable for use as a fire extinguishing agent in fire suppression, particularly in off-road vehicles exposed to low ambient temperature environments. The fire extinguishing composition includes an aqueous solution of potassium formate. In an embodiment, the fire extinguishing composition includes an aqueous solution of potassium formate and an aqueous film forming foam. In an embodiment, the fire extinguishing composition is an aqueous solution including an aqueous film forming foam, potassium formate and potassium acetate in water.
US08366953B2
A plasma cleaning method is performed in a plasma CVD apparatus for depositing a silicon nitride film on a surface of a target substrate, and includes a stage (S1) of supplying a cleaning gas containing NF3 gas into a process container, thereby removing extraneous deposits formed on portions inside the process container; a stage (S2) of supplying a gas containing hydrogen gas into the process container and generating plasma thereof, thereby removing residual fluorine inside the process container; and a stage (S3) of supplying a gas containing a rare gas into the process container and generating plasma thereof, thereby removing residual hydrogen inside the process container.
US08366948B2
A near-field light generating element has an outer surface including first and second inclined surfaces and an edge part that connects the first and second inclined surfaces to each other. In a method of manufacturing the near-field light generating element, a polishing stopper layer is initially formed on a metal layer, and the polishing stopper layer and the metal layer are etched so that the metal layer is provided with the first inclined surface. Next, a coating layer is formed to cover the metal layer and the polishing stopper layer. The coating layer is made of a non-metallic inorganic material that has an etching rate lower than that of the metal layer in a second etching step to be performed later. Next, the coating layer is polished until the polishing stopper layer is exposed. Next, the second etching step is performed to etch the polishing stopper layer and the metal layer using the coating layer as the etching mask. This provides the metal layer with the second inclined surface and the edge part, and thereby makes the metal layer into the near-field light generating element.
US08366941B2
A process for exothermic treatment and recovery of masses including: urban solid waste (USW), including differentiated and non-differentiated damp waste and non-differentiated waste of vegetable origin; sludge generated by industrial and non-industrial water treatment; solid, semi-solid, pasty residue and/or sludge residue coming from industrial, agricultural and food-processing operations; soils and inert materials contaminated by organic matrices; solid, semi-solid, pasty residue and/or sludge residue of hydrocarbon compounds, including asphalt and organic-chemical compounds; contaminating animal excrements, such as those of poultry and/or swine. In particular, the process envisages the use of an exothermic reaction produced by mixing the mass to be treated with a mixture of calcium oxides (CaO) and/or calcium hydroxides Ca(OH)2, in the presence of an inert catalyst moistened with water, in the absence of oxygen using the charcoal-pile technique.
US08366939B2
Methods and compositions for improving water quality by reducing chlorine demand, decreasing disinfection by-products and controlling deposits in drinking water distribution systems include adding low concentrations of supplemental oxidants, for example, RE-Ox® to the systems.
US08366938B2
The invention relates to a method and a device for purifying liquid effluents, in which water is separated from substances by performing, in a single vertical enclosure (3), a vertical bubbling in the effluents fed at a flow rate d. The enclosure has a free surface and includes at least two compartments (4, 5, 6, 7) communicating together for enabling a circulation between the compartments successively from the top to the bottom and from the bottom to the top between the lower portion thereof and a medium level at a flow rate D at least three times higher than the flow rate d. The supernatant phase is continuously discharged and a hydraulic or gaseous chemical oxidation of said effluents is simultaneously carried out in the same enclosure, the chemical oxidation rate and the bubble flow rate and size being selected in order to progressively obtain a separation of the solid/liquid and liquid/liquid phases at the surface of the enclosure for obtaining a COD below a predetermined threshold.
US08366935B2
A method is described for producing an extract of Phyllanthus comprising the steps of: (a) extracting Phyllanthus components with a solvent; (b) fractionating the extract obtained in the preceding step on the basis of hydrophobicity; (c) collecting and combining fractions that correspond in hydrophobicity to elute fractions resulting from 10-50% methanol elution steps, wherein the elute fractions are obtained by low pressure vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) using a C18 reversed-phase lipophilic column and a water/methanol gradient system, wherein the gradient system is based on an initial elution step of loading the column with 100% water, on intermediate elution steps with gradually decreasing water content and on a terminal elution step loading the column with 100% methanol; and (d) optionally drying the extract obtained in step (c). The invention also relates to an extract of Phyllanthus obtainable or obtained by the method or a fraction thereof and a Phyllanthus extract or fraction thereof comprising repandusinic acid, wherein the repandusinic acid is present at a concentration of at least 42 mg/g.
US08366932B1
A novel method for treating sulfide-containing wastewater is described which involves treating sulfide-laden biogas produced in a bioreactor in a sulfide oxidizing unit (SOU). Oxidation in the SOU is monitored by an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) probe which minimizes the input of air/oxygen to produce elemental sulfur without significant production of sulfate.
US08366930B2
A filter assembly for fluid filtration having a push-activated lock and release mechanism. A push filter design activates a floating key lock upon insertion and extraction, where the filter key may be used simultaneously as a lock and as an identifier for particular filter attributes. The filter base may be situated inline, and in fluid communication, with influent and effluent piping, such as within a refrigerator. The filter housing assembly may be attached to, and removed from, the filter base by a push-actuated release. Upon insertion, the filter key shifts the filter lock longitudinally to receive interlocking segments. Upon extraction, the same axial push shifts the filter lock further to align the interlocking fingers within gaps that allow for easy extraction. The specific key lock design allows a user to identify and match certain filter configurations received by the mechanical support, and reject other filter configurations.
US08366926B2
The present disclosure is directed towards systems and methods for the treatment of wastewater. A system in accordance with one particular embodiment may include a vacuum filter band system configured to receive a saturated resin tank from a front end system, the vacuum filter band system configured to generate a slurry from the saturated resin tank and to provide a cascading resin rinse to the slurry. The system may further include a repetitive stripping system configured to receive a metal-filled purification unit from a metal specific purification system. The repetitive stripping system may be further configured to sequentially apply the contents of a plurality of acid tanks to the metal-filled purification unit to generate a metal salt. Numerous other embodiments are also within the scope of the present disclosure.
US08366923B1
Devices, apparatus, systems and methods of using an adjustable filter basket on telescoping post supports to raise and lower the filter basket so as to adjust the position of the inlet chute for different ground water levels in storm water treatment systems, along with horizontal slidable lids in tracks on the basket that allow access to the inside of the basket in vaults having ceilings close to the top of the baskets. A single winch point or floats can be used to raise and lower the filter basket on the telescopic post supports.
US08366908B2
An integrated process for producing lubricant base oils from feedstocks under sour conditions is provided. The ability to process feedstocks under higher sulfur conditions allows for reduced cost processing and increases the flexibility in selecting a suitable feedstock. The sour feed can be delivered to a catalytic dewaxing step without any separation of sulfur and nitrogen contaminants, or a high pressure separation can be used to partially eliminate contaminants.
US08366903B2
In a method of manufacturing a printed wiring board, a via reaches from a surface copper layer to an inner-layer copper layer of a multilayer board, and copper layers and insulating layers are alternately layered. The wiring board is machined by a laser, and a process of machining the via includes forming a laser absorbing layer on a surface of a copper layer disposed on the surface of the multilayer board. The laser is irradiated, and an electrolytic etching and removal of the laser absorbing layer is carried out in this order.
US08366900B2
The invention provides compositions, methods and kits for high speed, high resolution of analytes by capillary electrophoresis starting with uncoated capillaries. The compositions comprise a sieving component, comprising a non-crosslinked acrylamide polymer, and a surface interaction component, comprising at least one uncharged and non-crosslinked water-soluble silica-adsorbing polymer. Methods for employing the novel compositions in capillary electrophoresis are provided. Kits comprising the novel compositions for use in the novel methods are also provided.
US08366895B2
A differential pH probe design uses a container having an outer surface and an inner volume, where the inner volume is divided into a first chamber and a second chamber. A first pH-sensitive area is located on the outer surface of the first chamber where the first pH-sensitive area is configured to be exposed to a sample. A second pH-sensitive area is located on the outer surface of the second chamber where the second pH-sensitive area is shielded from the sample and is exposed to a buffer solution. A first electrode is configured to detect a first voltage in the first chamber and a second electrode is configured to detect a second voltage in the second chamber. Circuitry is coupled to the first and second electrodes and configured to process the first voltage and the second voltage to determine a pH of the sample.
US08366894B2
A multi-gas microsensor assembly for simultaneously detecting carbon dioxide and oxygen in real time. According to one embodiment, the assembly comprises a non-conductive, solid substrate. A plurality of sensing electrodes, a single reference electrode, and a single counter electrode are positioned on one side of the non-conductive, solid substrate. In addition, all of the electrodes are in intimate contact with the same side of a solid-polymer electrolyte anion-exchange membrane, the solid polymer electrolyte membrane having at least one gas diffusion opening aligned with each sensing electrode. The sensor is operated in a three-electrode potentiostatic mode, in which a constant potential is maintained between the sensing and reference electrodes, and the current is measured between the sensing and counter electrodes. Control of the electrodes is achieved with a small bi-potentiostat. The design of the bi-potentiostat allows at least two different sensing electrodes to share the same counter and reference electrodes.
US08366889B2
SubjectThe present invention aims to provide an anode for electrolysis by an ion exchange membrane process and the manufacturing method thereof which can show a lower concentration of by-product oxygen gas in chlorine gas and a lower overvoltage stably for a long time, compared with conventional anodes.Solution to ProblemThe present invention is to prepare an anode for electrolysis, comprising a substrate comprising titanium or titanium alloy and a plurality of coating layers provided by the thermal decomposition baking method on the surface of the substrate, wherein the coating layer comprises the first coating layer comprising a mixture of iridium oxide, ruthenium oxide and titanium oxide, provided on the surface of the substrate, the second coating layer comprising a mixture of platinum and iridium oxide, provided on the first coating layer, a unit layer comprising the first coating layer and the second coating layer, provided on the surface of the second coating layer by a single or a plurality of layer, and the second coating layer, provided on the outermost layer of the unit layer; the plurality of layer is provided on the surface of the substrate by means of the thermal decomposition baking method and the coating layer is followed by post-baking at a higher baking temperature than the formerly applied in the thermal decomposition baking method.
US08366888B2
A water softening module has a case body which includes cover members secured to their respective ends of a cylindrical case. A pair of electrodes are provided in the case body. A fibrous medium is located in contact with a water-outlet-side face of the electrodes. The fibrous medium has a stacked structure constituted of a first fiber layer and a second fiber layer, which are electrically conductive. The first fiber layer is positioned in contact with the upstream side of the second fiber layer, and the first fiber layer is positioned in contact with the downstream-side face of the electrodes. The specific surface area of the first layer is smaller than that of the second fiber layer.
US08366885B2
A water body self-generating electrolytic reduction module is applied to a water body containing oxidizing substances. The water body self-generating electrolytic reduction module includes a self-generating unit and an electrolysis unit. The self-generating unit is coupled to the electrolysis unit. When circulating in a water transmission pipeline, the water body drives the self-generating unit to generate an electric power and deliver the electric power to the electrolysis unit. Upon receiving the electric power, the electrolysis unit performs electrolysis on the water body circulating to the electrolysis unit, so that a reduction reaction occurs to the oxidizing substances in the water body.
US08366875B2
Digested softened non-defibrated chips are fed out from a bottom of a digester. The chips are fed out under an influence of a bottom scraper at the bottom of the digester and through an outlet tap at the bottom of the digester and onwards to an outlet line connected to the outlet tap. This takes place before the softened chips pass through a blow-valve arranged in the outlet line, across which blow-valve a pressure drop of at least 0.5 bar and at most 3-5 bar has been established. The chips are exposed to a displacement wash after the chips have passed the outlet tap. The displacement wash has been established in the flow of chips through the outlet line before the chips are defibrated by the pressure drop across the blow-valve.
US08366869B2
A processing apparatus includes a process container having a placing table for placing a processing object, an exhaust system having vacuum pumps and a pressure control valve for exhausting atmosphere in the process container. A gas injection unit having a gas ejection hole is provided in the process container, as well as a gas supplying unit for supplying a process gas to the gas injection unit. The entire process apparatus is controlled by a controlling unit. The control unit controls the exhaust system and the gas supplying unit. When starting a predetermined process, the process gas at a flow rate greater than a prescribed flow rate is supplied for a short time while exhausting the atmosphere in the process container by the exhaust system, and then the process gas at a prescribed flow rate is supplied.
US08366863B2
The present invention relates to a binder for the production of bonded mineral wool, wherein a phenol-formaldehyde-binder is applied onto the still hot fibers after the fiberization of a mineral wool, using a binder that comprises hydroxylamine or an amino alcohol with the following general formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different from each other, and independently are hydrogen, a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon with 1-12 carbon atoms, a saturated or unsaturated alicyclic or heterocyclic hydrocarbon with 5-8 carbon atoms, a carbocyclic or heterocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with 5-12 ring members or a chain-like or branched alkylether with 1-50 alkoxy units or a chain-like or branched alkylamine with 1-50 alkylamine units; and R3 is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon with 1-12 carbon atoms, a saturated or unsaturated alicyclic or heterocyclic hydrocarbon with 5-8 carbon atoms, a carbocyclic or heterocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with 5-12 ring members or a chain-like or branched alkylether with 1-50 alkoxy units or a chain-like or branched alkylamine with 1-50 alkylamine units.
US08366861B2
Provided is an anode bonding method by which a silicon substrate and a glass substrate are well anodically bonded without generating positional shift, even when an electrode cannot be arranged on a surface on the opposite side to a bonding surface of a glass substrate and the bonding surface is large. The method for anodically bonding the glass substrate and the silicon substrate is provided with a step of placing on the glass substrate the silicon substrate whereupon a through hole is arranged; a step of bringing the anode electrode into contact with the surface of the overlapped silicon substrate opposite to the surface facing the glass substrate, and bringing an cathode electrode into contact with the glass substrate through the through hole arranged on the silicon substrate; and a step of applying a direct current voltage to the anode electrode and the cathode electrode in a state where the glass substrate and the silicon substrate are heated.
US08366855B2
A machine for forming a flexible pouch having a spout fitment includes a frame, a transport device adjacent the frame for transporting a flexible material therealong, and a feeder device for supplying a roll of tape material having a plurality of fitments secured thereto. A fitment insertion station receives the roll of tape material with pre-applied fitments, and removes the fitment, and seals the fitment to a fitment receiving portion of the flexible material. A pouch body forming station operatively forms a body of the pouch from the flexible material, and an upper edge, a lower edge and a side edge extending therebetween.
US08366852B2
A method of forming a temporary carrier structure is disclosed which includes forming a plurality of recesses in a carrier structure, the recesses extending to a depth that is less than a thickness of the carrier structure, forming a dissolvable material in the recesses and above a first surface of the carrier structure, securing a thin substrate above the first surface of the carrier structure using the dissolvable material to secure the thin substrate in place, performing at least one process operation on a second surface of the carrier structure to expose the dissolvable material in the recesses and contacting the exposed dissolvable material with a release agent so as to dissolve at least a portion of the dissolvable material.
US08366847B2
Perchlorate-free flare compositions are disclosed which, when burned, produce yellow smoke and flames. Methods of producing the compositions are also disclosed.
US08366846B2
Disclosed is an Al—Mg—Si aluminum alloy sheet that can prevent ridging marks during press forming and has good reproducibility even with stricter fabricating conditions. In an Al—Mg—Si aluminum alloy sheet of a specific composition, hot rolling is performed on the basis of a set relationship between the rolling start temperature Ts and the rolling finish temperature Tf° C., whereby the relationship of the cube orientation distribution profile in the horizontal direction of the sheet with the cube orientation alone or another crystal orientation distribution profile at various locations in the depth direction of the sheet is made more uniform, suppressing the appearance of ridging marks that develop during sheet press forming.
US08366845B2
An apparatus for thermally treating a plurality of curved suture needles. The apparatus includes a conveyer for transferring the plurality of curved suture needles from a source of curved suture needles to a receiver, a housing positioned adjacent the conveyer, the housing having a first end, a second end, and an opening running from the first end to the second end, the opening aligned with the conveyer to enable the plurality of curved suture needles to pass therethrough, and a heat source located within the housing for heating the plurality of curved suture needles as the plurality of curved suture needles are transferred by the conveyer from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing. Also provided is a process for thermally treating a plurality of curved suture needles to enhance the stiffness and yield moment of the curved suture needles. The curved suture needles so treated have a desirable combination of stiffness, strength and ductility.
US08366839B2
The present invention relates to extruded, rolled and/or forged products. Also provided are methods of making such products based on aluminum alloy wherein a liquid metal bath is prepared comprising 2.0 to 3.5% by weight of Cu, 1.4 to 1.8% by weight of Li, 0.1 to 0.5% by weight of Ag, 0.1 to 1.0% by weight of Mg, 0.05 to 0.18% by weight of Zr, 0.2 to 0.6% by weight of Mn and at least one element selected from Cr, Sc, Hf and Ti, the quantity of said element, if it is selected, being 0.05 to 0.3% by weight for Cr and for Sc, 0.05 to 0.5% by weight for Hf and 0.01 to 0.15% by weight for Ti, the remainder being aluminum and inevitable impurities. The products and methods of the present invention offer a particularly advantageous compromise between static mechanical strength and damage tolerance and are particularly useful in the field of aeronautical design.
US08366838B2
A single crystal alloy for high AN2 applications has a composition consisting essentially of from 4.0 to 10 wt % chromium, from 1.0 to 2.5 wt % molybdenum, up to 5.0 wt % tungsten, from 3.0 to 8.0 wt % tantalum, from 5.5 to 6.25 wt % aluminum, from 6.0 to 17 wt % cobalt, up to 0.2 wt % hafnium, from 4.0 to 6.0 wt % rhenium, from 1.0 to 3.0 wt % ruthenium, and the balance nickel. Further, these single crystal alloys have a total tungsten and molybdenum content in the range of from 1.0 to 7.5 wt %, preferably from 2.0 to 7.0 wt %, a total refractory element content in the range of from 9.0 to 24.5 wt %, preferably from 13 to 22 wt %, a ratio of rhenium to a total refractory element content in the range of from 0.16 to 0.67, preferably from 0.20 to 0.45, a density in the range of from 0.300 to 0.325 lb/in3, and a specific creep strength in the range from 106×103 to 124×103 inches. These alloys provide (a) increased creep strength for a given density and (b) specific creep strengths as high as or higher than all 2nd generation single crystal alloys with a significant decrease in density.
US08366836B2
A silicon steel material is heated in a predetermined temperature range according to contents of B, N, Mn, S, and Se (step S1), and is subjected to hot rolling (step S2). Further, a finish temperature Tf of finish rolling in the hot rolling is performed in a predetermined temperature range according to the content of B. Through these treatments, a certain amount of BN is made to precipitate compositely on MnS and/or MnSe.
US08366828B2
A shower head is provided in a processing chamber for processing a substrate therein to face a mounting table for mounting thereon the substrate and formed of a laminated body in which a plurality of plate-shaped members are laminated. The shower head serves to supply one or more gases in a shower shape toward the substrate. The shower head includes a first gas supply unit for supplying a first gas toward the substrate through first gas injection openings provided in the laminated body, a second gas supply unit for supplying a second gas through second gas injection openings provided in the laminated body and a plurality of gas exhaust holes, formed through the laminated body, for exhausting a gas through a portion of the laminated body, the portion facing the mounting table.
US08366814B2
A gas chromatography inlet liner comprises a glass tube formed by a glass wall, the glass wall having pore channels formed therein, and an indicator present in the pore channels in at least part of the inlet liner. The indicator may be any element, compound, dopant, or mixture additive that modifies color or transparency of the inlet liner.
US08366808B2
A method and apparatus for separating a first fluid from a fluid mixture. In one embodiment water containing methane is passed through an agitation chamber with a plate at the chamber's proximal and distal ends. Both plates have orifices permitting the mixed fluid to pass into and out of the agitation chamber. In one embodiment, the mixed fluid rotates about its axis of flow through the agitation chamber. In one embodiment, the mixed fluid passes through a separation chamber having a plurality of baffles that promote separation of the methane from the methane/water mixture. In one embodiment, the separated methane is removed from the water in a collection chamber that facilitates gravity separation of the mixed fluids. In one embodiment, liquid hydrocarbon is removed from water.
US08366797B2
Disclosed are improved polymer materials. Also disclosed are fine fiber materials that can be made from the improved polymeric materials in the form of microfiber and nanofiber structures. The microfiber and nanofiber structures can be used in a variety of useful applications including the formation of filter materials.
US08366787B2
A bioprosthetic device is provided for soft tissue attachment, reinforcement, and or reconstruction. The device comprises a naturally occurring extracellular matrix portion and a three-dimensional synthetic portion. In illustrated embodiments, the naturally occurring extracellular matrix portion comprises layers of small intestine submucosa, and the three-dimensional synthetic portion comprises a foam or a three-dimensional mesh, textile, or felt.
US08366786B2
An artificial bone capable of being absorbed and replaced by an autogenous bone, which comprises a cylindrical body obtained by rolling a sheet-shaped apatite/collagen composite, a hollow center portion of the cylindrical body penetrating from one end surface to the other end surface having a diameter of 100-1000 μm.
US08366771B2
Disclosed herein are tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.
US08366768B2
Methods for delivering a sutureless pulmonary or mitral valve prosthesis using a transcatheter approach are provided. The implantation devices utilize movable claspers for both positioning and anchoring the valve prostheses within the native cardiac valve, minimizing the extent of imaging necessary.
US08366766B2
The present invention relates to an assembly comprising: a ring having anchoring elements for attaching the ring in a passage surrounded by body tissue, in particular blood vessel tissue. An applicator for fitting the ring in the passage; in which the anchoring elements have an anchoring position in which they protrude with respect to the ring, and in which the anchoring elements comprise a memory material, such as a memory metal or memory polymer, and are designed so that they can be bent from an anchoring position counter to a spring force into a fitting position and can be frozen in this fitting position by a temperature treatment in order to bend the anchoring elements back from the fitting position by the effect of this spring force into the anchoring position when a predetermined threshold temperature is exceeded, and in which the applicator is provided distally with a carrier for carrying the ring. The assembly according to the invention is provided with an influencing system for influencing the temperature of the anchoring elements of the ring carried by the carrier in such a way that the anchoring elements bend back from the fitting position to the anchoring position by increasing the temperature of the anchoring elements to above the threshold temperature.
US08366756B2
A laser device for applying low-level laser energy around a patient's body part comprises a laser support having an open bore through which the body part to be treated is inserted and at least one laser connected to the laser support. Each laser emits laser energy in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the bore, such that energy is applied to the circumference, of the body part, or a portion thereof. The laser support is attached to an adjustable stanchion that is shaped to cantilever the ring so that a chair or table may be positioned underneath the ring. In the preferred embodiment, the laser support is a C-shaped ring having a diameter large enough to accommodate at least a patient's upper arm. Lasers are slidably engaged with the C-ring and can be moved around the circumference of the ring to treat desired locations around the upper arm.
US08366753B2
A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in a receiver and retained within the receiver by a retaining structure in the form of an open ring. The receiver has a U-shaped channel for receiving a spinal fixation rod. The shank upper portion is designed to directly frictionally engage the spinal fixation rod when a closure structure operably urges the rod toward the upper portion, fixing the bone screw shank body in a selected angular orientation with respect to the receiver.
US08366749B2
A method of interconnecting first and second longitudinal members extending along a spinal column of a patient includes inserting an access port into the body of the patient. A transverse connector is moved through the access port. A first end of the transverse connector is connected to the first longitudinal member. A second end of the transverse connector is connected to the second longitudinal member.
US08366746B2
A spine reconstruction rod extender may be used to extend an existing spine reconstruction rod without skipping a pedicle screw in the new construct, exposing the entire old construct, or adding a significant amount of size to the junction between the old and new construct. The resulting extended rod is a strong, durable inline spine reconstruction rod extender.
US08366745B2
A dynamic longitudinal connecting member assembly includes an anchor member having an integral or otherwise fixed elongate core extending through at least two elastic spacers and at least one outer sleeve or trolley. The anchor member and the outer sleeve each attach to at least one bone anchor. The spacers have differing durometers and/or geometries, resulting in greater axial movement of the sleeve in one direction than in an opposite direction. The spacers are compressed prior to attachment to the bone anchors.
US08366742B2
Methods and devices are provided for closing a puncture wound. In one exemplary embodiment, a puncture closure device is provided having an elongate tubular body that is disposable through a puncture in tissue and that includes proximal and distal portions. The proximal portion can be adapted to expand to form proximal wings upon rotation of the elongate tubular body, preferably in a first direction. The distal portion can be adapted to expand to form distal wings upon rotation of the elongate tubular body, preferably in a second, opposite direction. The proximal and distal portions can also be adapted to be moved toward one another as they expand upon rotation. As a result, the proximal and distal wings can engage tissue therebetween.
US08366741B2
The present invention is an occlusion device having a centering arm network that self-centers across a defect and can be retrieved and redeployed in situ. A self centering system allows the center of the occlusion device to remain properly positioned within the defect, which increases the effectiveness of the occlusion device. The self centering system is comprised of a plurality of centering arms which define a flexible intermediate zone. In addition, the occlusion device of the present invention has a plurality of right arms connected to the plurality of centering arms which make it possible to retrieve and redeploy the occlusion device in situ.
US08366740B2
A system for controlling blood flow through a zone of a patient limb, the zone being bounded by a proximal end and a distal end, comprises: a cuff configured for securing to the limb and for covering the zone, the cuff being inflatable to provide pressure to the zone for occluding the flow of blood flowing through the zone in the direction from the proximal to distal ends of the zone; an array of sensors fitting between the cuff and the limb and arranged for sensing and signaling the amount of penetration of blood flow into the zone; and a control instrument connected to the array and to the cuff for regulating the pressure in the cuff to occlude the blood flow in the zone depending upon the amount of blood flow penetration signaled by the array.
US08366733B2
An instrument for controlling bleeding includes an outer shaft having a central lumen extending between proximal and distal ends thereof, and an inner shaft disposed within the central lumen of the outer shaft, the inner shaft having a central lumen extending between proximal and distal ends thereof. The instrument has an inflatable balloon with a proximal end secured to the outer shaft and a distal end that is inverted and secured to the inner shaft. In one embodiment, the balloon has a spherical shape when the outer and inner shafts are in a first position and a toroidal shape when the outer and inner shafts are in a second position. The instrument includes an actuator for discharging a flowable material from the central lumen. In one embodiment, the instrument includes a stylet having barb-like features to attach a hemostat to the distal end of the instrument.
US08366727B2
An ultrasonic clamp coagulator assembly that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures. An elongated portion of the instrument can be configured for endoscopic applications and has an outside diameter of less than 6 mm. The construction includes a clamping mechanism, including a clamp arm pivotally mounted at the distal portion of the instrument, which is specifically configured to create a desired level of tissue clamping forces. The clamping mechanism includes a two-piece pad design and pad material that enables the higher tissue clamping forces and a force-limiting mechanism that effectively smoothes out abusive tissue forces.
US08366717B1
A method for utilizing an adapter attached between a syringe filled with a bone void filler and the head of an inserted cannulated surgical screw during the process of a surgical repair to a bone allows the cannulated surgical screw to be used as a port to inject bone void filler into a bone void in the bone during the surgical repair which would use a surgical screw to attach broken or separated bone fragments, the bone void filler within the bone providing a more secure bone anchor matrix within which the surgical screw is set.
US08366711B2
Internal bone fixation devices and methods for using the devices for repairing a weakened or fractured bone are disclosed herein. A device for use in repairing a fractured bone includes a delivery catheter having an elongated shaft with a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the delivery catheter has an inner void for passage of at least one reinforcing material and an inner lumen for passage of a light source; a conformable member releasably engaging the distal end of the delivery catheter, wherein the conformable member moves from a deflated state to an inflated state when the at least one reinforcing material is delivered to the conformable member; and an adapter releasably engaging the proximal end of the delivery catheter for receiving the light source and the at least one reinforcing material.
US08366704B2
The present invention provides devices and methods for applying radiation to the retina of a patient. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a radiation source for generating a radiation beam suitable for absorption by retinal pigment epithelial cells. One or more optical components are included to direct the beam onto the retina. A scanner is optically coupled to the radiation source to control movement of the beam in two dimensions to allow a scan over the retina. A controller applies control signals to the scanner to adjust beam movement to illuminate a plurality of retinal locations in a temporal sequence according to a predefined pattern. The device can be operated in one mode to effect selective targeting of retinal pigment epithelial cells, or in another mode to effect thermal photocoagulation of the retina.
US08366701B2
A method for correcting higher order aberrations in an eye requires Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) of stromal tissue. In detail, the method identifies at least one volume of stromal tissue in the eye, with each volume defining a central axis parallel to the visual axis of the eye. Thereafter, a pulsed laser beam is focused to a focal spot in each volume of stromal tissue to cause LIOB of stromal tissue at the focal spot. Further, the focal spot is moved through the volume of stromal tissue to create a plurality of incisions centered about the respective central axis of the volume. As a result, a predetermined selective weakening of the stroma is caused for correction of the higher order aberration.
US08366691B2
A reduced-pressure system for delivering reduced pressure for medical purposes to a desired site and to receive fluids in one instance includes a reservoir having an interior space operable to contain the fluids. A reduced-pressure delivery conduit is placed in fluid communication with the interior space for delivering the reduced pressure to the desired site. A source conduit and a pressure sensor conduit are placed in fluid communication with the interior space. A pressure sensor is placed in fluid communication with the pressure sensor conduit. A reduced-pressure source is placed in fluid communication with the source conduit. A reduced-pressure control unit is associated with the pressure sensor and the reduced-pressure source and is operable to receive pressure data from the pressure sensor and supply data from the reduced-pressure source and to determine when a reservoir-full/blockage condition exists. Other systems and methods are presented.
US08366686B2
A method may include placing a first device on a first side of a skin portion of a subject and transferring a material through the skin portion of the subject from the first device to a subdermal second device disposed on a second side of the skin portion of the subject.
US08366665B2
A vasoocclusive coil is reinforced with a stretch resistant member to improve safety during retraction of the coil. The stretch resistant member is fixedly attached at one end to the vasoocclusive coil, and the other end of the stretch resistant member is detachably mounted to an elongated pusher member to allow for placement and release of the vasoocclusive coil within the patient's vasculature.
US08366657B2
A high-pressure fluid injection system, which includes a rechargeable injection chamber with a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal opening extending from the proximal end to the distal end, a plunger slideably engaged with the internal opening of the injection chamber, an injection tube extending from the distal end of the injection chamber and in fluidic communication with the internal opening of the injection chamber, and a check valve between the proximal and distal ends of the injection chamber. The internal opening includes a high-pressure zone adjacent to the check valve and having a first diameter, and a low-pressure zone proximal to the high-pressure zone and having a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter.
US08366648B2
A medical connector (18) has a visual signal (67) formed by a colored screen-applied band arranged on a bolt (63). In a correct engaged position of the bolt (63) with an external element, the signal is visible. In an incorrect engaged position, the part of the bolt (63) bearing the signal is lowered, so that the signal is hidden from view, providing an indication of a faulty situation. The medical connector serves to connect the end of a dialysate supply tube to an inlet port of a dialyser.
US08366644B2
A reduced pressure treatment system includes a compressible chamber positionable beneath a foot of a user and being movable between an expanded position and a compressed position. The compressible chamber includes an inlet and an outlet. An inlet valve is in fluid communication with the inlet to prevent fluid within the compressible chamber from exiting the inlet, and an outlet valve is in fluid communication with the outlet to prevent fluid from entering the compressible chamber through the outlet. A biasing member is disposed within the compressible chamber to bias the compressible chamber toward the expanded position, and a manifold is positionable at a tissue site and in fluid communication with the inlet of the compressible chamber.
US08366642B2
A management program for the benefit of a companion animal can maintain, enhance or improve the health and well-being of the companion animal. The management program can include recommendations for dietary modification, supplement administration, weight loss/management plans, physical activity recommendation, veterinary intervention and combinations thereof.
US08366638B2
A device for loading a guide wire into the open end of a tubular instrument, such as a catheter. The device can be a block of material having a groove in its surface. The ends of the guide wire and the tubular instrument are placed into the groove and moved toward each other. When the ends meet, the groove guides the guide wire into the open end of the tubular instrument. The groove, or at least a portion of the groove, can have a cross-sectional contour that closely matches the outside radius of the tubular instrument. The groove can have a substantially vertical wall and a substantially non-vertical wall. A variety of attachment mechanisms may be provided for attaching the device to a towel draping a patient. A retaining member is disposed on the surface of the device for retaining a guide wire or tubular instrument against movement.
US08366635B2
A biopsy device comprises a targeting set assembly, a probe assembly, and a holster assembly, which are detachable from one another. The targeting set assembly comprises a needle assembly, which comprises a connecting member. The probe assembly comprises components configured to selectively attach to the connecting member of the needle assembly. In some versions, the connecting member comprises a recess, and the probe assembly comprises a protrusion configured to selectively engage the recess. The protrusion may be provided on a rocking member or on a resilient arm. The rocking member or resilient arm may bias the protrusion to enter the recess. The connection of the probe assembly to needle assembly provides a device for use during a biopsy procedure. The connection of the probe assembly to needle assembly may further permit rotation of the needle assembly for indexing.
US08366625B2
The present invention relates to the use of polymers as contrast agents for ultrasounds. The idea is to have a molecular imprint in the polymer that is specific for a given molecule or analyte. When that molecule binds to the polymer it induces a conformational change that results in an increase in the ultrasound signal, referred to as a target-bound state. The method can also be used for example for quantitative measurements of analytes.
US08366620B2
A method for delivering ultrasound energy to a patient's intracranial space involves forming at least one hole in the patient's skull, advancing at least one ultrasound delivery device at least partway through the hole(s), and transmitting ultrasound energy from the ultrasound delivery device(s). According to various embodiments, ultrasound delivery devices may be advanced into the epidural space, one or both ventricles and/or an intracerebral space of the patient's brain. In alternative embodiments, one or multiple holes may be formed in the skull, and any number of ultrasound delivery devices may be used. Intracranial ultrasound delivery may be used in diagnostic or therapeutic treatment of ischemic stroke, head trauma, atherosclerosis, perfusion disorders and other acute or chronic neurological conditions.
US08366617B2
A breast scanning system configured to scan a breast of a patient includes a table configured to receive the patient thereon. The table has an aperture formed therein configured to receive the breast of the patient pendant therethrough and positionable over and into a bath configured to contain a medium. An armature is movably disposable in the bath. The armature carries transducer arrays that are disposable in the bath, and configured to transmit and receive acoustic and/or ultrasound signals. A manual control is operatively coupled to the armature to manually move the armature and thus the transducer arrays within the bath.
US08366616B2
For realization of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of satisfactorily narrowing a beam width while suppressing an increase in the number of focus data, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is designed to include an ultrasonic probe 10 that transmits or receives ultrasonic waves to or from a subject, a transmission unit 12 that supplies a driving signal to the ultrasonic probe 10, a reception unit 16 that handles a received signal sent from the ultrasonic probe 10, a unit 18 that reconstructs an ultrasonic image on the basis of a signal sent from the reception unit 16, and a unit 20 that displays the ultrasonic image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus further includes an element selection unit 22 that selects a plurality of driving oscillatory elements, which constitutes an aperture through which ultrasonic waves are transmitted or received, from among a plurality of oscillatory elements that constitutes the ultrasonic probe 10 and transforms ultrasonic waves into electric signals or vice versa. The element selection unit 22 groups the plurality of driving oscillatory elements into a plurality of sets, each of which includes one driving oscillatory element or a plurality of adjoining driving oscillatory elements, according to the depth of a focal point.
US08366611B2
An endoscope having an endoscope shaft is provided, which has an observation opening on its distal end, which is hermetically sealed using a transparent cover, and having an imaging optic, comprising multiple optic elements, which is situated inside the endoscope shaft in the area of its distal end spaced apart from the cover, a sealing ring being provided, which seals an area between the cover and the optic element of the imaging optic closest to the cover in relation to the remaining inner chamber of the endoscope shaft.
US08366607B2
A control handle for use with a steerable endoscopic device. The endoscopic device having a pair of control wires to effect steering. The control handle includes a steering mechanism that includes an actuator, such as a control knob, drivingly connected to a drive member, such as a sprocket or drive gear. To transmit force from the drive member to the control wires, a length of transmission structure, such as bead chain, is connected to the proximal ends of the control wires and is engaged with the drive member. In one embodiment, a single-use endoscope may be provided, which includes a control handle, a steerable endoscopic device, and a umbilical cord or communications conduit for functionally connecting the control handle to a control cabinet of an endoscopic imaging system.
US08366602B2
A system for facilitating obesity control includes an inflatable gastric banding device, a fluid reservoir couplable to the inflatable portion, and an implantable fluid handling device including one or more piezoelectric valves.
US08366597B2
A device is proposed for assembling chain components to a chain, wherein at least two chain components include radioactive radiation sources. The device includes a housing, a working channel which extends along a first axis of the housing, a loading unit connected to the working channel and having at least two receiving devices for chain component magazines, wherein at least one receiving device is configured to receive a radiation source magazine, as well as at least one means for ejecting the chain components received from the magazines, and an joining unit for joining chain components. The at least two receiving devices are positioned so that the magazines for chain components received therein are spaced along the first axis and positioned vertically above the working channel.
US08366594B2
An air packaging device includes two layers of thermoplastic films, which form a sealable space where air is filled after first and second steps of heat-sealing process. The sealable space includes a number of independent sealed air chambers and a main air passage channel. The main channel has an air inlet. Each sealed air chamber is connected with the main channel by at least one one-way valve each including at least two layers of plastic films. At least two one-way valves are installed inside of the air chambers. This air packaging device increases the cushioning protection where the protection is most needed, but can reduce air chamber dimension at less important locations in order to reduce the volumetric size and, hence, reduce the shipping cost.
US08366587B2
A control device of a vehicle drive-train system including an engine, an electronic throttle valve, an automatic transmission having a manual shift mode, a torque converter provided between the automatic transmission and the engine, and a lock-up clutch operable to directly connect an input member and an output member of the torque converter with each other includes a blipping control device that performs blipping control for temporarily increasing the output rotational speed of the engine by of the electronic throttle valve, when a power-off downshift is performed while the automatic transmission is in the manual shift mode; and a lock-up control device that engages or partially engages the lock-up clutch, based on a difference between a rotational speed of the output member of the torque converter and a rotational speed of the input member thereof, which the difference is reduced after the blipping control is started.
US08366577B2
A vehicle power transmission device including an accumulation portion which accumulates lubricating oil, a pressure pump driven to pump the lubricating oil accumulated in the accumulation portion to the transmission as hydraulic oil, a scooping gear which scoops up the lubricating oil accumulated in the accumulation portion while rotating, a reception and guide portion receiving the lubricating oil scooped up by the scooping gear and guiding it to a predetermined lubrication target, and a leaked hydraulic oil guide portion guiding leaked hydraulic oil, leaked when the hydraulic oil is pumped from the pressure pump, to the reception and guide portion.
US08366560B2
A coupling device has a flexible member that is vertically connected to a rotating shaft and of which the length can be varied in an inward and outward direction with respect to the rotating shaft, an elastic member that is connected to the flexible member and causes the flexible member to receive an elastic force in the outward direction with respect to the rotating shaft, and a cam member that is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft and delivers a rotating force of the rotating shaft to a rotating member. The cam member has a through-hole having an initial-position portion in which the flexible member is positioned at the initial stage and a displaced-position portion which has a smaller diameter than the initial-position portion and of which the diameter is constant about the rotating shaft, and an another through-hole having an initial-position portion in which the flexible member is positioned and a return-position portion of which the radius decreases from the initial-position portion.
US08366552B2
A computer-implemented system and method are described for online gaming. For example, a system according to one embodiment comprises: a video game server receiving user inputs related to an online video game and responsively executing program code of the video game to render a sequence of video images; a first stream encoder to compress the sequence of video images and generate a live video stream during a live gaming session with a user of a client device, the first stream encoder receiving channel feedback signals from the client device and responsively adapting compression of the sequence of video images based on the channel feedback signals, the first stream encoder continually transmitting the live video stream to the client device during the live gaming session with the user; a second stream encoder to compress the sequence of video images at a specified video quality and/or compression ratio unrelated to the channel feedback signal during the live gaming session with the user, thereby generating a High Quality (HQ) video stream, the HQ video stream having a relatively higher video quality and/or lower compression ratio than the live video stream; and a storage device for storing the HQ video stream for subsequent playback to the user of the client device and to other users upon request.
US08366545B2
Provided is a screen operation method for operating a character in a virtually 3-dimensional space displayed on a 2-dimensional screen. The method includes: inputting a movement command for an object by an input device; displaying on a movement amount display unit, a change of an object movement amount in accordance with the movement command; displaying accumulated effect by the object movement on an accumulated effect display unit; and executing the next event process in the virtually 3-dimensional space by an event generation unit when the accumulated effect has reached a predetermined value. Thus, it is possible to provide GUI exhibiting higher reality in an operation of a simulation game and the like and provide a new business of an online game in which a virtual game world is linked with a real service.
US08366544B2
A method and apparatus for conducting a promotion and for distributing promotions to potential users provide a merchant or promotion organizer flexibility in the way they conduct the promotion as well as an ability to change one or more aspects of the promotion during the operation of the promotion. In accordance with one embodiment, such a promotion may provide for a game on a mobile device, wherein a locked outcome of the game may be unlocked using an unlock code. In one embodiment, a result of the locked outcome may correspond to an intra-game benefit.
US08366543B2
Methods and apparatus for a distributed bonus scheme using simulated scatter reactions are disclosed. An example method of operating a gaming device in a gaming system includes receiving a trigger that initiates a first bonus decision in a first gaming device. Further, the example method includes calculating, using a programmed processor, an accumulated value that defines a range. Further, the example method includes generating a random number. Further, the example method includes, when the random number falls within the range, granting a bonus to the first gaming device. Further, the example method includes determining whether the first bonus decision is to initiate a second bonus decision in a second gaming device of the gaming system.
US08366539B2
Various embodiments are directed to a method for enhancing the outcome of a reel spinning game having one or more shared award-modifier reels. An embodiment of the method includes providing a game including a first set of reels, a second set of reels, and a shared base award-multiplier reel positioned adjacent to a first and second set of reels, wherein the first set of reels, second set of reels, and the shared base award-multiplier reel form a contiguous set of reels having a common axis of rotation, and the shared base award-multiplier reel enhances any winning outcomes in the first and/or second set of reels. Additionally, an embodiment of the method includes determining whether the game outcome of one set of reels is a winning outcome and enhancing the winning outcome of at least one set of reels when an award-multiplier symbol is present on the shared base award-multiplier reel.
US08366537B2
An apparatus and method for controlling reel games is described. The apparatus may include a display part for displaying an alignment status of reels caused by playing a first reel game. The apparatus may also include a control part for determining whether a combination of symbols or the number of event symbols of at least one or more reels sequentially re-aligned out of the reels satisfies a predetermined event-playing condition, and for playing the event. The apparatus may also include a user interface part for inputting user's random halt settings to spins of at least one or more remaining reels yet to be re-aligned out of the reels based on the playing of the event, and for stopping corresponding reel spins.
US08366533B1
A gaming system, gaming device, and method providing an obstacle board slot game. A wagering game including object starting and ending areas spaced apart in relation to one another, a plurality of obstacles and a plurality of designated target areas between the object starting area and the object ending area, and a plurality of reels including a plurality of symbols is displayed. The gaming system receives a wager, causes the reels to display a plurality of the symbols, and displays an object moving from the object starting area to one of the designated target areas and/or the object ending area along one of a plurality of object paths through the obstacles. If the object moves into one of the designated target areas, the gaming system determines whether to cause one of the reels to move and causes one of the reels to move if it so determines.
US08366530B1
An electronic insertion type game system wherein an image of a game cube formed of a plurality smaller cubes, some of which are scoring cubes, arranged in a generally cubic center array having six square faces is displayed on an electronic display and players operating user input devices simulate inserting a smaller cube into the game cube, forcing another smaller cube to be ejected from the opposite side of the game cube. A score is tallied for a player when a scoring cube is ejected from the frame.
US08366527B2
When small blocks are cleared by an object clearance controller (113) in any one of game fields, a field movement controller (114) causes the game fields to move in accordance with the number of the cleared small blocks. The game field in which the small blocks are cleared is caused to move away from a game end determination line while the other game field(s) is caused to move closer to the game end determination line. Thus, a puzzle game is realized, which implements a new display configuration and thereby improves a player's interest. Further, the player is able to intuitively grasp his/her lead over the opponent in the course of a battle.
US08366526B2
Method, article and apparatus for executing computer games, and in particular, computer-based racing games. In a racing game, a player may be allowed to earn one or more game play options which may be exercised during the race. The game play options, when exercised, may modify the predefined race path to create an advantage for the player or a disadvantage to the competitors.
US08366524B2
A cabin for a work vehicle comprises: a driver's seat positioned within the cabin; cabin frames including at least a transverse frame located in a rear region of the cabin; a roof supported by at least some of the cabin frames; at least one air-conditioning duct located within the roof an air conditioning unit located rearwardly with respect to a rearward end of a seat portion of the driver's seat and adjacent the transverse frame for conditioning air and for feeding air-conditioned air into the at least one air-conditioning duct.
US08366518B2
Disclosed are an orbital smoothing device for smoothing a surface of a substrate and a method of smoothing a surface of a substrate using the orbital smoothing device. The orbital smoothing device includes a rotatable plate that is drivable by a motor in at least one of a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction and a plurality of smoothing pad assemblies coupled to said plate. Each of the plurality of smoothing pad assemblies is capable of independent rotation in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions and includes a shaft for coupling each of said smoothing pad assemblies to the rotatable plate, means for providing independent rotation in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions mounted on the shaft and securable in a pad holder and a pad holder for receiving and securing the means for independent rotation. The pad holder has removably mounted thereon a smoothing pad capable of smoothing the surface of the substrate when the rotatable plate is driven by the motor.
US08366503B2
An LED lamp including a glass lampshell and a stem assembly with one end inserted into the glass lampshell. The stem assembly comprises a glass trumpet tube with one end sealed within the glass lampshell to form a cavity within the glass lampshell and within the cavity a supporting component connected to the glass trumpet tube and supporting an LED emitter. The stem assembly further comprises a wire encompassed within the glass trumpet tube. The wire has one end extending outside of the cavity and the other end electrically connected to the LED emitter.
US08366490B2
A cable assembly includes a plurality of contacts, an insulation housing and a metal shell assembled on the insulation housing. The insulation housing is molded outside the contacts and includes a fastening portion protruding from a rear end of an upper surface of the housing, and a pair of side arms rearward extending from the two sides of a rear surface of the fastening portion. The metal shell is assembled on the insulation housing and located behind the fastening portion. The fastening portion is substantially of U-shaped configuration with a pair of L-shaped cutout located on the two sides thereof and the two cutouts faces toward the outside. The metal shell includes a pair of clasping portions respectively frontward extending from the front surface of two side walls of the rectangular frame. The clasping portions are respectively inserted into their corresponding cutouts.
US08366488B2
A three-pin microphone connector includes a connector base composed of an electrical insulator; a printed circuit board; a first pin for grounding and second and third pins for signals which penetrate through the connector base and the printed circuit board, a shield layer electrically connected to the first pin but not to the second and third pins, overlying almost the entire surface of the printed circuit board which faces the connector base; a first shield cover through which the three pins penetrate, covering the printed circuit board and the connector base from one surface, and a second shield cover through which the three pins penetrate, covering the connector base from the other surface. The first and second shield covers squeeze together at both ends to enwrap the connector base.
US08366486B1
An electrical connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of terminals, a main shielding shell and an auxiliary shielding shell. The insulating housing includes a base body and a tongue portion. The insulating housing defines a plurality of terminal grooves of which each includes a receiving slot passing through a rear surface and a bottom surface of the base body. The terminals are received in the terminal grooves with soldering portions disposed in the receiving slots. A bottom face of the soldering portion is in alignment with the bottom surface of the base body to be soldered on a circuit board. The main shielding shell surrounds the tongue portion with the terminals. The auxiliary shielding shell has a base plate positioned to the rear surface of the base body to cover up top portions of the soldering portions, and two bending plates attached to the main shielding shell.
US08366483B2
A connector assembly includes a center contact configured to be terminated to a center conductor of a cable. A dielectric holds the center contact. A stamped and formed outer contact surrounds the dielectric and the center contact. The outer contact is configured to be terminated to a braid of the cable. A stamped and formed outer ferrule surrounds at least a portion of the outer contact such that the braid is sandwiched between the outer ferrule and the outer contact.
US08366476B2
An electrical connector includes a rectangular insulative housing having a number of passageways and a number of electrical contacts retained in the passageways, respectively. The insulative housing defines a first alignment hole and a second alignment hole on a diagonal line thereof. The first alignment hole has a pair of flat surfaces extending along the diagonal line and a pair of curved surfaces connected with the flat surfaces for engaging with a mating post to position the electrical connector on a printed circuit board.
US08366474B2
An electronic device includes a housing, an electronic module received in the housing, a locking member fixed to the electronic module and locked to the housing, and a releasing apparatus fixed to the housing. The releasing apparatus includes a mounting member fixed to the bracket, an operation member slidably mounted to the mounting member, a first connecting member hinged to the mounting member, and a second connecting member hinged to the first connecting member and the operation member. The operation member is pushed to drive the first connecting member and the second connecting member to rotate to raise a junction of the first and second connecting members, to resist against the locking member to be deformed and released from the housing.
US08366470B2
A connector has a housing with a fit-on tube that can fit in a hood of a mating connector. Terminal fittings are fixed to ends of wires and are held by the housing. A sealing ring is mounted on an annular holding groove on a peripheral surface of the fit-on tube and is disposed between the peripheral surface of the fit-on tube and an inner surface of the hood to seal a gap therebetween. Engaging grooves are formed in the peripheral surface of the fit-on tube. The engaging grooves intersect the annular holding groove and are deeper than a bottom surface of the annular holding groove. Rotation-stopping projections project from the sealing ring to extend along a direction in which the engaging grooves extend and each has an engaging claw that can fit on a bottom of one of the engaging grooves.
US08366464B1
An information handling system mezzanine circuit board disposed in a parallel configuration over a motherboard is selectively coupled and de-coupled at the motherboard with a retraction and latching device that translates retraction force applied at an accessible actuation portion to push upward from below the mezzanine circuit board. A retraction portion of the retraction and latching device provides an upward force at the bottom surface of the mezzanine circuit board to separate the mezzanine circuit board connector from the motherboard connector so that an end user can lift the mezzanine circuit board away from the motherboard.
US08366457B2
A wiring structure includes a board assembly and pin terminals. In each of pin terminal insertion holes formed in the board assembly, a terminal connection portion electrically connected to a metal foil wire and fitted onto the pin terminal so as to hold the pin terminal is provided in a through-hole of at least one of a plurality of circuit boards forming the board assembly, which forms a part of the pin terminal insertion hole, whereas an insulating sleeve blocking contact between the pin terminal and each of the remaining circuit boards is fitted into through-holes of the remaining circuit boards, which form the remaining part of the pin terminal insertion hole.
US08366453B2
An electrical contact used in an electrical connector adapted for electrically connecting with an integrated circuit (IC) package and a printed circuit board is provided. Each contact comprises a base section, an upper resilient arm and a lower elastic arm extending from two opposite ends of the base section, respectively. The electrical connector comprises an insulative housing and a plurality of contacts retained in the insulative housing. The insulative housing includes a mating surface, a mounting surface, and a plurality of contact passageways passing through the mating surface and the mounting surface. The lower elastic arm of the contact at least partially projects below the mounting surface of the insulative housing. The lower elastic arm includes a first resisting portion for guiding the contact to be inserted into a via of the printed circuit board and resisting against inner wall of the via of the printed circuit board.
US08366449B2
The present invention includes method and system for intelligent knowledge diagnosis and tutoring in any knowledge domain. It differs from prior arts with new knowledge model for knowledge presentation and heuristic algorithms. The knowledge model allows the present invention to be applied to curricula in different knowledge domains quickly and cost effectively.The knowledge model and related computational algorithms provide effective and intelligent knowledge diagnosis and tutoring with minimum requirement on assessment content and learning content. It also allows easy curriculum customization and learner initiated learning assistance to meet needs of different teaching and learning styles.The present invention gains better understanding of learner's knowledge status and hence provides more accurate assistance as learner progresses in the curriculum. The present invention can be an add-engine to existing learning management systems working with existing assessment and learning content in any format.
US08366446B2
Data from live events is incorporated into virtual simulations and games. The data may be obtained from various sensors and transferred over a network. However, should one of the participants be a threat, then portions of the virtual simulations and games may be disabled to protect the other participants.
US08366443B2
A dental implant installation procedure is provided in which a distal end of a dental implant is projected into a paranasal sinus cavity or a nasal cavity to thereby displace the respective sinus membrane or nasal cavity membrane from the respective cavity floor, while minimizing risk of damaging the respective membrane. Bone graft material is introduced into the space thereby created between the respective membrane and the respective cavity floor via a distal portion of the dental implant to thereby form a desired sinus augmentation.
US08366437B2
A bracket for linking guide rods to a wheel of a vertical blow molding machine and a system for blow molding containers and a mechanism for opening and closing a pair of mold halves linked to the wheel of the vertical blow molding machine using the bracket, comprising a first portion and a second portion made of iron, a plurality of pivot apertures, and a plurality of guide rod apertures for receiving the guide rods.
US08366433B2
An extrusion die for extruding cooked dough includes at least one slot having an inlet, an outlet and a land. The land has a length and a depth, with the depth extending between the inlet and the outlet and the length extending between a first side and a second side of the land. The depth of the land varies along at least a portion of the length. A process for forming cereal flakes using the extrusion die includes the steps of extruding and cutting.
US08366430B2
An improved safety device for a blow molding apparatus is disclosed. The safety device allows the user to trigger or disarm the locking mechanism and return the locking pins to the safe position instead of leaving it in the loaded position. The safety device prevents potential damage to an individual that is accessing the blow molding apparatus.
US08366429B2
The invention relates mold, particularly a mold for producing foam articles. In a preferred embodiment, the mold comprises a lid and a bowl releasingly engageable to define a mold cavity, the lid comprising: (i) a vent having a passageway for gas to escape from the mold cavity, and (ii) a plurality of grooves connected to the vent. The use of a plurality of grooves/slots in the mold cavity surface effectively acts as a siphon to draw gas away from the composition to be molded. The plurality of grooves/slots is connected to one or more vents which then allows for escape of the gas from the mold cavity to the exterior of the mold.
US08366422B2
A metering pump for feeding out viscous materials, which pump comprises a housing having an inlet connectable to a viscous material source, an outlet; and a valve body of cylindrical basic shape, which is rotatable into at least two positions by means of a drive unit including a first position allowing a flow of the material from the inlet to the housing and a second position allowing a flow of the material from the housing to the outlet. The pump also comprises a cylinder device connected to the housing, having a controllable piston intended to achieve the flow of material, and at least one device for cleaning the metering pump. The cleaning device comprises at least one nozzle for cleaning agent, disposed in a valve-body-facing part of the piston. Also, a method for cleaning such a metering pump.
US08366415B2
A linear compressor is provided that includes a shell; a fixed member installed inside the shell, and including a cylinder that provides a compression space for a refrigerant introduced into the shell; a moving member including a piston that compresses the refrigerant sucked into the compression space inside the cylinder, and that is linearly reciprocated with respect to the fixed member; and a suction muffler positioned on or in a suction passage of the refrigerant inside the shell. A suction volume with a larger sectional area in a central portion than in both ends is defined in the suction muffler.
US08366413B2
In an embodiment of the invention, a down-hole pump comprises a hydraulic chamber having a passage for fluid communications with a hydraulic conduit, a produced fluid chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a first check valve associated with the inlet, a second check valve associated with the outlet, a stored energy unit, a piston, having one side exposed to the stored energy unit and a second side exposed to the hydraulic chamber and a displacement member projecting from said piston into the produced fluid chamber. Additional embodiments and aspects, including embodiments for power units as well as system and method aspects, are also disclosed.
US08366408B2
A positive displacement pump having a valve with an actuation guide for assisting its actuation. The valve may be configured for controlling fluid communication relative to a chamber of the pump with the valve actuation guide positioned external to the chamber and configured to assist in the controlling. The valve actuation guide itself may include an arm extending into a valve actuation assembly below the valve. In such embodiments, the arm may be reciprocated by crankshaft, hydraulic, or other means. Alternatively, the valve actuation assembly may include electromagnetic means for assisting in actuation of the valve.
US08366397B2
An article of manufacture having a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in TABLE A. X and Y are distances in inches which, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z in inches. The profile sections at the Z distances can be joined smoothly with one another to form a complete airfoil shape.
US08366390B2
A lubrication system and wind turbine are provided having one or more input ports in a component and one or more output ports in the component. An expandable lubrication receptacle is connected to the one or more output ports, and the expandable lubrication receptacle is configured for receiving a lubrication medium from the component.
US08366389B2
A wind turbine and methods for controlling wind turbine thrust are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes measuring a tilt angle of a wind turbine in a loaded position using a measuring device. The wind turbine includes a tower, a nacelle mounted on the tower, a rotor coupled to the nacelle, and a plurality of rotor blades coupled to the rotor. The method further includes comparing the tilt angle to a predetermined tilt angle for the wind turbine and, if the tilt angle exceeds the predetermined tilt angle, adjusting a pitch of at least one of the plurality of rotor blades such that the tilt angle is less than or equal to the predetermined tilt angle.
US08366387B2
Implementations of an enhanced axial air mover system address various issues such as drying performance, transportability, storage, use, and assembly. Some implementations include ergonomic positioning of a carrying handle relative to positioning of a fan-assembly to make the system easier to carry. Enclosures with variable diameter profiles increase air flow performance. A floor edge allows for flush positioning of the air mover's outlet to improve flow of air. Various supports and engagement members allow for horizontal and/or vertical engagement of a plurality of the air movers for storage or increased air moving capacity for a given application. An alignment guide assists with positioning of the air mover with respect to a room wall to enhance air flow within the room. A cord retaining system provides an enhanced approach for securing the air mover's electrical cord. Grill guards have slotted ends to assist with assembly of the air mover.
US08366380B2
A turbo-molecular pump has a housing with intake and exhaust ports. A rotary body is enclosed in the housing and has rotor blades of a series of stages formed so that the outside diameter of at least one stage on the exhaust port side is smaller than that on the intake port side. Stator blades are arranged between the rotor blades and spacer rings are arranged between the stator blades to hold the stator blades at predetermined intervals. The spacer rings are formed so that the smallest inside diameter of at least one stage of the spacer rings on the exhaust port side is smaller than the largest outside diameter of the rotor blades. The housing comprises a casing whose inside diameter is constant or whose inside diameter is smaller at the intake port side than at the exhaust port side.
US08366370B2
A vacuum processing apparatus includes a transfer container for transferring a wafer in the internal space thereof reduced in pressure, a vacuum vessel coupled to the side wall of the vacuum vessel and including a processing chamber having a sample stage therein on which a wafer to be processed is mounted, a lid member opened or closed by rotation above the vacuum vessel, an inner chamber member arranged in the vacuum vessel and making up the inner wall of the processing chamber, and a jig coupled to the side wall of the vacuum vessel to lift and hold the inner chamber member by being coupled thereto. The jig includes a first joint portion having vertical and horizontal shafts, an extensible arm portion rotatable around each shaft of the first joint portion, and a second joint portion with the inner chamber member adapted to rotate around the horizontal axis thereof.
US08366366B2
A saw blade fixing device is constructed so that a screw flange of a screw body tightened into a screw hole of a spindle is made to have a truncated cone shape, an operating lever is provided to be operable to pivot to a received position and a use position by reversing the operating lever between front and back sides, and this operating lever does not protrude from the truncated cone shape when it is received.
US08366365B2
A fastener assembly includes a threaded bolt and a locking nut assembly. The threaded bolt includes at least one longitudinal groove. The locking nut assembly includes a nut adapted to threadingly engage the bolt, a locking ring adapted to engage the bolt and the nut, and a biasing member adapted to bias the locking ring. The nut includes a threaded bore dimensioned to receive the bolt and a plurality of teeth formed on a face of the nut. The locking ring includes at least one inwardly protruding tab dimensioned to be received by the at least one longitudinal groove of the threaded bolt and a plurality of teeth formed on a face of the ring. The teeth on the face of the locking ring cooperate with the teeth on the face of the nut to inhibit removal of the nut from the bolt after the nut has been tightened. A method for manufacturing the fastener assembly and a tool for use with the fastener assembly is also provided.
US08366363B2
A blind rivet assembly is provided. In another aspect, a blind rivet has ends that are received within countersinks in one or more workpieces and a mandrel head is completely pulled through the rivet without being severed from a mandrel stem. A further aspect includes a mandrel with an outwardly tapering shoulder.
US08366362B2
A flexible system is provided for preventing freight damage during shipment. The system has adjustable and interlocking hinged panels that are attached to the side walls of a shipping enclosure, so that the system can be readily adapted to secure different types and sizes of loads. One embodiment of the invention, provided for use with a freight carrying enclosure that has an internal wall, includes first and second panel segments that each have an edge. A first mounting structure supports the first panel segment for rotation about a vertical axis, between a first position wherein the first panel segment is in perpendicular relationship with the wall, and a second position wherein the first panel segment is in abutting relationship with the wall. A second mounting structure joins the first and second panel segments together along their respective edges, and enables rotation of the second panel between vertical and horizontal orientations. A support structure selectively maintains the second panel segment in its horizontal orientation.
US08366350B2
A process for insitu treatment of at least one contaminant in groundwater, the process comprises the steps of: installing a permeable reactive barrier in the flow path of the at least one contaminant, wherein the installation of the permeable reactive barrier comprises the steps of: boring a first borehole with a portion longitudinally extending; filling the longitudinally extending portion with a reactive material comprising a solid reactant configured to react with the at least one contaminant in the groundwater to produce at least one product having less hazardous characteristics than the at least one contaminant; boring a second longitudinally extending portion and filling the second longitudinally extending portion with the reactive material.
US08366345B1
A powered screed machine comprising means to drive a screed blade and means to power machine travel. The machine includes a pair of elongated modules disposed perpendicular to each other whereby a reciprocating weight within one of the modules causes forward and rearward movement of the machine and a reciprocating weight in the other module causes vibratory movement of the screed blade to groom the surface of freshly poured concrete.
US08366343B2
Systems and methods for a porous pavement system are described. The porous pavement system includes paver blocks designed to facilitate water seepage between the paver blocks and to permit water storage within the blocks. The paver blocks may be cabled together to create paving units that facilitate installation and maintenance of the pavement system. The porous pavement system provides improved management of stormwater, reducing runoff and facilitating infiltration of stormwater into the subgrade below the paving system.
US08366340B2
A structural member joint structure can easily join members to each other by using a simple structure having a reduced number of parts and can provide the members with a large fastening force which makes the members less likely to be loosened from each other. The joint structure is used to join one pillar and the other pillar to each other such that the other member is vertically abutted against a side face of the one pillar. The structure has a pair of fastening members positioned in the inside of the other pillar and arranged so as to be movable in the widthwise direction of a groove formed in a side face of the one pillar, a nut mechanism located on the inward side of the other pillar and formed between the pair of fastening members, and a bolt operated from the outside through an opening in the other pillar to be fitted into the nut mechanism. Rotating the bolt causes the nut mechanism to urge and move the pair of fastening members in the direction in which the pair is separated from each other. This causes engagement projections respectively arranged on ends of the pair of fastening members to engage with engagement recesses respectively arranged at lateral opposite ends of the groove in the one pillar. Thus, the pillars are joined to each other.
US08366335B2
A platen roller assembly for a printer includes a platen roller, a retaining clip, a plurality of bearings, and a pulley assembly. The platen roller defines a longitudinal axis. The retaining clip mounts to a support body of the printer and is positioned to retain the platen roller relative to the support body. The plurality of bearings are operably coupled to the platen roller. Each of the bearings permit rotational movement of the platen roller about the longitudinal axis thereof. The pulley assembly is mounted to the support body and is operably associated with one or more of the bearings. The pulley assembly includes a pulley and a belt. The belt is operably coupled to the pulley such that the platen roller rotates in response to rotational movement of the belt. The platen roller may be selectively coupled and uncoupled to/from the support body independent of the pulley assembly.
US08366334B2
An impact head includes an arm member moving to a protruding position when a magnetic flux is generated and to a return position when the magnetic flux disappears; an impact member connected to the arm member for protruding when the arm member moves to the protruding position and returning to an original position when the arm member moves to the return position; and an urging member for urging the arm member with a restricted urging force when the magnetic flux is generated and urging the arm member to the return position when the magnetic flux disappears.
US08366326B2
An optical fiber connector includes a connector hold, an optical fiber connector body, an elastic member, and a number of optical fibers. The connector hold defines a receiving recess and a position slot in communication with the receiving recess. The optical fiber connector body is engaged in the receiving recess of the connector hold. The optical fiber connector body includes a positioning post corresponding to and received in the position slot. The optical fibers pass through the connector hold and are attached to the optical fiber connector body. The connector hold includes a slide block received in the position slot, one end surface of the slide block contacts the elastic member, and the other end of the slide block is engaged with a distal end of the positioning post. The slide block is sized and shaped conforming to the position slot.
US08366322B2
A shaft member for a fluid dynamic bearing device that has a recess to cause a dynamic pressure effect of a fluid in a bearing clearance, which is formed on it by rolling, and where a surface layer portion of the recess and a surface layer portion of a surrounding region of the recess has a nitride layer, and where nitrogen is diffused and penetrated in a material of the shaft member that is formed by nitriding after the rolling.
US08366319B2
According to one embodiment, a radiation detection apparatus includes a radiation detection panel, a support member that is configured to support the radiation detection panel on one surface thereof and has electrical conductive property, a circuit board that is supported on the other surface of the support member, a flexible circuit board configured to electrically connect the radiation detection panel to the circuit board, a heat insulation member arranged between the radiation detection panel and the circuit board, a housing that is configured to accommodate the radiation detection panel, the circuit board, the support member, and the heat insulation member and has electrical conductive property, and a heat conduction member that is accommodated in the housing, connected to the support member and the housing, and configured to achieve electrical conduction between the support member and the housing to conduct heat of the support member to the housing.
US08366308B2
A backlight module includes a plurality of first light sources emitting first light and a light guide plate. The first light sources are arranged in a line and spaced from each other. Two adjacent first light sources define a first space therebetween. The light guide plate includes a first light incident surface and a light output surface. The first light incident surface has a plurality of bright areas respectively corresponding to the first light sources and a plurality of dark areas respectively corresponding to the first spaces. A plurality of first reflectors is disposed on the plurality of dark areas of the first incident surface. The light output surface is adjacent and perpendicular to the light incident surface.
US08366303B2
The present invention provides an automotive interior lamp assembly mounted to an automotive headliner further including a curtain side airbag mounted about the headliner. As the curtain side airbag quickly deploys and forces through the vehicle headliner, the lamp assembly can be forcibly detached from the headliner at a high rate of speed. The present invention provides an improved retainer to better attach the light assembly to the headliner thereby preventing detachment of the lamp assembly from the headliner. The lamp assembly includes a lamp housing having a lamp receiving configured to accept a lamp. The housing further includes a retainer receiving side configured to accept a retainer. The retainer attached to the housing by means of a plurality of attachment members provided on the retainer, and at least one snap member also provided on the retainer. The housing has a plurality of attachment member receiving cavities and at least one snap member receiving cavity. The retainer configured to slidably connect to the lamp housing. The retainer comprised of a generally U-shaped mid-section and at least one extended member sufficiently extending over the headliner as to prevent accidental dislodgment of the lamp assembly. As the curtain side airbag deploys, the extended side members of the retainer prevent dislodgment of the lamp assembly from the headliner.
US08366302B2
An optical system is disclosed that uses an LED light source. The light output is coupled to an optic element formed from a material with a high refractive index. The coupling of the light to the high index material significantly reduces the cone angle of the light. The system is very efficient in that nearly all the light generated by the LED is directed to the intended subject.
US08366297B2
An operating light is provided with a basic body (1) with flat contact surfaces (2), which are oriented with mutually different angular orientations of the respective surface normals to the working point of the operating light. A printed circuit board (6), having an underside which is flat in a premounted position, has rigid sections (8) with flat upper side surfaces pointing towards a working point of the operating light and sections (7) flexible in a preferred direction, which extend between the rigid sections (8). Light-emitting diodes (9) are arranged on the rigid sections of the printed circuit board. A lens holder (22) is provided with optical lenses (13) for the light-emitting diodes (9). The rigid sections of the printed circuit board can be placed on the contact surfaces (2) of the basic body (1) in a positive-locking manner in a mounted position, so that the light-emitting diodes (9) have lighting directions corresponding to the angular orientations of the contact surface normals. The lens holder (22) can be fixed to the basic body (1) such that a mechanical force can be indirectly or directly transmitted by the lens holder onto the printed circuit board (6), so that at least the rigid sections (8) thereof are pressed from the premounted position into the mounted position in a positive-locking manner against the contact surfaces (2) of the basic body (1).
US08366295B2
Broad light emission is provided and additionally heat conductivity is increased to improve reliability. A light emitting device comprises a light emitting element, a pair of conductor members, a transparent board and a transparent member. The conductor members are spaced away from each other at an interval in a side-surface direction of the light emitting element and are electrically connected to the light emitting element. The transparent board supports the light emitting element and the pair of conductive members. The transparent member is located on the transparent board and seals the light emitting element and the pair of conductor members. The pair of conductor members are provided with a pair of metal plates that are secured thereon. The pair of metal plates project from the transparent member in directions different from each other.
US08366293B2
A color changing lighting device incorporating a plurality of led emitters having a plurality of colors each emitting a distinct color of light upon being energized by a power supply. A color changer having an indexing position for each led emitter for activating a related switch and connecting a power supply to the led emitter while concurrently positioning a light concentrating lens about the led emitter to concentrate the light emitted from that led emitter. The color changing lighting device therefore permitting the user to easily select light of a distinct color from a plurality of colors and have that light efficiently concentrated about the axis of the light concentrating lens.
US08366291B2
Device including a tubular element (1), with a flexible printed circuit (3) of conducting tracks (32) on which are a number of LED diodes (31) and contact ports (33) for supply thereof; a flexible cover (2), formed by a coextruded profile with a diffuser back (21), configured in a flexible material and a base (22) made of a material of greater rigidity; said base includes a longitudinal aperture (23) and a set (25) of male and female configurations connectable by pressure for opening and closing the inner recess (24) for reception of the printed circuit (3); and an external connector (4), comprising two sets of electrically conducting connection pins (41a, 41b), or a holder (42c) with contacts (40) for the electric contact of the ports (33) and tracks (32), to terminals (45) for connection to the external supply.
US08366290B2
A flashlight having a main power circuit and a barrel is disclosed. The main power circuit includes a light source and a portable power source for supporting the light source. The barrel is not within the main power circuit. The flashlight also has a ball for holding the light source. The light source is fit and in contact with the inner surface of the ball. The outer circumference of the ball has an array of fin-like protrusions for effectively dissipating heat from the light source.
US08366285B2
A foldable rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises: a mounting bracket mountable to a vehicle, the mounting bracket having a base with detent features disposed on a detent circle on the base; a mirror head frame rotatably mounted to the mirror base for rotation about a mirror head axis, the frame having detent features to match the detent features of the base, the detent features of the base and the frame forming a detent system, the detent system having at least a drive position. The frame is shaped to provide an aperture to receive either of: a manual fold insert; or a power fold mechanism having a clutch mechanism, the aperture at least partially inboard in a radial direction with respect to the detent features on the frame whereby at least the clutch mechanism of the power fold mechanism can be accommodated to operate on a smaller radius than that of the detent features.
US08366282B2
Described herein are devices that provide projection-type video output in a portable and flexible design. The design includes a projection chamber, a base, and an interface that permits relative positioning between the projection chamber and base. The base maintains the position of the display device. The projection chamber includes components responsible for the production of images based on received video data and components responsible for the projection of those images. Relative pointing between the projection chamber and base allows the projection chamber to be pointed—and an output projected image to be positioned—with minimal effort.
US08366270B2
The invention relates to a method and system for the objective measurement of ocular accommodation. A double-pass ophthalmoscopic system is used which incorporates a periscope allowing the patient to binocularly see real objects in an open field and images of the retinal plane to be recorded on a CCD camera. The method includes obtaining, for different values of accommodation stimulation, a set of retinal images corresponding to different focal values in the retina, obtaining the different focal positions in the retina by moving the two lenses incorporated in the ophthalmoscopic system. The image with the best optical quality is obtained for each set of images and by associating the selected image with the known value of the accommodation stimulation it is possible to objectively measure the accommodation.
US08366268B2
An eyewear retention device that comprises two temple retainers connected by a resilient member, such that when the temple retainers are attached to a pair of eyeglasses and the eyeglasses are worn over the ears of a wearer, the resilient member extends rearward from the head of the wearer and is suspended off the neck of the wearer. The resilient member may be cabling with a smooth plastic outer sheath.
US08366264B2
This disclosure discloses a handheld type print label producing apparatus comprising: a housing that has a dimension along a longwise direction that is longer than a dimension along a width direction, and has a grip portion; a cartridge holder provided at one side of said housing along said longwise direction; a power source holder provided at the other side of said housing along said longwise direction; and a motor that drives at least one roller positioned on a feeding path, that is driven by power supplied from said power source device; wherein: a plurality of mechanisms is disposed in the interior of said housing so that a position of the center of gravity along said longwise direction of said handheld type print label producing apparatus to which said cartridge and said power source device are mounted falls within a range of said longwise direction corresponding to said grip portion.
US08366263B2
A printing method and apparatus for coloring an article of aluminum or aluminums alloys, said article comprising a surface formed by an open pore oxide layer, and an article printed therewith.In order to achieve a high quality printing image that exhibits a high resolution, wherein the effects of color migration and bleeding of the deposited ink compositions are reduced, the method comprises the steps of mounting said article on an inkjet printing apparatus; printing a bottom printing layer on said surface according to predetermined pixel information and at a predetermined ink deposition rate for each pixel; successively printing at least two upper printing layers on said surface, wherein on each upper printing layer the same pixel information is printed as on the bottom printing layer and the ink deposition rate for each pixel is adjusted if required; and heating said article for fixing the resulting printing image on said surface.
US08366234B2
An ink-droplet detecting unit detects a spray state of an ink droplet sprayed from an ink-droplet spray head. The ink-droplet detecting unit includes a light-emitting element, a light-emitting element holder, a light-receiving element, a light-receiving element holder, and a base member. The light-emitting element holder is attached to the base member in a rotatable manner. The light-receiving element holder is attached to the base member in a slidable manner in a direction perpendicular to a rotation direction of the light-emitting element holder. The ink-droplet detecting unit is attached to a main body of the inkjet recording apparatus.
US08366224B2
Inkjet apparatus includes: a tank; a first flow channel; a first liquid chamber; a second flow channel; a second liquid chamber; a first liquid movement; a second liquid movement device; a first pressure determination device; a second pressure determination device; a pressure control device which controls pressures in the first and second liquid chambers by respectively controlling the first and second liquid movement devices, in accordance with determination results of the first and second pressure determination devices, in such a manner that the internal pressures of the first and second liquid chambers respectively remain at the target pressures; a circulation path through which the liquid inside the first liquid chamber is circulated without passing through the inkjet head; and a deaeration device which is provided at an intermediate point of the circulation path and which removes dissolved gas.
US08366220B2
A household appliance has an arrangement for guiding a cable from a body of a furniture element or appliance to a closure element, which can be swivelled relative to the body by a hinge and by which the body can be closed. This arrangement includes at least one first holding member and at least one second holding member for guiding the cable. The first holding member is arranged on a first part of the hinge and the second holding member is arranged on a second part of the hinge which is movable relative to the first hinge part.
US08366212B2
The crawler-type travel device includes a plurality of shoe plates, a first link section, a rotational wheel, and a shaft. The rotational wheel includes a first roller and a second roller. The first roller makes contact with first end portions corresponding to axial outer ends of the first link members forming the first link section. The second roller is aligned with and disposed on the axial inner side of the first roller. The second roller is rotatable independently from the first roller. The second roller makes contact with second end portions corresponding to axial inner ends of the first link members.
US08366211B2
An electric parking brake control apparatus includes: an electric parking brake actuator that pulls cables connected to respective parking brake units of wheels; a brake actuator that controls braking pressures applied to the wheels by service brakes; a pressure-increase control unit that controls the brake actuator to increase the braking pressures to a predetermined value, when a tension of the cables falls below a predetermined target tension after the cables are pulled until the target tension is achieved; and a tension-increase control unit that controls the electric parking brake actuator to pull the cables until the tension of the cables exceeds the target tension, after the brake pressures are increased by the pressure-increase control unit.
US08366187B2
The present invention provides a sunroof apparatus including: a roof panel; a driving motor; and a shade. The roof panel is disposed in a fixed roof of a vehicle, for being moved in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle via sliders to be opened and closed. The sliders are coupled to driving wires. The driving motor is for driving the driving wires. The shade is wound around a winding shaft, to be drawn from the winding shaft, passed through an inclination displacement space, and then guided in shade guide rails, for being moved in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and thereby opening and closing an indoor opening. The inclination displacement space is inclined relative to a horizontal plane and formed between the winding shaft and the shade guide rails. The driving motor is disposed within the inclination displacement space in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
US08366178B2
A vehicle substructure (1) having a rectifying fin (10) that is attached under the floor of a car body and rectifies a flow of fluid under the floor of the car body, wherein the rectifying fin (10) is an airfoil fin that has a blade thickness in a right-to-left direction of a vehicle.
US08366175B2
A door checker drive mechanism for use in automatically opening a door may include: a door checker that limits the motion of the associated door; a power source that rotates a shaft; and, a drive train that interconnects the power source to the door. The door checker drive mechanism may be adjustable between: a first condition where the power source causes the door to open or close with respect to the body; and, a second condition where the power source cannot cause the door to open or close and the door may be manually opened or closed.
US08366172B1
An automated vehicle sunshade includes a compartment mountable to a roof of a vehicle, a flexible shade, a plurality of rods coupled to the flexible shade and a drive device coupled to the plurality of rods. The flexible shade comprises a photovoltaic material which is used to convert sunlight incident on the automated vehicle sunshade into electrical charge. The plurality of rods are retractable and extendable so that the sunshade repeatably alternates between an extended position and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the flexible shade, plurality of rods and drive device are enclosed within the compartment. The sunshade also includes guide wires and support wires for properly guiding and supporting the flexible shade during retracting and extending.
US08366171B2
A vehicle-mountable structure is disclosed. Said structure is adapted to substantially conceal a vehicle and operator in an enclosure and provide in a visually attractive appearance. The enclosure is supported by a hierarchy of beams capable of attaching to a vehicle frame in a manner that does not interfere with vehicle operations.
US08366169B2
A motorcycle includes an article storage structure and has a storage space for storing articles. The storage space is defined by a rear fender covering a rear wheel, a frame cover covering a rear portion of a motorcycle body, and a rider's seat and a passenger seat which are arranged in tandem in a longitudinal direction of the motorcycle. The storage space is provided with an onboard auxiliary machinery storage compartment for storing the onboard auxiliary machinery and an article storage compartment for storing the articles, which are formed with openings formed below the rider's seat and the passenger seat, respectively, to be opened or closed. An article holding member having a tubular shape, in which the article is stored, and having an upper end opening disposed within the article storage compartment is also disposed so as to extend rearward and upward from an upper surface of the rear fender below the rider's seat to a region of the article storage compartment.
US08366166B2
An air duct assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The air duct assembly can include a U-shaped duct having a center portion with a first air duct and a second air duct extending therefrom. In addition, the center portion of the U-shaped duct can have a flange attached to and extending outwardly therefrom, the flange having a predetermined thickness. The U-shaped duct attaches to a console within the motor vehicle, the console having a surface with a first arm and a second arm extending outwardly therefrom. The second arm can be oppositely disposed and spaced apart from the first arm a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance between the first and second arms extending from the console can be generally equal to the predetermined thickness of the flange extending from the center portion of the U-shaped duct, for the purpose of attaching the U-shaped duct to the console.
US08366162B2
A system for displacing a floating object comprising a jaw assembly and at least one latch assembly. The jaw assembly supports the latch assembly such that, when the latch assembly is in a latched configuration, the latch assembly maintains the jaw assembly in an open configuration and, when the jaw assembly is in the open configuration, the at least one jaw assembly defines a jaw gap through which the floating object may pass. The latch assembly is adapted to engage the floating object when the floating object has passed through the jaw gap such that the latch assembly is placed from the latched position into the unlatched position to allow the jaw assembly to move from the open configuration into the closed configuration. The jaw assembly is adapted to engage the floating object when in the closed configuration.
US08366160B2
A high strength electrically operable door strike having a simplified design and a gravity fed locking member. The strike comprises two solenoids operating in opposite directions wherein one solenoid is used when the strike is mounted for use with a left hand opening door and the other solenoid is used when the strike is mounted for use with a right hand opening door. The strike is simply turned upside down to accommodate a door having the opposite hand. The strike has a housing which is reinforced with ribs. The ribs also provide a reduced surface area sliding surface for the gravity fed locking member and thereby permit the locking member to slide up and down with less friction.
US08366157B2
This invention relates to a door lock comprising a lock body (3) fitted with a front plate and a bolt (4). The transfer of external force to the locking piece (5) in the lock body is reduced. The reduction of external force is arranged in two stages of transmission. At the first stage of transmission, the transmitted force is reduced using a wedge part (10) that is in force transmission contact with a lever (11). The second stage of transmission constitutes the lever.
US08366154B2
A water pipe connector apparatus has a main body and a sleeve. A stop surface is formed at a top of the main body and a plurality of limiting blocks are formed on an inner wall of the sleeve. The sleeve has a plurality of oblique thrust pads arranged alternately with the limiting blocks on the inner wall of the sleeve. The sleeve has an abutment member positioned at a top of the inner wall thereof. The sleeve shifts longitudinally when the thrust pads are aligned with guide lugs of the main body. The sleeve is fixed when the limiting blocks are aligned with the guide lugs.
US08366148B2
The invention relates to a mobile working machine, particularly an automatic concrete pump, having a chassis (10) designed as a tractor-trailer. The tractor-trailer comprises a tractor (12) and a multi-axle semi-trailer (14) supporting the working machine and connected to the tractor by means of a fifth wheel (16). A support construction (38) that can be supported on a surface (40) is located in the area of the semi-trailer (14). The support construction (38) comprises two front stabilizers (42′, 42′) and two rearward stabilizers (44), each pivotable between a transport position and at least one support position relative to the semi-trailer. Means for raising and securing the tractor (12) are further disposed on the semi-trailer (14), so that the tractor (12) forms a ballast weight for stabilizing the semi-trailer supported by the support construction (38) on the base (40) in the support position. According to the invention, the bearing points (48′, 48) of the front stabilizers (42′, 42′) comprise a hollow space (80) through the center of the axis, and the means for raising and securing the tractor disposed on the semi-trailer (14) each comprise a lift member (82) extending through the central hollow area (80) of the bearing point (48, 48) from top to bottom and releasably attachable to the tractor (12).
US08366143B2
A knee airbag device includes a column cover that covers a rear end portion of a steering column from below; and an airbag module. The airbag module is disposed in a column lower cover and includes a gas generation portion that generates gas and a knee airbag that is housed in the airbag module in a folded state, and is inflated and deployed by the gas supplied by the gas generation portion. The airbag module is connected to the steering column by a snap-fit action.
US08366142B2
An airbag module has a case-like housing and an open side covered by a protective covering. The protective covering (17), having a pre-set tear line, is fastened at its one end (18) in the interior of the housing (10). With its other, free end (19), the protective covering overlaps the open side (13) of the housing (10) and is secured on a flange (14) outwardly protruding from the housing wall (12) and mounted on the housing (10). The flange (14) has at least one opening (20), immediately adjoining the transition between housing wall (12) and flange (14), for guiding a tongue (22) formed on the free end (19) of the protective covering (17). A holding nose (21) projecting from the housing wall (12) into the opening (20) can be brought into engagement into a holding recess (23) formed in the tongue (22) of the protective covering (17).
US08366134B1
An apparatus for connecting a kingpin of a gooseneck or fifth wheel trailer to a towing vehicle includes a fifth wheel hitch having a hitch platform with a hitch head slidably mounted on the rails of a base platform; an articulating mechanism to displace the hitch platform to and from a forward towing station and a rearward towing station; and a latch having a latch pin to automatically lock the hitch platform at the forward and rearward towing stations and also having a biased spider device to automatically prevent the latch pin from re-locking the hitch platform when the hitch platform is released from a towing station until after the hitch platform has been displaced away from that towing station.
US08366133B2
There is provided a tow hitch that includes a shank, an elongated shank having a first end and a second end and a rectangular cross-section having four side surfaces adapted to slideably fit within a receiver located on a towing vehicle. A shank shaft extends outwardly from the second end of the shank a sufficient length to accommodate the tubular shank sleeve. The shank shaft is somewhat smaller that the shank and is sized to accommodate a shank sleeve. The shank shaft may be circular so that the shank sleeve can be rotated around the longitudinal axis of the shank shaft. When in place over the shank shaft the first end shank sleeve abuts the second end of the shank. Tow balls are secured to respective side walls of the shank sleeve. The shank sleeve is retained on the shank shaft by an end cap having a space to receive the outer end of the shank shaft and is held in place by a pin through the top and bottom of the end cap and through the end of the shank shaft. Each tow ball is held in the desired position by a spring loaded indexing plunger.
US08366127B2
An infant carrier device comprises a foldable support frame, an adjustable backrest assembly, a backrest positioning mechanism including a fixed positioning member and a movable latching member connected with the backrest assembly, and a disengaging mechanism connected with the support frame and movable relative to the positioning member. The latching member is movable between a first position where the latching member is engaged with the positioning member for locking the backrest assembly in position, and a second position where the latching member is disengaged from the positioning member. Moreover, the disengaging mechanism is operable to interact with the latching member for causing the latching member to move from the first position to the second position when the support frame is folded.
US08366126B2
A hand truck allows for the transportation of containers, where each container has a passageway therethrough. The hand truck has a flat bottom member that receives and supports a vertical stack of the containers and vertical members are affixed to the bottom member. Cross members are joined to the one or more vertical members, and each cross member has a rod-receiving hole that is formed therein such that the holes are vertically spaced apart from each other. The hand truck also has a plurality of elongate support rods. A first end of each support rod is inserted through the container passageway, is inserted into a respective cross member hole, and is fastened to the cross member to prevent its withdrawal. A second end of each support rod is enlarged so as to affix the container or containers to the respective cross member.
US08366124B1
Utility carts and hand trucks which are easily assembled, low cost, and usable as durable convertible beach carts adaptable for a wide variety of uses including as beach furniture. A preferred embodiment includes a convertible hand truck with three main components: a hand truck body with dual use as a table, a load platform with dual use as an extended surface of the table, and a rack with dual use as support legs for the table.
US08366119B2
A tool with a replaceable tip includes a tool body including a tip holding portion, a tool tip having a shank portion adapted to be disposed proximate the tip holding portion comprising a wall defining an axial opening, the wall having at least one radial opening, at least one locking element being disposed in the radial opening, and, as a clamping ring is turned about the longitudinal axis of the tool body, a locking element contacting surface of the clamping ring contacts the locking element and urges it through the radial opening and into the recess in the tool tip. A method of retaining a tool tip is also disclosed.
US08366118B2
An apparatus and method for retaining an inflatable seal comprising a channel having a closed end and a pair of projecting legs. A plurality of spaced apertures in each of the projecting legs extend parallely along a longitudinal axis of the channel. A plurality of nuts align with the corresponding plurality of spaced apertures and an inflatable seal is disposed within the channel. A pin is disposed within each aperture, wherein each of the pins has a threaded portion threadingly engaging one of the nuts and a non-threaded portion projecting towards the neck to dispose the foot intermediate the pins and the closed end.
US08366113B2
A seal is provided that includes a resilient, arc-shaped body having a pair of sealing portions movable between a pre-compressed state and a compressed state. A removable, arc-shaped pre-compression member slidingly engages the seal body along at least a portion of its length to hold the sealing portions in the pre-compressed state.
US08366104B2
A device includes a conveying unit conveying a sheet, a guide, disposed downstream of the conveying unit in a conveying direction, guiding one side end of the conveyed sheet while being in contact with a side end, a feeding unit obliquely conveying the sheet closer to the guide, a pressing unit pressing the conveyed sheet in a direction in which the sheet moves away from the guide, and a control unit controlling the pressing unit and the feeding unit so that the feeding unit nips the pressed sheet to form a loop in the sheet between the conveying unit and the feeding unit and then conveys the sheet while the side end of the sheet is in sliding contact with the guide.
US08366099B2
A media retraction and recycler system for use with image processing devices such as automatic document feeders and printers that concurrently supports two media sheets for duplex printing or scanning in a partial overlapping configuration in a variable nip pressure exit roll assembly allowing use of a media path that is shorter than the total media length of the two media sheets to facilitate an increased throughput during duplex scanning or printing operations.
US08366084B2
A table which supports work pieces includes a base with a first part and a second part hinged together so that the second part may be swung up and away from the standing surface for storage and be swung down to engage the standing surface. A support column is secured to the base and coupled to a brace member which is foldable between a first state when the second part is in contact with the standing surface and a second state when the second part is not in contact with the standing surface. The table includes a work platform that is coupled to the central support column and rotatable between a horizontal orientation parallel to the standing surface and a non-horizontal orientation. The work platform is configured to have work stations which receive and mount work pieces so that the work pieces are secured to the work platform in both the horizontal and non-horizontal orientations.
US08366083B1
A tensioning device is provided for tensioning the metal strap of a metal wall structure. The tensioning device includes an elongated bar having a handle and a pair of jaws where one jaw is secured to the elongated bar and another jaw projects from the handle. The jaws are operatively connected between the metal strap and the wall structure. In particular, one jaw is operatively connected or anchored to the wall structure and the other jaw is connected to the metal strap. The handle includes a trigger mechanism for moving the jaws with respect to each other. By actuating the trigger mechanism and closing the jaws, the metal strap is tensioned. After the metal strap is tensioned, it is securely fastened to the wall structure.
US08366081B2
A moderation element may be incorporated into straps, handles, or other devices to moderate forces. As an example, a moderation element may include a housing and a fluid-filled chamber. The housing has an expandable configuration and defines an interior void. The housing also defines a pair of opposing compression surfaces within the interior void, with the compression surfaces being located to move toward each other when the housing expands. The chamber is located within the housing and between the compression surfaces.
US08366079B2
A dual post receptor (30) of a safety rail system (10) has horizontal cross sections of an elongated shape with a width generally equal to and for slideable receipt of vertical posts (18) of conventional railings (12) and a length larger than double the diameters of the vertical posts (18). Elongated horizontal slots (38) are located in sides (34a, 34b) of the receptor (30) for receiving locking pins (22) also inserted through holes (20) in the vertical posts (18). Mounting the receptor (30) can be accomplished in a variety of manners including secured to a planar, horizontal mounting plate (46) secured to the bottom edges of the enclosure, secured to a vertical mounting plate (50) having a horizontal securement plate (56), secured to a protrusion (64) for slideable receipt in sockets such as in a truck bed, secured to a C-shaped clamp system of a variety of constructions, or the like.
US08366071B2
Provided is a sliding member which includes a plurality of open pores in a sliding surface, which each comprises one or more opening portions having a circularity of 0.24 or more and a circle equivalent diameter of 10 μm to 150 μm. A ratio of the number of open pores having the overlapping degree of 10% or more between the opening portions is 3% or less. Another sliding member includes a plurality of open pores in a sliding surface, which each comprises one or more opening portions having a circularity of 0.24 or more and a circle equivalent diameter of not less than 10 μm nor more than 78 μm. A coefficient of variation of the opening portions satisfies the following equation: 1.03≦√V/X≦1.51 where √V is a standard deviation of circle equivalent diameters, and X is an average value of the circle equivalent diameters. A mechanical seal ring, a mechanical seal and a faucet valve each using the sliding member are also provided.
US08366068B2
In one form, a bracing structure for bracing a support structure having props for ceiling formworks is provided and includes: two vertical sections joined to one another by at least one horizontal section, at least one seating element on each vertical section each having at least one seating recess for placement of a prop, whereby the opening direction of the seating recesses on the respective vertical sections point away from each other and the opening directions lie parallel to the plane defined by the vertical sections, wherein each vertical section has at least one fastener for attaching the bracing structure to the prop with at least one of the fasteners comprising at least one of the seating elements. In other forms, a fastener for attachment of a supporting structure to a prop is provided, and a method for bracing a support structure having props for ceiling formworks is provided.
US08366067B2
This invention is a wall mounting system which securely mounts panels and displayed objects to a wall, using a variety of components which can be efficiently attached to a universal rail plate which is standard to a particular embodiment of the system.
US08366053B2
A system for deploying a plurality of independent payloads with a launch vehicle, the launch vehicle being longitudinally oriented about an axis, includes a plurality of launch modules. Each respective launch module of the plurality of launch modules includes a plurality of package elements. A respective predetermined set of package elements of the plurality of package elements comprises a respective payload of the plurality of payloads. Each respective launch module of the plurality of launch modules is situated in an abuttingly supporting relation with at least one adjacent launch module in a facing relation at an interface in a launch orientation. The interface is generally parallel with the axis. At least one restraining member cooperates with the plurality of launch modules to effect compressingly maintaining the plurality of launch modules in the launch orientation.
US08366048B2
An adaptor for mounting a refuelling hose and drogue arrangement to a refuelling boom of an aircraft is arranged to provide fluid communication between the boom and a hose of the hose and drogue arrangement. The adaptor is also arranged such that the hose is movable with respect to the boom. The adaptor includes an actuator arranged to produce a biasing force on the hose, and arranged for affecting movement to adjust the position of the hose in relation to the boom.
US08366042B2
An arrangement for installing electric cables in the floor region of an aircraft includes longitudinal guide elements that form cable channels and essentially extend in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft parallel to seat rails that are arranged in the aircraft floor and serve for the mechanical attachment of seat legs. The longitudinal guide elements, which accommodate the data and supply cables to be installed, are not visible to aircraft passengers, but are still readily and easily accessible to the maintenance personnel. The floor plate features an elongate groove-shaped recess extending parallel to the seat rail in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft in the immediate vicinity of one of the two seat rails, wherein an elongate extruded profile is arranged in said recess. The extruded profile features an elongate drawer for transmitting shearing forces and an elongate cable shaft arranged above the drawer and serves for accommodating electric cables.
US08366039B2
Disclosed is a pylon fairing for a turbine engine. The anterior portion of the pylon fair is attached to a turbine engine in a manner to absorb blows against the fan casing of the turbine engine in case of breakage of the fan blades of the turbine engine. The pylon fairing is configured with the turbine engine such that the anterior part of the pylon fairing is fastened to the engine's fan casing via a front fixing and a rear fixing. The rear fixing is affixed to the fan casing as relatively loose in order to absorb tolerances, and the front fixing is affixed to the fan casing and as flexible in at least approximately a radial direction with respect to the fan casing.
US08366034B2
A seat belt retractor may include: a motor that generates a driving force for retracting and unreeling a seat belt by rotating a shaft, a gear case has an interior portion that houses a gear that converts a rotary force of the shaft into a driving force, a harness connected to a side of the motor including the shaft that is disposed opposite the gear case, a motor case having an opening disposed in only one end thereof, and a motor cap disposed on a side of the motor including the shaft opposing the gear case. The motor cap may include a passage portion through which the harness passes to an exterior thereof. The opening in the motor case may be sealed by attaching the motor case to the motor cap and the gear case in a sandwiched manner.
US08366032B2
The fishing reel has a body and a deceleration controller. The body has a magnetic spool and a side cover. The deceleration controller is mounted on the side cover and has a mounting tube, a moving shaft, a magnetic assembly and a switching button. The mounting tube is mounted through the side cover and has an inner thread. The moving shaft is movably mounted through the mounting tube and has an inside end, an outside end, an outer surface and a thread section. The thread section is formed in the outer surface of the moving shaft and screwed with the inner thread of the mounting tube. The magnetic assembly is securely mounted on the inside end of the moving shaft. The switching button is mounted securely on the outside end of the moving shaft to turn the moving shaft moveable inwardly or outwardly relative to the magnetic spool.
US08366030B2
A selective collection system for recyclable containers comprising of a housing part, an input device, a material identification device, a sorting guide device, a shredding device, a compressing device, a collection part and a control device. The housing part cases internal component of the selective collection system. The input device is at the upper portion of a housing part and receives an input material laid horizontally on its side. The material identification device receives the input material from the input device and uses a pair of load cells and a metal detect sensor to transmit a signal to the control device, which categorizes the input material into a PET, an aluminum can, or other material based on the signal. The sorting guide device sorts and routes the input material received from the material identification device accordingly. The shredding device receives and shreds the input material received from the sorting guide device if the input material is identified as a PET bottle by the material identification device. The compressing device receives and compresses the input material received from the sorting guide device if the input material is identified as an aluminum can. Then shredded or compressed input material is deposited into the collection part, which includes a PET collection bin and an aluminum can collection bin. Other materials are deposited directly into the other materials collection bin, which is also included in the collection part. If the bins fill up, they can be taken out and emptied. The control device controls the overall operation of the selective collection system.
US08366029B2
The method is used to determine the filling level of a loaded mill container (2). The container (2) has a drive torque (M) applied to it by means of a drive (6), and causes it to rotate. The drive torque (M) on the drive (6) is set by means of a predeterminable drive test sequence. A time/rotation speed profile of a rotation speed of the container (2) which results from the drive test sequence is recorded, and is analyzed. The filling level is determined on the basis of the results of the analysis. The method produces up to date, accurate information, determined during the milling operation, about the filling level of the container (2).
US08366026B2
A high speed gas valve apparatus including a reservoir for holding a gas having a charge port for filling the reservoir with the gas and an outlet for releasing the gas from the reservoir, a rod slidingly housed in the valve apparatus, the rod including a sealing means operatively arranged to engage with the outlet of the valve chamber for sealing the reservoir when the valve is in a closed position, a pneumatic actuator, wherein a piston of the pneumatic actuator is coupled to the rod, an electro-magnetic actuator coupled to the rod, and wherein the gas is released from the reservoir via the outlet when the apparatus is in an open position, and the valve transitions from the closed position to the open position by activating the pneumatic and electro-magnetic actuators to move the rod away from the outlet.
US08366024B2
A showerhead may include a housing, a jet disk, a turbine, and a shutter. The housing may include a fluid inlet, at least one fluid outlet, and a chamber in fluid communication with the inlet and one or more outlets. The jet disk, turbine, and shutter may be placed in the cavity. The shutter may include at least one opening. The shutter may selectively cover and uncover fluid outlets, thus selectively fluidly connecting the fluid outlets with the chamber. Water flowing through the housing causes the turbine to spin. As the turbine spins, the shutter rotates at a slower speed than the turbine to produce a periodic interruption of water flow through the outlets by covering and uncovering the outlets as the shutter rotates within the housing.
US08366022B2
A windshield heated liquid spray assembly including a liquid heating assembly and a heated liquid spray assembly operative to spray the heated liquid onto a windshield, the liquid heating assembly including a liquid heating chamber, at least one heating element disposed in the liquid heating chamber and an electrical power supply connection to the at least one heating element that includes a meltable conductor portion.
US08366015B2
The invention relates to a railroad tie manufactured from plastic (2), wherein at least two steel bars (3) are embedded in the plastic and wherein the steel bars extend in longitudinal direction of the plastic railroad tie (1) and wherein specimens of the bars (3) situated in operative condition at different heights in the railroad tie are free from mutual connections other than by the plastic. The plastic (2) is Low Density Polyethylene.
US08366013B2
A temperature controlling valve serves to adjust a mixed rate of cold and hot waters to control a temperature of the mixed cold and hot water by using a water supplying means having a first pore to flow the cold water, a second pore to flow the hot water, a first shield to close the first pore, and a second shield to close the second pore; wherein when the temperature control set is driven by a driving motor to rotate at an original position, the first and the second shields are actuated to close the first and the second pores so that the cold and the hot waters flow into a valve core to be mixed together, wherein an inverse relationship exists between the cross sectional area of the first pore to flow the hot water and the cross sectional area of the second pore to flow the cold water.
US08366010B2
A magnetomechanical resonance element or marker strip with facilitated performance based on an amorphous magnetostrictive alloy ribbon having a line-like surface pattern is utilized in an electronic article surveillance marker or sensor element. A direction of magnetic anisotropy at angle between 80 and 90 degree away from ribbon's length direction and in ribbon's plane is introduced during ribbon fabrication, which increases the resonance performance with minimal loss in the magneto-mechanical circuit, and more particularly, in a marker or sensor element utilizing a plurality of resonating elements or marker strips. A marker or sensor element is fabricated utilizing the resonance element or elements and is utilized in an electronic article surveillance and identification systems.
US08366005B2
A hand-supportable digital image capture and processing system supporting a multi-tier modular software, and plug-in extendable, architecture. The digital image capture and processing system can be realized as an image-capturing cell phone, a digital camera, a video camera, mobile computing terminal and portable data terminal (PDT), provided with suitable hardware platform, communication protocols and user interfaces. A third-party customer can write and install a software plug-in into the application layer so as to enhance or modify the behavior of the hand-supportable digital image capture and processing system without any required knowledge of the hardware platform, communication protocols and/or user interfaces.
US08366004B2
This disclosure describes techniques for detecting a barcode within an image. An image processor may, for example, process an image to detect regions within the image that may be barcodes. The image processor may identify regions of the image that exhibit a high concentration of edges and a high concentration of pixels with low optical intensity co-instantaneously as potential barcodes. The image processor may identify the regions using a number of morphological operations. The image processor may then determine whether the identified regions are actually barcodes by verifying whether the region have unique barcode features. The barcode detection techniques described in this disclosure may be independent of barcode size, location and orientation within the image. Moreover, the use of morphological operations results in faster and more computationally efficient barcode detection, as well as lower computational complexity.
US08365994B2
A check-in method for airlines allows passengers to use Short Message Service (SMS) to check-in themselves and baggage. A passenger requests to check-in via SMS from practically anywhere and not limited to the airport. After receipt of the request, a confirmation message is sent back to the passenger's registered mobile phone number by SMS. The system will ask the passenger for, and receive from the passenger, the number of bags they intend to check-in for the flight. The passengers can in some embodiments drop the baggage off without any required further action. The system issues an SMS-based cryptographically secure code, such as a bar-code boarding pass to the passenger once the baggage (if any) is successfully transferred and registered to existing baggage management systems through the process above. This code, when scanned, recognized and authenticated provides identification and security clearance for the passenger to board the aircraft.
US08365992B2
An optical scanner with a floating load cell frame. The optical scanner includes a plurality of planar load cells and a frame for tying the planar load cells together in order to counteract side loads and minimize corresponding spreading of the planar load cells. In one embodiment, the optical scanner includes four planar load cells and the floating frame includes two to four frame members that tie the planar load cells together.
US08365991B2
A method and apparatus for vending a containerized fluid includes placing a machine-readable indicia on the container identifying the base fluid. The container may be filled and then distributed or distributed prior to filling through various distribution channels to consumers. When a consumer wishes to fill or re-fill the container, the consumer places the container adjacent a reader that interprets the indicia to identify the base fluid to be dispensed. A dispenser then fills the container through a movable fill probe that elevates as the liquid within the container rises. In some embodiments, and prior to filling, the dispenser apparatus may also query the consumer about options are provided at the time of dispensing for further dispensing various optional ingredients, including scents, flavors, colors, nutritional supplements or other additives together with the base product. In further embodiments, the dispenser may also print discount tickets or coupons that may discount the purchase of the containerized fluid or other promotional merchandise. The machine-readable indicia may include affiliate codes that permit crediting or compensating various affiliates in relation to the container filling.
US08365988B1
Systems, methods and computer readable media are disclosed for prioritizing tasks associated with a group of first users based on number of times the first users have monitored the status of a task. In addition to the general system, systems, methods and computer readable media for task prioritizing, the tasks may be prioritized based on the number of first users associated with a task, the importance of each first user associated with a task, and the way the task was identified.
US08365987B2
A presentation instrument package includes a presentation instrument and a negotiable instrument. The package is configured for display at a point-of-sale, and the presentation instrument and negotiable instrument are configured for activation at the point-of-sale.
US08365979B2
A tamper-evident label for a carton having one flap or two opposing flaps includes a pair of end portions each having adhesive or other means for fastening to span the edge of one flap or opposing flaps of the carton. A central area between the end portions defines one or more strips which overlie an edge of one or both flaps. The central area defining the strips is unadhereable to the flaps and are in a condition such that, upon cutting therethrough to form ends on said strips, the ends will be displaced from the strip ends on the opposite sides of the cut.
US08365968B2
A cap of a tube container having an automatic sealing structure, which more reliably performs an airtight function, prevents liquid ingredients in a nozzle from drying, safely protects the nozzle in a physical way, prevents gel-phased medical ingredients from being in contact with the outside air to the maximum extent possible, thus allowing the medical ingredients to be preserved for a longer period of time, and which is constructed so that the cap is integrated with the container, thus eliminating the risk of loss resulting from the separation. A cone which is secured by each locking protrusion inserted into a guide slit is inserted into a body as the locking protrusion moves, so that a nozzle hole is opened by an anti-drying unit and contents are discharged through an ejected nozzle.
US08365965B2
A pump assembly with a first pump which draws liquid from a reservoir and dispenses it to a second pump. The second pump receives the discharge from the first pump and air such that the second pump discharges both liquid and air. The first pump preferably has a piston movable in a first inner chamber and the second pump utilizes the same piston movable in a second outer chamber. Preferably, the second pump discharges in the withdrawal stroke, that is while moving from a retracted position to a withdrawn position.
US08365945B2
A plastic can body includes a bottom portion and a main body portion having a plastic sidewall that is connected to the bottom portion. The main body portion is shaped to define an upper rim that is adapted to be secured to a lid. The sidewall includes a plurality of first sidewall portions that have a substantially flat circumferentially extending outer surface and a plurality of second sidewall portions. Each of the second sidewall portions are interposed between two adjacent first sidewall portions. Each of the second sidewall portions are shaped to define a plurality of circumferentially spaced indentations. Each of the second sidewall portions includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced vertical columns. Adjacent ones of the second sidewall portions may be rotationally staggered with respect to each other so that the vertical columns on one second sidewall portion are not aligned with the vertical columns of an adjacent second sidewall portion.
US08365940B2
A pull tab crown for a bottle or other container provides an opener secured to the top of the crown. The crown has an annular skirt with an annular edge. Score lines extend from the opener assembly to the skirt. One of the score lines is curvilinear and terminates at the annular edge. A second score line has as segment that extends from the opener assembly to an endpoint substantially spaced from the bottom annular edge of the skirt.
US08365928B1
A gondola standard cap comprises a relatively long and flat front wall with smooth and backwardly curved side edges. The gondola standard cap is provided on its rear with vertically aligned and spaced resilient ears which allow the cap to be installed into the holes of vertical posts in metallic shelving systems. The cap is provided with a plurality of vertically aligned knock-out tabs which are selectively removed as needed for alignment with the holes of the vertical post of the metallic shelving system to accommodate the ears of the brackets of the shelving system. In this way, the gondola standard cap will close off the holes of the vertical posts and prevent any injury by contact with the holes of the posts.
US08365923B2
A method of separating at least one carbon nanotube having a desired diameter and/or chirality from a mixture of carbon nanotubes having different diameters and/or chiralities is provided. A calixarene of formula (I): wherein n≧4; X is PO3H2, Ra—PO3H, SO3H, or Ra—SO3H; Y is Rb, OH, or ORb; and Ra and Rb are independently selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted arylene alkyl and optionally substituted alkylene aryl is combined with the mixture of carbon nanotubes in an aqueous solvent to produce an aqueous supernatant containing the carbon nanotube(s) having the desired diameter and/or chirality. The aqueous supernatant containing the carbon nanotube(s) is then separated from a residue comprising the remaining carbon nanotubes of the mixture. Semi-conducting or metallic carbon nanotubes may also be separated from a mixture of carbon nanotubes by combining a calixarene of formula (I) with the mixture of carbon nanotubes in an aqueous solvent and separating an aqueous supernatant containing either the metallic or semi-conducting carbon nanotubes from a residue comprising the remaining carbon nanotubes of the mixture.
US08365905B2
A movement device having an endless belt with a working portion defined in a substantially horizontal working plane and a reserve portion defined in a reserve plane optionally coinciding with said working plane; a first guide wheel linearly moveable in said working plane and guiding the endless belt; a second guide wheel linearly moveable in said reserve plane and guiding the endless belt; two deflector members for deflecting the endless belt from the working plane to the reserve plane; drive mechanism for driving the endless belt; and movement mechanism for synchronously moving the two guide wheels in such a manner that the sum of the distances between each of the guide wheels and the deflector members is constant. The length of the working portion of the endless belt is capable of varying continuously and the quantity of articles that can be placed on the working portion of the belt can vary accordingly.
US08365893B2
A dual clutch selectively transmits torque from a flywheel to a dual input transmission. The transmission has two input shafts a first shaft and a second shaft that is a hollow sleeve shaft. The second shaft is concentric with the first shaft. The dual clutch has two clutch units to selectively couple a crankshaft of an engine to one of the two input shafts. More specifically, the dual clutch includes members such as a clutch housing rotationally fixed to the crankshaft through a flywheel and other members such hubs that are rotationally fixed to the input shafts. The clutches are actuated by a rotationally fixed clutch actuator. Axial loads on the clutches are transferred through a bearing to a fixed member.
US08365892B2
The present invention is a ratcheting one-way clutch for an automotive component such as, for example, a stator for a torque converter. A plurality of ramp plates is provided that are positioned on either side of the catch plate. Each ramp plate includes a series of locking fingers directed at an angle toward the catch plate in a plane that enables the fingers to engage with one of the at least one windows on the catch plate. Such an engagement prevents the catch plate from rotating in the engagement direction, while the angled orientation of the locking fingers allows the catch plate to rotate freely in the opposite (freewheeling) direction. Biasing elements are proved to axially bias the ramp plates toward the centrally positioned catch plate.
US08365891B2
A positively locking overrunning clutch, which has a damping device, a drive input element and a drive output element and also at least one blocking element which blocks a rotation of the drive output element relative to the drive input element in a first rotational direction and enables the rotation in the opposite rotational direction. The blocking element has two clamping rings which are pivotable relative to one another and damped with respect to one another.
US08365889B2
An automatic transmission includes a starting apparatus having a housing that rotates based on torque of a driving source, and a clutch mechanism portion positioned in the housing; an oil pump that is positioned on a side opposite to the driving source with respect to the starting apparatus in a rotational axis direction of the housing, and is driven by transmission of rotation of the housing; an oil pump housing in which the oil pump is accommodated; and a speed change mechanism that is positioned on a side opposite to the starting apparatus with respect to the oil pump housing in the rotational axis direction, and has an input shaft, which extends through the oil pump and the oil pump housing and is connected to the clutch mechanism portion.
US08365885B2
An emergency brake. The emergency brake includes a pack of disks and counter-disks. A resilient actuator acts on the pack to push the disks and counter-disks into a braking condition. A piston acts on the pack in opposition to the resilient actuator in order to disable braking. A hydraulic circuit has a pressurized hydraulic fluid controlling the piston, which can be activated to actuate the piston in a condition releasing braking of the pack. The hydraulic circuit also has a branch delivering actuator fluid to the braking pack to lubricate and cool the braking pack when the circuit is deactivated.
US08365884B2
A brake shoe without a metal backing has a metal insert (9) comprising a main body (10), two wing-like extensions (12/13) integral with, on opposite sides of and extending away from the main body having back faces adjacent to the back surface of the brake shoe, two generally parallel radially extending flanges (15/16) integral with the main body and/or the wing-like extensions. The parallel extension defines a keyway (17), wherein when the brake shoe is emplaced on the brake head, the keyway extends through an opening provided in the brake head.
