US08405163B2
A semiconductor device includes conductive features within a gate electrode level region that are each fabricated from a respective originating rectangular-shaped layout feature having a centerline aligned parallel to a first direction. The conductive features form gate electrodes of first and second PMOS transistor devices, and first and second NMOS transistor devices. The gate electrodes of the first PMOS and first NMOS transistor devices extend along a first gate electrode track. The gate electrodes of the second PMOS and second NMOS transistor devices extend along a second gate electrode track. A first set of interconnected conductors electrically connect the gate electrodes of the first PMOS and second NMOS transistor devices. A second set of interconnected conductors electrically connect the gate electrodes of the second PMOS and first NMOS transistor devices. The first and second sets of interconnected conductors traverse across each other within different levels of the semiconductor device.
US08405157B2
The invention relates to a BiMOS semiconductor component having a semiconductor substrate wherein, in a first active region, a depletion-type MOS transistor is formed comprising additional source and drain doping regions of the first conductivity type extending in the downward direction past the depletion region into the body doping region while, in a second active region, (101), a bipolar transistor (100) is formed, the base of which comprises a body doping region (112) and the collector of which comprises a deep pan (110), wherein an emitter doping region (114) of the first conductivity type and a base connection doping region (118) of the second conductivity type are formed in the body doping region. The semiconductor element can be produced with a particularly low process expenditure because it uses the same basic structure for the doping regions in the bipolar transistor as are used in the MOS transistor of the same semiconductor component.
US08405155B2
A semiconductor structure comprises a substrate, a gate structure, at least a source/drain region, a recess and an epitaxial layer. The substrate includes an up surface. A gate structure is located on the upper surface. The source/drain region is located within the substrate beside the gate structure. The recess is located within the source/drain region. The epitaxial layer fills the recess, and the cross-sectional profile of the epitaxial layer is an octagon.
US08405150B2
A silicon-on-insulator wafer. The SOI wafer comprises a top silicon layer, a silicon substrate, and an oxide insulator layer disposed across the wafer and between the silicon substrate and the top silicon layer. The oxide insulator layer has at least one of a contoured top surface and a contoured bottom surface. Also provided are processes for manufacturing such a SOI wafer.
US08405137B2
Single transistor floating-body DRAM devices have a vertical channel transistor structure. The DRAM devices include a substrate, and first and second floating bodies disposed on the substrate and isolated from each other. A source region and a drain region are disposed under and above each of the first and second floating bodies. A gate electrode is disposed between the first and second floating bodies. Methods of fabricating the single transistor floating-body DRAM devices are also provided.
US08405132B2
A transistor structure includes a semiconductor substrate with a first surface, a diffusion region at the first surface of the substrate, a sacrificial gate formed on the diffusion region, and insulating side walls formed adjacent to the sacrificial gate. A metal gate is formed by etching out the sacrificial gate and filling in the space between the insulating side walls with gate metals. Silicided source and drain contacts are formed over the diffusion region between the side walls of two adjacent aluminum gates. One or more oxide layers are formed over the substrate. Vias are formed in the oxide layers by plasma etching to expose the silicided source and drain contacts, which simultaneously oxidizes the aluminum gate metal. A first metal is selectively formed over the silicided contact by electroless deposition, but does not deposit on the oxidized aluminum gate.
US08405129B2
A design structure tangibly embodied in a machine readable medium for designing, manufacturing, or testing an integrated circuit includes a plurality of bit line structures, a plurality of word line structures intersecting said plurality of bit line structures to form a plurality of cell locations, and a plurality of cells located at said plurality of cell locations, each of said cells being selectively coupled to a corresponding bit line structure under control of a corresponding word line structure, each of said cells comprising a logical storage element having at least a first n-type field effect transistor and at least a first p-type field effect transistor, wherein said at least first n-type field effect transistor is formed with a relatively thick buried oxide layer sized to reduce capacitance of said bit line structures, and said at least first p-type field effect transistor is formed with a relatively thin buried oxide layer.
US08405126B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer stack formed on a substrate, a first ohmic electrode and a second ohmic electrode which are formed on the semiconductor layer stack, and are spaced from each other, a first control layer formed between the first ohmic electrode and the second ohmic electrode, and a first gate electrode formed on the first control layer. The first control layer includes a lower layer, an intermediate layer which is formed on the lower layer, and has lower impurity concentration than the lower layer, and an upper layer which is formed on the intermediate layer, and has higher impurity concentration than the intermediate layer.
US08405124B2
A complementary logic element including first and second transistor elements. The first and second gate electrodes of the two transistor elements are electrically parallel to form a common gate. Both the coupling layers of the first and the second transistor element include a resistance switching material, a conductivity of which may be altered by causing an ion concentration to alter if an electrical voltage signal of an appropriate polarity is applied. The first and second transistor elements also include an ion conductor layer that is capable of accepting ions from the coupling layer and of releasing ions into the coupling layer. The coupling layers and ion conductor layers are such that the application of an electrical signal of a given polarity to the gate enhances the electrical conductivity of the first coupling layer and diminishes the electrical conductivity of the second, or vice versa.
US08405120B2
An organic light emitting diode device is disclosed. The organic light emitting diode device includes: a first electrode, a light emitting section disposed over the first electrode and including at least two light emitters displaying the same or different colors, a second electrode disposed over the light emitting section, and a filler layer for encapsulation disposed over the second electrode and including a light emitter displaying at least one color.
US08405119B2
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) lighting apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes i) a substrate main body including a light emitting area and a sealing area surrounding the light emitting area, ii) an OLED disposed on the light emitting area of the substrate main body, iii) a sealant disposed on the sealing area of the substrate main body and iv) an encapsulation substrate encapsulating the OLED, wherein the encapsulation substrate comprises first and second surfaces opposing each other. The apparatus may further include a heat dissipating wire configured to dissipate heat generated by the OLED. The heat dissipating wire includes a heat absorption portion disposed on the first surface of the encapsulation substrate and contacting the sealant, a heat dissipating portion disposed on the second surface, and a coupling portion interconnecting the absorption portion and the heat dissipating portion.
US08405118B2
A multichip package structure includes a substrate unit, a light-emitting unit, a current-limiting unit, a frame unit and a package unit. The substrate unit includes a first chip-placing region and a second chip-placing region. The light-emitting unit includes a plurality of light-emitting chips electrically connected to the first chip-placing region. The current-limiting unit includes at least one current-limiting chip electrically connected to the second chip-placing region and the light-emitting unit. The frame unit includes a first annular colloid frame surrounding the light-emitting chips and a second annular colloid frame surrounding the current-limiting chip. The package unit includes a first package colloid body surrounded by the first annular colloid frame to cover the light-emitting chips and a second package colloid body surrounded by the second annular colloid frame to cover the current-limiting chip.
US08405112B2
A thin-type light emitting diode lamp includes a blue light emitting diode chip (6) disposed at a substantial center of an inner bottom surface of a groove-shaped recess (3) formed at an end surface and having a thin elongated rectangular opening, a red light conversion layer (7) covering the blue light emitting diode chip (6) and made of a light-transmitting synthetic resin containing powder of a red fluorescent material which emits red light when excited by blue light emitted from the blue light emitting diode chip, and a green light conversion layer (10) made of a light-transmitting synthetic resin containing powder of a green fluorescent material which emits green light when excited by the blue light. The light emitting diode lamp further includes a light transmitting layer (9) intervening between the red light conversion layer (7) and the green light conversion layer (10). The light transmitting layer contains neither the red fluorescent material nor the green fluorescent material or contains the red fluorescent material or the green fluorescent material only by a small amount.
US08405111B2
A semiconductor light-emitting device includes a semiconductor light-emitting element, and a sealing material sealing the semiconductor light-emitting element. The sealing material includes a phosphor which includes a matrix including a glass and a luminescence center included in the matrix. A refractive index of the matrix is more in a far side of the matrix than the refractive index of the matrix in a near side of the matrix, the far side being located farther from the semiconductor light-emitting element than the near side. The refractive index of the matrix is the same as a refractive index of the semiconductor light-emitting element.
US08405100B2
An organic electroluminescence display unit includes: a lower electrode for each device; a first hole injection/transport layer provided on the lower electrode for each device; a second organic light emitting layer of the first color provided on the first hole injection/transport layer for the second organic electroluminescence device; a second hole injection/transport layer provided on the entire surfaces of the second organic light emitting layer and the first hole injection/transport layer for the first organic electroluminescence device, and being made of a low molecular material; a blue first organic light emitting layer provided on the entire surface of the second hole injection/transport layer; and an electron injection/transport layer having at least one of electron injection characteristics and electron transport characteristics, and an upper electrode that are provided in sequence on the entire surface of first organic light emitting layer.
US08405098B2
An organic light emitting device includes a first electrode and second electrode on a substrate. Light emitting units are positioned between the first and second electrodes. A first light emitting unit includes a first light emitting layer, and a second light emitting unit includes a second light emitting layer. The first electrode reflects light from at least one of the light emitting units to generate an interference pattern with light emitted from the first light emitting layer. The interference pattern has a plurality of interference positions such that a first interference position is located within the first light emitting layer, and a second interference position is located within the second light emitting layer.
US08405093B2
Disclosed is a light emitting device including a substrate, a reflective layer provided on the substrate, and a light emitting structure, which includes a first conductive semiconductor layer, a second conductive semiconductor layer and an active layer placed between the first and second conductive semiconductor layers, wherein the first conductive semiconductor layer is an n-type semiconductor layer including GaN and doped with an n-type dopant, wherein the first conductive semiconductor layer includes a first n-type semiconductor layer and a second n-type semiconductor layer between the first n-type semiconductor layer and the active layer, wherein one surface of the first n-type semiconductor layer contacts the second n-type semiconductor layer, and wherein the surface of the first n-type semiconductor layer contacting the second n-type semiconductor layer is formed in an N-phase. The disclosed light emitting device may have improved luminous efficacy while showing reduction in crystal defects.
US08405089B2
To provide an active region having first and second diffusion layers positioned at both sides of a gate trench and a third diffusion layer formed on a bottom surface of the gate trench, first and second memory elements connected to the first and second diffusion layers, respectively, a bit line connected to the third diffusion layer, a first gate electrode that covers a first side surface of the gate trench via a gate dielectric film and forms a channel between the first diffusion layer and the third diffusion layer, and a second gate electrode that covers a second side surface of the gate trench via a gate dielectric film and forms a channel between the second diffusion layer and the third diffusion layer. According to the present invention, because separate transistors are formed on both side surfaces of a gate trench, two times of conventional integration can be achieved.
US08405083B2
A TFT array substrate including a substrate, a plurality of pixel structures and a plurality of cutting marks is provided. The substrate has a device region and a cutting mark region. The pixel structures are disposed in the device region and each pixel structure includes a TFT, a pixel electrode and a passivation layer covering the TFT. The cutting marks are within the cutting mark region, disposed at two sides of a predetermined cutting position, and are arranged as a row or column perpendicular to a predetermined cutting direction. In particular, the cutting marks are constituted of at least two colors, at least two shapes, at least one color and at least one shape, or a combination thereof.
US08405082B2
A thin film transistor array substrate includes a gate line disposed on a substrate, the gate line comprising a gate electrode including a lower film and an upper film thicker than the lower film, a gate insulating layer formed on the gate line, a semiconductor layer formed on the gate insulating layer, an ohmic contact layer formed on the semiconductor layer, a data line electrically connected to a source electrode and a drain electrode formed on the ohmic contact layer, the lower film of the gate line is in contact with the gate insulating layer at a crossing portion of the gate line and the data line and the heights of the source electrode and the drain electrode are substantially the same as or less than a height of the semiconductor layer.
US08405080B2
A transistor substrate and a method of manufacturing the transistor substrate. The transistor substrate includes a semiconductor layer arranged on a base layer, a first layer arranged on the semiconductor layer and having a first light transmissivity, source and drain electrodes, the source electrode arranged on a first side of the semiconductor layer and extending onto a first portion of the first layer, the drain electrode arranged on a second and opposite side of the semiconductor layer and extending onto a second portion of the first layer and separated from the source electrode by a distance, a second layer arranged between the first layer and the source and drain electrodes and having a second light transmissivity that is lower than the first light transmissivity, a gate insulating layer arranged on the first layer and a gate electrode arranged on the gate insulating layer.
US08405076B2
A nonvolatile memory element (100) includes a variable resistance layer (107) including a first metal oxide MOx and a second metal oxide MOy, and reaction energy of chemical reaction related to the first metal oxide, the second metal oxide, oxygen ions, and electrons is 2 eV or less. The chemical reaction is expressed by a formula 13, where a combination (MOx, MOy) of MOx and MOy is selected from a group including (Cr2O3, CrO3), (Co3O4, Co2O3), (Mn3O4, Mn2O3), (VO2, V2O5), (Ce2O3, CeO2), (W3O8, WO3), (Cu2O, CuO), (SnO, SnO2), (NbO2, Nb2O5), and (Ti2O3, TiO2). [Mathematical Expression 13] MOx+(y−x)O2−MOy+2(y−x)e− (Formula 13)
US08405073B2
A thin film transistor capable of stably obtaining good performance is provided. The thin film transistor includes an organic semiconductor layer, and a protective layer and a source electrode and a drain electrode formed on the organic semiconductor layer. The protective layer is disposed at least in a region between the source electrode and the drain electrode.
US08405066B2
A nitride-based semiconductor light-emitting device having enhanced efficiency of carrier injection to a well layer is provided. The nitride-based semiconductor light-emitting device comprises a hexagonal gallium nitride-based semiconductor substrate 5, an n-type gallium nitride-based semiconductor region 7 disposed on the principal surface S1 of the substrate 5, a light-emitting layer 11 having a single-quantum-well structure disposed on the n-type gallium nitride-based semiconductor region 7, and a p-type gallium nitride-based semiconductor region 19 disposed on the light-emitting layer 11. The light-emitting layer 11 is disposed between the n-type gallium nitride-based semiconductor region 7 and the p-type gallium nitride-based semiconductor region 19. The light-emitting layer 11 includes a well layer 15 and barrier layers 13 and 17. The well layer 15 comprises InGaN. The principal surface S1 extends along a reference plane S5 tilting from a plane perpendicular to the c-axis of the hexagonal gallium nitride-based semiconductor at a tilt angle in a range of not less than 63 degrees and not more than 80 degrees or in a range of not less than 100 degrees and not more than 117 degrees.
US08405060B2
The present invention relates to a photoexcitable storage phosphor which comprises at least one rare earth element in the trivalent +3 oxidation state and wherein upon irradiation by X-ray, γ-ray or UV radiation the trivalent +3 oxidation state is reduced to divalent +2 oxidation state. The present invention also relates to a dosimeter, radiation image storage panel comprising the phosphor of the present invention and in dosimetry applications for applications including scientific, medical and other imaging applications. The present invention also relates to a process for making a photoexcitable storage phosphor and a process for recording and reproducing an image.
US08405054B2
The present invention provides a plasma ion beam system that includes multiple gas sources and that can be used for performing multiple operations using different ion species to create or alter submicron features of a work piece. The system preferably uses an inductively coupled, magnetically enhanced ion beam source, suitable in conjunction with probe-forming optics sources to produce ion beams of a wide variety of ions without substantial kinetic energy oscillations induced by the source, thereby permitting formation of a high resolution beam.
US08405053B2
A focused ion beam apparatus, including: a specimen transferring unit having a probe to which a micro-specimen extracted from a specimen, can be joined through a joining deposition film, for transferring the micro-specimen to a sample holder; and wherein, the specimen transferring unit holds the probe which is joined through the joining deposition film to the micro-specimen extracted from the specimen, and the sample stage moves so that the sample holder mounted on the holder clasp is provided into an irradiated range of the focused ion beam, and the specimen transferring unit approaches the probe to the sample holder, and the gas nozzle supplies the deposition gas so that the micro-specimen is fixed to the sample holder through a fixing deposition film, and the ion beam irradiating optical system irradiates the focused ion beam to the micro-specimen fixed to the sample holder for various procedures.
US08405051B2
A method for removal of a deposition on an uncapped multilayer mirror of an apparatus. The method includes providing a gas that includes one or more of H2, D2, and DH, and one or more additional compounds selected from hydrocarbon compounds and/or silane compounds in at least part of the apparatus; producing hydrogen and/or deuterium radicals and radicals of the one or more additional compounds, from the gas; and bringing the uncapped multilayer mirror with deposition into contact with at least part of the hydrogen and/or deuterium radicals and the radicals of the one or more additional compounds to remove at least part of the deposition.
US08405047B2
The present invention relates to a specimen box for an electron microscope, comprising a first substrate, a second substrate, one or more photoelectric elements, and a metal adhesion layer. The first substrate has a first surface, a second surface, a first concave, and one or more first through holes, wherein the first through holes penetrate through the first substrate. The second substrate has a third surface, a forth surface, and a second concave. The photoelectric element is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. In addition, the metal adhesion layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate to form a space for a specimen contained therein. Besides, the present specimen box further comprises one or more plugs. When the plugs are assembled into the first through holes to seal the specimen box, the in-situ observation can be accomplished by using the electron microscope.
US08405037B2
A radiation detector of this invention includes a Cl-doped CdTe or Cl-doped CdZnTe polycrystalline semiconductor film in which defect levels in crystal grains are protected. This is obtained by grinding CdTe or CdZnTe crystal doped with Cl, and preparing the polycrystalline semiconductor film again by using its powder as the source. The defect levels of crystal grain boundaries in the polycrystalline semiconductor film are also protected by further doping the polycrystalline semiconductor film prepared again with Cl. These features enable manufacture of the radiation detector which has excellent sensitivity and response to radiation.
US08405036B2
A method embodiment for forming an imaging array includes providing a glass substrate having a top surface, forming a patterned conductive layer on the top surface of the glass substrate, and forming an insulating layer on the patterned conductive layer on a side of the patterned conductive layer opposite the glass substrate. The method can include providing a single crystal silicon substrate having an internal separation layer proximate a first surface of the single crystal silicon substrate. The single crystal silicon substrate is secured to the glass substrate such that the first surface of the single crystal silicon substrate corresponds to the insulating layer. The single crystal silicon substrate is separated at the internal separation layer to create an exposed surface opposite the first surface of the single crystal silicon substrate and an array including one or more photosensitive elements and/or readout elements is formed thereon.
US08405032B2
A system for imaging a distribution of an absorbent material within an absorbent article. The system includes a radiation source and a detector positioned such that the absorbent article is situated between the radiation source and the detector. The absorbent article includes an absorbent material having a spatial distribution within the absorbent article. Infrared radiation within a particular wavelength range (e.g., 3 μm to 3.2 μm) is more likely to be absorbed by the absorbent material than by other materials within the absorbent article. The radiation source is configured to generate infrared radiation incident on the absorbent article. The detector is configured to detect a quantity of the infrared radiation within the particular wavelength range that was transmitted through the absorbent article. The radiation source is further configured to generate data indicative of the spatial distribution of the absorbent material based on the detected quantity of the infrared radiation.
US08405017B2
In one aspect, the present invention provides an active pixel sensor array with optimized matching between pixels and strength and frequency of incoming signals such as photons absorbed. The array comprises multiple pixels of individual geometry corresponds to spatial location. Each pixel full-well is adjustable via modifiable pixel conversion gain while maintaining pixel linearity. Furthermore each pixel internally stores multiple of extremely high frequency samples. Variable pixel geometry per row is very advantageous for Echelle spectrograph, where pixel heights are aligned with the spectrograph “order separator” where the resolution changes. In combination with variable geometry, externally adjustable full-well provides for superior spectral line separation in spectroscopy applications. In one embodiment multiple time windows with intermittent resets are stored within each pixel. This feature allows for the detection of extreme high frequency consecutive events without saturation such as may be the case with LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy).
US08405015B1
A multiple image LED projector comprises an array of LED elements directing light beams through a multi-frame image film focused by an array of lenses onto the same position on a projection surface. By lighting the LEDs in sequence, a slide show or animation sequence is projected onto the projection surface. The sequence can be played in reverse, or in different order of images for different effects.
US08405001B2
A hybrid welding device including a fuel cell and an energy storage device that cooperate to power a welding operation and/or an auxiliary operation are provided. In some embodiments, the hybrid welding device may also include an engine coupled to a generator that is configured to supplement the power provided by the fuel cell and/or the energy storage device. The hybrid welding device may be adapted to provide power for a welding operation and/or an auxiliary operation when operated as a standalone unit and/or when connected to a primary source of utility power.
US08404997B2
A mechanical arrangement (1) for processing rod-like workpieces, especially pipes (2), has a processing device (20) for processing a workpiece, a workpiece-moving device (6) for moving workpieces (2) relative to the processing device (20), and a device (11) for supporting a workpiece in the direction of gravity. The device (11) for supporting a workpiece includes at least one support roller (13) which forms at its outer periphery a workpiece rest. The workpiece rest at the outer periphery of the support roller (13) extends about a roller rotation axis (14) of the support roller (13) at a changing center distance. The support roller (13) is rotatable about the roller rotation axis (14) in a controlled manner and is thereby positionable in different rotational positions.
US08404987B2
A keypad assembly includes a support member, a key switch, a keycap and a resilient member. The key switch is located on the support member, and includes a triggering portion. The keycap is fixed opposite to the triggering portion. The resilient member is fixed to the keycap. The support member and the key switch are located between the keycap and the resilient member. The resilient member is elastically deformed by resisting the support member when the key switch is not triggered, such that the keycap tightly contacts the triggering portion of the key switch.
US08404983B2
A removable electric controller for a garage door opener includes a base unit, a cover and a control box unit. A box lid of the control box unit is slidably connected to a connecting surface of the cover. A guide insertion end of a control circuit board of the control box unit is connected to a main connecting port module of a circuit terminal connecting plate on the base unit. The cover and the control box unit are detachable. A driving member, a light source member, an inductive circuit line and a power member of the base unit are connected to wiring port modules of the circuit terminal connecting plate, so that the wiring is in the way of modulization. The control circuit board of the control box unit can be replaced with ease, providing a convenient and simply assembly.
US08404982B2
An electronic apparatus includes: a housing 100 formed of a conductive material; and a digital processing circuit 102 which is disposed in the housing 100 and which radiates an electromagnetic wave. The housing 100 includes a ventilation part 101 through which air is ventilated into and out of the housing 100. The ventilation part 101 is divided into a plurality of holes by a conductive member. When a maximum length in one of the vertical direction and the horizontal direction of one of the plurality of holes that has the largest opening area is R m, and when the frequency of the electromagnetic wave radiated from the digital processing circuit 102 is A Hz, a relationship expressed as 3.0×108/A×½>R is satisfied.
US08404977B2
Provided is a flexible electronic assembly that uses no solder. Components or component packages are mounted on a flexible substrate. Vias connect through the substrate to the components' leads. Circuits are formed on the opposite side of the substrate interconnecting the component through the vias. The assembly is made flexible by removing encapsulent material between components.
US08404971B1
A camera mounting assembly for mounting a security camera, detector, or electrical fixture directly to an indoor or outdoor surface. The camera mounting assembly includes an electrical box with adapted for use with several mounting adapters. A ceiling mounting adapter enables mounting the electrical box directly to the ceiling or to a down rod secured to the ceiling. A wall mounting adapter enables mounting the electrical box directly to a wall. A corner mounting adapter enables mounting the electrical box to an outside corner. The mounting adapters include a substantially thick face plate that can accept fasteners for securing a camera or fixture directly to the face portion. A camera adapter plate and a mounting bar are provided for mounting cameras or fixtures having a small base diameter.
US08404969B2
An actinic energy ray curable adhesive contains a urethane resin (D) and a epoxy resin (E). The urethane resin (D) is prepared by reacting a diol ingredient (A1) having no (meth)acryloyl group, an optional diol ingredient (A2) having no (meth)acryloyl group, no carbonate structure and no alicyclic structure, a polyol ingredient (B) having a (meth)acryloyl group and two or more hydroxyl groups in a molecule, and a polyisocyanate ingredient (C) together. The ingredient (A1) is selected from a diol (a1) having a carbonate structure and an alicyclic structure in a molecule, a combination of a diol (a2) having no alicyclic structure but having a carbonate structure, and a diol (a3) having no carbonate structure but having an alicyclic structure, and a combination of a diol (a1) and at least one of the diol (a2) and the diol (a3).
US08404967B2
A photovoltaic module includes an encapsulated photovoltaic element and an infrared transmissive decorative overlay simulating conventional roofing.
US08404964B2
It is desirable to provide a variable light condensing lens apparatus and a solar cell apparatus provided therewith in a simple configuration, yet capable of reducing dependency of light condensing efficiency on the angle of incidence of light and thereby improving power generation efficiency of the solar cell apparatus. The variable light condensing lens apparatus according to the present disclosure is provided with a translucent support having a hydrophilic photocatalyst on a surface thereof and a first translucent liquid supported on the surface of the translucent support in contact therewith and the solar cell apparatus according to the present disclosure is provided with a solar cell element, a pair of electrodes connected to the solar cell element and the variable light condensing apparatus according to the present disclosure disposed opposed to the solar cell element.
US08404963B2
An auxiliary member which is inserted into between a roof material and a fixing member including a base portion which is placed on the roof material and has a placement portion, a fixing portion, and a concave groove portion, an erected portion which extends to the upper side from the base portion, and a blocking portion which extends from an upper end of the erected portion to both sides so as to be in parallel with the placement portion and blocks the first frame from being moved to the upper side, includes an engagement convex portion which engages with the groove portion of the fixing member, a main body on which the engagement convex portion is formed on an upper surface, and a concave engagement concave portion which is formed on a lower surface of the main body and is engageable with the engagement convex portion.
US08404962B2
A portable device for supplying with power of at least one portable electrical load or gadget (70), wherein the device (10) is adapted to be manually heated and comprises at least one thermoelectric element (20) having one hot or warm side (21) and one cold side (22), a container (30) attached to the cold side (22) and adapted for holding or keeping a cooling medium or fluid (90) therein, a power converter (60) and a set of cables (65) coming out of the thermoelectric element (20) and connected to the electrical load (70) via the power converter (60).
US08404952B1
A novel maize variety designated X05A920 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 X05A920 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X05A920 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X05A920, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X05A920. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X05A920.
US08404938B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1022842. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1022842. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1022842 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1022842 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08404932B2
The invention provides seed and plants of the pea line designated EX 08570935. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pea line EX 08570935, and to methods for producing a pea plant produced by crossing a plant of pea line EX 08570935 with itself or with another pea plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of pea line EX 08570935, including the seed, pod, and gametes of such plants.
US08404922B2
An absorbent article comprising a face sheet and an absorbent body in this order, wherein the face sheet is at least one of concavo-convex or convexo-flat heat-embossed sheet and concavo-convex or convexo-flat ultrasonic-embossed sheet.
US08404919B2
A method for treating nuclear sludge comprising subjecting the nuclear sludge to a plasma treatment in a plasma chamber to melt at least some of the inorganic components of the sludge, wherein the plasma chamber comprises a crucible having a cooled inner surface, this surface cooled sufficiently such that the inorganic components in contact with the inner surface are in a solid state and form a barrier between the part of surface of the crucible with which they are in contact and the molten inorganic components of the sludge.
US08404915B2
This invention relates to a method to selectively oligomerize olefins comprising contacting olefins with: 1) at least one diaryl-substituted diphosphine ligand; 2) a chromium metal precursor; and 3) optionally, one or more activators. In a particular embodiment, the method for selectively oligomerizing olefins includes trimerizing ethylene to selectively form 1-hexene.
US08404914B2
The invention provides an efficient process for producing alkylated aromatic compounds such as cumene in a compact reactor. The invention also provides a process for producing phenol which includes a step of producing cumene by the above process. The process for producing alkylated aromatic compounds of the invention includes feeding raw materials including an aromatic compound and an alcohol in a gas-liquid downward concurrent flow mode to a fixed-bed reactor packed with a solid acid catalyst thereby to produce an alkylated aromatic compound, wherein the raw materials are fed to the reactor in a stream of a gas, and the reaction gas flow rate defined by the equation below is not less than 0.05 at an entrance of a solid acid catalyst layer: ρg·ug·[ρair·ρwater/(ρg·ρl)]1/2(kgm−2s−1).
US08404910B2
Methods are provided for producing low oxygen biomass-derived pyrolysis oil from carbonaceous biomass feedstock. The carbonaceous biomass feedstock is pyrolyzed in the presence of a steam reforming catalyst to produce char and pyrolysis gases. During pyrolysis, a portion of the oxygenated hydrocarbons in the pyrolysis gases is converted into hydrocarbons by steam reforming also yielding carbon oxides and hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas at least partially deoxygenates a residual portion of the oxygenated hydrocarbons. Additional hydrogen gas may also be produced by water-gas shift reactions to deoxygenate the residual portion of the oxygenated hydrocarbons in the pyrolysis gases. Deoxygenation may occur in the presence of a hydroprocessing catalyst. A condensable portion of the pyrolysis gases is condensed to form low oxygen biomass-derived pyrolysis oil.
US08404901B2
The present invention relates to a process for purifying a gas mixture comprising dinitrogen monoxide, at least comprising the at least partial condensation of a gas mixture G-I comprising dinitrogen monoxide to obtain a liquid composition C-1 comprising dinitrogen monoxide, and the contacting of the composition C-1 with a gas mixture M-1 to obtain a composition C-2 and a gas mixture M-2.
US08404895B2
New tertiary amine salts are useful as gas hydrate inhibitors in oil and gas production and transportation. These tertiary amine salts give very good separation from an emulsion, are economic and have reduced toxicity concerns.
US08404893B2
Pentafluorosulfanylbenzoylguanidines of the formula I and II in which R1 to R4 have the meanings stated in the claims, are suitable as antiarrhythmic medicaments with a cardioprotective component for the prophylaxis of infarction and treatment of infarction and for the treatment of angina pectoris. They also inhibit preventively the pathophysiological processes associated with the development of ischemia-induced damage, especially in the triggering of ischemia-induced cardiac arrhythmias.
US08404888B2
A process which enables production of acrylic acid on an industrial scale at high productivity with stability, comprising production of acrylic acid by oxidation of propane with molecular oxygen, is provided. The process is characterized in characterized by re-use of the gas containing unreacted propane, as obtained after recovering acrylic acid from the gas produced of the reaction, as a recycling gas after removing at least a part of carbon dioxide from the same gas.
US08404887B2
A process for producing acrylic acid of the present invention comprises the step of conducting gas-phase oxidative dehydrogenation of a composition containing propionaldehyde using a solid catalyst containing molybdenum and vanadium as essential components, thereby obtaining acrylic acid. The obtained acrylic acid is preferably purified by crystallization, and a monomeric component containing the purified acrylic acid is polymerized to thereby give a hydrophilic resin such as an absorbent resin and a water-soluble resin.
US08404884B2
A process for the extraction of macromolecules from a biomass material comprising: a) contacting the biomass material with a solution comprising thin stillage to provide a slurry comprising undissolved solids, dissolved solids and suspended solids; and b) separating undissolved solids from the slurry to provide a solid fraction and a liquid fraction; and wherein the macromolecules are comprised in the dissolved solids.
US08404880B2
Disclosed are: a solid polymethylaluminoxane composition which does not utilize silica or the like, has the form of relatively fine particles, has more uniform particle sizes, and exhibits a high polymerization activity when used in the preparation of an olefin polymer; a process for producing the solid polymethylaluminoxane composition; a polymerization catalyst; and a process for producing an olefin polymer. Specifically disclosed are: a solid polymethylaluminoxane composition which has an aluminum content of 36 to 41 mass % and contains a methyl group derived from a trimethylaluminum moiety at a molar fraction of 12 mol % or less; a process for producing the solid polymethylaluminoxane composition, which comprises the step of heating an aromatic hydrocarbon solution containing polymethylaluminoxane and trimethylaluminum to cause the precipitation of the solid polymethylaluminoxane composition; a polymerization catalyst for an olefin, which comprises the solid polymethylaluminoxane composition and a transition metal compound as catalyst components; and a process for producing an olefin polymer by using the polymerization catalyst.
US08404870B2
The present invention relates to ((2S,4R)-4,6-dihydroxytetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)methyl carboxylates and a process for the production thereof. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a process for the production of statins and in particular of Rosuvastatin and derivates thereof, wherein the above mentioned compounds are used as intermediates.
US08404869B2
Provided is a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of disease involving metabolic syndromes, comprising (a) a therapeutically effective amount of a particular compound represented by Formula 1 as defined in the specification, or isomer, prodrug, or solvate or thereof, and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, a diluent or an excipient, or any combination thereof.
US08404863B2
Compounds are disclosed herein having the formula (I). Therapeutic methods, compositions, and medicaments related thereto are also disclosed.
US08404860B2
A method of selectively producing the syn-isomer of a compound having a hydantoin ring, which is important as an optical material, an electronic material, an active ingredient and an intermediate of medicines and pesticides and an active ingredient and an intermediate of diagnostics, comprising converting a compound having a hydantoin ring (for example, (E,Z)-2-benzyloxy-5,7-diazaspiro[3,4]octan-6,8-dione represented by the following formula (1)) into a t-butyl ester derivative thereof (formula (2)), crystallizing the same to selectively give the syn-monoBoc isomer thereof and then leaving the t-butyloxycarbonyl group.
US08404856B2
Heteroaromatic compounds of Formula (I) are HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitors, wherein ring A is: (ii-a), (ii-b), (ii-c), (ii-d), or (ii-e); and wherein n, L, M, U, X, Y, Z, RE, RF, R1, R2A, R2B, R2C, R3, R8, R9 and R10 are defined herein. The compounds of Formula I and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs are useful in the inhibition of HIV reverse transcriptase, the prophylaxis and treatment of infection by HIV and in the prophylaxis, delay in the onset or progression, and treatment of AIDS. The compounds and their salts and prodrugs can be employed as ingredients in pharmaceutical compositions, optionally in combination with other antivirals, immunomodulators, antibiotics or vaccines.
US08404854B2
The invention relates to crystalline barium salt of (S)-omeprazole, which is (S)-5-methoxy-2-[[(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethyl-2-pyridinyl)-methyl]sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole. The invention also relates to processes for preparing crystalline barium salt of (S)-omeprazole and pharmaceutical compositions that include the crystalline barium salt of (S)-omeprazole so prepared.
US08404850B2
Bis-quaternary pyridinium-aldoxime salts are disclosed, and their associated polymorphic character, along with their methods of preparation. Such polymorphic salts may then be used for treatment of exposure to cholinesterase inhibitors, such as a phosphorous containing cholinesterase inhibitor type compound.
US08404848B2
The present invention is related to a compound of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and X are as defined herein, or an addition salt with an acid thereof, its pharmaceutical composition or use for treating or preventing diseases involving Nurr-1 nuclear receptors, also known as NR4A2, NOT, TINUR, RNR-1 and HZF3.
US08404839B2
4-(3-chloro-2-fluoroanilino)-7 methoxy-6-{[1-(N-methylcarbamoylmethyl)piperidin-4-yl]oxy}quinazoline difumarate, pharmaceutical compositions containing the difumarate, the use of the difumarate in the treatment of hyperproliferative disorders such as cancer and processes for the manufacture of the difumarate are described.
US08404836B2
Novel 3-phenyl acrylic acid compounds have the following general formula (I): and are formulated into pharmaceutical compositions for administration in human or veterinary medicine (in dermatology, as well as in the field of cardiovascular diseases, immune diseases and/or diseases associated with lipid metabolism), or into cosmetic compositions.
US08404835B2
A description is provided of a method for extraction of D-galactose, with the following steps: provision of an aqueous solution or suspension of galactoarabinan, wherein the aqueous solution or phase has a pH of less than or equal to 3; heating of the solution or suspension to a temperature in the range from 80 to 160° C. and maintaining it at this temperature for a period in the range from 1 to 40 hours; separation of the D-galactose formed, possibly in a mixture with other substances, from the resultant product mixture.
US08404833B2
Preparation and use of synthetic disaccharides useful for the preparation of synthetic heparinoids.
US08404829B2
Cancer markers may be developed to detect diseases characterized by increased expression of apoptosis-suppressing genes, such as aggressive cancers. Genes in the human chromosomal regions, 8q24, 11q13, 20q11-q13, were found to be amplified indicating in vivo drug resistance in diseases such as ovarian cancer. Diagnosis and assessment of amplification levels certain genes shown to be amplified, including PVT1, can be useful in prediction of poor outcome of patient's response and drug resistance in ovarian cancer patients with low survival rates. Certain genes were found to be high priority therapeutic targets by the identification of recurrent aberrations involving genome sequence, copy number and/or gene expression are associated with reduced survival duration in certain diseases and cancers, specifically ovarian cancer. Therapeutics to inhibit amplification and inhibitors of one of these genes, PVT1, target drug resistance in ovarian cancer patients with low survival rates is described.
US08404828B2
DNA compositions having nucleotide sequences that do not occur in nature. Also provided are fluorescently labeled DNA molecules and complementary DNA on solid substrates, such as microspheres.
US08404821B2
Solutions of rare-earth organophosphates in an organic solvent are prepared by reacting, in such solvent, a rare-earth compound selected from among the rare-earth oxides, hydroxides, carbonates and hydroxycarbonates with an organophosphorus acid and in the presence of a reaction promoter selected from among water, nitric, hydrochloric, acetic, formic and propionic acids and the rare-earth salts of these acids; utilizing a reaction promoter simplifies the method, reduces the reaction time and provides a solution in which the residual solids content may be low.
US08404818B2
The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies that bind or neutralize Orthopoxviruses. The invention provides such antibodies, fragments of such antibodies retaining B5 or A33 binding ability, fully human antibodies retaining B5 or A33 binding ability, and pharmaceutical compositions including such antibodies. The invention further provides for isolated nucleic acids encoding the antibodies of the invention and host cells transformed therewith. Additionally, the invention provides for prophylactic, therapeutic, and diagnostic methods employing the antibodies and nucleic acids of the invention.
US08404815B2
Methods useful for effecting prophylaxis or treatment of amyloidosis, including AA Amyloidosis and AL amyloidosis, by administering peptides comprising neoepitopes, such as AA fragments from a C-terminal region of AA, and antibodies specific for neoepitopes of aggregated amyloid proteins, for example, antibodies specific for the C-terminal region of AA fibrils. Antibodies for inhibition of formation and/or increasing clearance of amyloid deposits in a patient thus effecting prophylaxis or treating amyloid disease.
US08404802B2
The invention relates to new peptide-based compounds for use as diagnostic imaging agents or as therapeutic agents wherein the agents comprise a targeting vector which binds to receptors associated with integrin receptors.
US08404799B2
In one aspect, the present invention provides a process for forming polymeric nanoparticles, which comprises using a static mixer to create a mixed flowing stream of an anti-solvent, e.g., by introducing a liquid anti-solvent into a static mixer, and introducing a polymer solution into the mixed flowing anti-solvent stream such that controlled precipitation of polymeric nanoparticles occurs. The nanoparticles can then be separated from the anti-solvent steam.
US08404794B2
This invention relates to a liquid crystal composition and articles comprising the composition. The composition comprises at least one compound of each of the Formulas (I), (II) and (III), as defined herein. A process for making the composition is also provided.
US08404792B2
Described is a cyclobutene polymer comprising: monomeric units of cyclobutene, said cyclobutene having at least one fused ring system substituted thereon, said polymer comprising not more than 10 mol percent ring-opened units of said cyclobutene; and said polymer having a molecular weight of at least 1,000; said polymer optionally copolymerized with a comonomer to form a copolymer therewith. Compositions thereof and methods of making the same are also described.
US08404786B2
A process for producing a polymer includes mixing (A) a polysiloxane compound and (B) a polycarbosilane compound in the presence of a catalyst, water, and an organic solvent, and heating the mixture.
US08404779B2
A tissue adhesives and sealant formed by reacting a polyglycerol aldehyde with a water-dispersible, multi-arm amine is described. The tissue adhesive and sealant may be useful for medical and veterinary applications, including, but not limited to, wound closure, supplementing or replacing sutures or staples in internal surgical procedures such as intestinal anastomosis and vascular anastomosis, tissue repair, preventing leakage of fluids such as blood, bile, gastrointestinal fluid and cerebrospinal fluid, ophthalmic procedures, drug delivery, and to prevent post-surgical adhesions.
US08404776B2
The invention offers water-based paint compositions which comprise, as the polyester resin, a polyester resin whose constituent acid component contains no less than a specific amount of alicyclic polyvalent carboxylic acid (inclusive of anhydride of the acid) and which has an acid value and hydroxyl value each falling within a specific range; and as the high molecular weight resin, water-dispersible acrylic polymer particles having specific absorbance characteristics, i.e., having an absorbance not higher than a specific value as measured with a spectrophotometer in a state of a liquid dispersion at a specific low concentration in dioxane solvent, and also having a weight average molecular weight of at least 1,100,000; and multilayer coating film-forming methods using the water-based paint compositions.
US08404769B2
Provided is a process for producing a thermosetting resin varnish containing a thermosetting resin composition, which contains an uncured semi-IPN composite, an inorganic filler, and a saturated thermoplastic elastomer, wherein the process includes the steps of: (i) preliminary reacting (B) a butadiene polymer which contains in the molecule thereof 40% or more of a 1,2-butadiene unit having a 1,2-vinyl group in the side chain thereof, and which is not chemically modified and (C) a crosslinking agent, in the presence of (A) a polyphenylene ether to obtain a polyphenylene ether-modified butadiene prepolymer which is an uncured semi-IPN composite; (ii) mixing together (D) an inorganic filler and (E) a saturated thermoplastic elastomer to obtain a mixture; and (iii) mixing together the obtained mixture and the polyphenylene ether-modified butadiene prepolymer; and a resin varnish, a prepreg, and a metal-clad laminate provided using the same.
US08404762B2
Disclosed is a core-shell microparticle (10) which is produced by heating a mixture of a crosslinked microparticle (11) having an alkoxyamine group (12) and a monomer to 100 to 180° C. to cause graft polymerization. The crosslinked microparticle (11) is produced by allowing a seed particle to absorb a monomer mixture comprising 15 to 99% by mass of a crosslinkable monomer and 1 to 85% by weight of a monomer having an alkoxyamine group, and then adding a polymerization initiator to the resulting product to cause the polymerization of the monomer mixture.
US08404755B2
Polyester compositions described herein have properties which are particularly suitable for extrusion blow molding (EBM). These properties relate primarily to the rate of crystallization and melt strength or melt viscosity. Articles prepared from the polyester compositions exhibit good clarity, aesthetics, and other physical properties. The polyester compositions also exhibit broad molecular weight distribution (MWD), resulting in improved processability and melt strength. The crystallization rate allows for good drying characteristics while also enabling the use of regrind. In addition, the compositions exhibit improved recyclability, such as in existing PET recycling streams. In one aspect, articles are prepared in an extrusion blow molding method by combining a dry first polyester copolymer component, a dry second polyester component, and a chain extender to form a feed material suitable for extrusion blow molding. In another aspect, a single component co-polyester and a chain extender are combined to form a feed material.
US08404752B2
This invention provides for methods of treating a subject suffering from central nervous system injury, including traumatic brain injury, comprising administering to the subject an amount of a perfluorocarbon. This invention also provides for use of a perfluorocarbon in the manufacture of a medicament for treating a subject suffering from central nervous system injury including traumatic brain injury. This invention further provides for a pharmaceutical composition comprising a perfluorocarbon for use in treating a subject suffering from central nervous system injury, including traumatic brain injury.
US08404723B2
The present application relates to novel aryl-substituted 3-cyano-5-thiazolyl- and 3-cyano-5-thiadiazolyl-1,4-dihydropyridines, a process for their preparation, their use for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, and their use for the manufacture of medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, especially cardiovascular disorders.
US08404722B2
The present invention relates generally to compounds represented in Formula (I), pharmaceutical compositions comprising them and methods of treating of diseases or disorders such as cancer.
US08404719B2
The present application relates to calcium channel inhibitors comprising compounds of formula (I), formula (II), formula (III), or formula (IV), wherein L1, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and Rc are as defined in the specification. The present application also relates to compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of treating conditions and disorders using such compounds and compositions.
US08404717B2
Methods of treating, preventing and/or managing myelodysplastic syndromes are disclosed. Specific methods encompass the administrations of 3-(4-amino-1-oxo-1,3-dihydro-isoindol-2-yl)-piperidin-2,6-dione in combination with 5-azacytidine.
US08404715B2
Methods and pharmaceutical compositions employing a terfenadine metabolite and a leukotriene inhibitor for the treatment or prevention of inflammation or allergic disorders, such as asthma, or symptoms thereof. Also included are methods and compositions employing a terfenadine metabolite, a leukotriene inhibitor, and a decongestant for the treatment or prevention of inflammation or allergic disorders, such as asthma, or symptoms thereof.
US08404713B2
Compounds of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, Z and n have defined meanings, the N-oxide forms, the pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts, the quaternary ammonium salts and the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, and their use for the treatment of PARP-mediated disorders.
US08404693B2
3,4-Disubstituted-4-aryl-piperidine compounds are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the 3,4-disubstituted-4-aryl-piperidine compounds and methods of their pharmaceutical uses are also disclosed. The compounds disclosed are useful, inter alia, as antagonists of opioid receptors.
US08404685B2
Compounds of the formula I, in which R1, R2, R3, R3′, R4 and D 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 tumors.
US08404680B2
The present invention relates to N-[3-(5-Amino-3,3a,7,7a-tetrahydro-1H-2,4-dioxa-6-aza-inden-7-yl)-phenyl]-amides of formula I having BACE1 and/or BACE2 inhibitory activity, their manufacture, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as therapeutically active substances. The active compounds of the present invention are useful in the therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment of e.g. Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes.
US08404675B2
The present invention relates to certain 1-substituted-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-3-benzazepine derivatives of Formula (I), that are modulators of the 5HT2C receptor. Accordingly, compounds of the present invention are useful for the prophylaxis or treatment of 5HT2C receptor associated diseases, conditions or disorders, such as, obesity and related disorders.
US08404666B2
Compounds of formula I, II or III are provided where X1, X2 and X3 are independently selected from H and hydroxy protecting groups and R1 and R2 are independently selected from H or straight or branched chain alkyl groups having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, straight or branched chain alkenyl groups having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, straight or branched chain hydroxy-substituted alkyl groups having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or straight and branched chain hydroxy-substituted alkenyl groups having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms; and R3 is independently selected from straight or branched chain alkyl groups having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, straight or branched chain alkenyl groups having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, straight or branched chain hydroxy-substituted alkyl groups having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or straight and branched chain hydroxy-substituted alkenyl groups having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms. Such compounds are used in preparing pharmaceutical compositions and are useful in treating a variety of biological conditions.
US08404665B2
The present invention provides for a method of simultaneously treating both cancer and the Multidrug Resistance Phenotype via inhibition of cellular thiols, such as Glutathione S-Transferase (GST). This enzyme is overproduced in leukemia and solid tumor cells and is one of the main pathways involved in the Multidrug Resistance phenotype. The treatment provides for the administration of a chemically inert pro-drug, designed to be a specific substrate for the GST enzyme that, once cleaved, liberates the bioactive toxin Nitric Oxide (NO) intracellularly at the site of a malignant growth. NO then acts to inhibit the growth of the malignant cells and to induce cellular differentiation and apoptosis therein, effectively treating an existing cancerous condition. Additionally, once NO is liberated from the pro-drug, the remaining structure acts to inhibit further GST activity, providing a treatment for the Multidrug Resistant phenotype.
US08404664B2
The present invention relates to phosphonated Rifamycins, and methods of making and using such compounds. These compounds are useful as antibiotics for prophylaxis and/or the treatment of bone and joint infections, especially for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of osteomyelitis.
US08404660B2
The subjects of the present invention are the method of preparation of 4-furfurylcytosine and/or its derivatives, its use in the manufacture of anti-aging compositions and an anti-aging composition. As 4-furfurylcytosine and/or its derivatives possesses a series of biological properties it might be use as a composition having excellent anti-aging effect to prevent the sagging of skin and loss of luster and to improve sufficiently its aesthetic appearance without significantly change the growth rate and the total growth ability of the skin. Optimal methods of manufacturing this compound, while at the same time obtaining the highest possible process efficiency, with particular emphasis on its utility in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries are presented.
US08404653B2
The present invention relates to the use of stem cell factor (SCF) for the treatment of ischemic injured tissue such as in cardiovascular disease. The method involves administration of a nucleic acid encoding SCF, wherein the nucleic acid is delivered to the site of the injury and is incorporated into cells which then express the SCF.
US08404650B2
The invention provides therapeutically effective compounds for the prevention and treatment of cancer and pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds as well as methods of using and administering these compounds. The invention also includes methods of activating a prodrug of these therapeutically effective compounds by the administration of a peptide-directed targeting construct that delivers a prodrug-activating enzyme to a target activation site.
US08404647B2
The invention relates to PAD inhibitors that are suitable to be used as a medicament against an autoimmune disease such as RA.
US08404639B2
The present invention is directed to methods of treating Type 1-diabetes by administering a therapeutically effective amount of an Insulin-like Growth Factor-binding protein-2. The present invention is also directed to methods treating Type 2 diabetes by administering a therapeutically effective amount of Insulin-like Growth Factor-binding protein-2. The present invention is further directed to methods treating insulin resistance by administering a therapeutically effective amount of Insulin-like Growth Factor-binding protein-2. The present invention is directed to methods of treating hepatic steatosis by administering a therapeutically effective amount of an Insulin-like Growth Factor-binding protein-2. The present invention is also directed to methods lowering blood glucose and serum insulin in non-diabetic subjects by administering a therapeutically effective amount of Insulin-like Growth Factor-binding protein-2.
US08404638B2
Formulations of a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-specific fusion protein antagonist are provided including a pre-lyophilized formulation, a reconstituted lyophilized formulation, and a stable liquid formulation. Preferably, the fusion protein has the sequence of SEQ ID NO:4.
US08404636B2
A cationic antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) conjugate is disclosed. The CAMP conjugate may be made by identifying a suitable carrier peptide; identifying a suitable antimicrobial agent; creating a conjugate by conjugating the peptide with the antimicrobial agent; and evaluating and refining the conjugate. The peptide may be short peptide based on the sequence of a CAMP, such as human β-defensin-3. The peptide can be directly connected to the antimicrobial agent or through a linker segment. The antimicrobial agent may be connected to the peptide or the linker segment through stable or cleavable bonding. The peptide may carry and facilitate the delivery of the conjugated antimicrobial agent to a microbe.
US08404623B2
According to one aspect of the inventions, emulsion compositions are provided. Emulsions according to this aspect include: (a) a water-insoluble resinous material; (b) water; and (c) an emulsifier, wherein the emulsifier comprises a non-ionic, a cationic, or a zwitterionic emulsifier; wherein the continuous phase of the emulsion comprises the water; wherein a dispersed phase of the emulsion comprises the resinous material; wherein the dispersed phase is in the form of droplets having a size distribution range such that at least 50% of the droplets have a size of 0.5 micrometers-500 micrometers; wherein the resinous material of the droplets is in a concentration of at least 5% by weight of the water; and wherein the composition of the droplets has a viscosity of less than 2,000 Poise measured at 20° F. According to another aspect of the inventions, methods are provided for treating a portion of a subterranean formation. Methods according to this aspect include the steps of: (a) forming an emulsion according to the composition described above; and (b) introducing the emulsion into a portion of a subterranean formation.
US08404610B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a production process which can produce a fuel cell catalyst having excellent durability and high oxygen reducing activity.The process for producing a fuel cell catalyst including a metal-containing oxycarbonitride of the present invention includes a grinding step for grinding the oxycarbonitride using a ball mill, wherein the metal-containing oxycarbonitride is represented by a specific compositional formula; balls in the ball mill have a diameter of 0.1 to 1.0 mm; the grinding time using the ball mill is 1 to 45 minutes; the rotating centrifugal acceleration in grinding using the ball mill is 2 to 20 G; the grinding using the ball mill is carried out in such a state that the metal-containing oxycarbonitride is mixed with a solvent containing no oxygen atom in the molecule; and when the ball mill is a planetary ball mill, the orbital centrifugal acceleration mill is 5 to 50 G.
US08404609B2
A method of forming functionalized fly ash particles includes contacting a plurality of fly ash particles with a hydroxide compound under conditions to directly bond oxygen (O) onto a surface portion of the plurality of fly ash particles. The plurality of fly ash particles having O directly bound to their surface portion are reacted with an organic alcohol or an organic acid to covalently bond hydrophobic groups in the form of condensation residue from the organic alcohol or organic acid to the O to form the plurality of functionalized fly ash particles.
US08404591B2
A method of fabricating a MOS device comprises steps as follows: An interfacial layer, a high-k dielectric layer and a cover layer on a substrate are sequentially formed. Then an in-situ wet etching step is performed by sequentially using a first etching solution to etch the cover layer and using a second etching solution to etch the high-k dielectric layer and the interfacial layer until the substrate is exposed, wherein the second etching solution is a mixed etching solution containing the first etching solution.
US08404584B2
The method of manufacturing the semiconductor device includes forming an insulating film above a semiconductor substrate, forming an opening in the insulating film, forming a conductive film above the insulating film with the opening formed, removing the conductive film above the insulating film to bury the conductive film in the opening, and processing a surface of the insulating film with a silicon compound including Si—N or Si—Cl.
US08404581B2
A method for fabricating an integrated circuit device is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate. A first photolithography process is performed to define a first pattern on the substrate. The first pattern includes a first trench segment. A second photolithography process is performed which defines a second pattern on the substrate. The second pattern includes a second trench segment. The second trench segment includes an overlap area with the first trench segment. The embodiment of the method further includes etching the substrate according the first and second patterns; the etching includes forming a via hole defined by the overlap area. The first trench segment, second trench segment, and via hole may be used to form a dual damascene interconnect structure.
US08404578B2
Provided are a semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the same. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate including a cell array region, memory cell transistors disposed at the cell array region, bitlines disposed on the memory cell transistors, and a source plate disposed between the memory cell transistors and the bitlines to veil the memory cell transistors thereunder.
US08404575B2
A semiconductor device of the present invention includes: a semiconductor layer; a gate insulation film provided on the semiconductor layer and including at least one of Hf and Zr; and a gate electrode provided on the gate insulation film and including a carbonitride which includes at least one of Hf and Zr.
US08404569B2
A fabrication method of a group III nitride crystal substance includes the steps of cleaning the interior of a reaction chamber by introducing HCl gas into the reaction chamber, and vapor deposition of a group III nitride crystal substance in the cleaned reaction chamber. A fabrication apparatus of a group III nitride crystal substance includes a configuration to introduce HCl gas into the reaction chamber, and a configuration to grow a group III nitride crystal substance by HVPE. Thus, a fabrication method of a group III nitride crystal substance including the method of effectively cleaning deposits adhering inside the reaction chamber during crystal growth, and a fabrication apparatus employed in the fabrication method are provided.
US08404566B2
Provided are a light emitting diode and a method for manufacturing the same. In the method, a semiconductor layer is formed, and a mask layer is formed on the semiconductor layer. Laser is irradiated onto a scribing region of the mask layer to divide the semiconductor layer into a plurality of light emitting diodes. The scribing region is etched, and then the mask layer is removed. The plurality of light emitting diodes are then separated from each other.
US08404557B2
A method for forming a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate having a main horizontal surface, an opposite surface and a completely embedded dielectric region. A deep vertical trench is etched from the main horizontal surface into the semiconductor substrate using the dielectric region as an etch stop. A vertical transistor structure is formed in the semiconductor substrate. A first metallization in ohmic contact with the transistor structure is formed on the main horizontal surface. The semiconductor substrate is thinned at the opposite surface at least close to the dielectric region. Further, a semiconductor device is provided.
US08404554B2
The method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes a first conductor over a semiconductor substrate; forming a first insulator over the first conductor; forming a second insulator, having an etching characteristic different from an etching characteristic of the first insulator, over the first insulator; forming a second conductor on the second insulator, the second conductor being in contact with the second insulator; forming a third insulator, having an etching characteristic different from the etching characteristic of the second insulator, over the second conductor; forming a first contact hole though the third insulator and the second conductor, the first contact hole exposing the second insulator; forming a second contact hole through the third insulator and the first insulator, the second contact hole exposing the first conductor; forming a third conductor in the first contact hole, wherein a side wall of the third conductor is electrically connected to a side wall of the second conductor; forming a fourth conductor in the second contact hole, wherein the fourth conductor is electrically connected to the first conductor.
US08404552B2
A microscopic spectrum apparatus for connecting to an image capturing module which is used for converting external image light into electrical signal is disclosed. The microscopic spectrum apparatus includes a microscopic lens module, a spectrum analyzing module and a light beam splitter. The microscopic lens module is used for collecting the external image light to the image capturing module and magnifying the external image. The spectrum analyzing module is arranged at a side of the microscopic lens module. The light beam splitter is arranged between the microscopic lens module and the image capturing module, and is used for directing part of the external image light from the microscopic lens module to the spectrum analyzing module. In addition, a microscopic spectrum apparatus with image capturing capability is also disclosed.
US08404548B2
A method of manufacturing a nonvolatile memory device having a three-dimensional memory device includes alternately stacking a plurality of first and second material layers having a different etching selectivity on a semiconductor substrate; forming an opening penetrating the plurality of first and second material layers; removing the first material layers exposed by the opening to form extended portions extending in a direction perpendicular to the semiconductor substrate from the opening; conformally forming a charge storage layer along a surface of the opening and the extended portions; and removing the charge storage layer formed on sidewalls of the second material layers to locally form the charge storage layer patterns in the extended portions.
US08404540B2
A device and method for reducing junction leakage in a semiconductor junction includes forming a faceted raised structure in a source/drain region of the device. Dopants are diffused from the faceted raised structure into a substrate below the faceted raised structure to form source/drain regions. A sprinkle implantation is applied on the faceted raised structure to produce a multi-depth dopant profile in the substrate for the source/drain regions.
US08404522B2
The present invention relates to a dicing tape-integrated film for semiconductor back surface including: a dicing tape including a base material and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer laminated in this order, and a film for semiconductor back surface provided on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer of the dicing tape, where the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer has a thickness of from 20 μm to 40 μm.
US08404521B2
Pass-through 3D interconnects and microelectronic dies and systems of stacked dies that include such interconnects to disable electrical connections are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system of stacked dies includes a first microelectronic die having a backside, an interconnect extending through the first die to the backside, an integrated circuit electrically coupled to the interconnect, and a first electrostatic discharge (ESD) device electrically isolated from the interconnect. A second microelectronic die has a front side coupled to the backside of the first die, a metal contact at the front side electrically coupled to the interconnect, and a second ESD device electrically coupled to the metal contact. In another embodiment, the first die further includes a substrate carrying the integrated circuit and the first ESD device, and the interconnect is positioned in the substrate to disable an electrical connection between the first ESD device and the interconnect.
US08404519B2
A carbon nanotube (CNT) array is patterned on a substrate. The substrate can be a microelectronic die or a heat sink for a die. The patterned CNT array is patterned by using a patterned catalyst on the substrate to form the CNT array by growing. The patterned CNT array can also be patterned by using a patterned mask on the substrate to form the CNT array by growing. A computing system that uses the CNT array for heat transfer from the die is also used.
US08404517B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, includes mounting a semiconductor chip on a wiring substrate such that one surface of the semiconductor chip is faced to one surface of the wiring substrate, and filling a first resin in a gap between the surface of the wiring substrate and the surface of the semiconductor chip such that part of the first resin protrudes from the gap. In the filling of the first resin, the first resin is injected into the gap by use of a first resin injection nozzle while the first resin injection nozzle is being moved along any one of sides of the semiconductor chip or along two sides of the semiconductor chip which are adjacent to each other.
US08404511B2
Disclosed is a method for making a solar cell. In the method, there are provided first and second substrates each including first and second faces. There are provided first and second coating devices and a joining device. The first coating device is used to form a transparent electrode layer on the first face of the first substrate. The second coating device is used to form an absorbing layer on the first face of the second substrate. The second substrate is selenized by hot pressing. The joining device is used to join together the first and second substrates by joining the transparent electrode layer with the absorbing layer. The transparent electrode layer is joined with the absorbing layer by hot pressing. Thus, the solar cell is not made by coating one layer on another. Time for making the solar cell is reduced.
US08404510B2
A method for forming a CMOS image sensing pixel, which is configured to determine a color, includes providing an n-type substrate that includes a first thickness and a first width. The method also includes forming a p-type layer, the p-type layer overlaying the n-type substrate. The p-type layer includes a second thickness and a second width. The second thickness and the second width are associated with a light characteristic. The method additionally includes forming an n-type layer, the n-type layer overlaying the p-type layer. The n-type layer includes a third thickness and a third width. In addition, the method includes forming a pn junction between the p-type layer and the n-type layer. The pn junction includes a fourth width. The method also includes providing a control circuit. The control circuit is electrically coupled to the n-type substrate.
US08404500B2
One object is to provide a light-emitting element which overcomes the problems of electrical characteristics and a light reflectivity have been solved. The light-emitting element is manufactured by forming a first electrode including aluminum and nickel over a substrate; by forming a layer including a composite material in which a metal oxide is contained in an organic compound so as to be in contact with the first electrode after heat treatment is performed with respect to the first electrode; by forming a light-emitting layer over the layer including a composite material; and by forming a second electrode which has a light-transmitting property over the light-emitting layer. Further, the first electrode is preferably formed to include the nickel equal to or greater than 0.1 atomic % and equal to or less than 4.0 atomic %.
US08404488B2
The invention is provided for detection of Heroin and Morphine in illicit drug samples, also for their differentiation. A liquid sample from a street sample is prepared and divided into two equal aliquots, one of them being reference sample, another being main sample. Both samples are treated with Hydrochloric acid and Sodium hydroxide, but those substances are added to the samples in the different sequence. After that the measurement of SFS of the reference sample is performed. Further the presence of specific spectral pattern of Morphine in the measured SFS of the reference, sample is detected and the value of SFS intensity at the specific spectral point is fixed (a reference value). After 15 minutes for acidification of the main sample, the analogous measurement and detection of the Morphine in the main sample are performed.
US08404486B2
The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences, which are variants of att recombination sequences, involved in sequence-specific recombination of DNA in eukaryotic cells, whereby sequence specific recombination is performed by a bacteriophage lambda integrase Int. Such att recombination sequences being e.g. attP.b, attP.a, attL.a, attR.a and attR.b. The present invention further relates to a method of sequence-specific recombination of DNA in eukaryotic cells, comprising the introduction of a first DNA comprising a nucleotide sequence containing at least one recombination sequence into a cell, introducing a second DNA comprising a nucleotide sequence containing at least one further recombination sequence into a cell, and performing the sequence specific recombination by a bacteriophage lambda integrase Int, whereby at least one of said first or second DNAs is an att recombination sequence being e.g. attP.b, attP.a, attL.a, attR.a or attR.b.
US08404479B2
A simple membrane assay method for detecting or quantitating an analyte in a specimen sample using an assay device equipped with a membrane bound with a capture-substance to capture the analyte, including the steps of filtering a specimen sample using a filter, dropping the filtrate onto said membrane and detecting the presence of the analyte in said specimen sample, as well as a simple membrane assay kit for detecting the presence of an analyte in a specimen sample, including (1) a filter tube, and (2) an assay device equipped with a membrane bound with a capture-substance to capture the analyte. The method or the kit can decrease the occurrence of false positivity and can provide a highly accurate detection of the analyte such as pathogen and antibody in a specimen collected in a medical scene or by an individual.
US08404474B2
The present invention provides a bacterium which has an ability to produce a useful metabolite derived from acetyl-coenzyme A, such as L-glutamic acid, L-glutamine, L-proline, L-arginine, L-leucine, L-cysteine, succinate, and polyhydroxybutyrate, wherein said bacterium is modified so that activities of D-xylulose-5-phosphate phosphoketolase and/or fructose-6-phosphate phosphoketolase are enhanced. The present invention also provides a method for producing the useful metabolite using the bacterium.
US08404473B2
Provided herein are exemplary methods for production of biomass with a cyanobacterial isolate having auto-flocculation properties. One exemplary method includes isolating a cyanobacterial strain having a 16S ribosomal RNA sequence corresponding to SEQ. ID. NO. 1 herein, inoculating an algae cultivation system with the cyanobacterial strain, growing the cyanobacterial strain, and harvesting the biomass produced by the cyanobacterial strain. According to a further method, the harvesting of the biomass comprises ceasing agitation of the algae cultivation system, and pooling a slurry of the biomass produced by the cyanobacterial strain. In a further method, the harvesting of the biomass may comprise ceasing agitation within the algae cultivation system and/or allowing the biomass produced by the cyanobacterial strain to settle to near or at a bottom of the algae cultivation system. Also provided herein are exemplary cyanobacterial strains having flocculation properties for production of a biomass.
US08404470B2
The invention is directed to enzyme preparations which are obtainable by enzyme immobilizates which comprise enzymes or microorganisms containing enzymes immobilized on an inert carrier being provided with a silicone coating obtained by hydrosilylation, to a process for producing such enzyme preparations and to the use of enzyme preparations as an industrial biocatalyst.
US08404466B2
One embodiment of the invention provides a metabolically enhanced photoautotrophic, ethanol producing host cell comprising: at least two first metabolic enhancements reducing the enzymatic activity or affinity of at least two endogenous host cell enzymes involved in acetate and lactate fermentation, the first metabolic enhancements resulting in an enhanced level of biosynthesis of acetaldehyde, pyruvate, acetyl-CoA or precursors thereof compared to the respective wild type host cell, at least one second metabolic enhancement different from the first metabolic enhancement comprising an overexpressed enzyme for the formation of ethanol.
US08404461B2
Disclosed is a method for the preparation of carbamic acid (R)-1-aryl-2-tetrazolyl-ethyl esters, comprising the enantioselective enzyme reduction of a 1-aryl-2-tetrazolyl-ethyl ketone to form a (R)-1-aryl-2-tetrazolyl-ethyl alcohol and the carbamation of said alcohol.
US08404454B2
The present invention provides a method for identifying a single or group of T cell receptors (TCR) protective and/or effective against a disease, having the following steps: i) obtaining T cells from a donor non-human animal; ii) adoptive transfer of the T cells into a plurality of T cell-deficient recipient non-human animals in a number such that at least one recipient animal is protected against the disease but at least one animal remains unprotected; and iii) determination of the TCR(s) present only in the protected animals. These TCR can be used to identify the determinants or antigens for inclusion in a vaccine or other treatment.
US08404452B2
The invention provides immunoassays for immunosuppressant drugs, wherein the assay is carried out under high salt conditions to achieve improved sensitivity. The invention also provides kits that are useful for performing the methods of the invention.
US08404446B2
A method is provided for nucleic acid amplification with enhanced sensitivity. The method for enhanced sensitivity involves carrying out the amplification reaction in the presence of gellan. For instance, the method allows for the production of detectable amounts of PCR amplified DNA from at least 10 fold fewer target molecules than a comparable PCR reaction in absence of gellan.
US08404436B1
The present invention is related to a method of determining a test compound's ability to modify the biological activity of a GPR17. Said method comprises, among others, the step of contacting the test compound with a GPR17, or a functional GPR17 fragment in the presence of a suitable amount of a GPR17 agonist of formula I.
US08404434B2
The present invention provides a method for determining the degree of macrophage-associated negative effects on a vertebrate including a human, the method including assaying diacetylpolyamine contained in a sample collected from the vertebrate. According to the method of the present invention, metabolic conditions of macrophages can be monitored, and the degree of macrophage-associated negative effects on a vertebrate (including a human) can be determined. Specifically, the present invention can predict, through assay of diacetylpolyamine, pathological condition which is considered a macrophage-related disease; e.g., recurrence of cancer or malignant tumor, or infiltration or activation of cancer or malignant tumor cells; denaturation or degeneration of neurons associated with Alzheimer's disease; or onset or progression of an autoimmune disease (e.g., rheumatism or Crohn's disease) or arteriosclerosis. Therefore, the present invention is very useful for clinical tests.
US08404433B2
In order to suppress variation of a resist pattern size caused by a temperature unevenness at a prebaking process, applying a resist of a positive type or a negative type on a base substrate, prebaking, exposing, post-exposure baking, and forming the resist to be a predetermined shape by developing the resist are carried out. The prebaking is carried out at a temperature equal to or more than a detachment starting temperature of a protective group of a base resin included in the resist in a case where the resist is the positive type. In a case where the resist is the negative type, the prebaking is carried out at a temperature equal to or more than a cross-linking starting temperature of a cross-linker in a base resin included in the resist.
US08404425B2
An apparatus for manufacturing toner is provided which includes a pulverizer for pulverizing a material into particles, a classifier for classifying the particles by size, a discharging path for discharging the particles from the pulverizer to the classifier, a returning path for returning relatively coarse particles among the classified particles from the classifier to the pulverizer, and a handling unit for handling particles. A method for manufacturing toner is also provided which includes pulverizing a material into particles in a pulverizer, discharging the particles from the pulverizer to a classifier via a discharging path, classifying the particles by size in the classifier, and returning relatively coarse particles among the classified particles from the classifier to the pulverizer. The handling unit is provided on at least one of the discharging path and the returning path, and includes a mechanism for preventing accumulation of the particles using airflow.
US08404422B2
The presently disclosed embodiments relate generally to layers that are useful in imaging apparatus members and components, for use in electrophotographic, including digital, apparatuses. Embodiments pertain to an improved electrophotographic imaging member comprising a very thin outer layer on the imaging member surface, where the outer layer comprises healing materials that act as a barrier against moisture and/or surface contaminants. The improved imaging member exhibits improved xerographic performance, such as reduced wear and deletions in high humidity conditions. Embodiments also pertain to methods for making the improved electrophotographic imaging member.
US08404416B2
The invention provides an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a surface protection layer that satisfies the following requirements: (1) including a crosslinked substance of at least one selected from a guanamine compound or a melamine compound, and at least one charge transporting material having at least one substituent selected from —OH, —OCH3, —NH2, —SH or —COOH; (2) including the at least one of a guanamine compound or a melamine compound in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 5% by weight; and (3) having a universal hardness of from about 180 to about 220 N/mm2 and a creep ratio of from about 5% to about 8%, the universal hardness and the creep ratio being obtained by performing a hardness test by pushing a Vickers quadrangular pyramid diamond indenter against the surface protection layer at a maximum load of 20 mN, in an environment of 25° C. and a relative humidity of 50%.
US08404409B2
Method and structure for fabricating dark-periphery mask for the manufacture of semiconductor wafers
A photo mask blank structure for transferring a mask to an integrated circuit includes a transparent substrate, which has a surface region. The photo mask structure further includes an opaque film overlying the surface region, a negative photoresist material overlying the opaque film, a stop layer overlying the negative photoresist material, and a positive photoresist material overlying the stop layer. The positive photoresist material includes a first opening pattern, and the stop layer includes a second opening pattern that is associated with the first opening pattern of the positive photoresist material. The negative photoresist material includes a third opening pattern that is associated with the first and second opening patterns. The stop layer provides a separation between the negative photoresist material and the positive photoresist material.
US08404396B2
A non-microbial fuel cell utilizing an organic fuel containing a hydroxyl group and a non-metallic catalyst is disclosed. Compositions for use in and methods for generating electric energy from chemical energy using fuel cells are also disclosed. Compositions for use in and methods of storing energy using fuel cells are also disclosed.
US08404391B2
A polymer electrolyte fuel cell includes a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte membrane sandwiched between the cathode and the anode. A plurality of projections each having a height of 5 to 15 μm or a plurality of depressions each having a depth of 5 to 15 μm are formed on a surface of the electrolyte membrane, the surface being opposed to the cathode. The cathode is constituted by a catalyst layer formed to tightly contact the surface of the electrolyte membrane and having a maximum thickness that is one to three times the height of the projection or the depth of the depression. An oxygen-containing gas having a relative humidity of 10% or less is supplied to the cathode, and electric power is generated by using the polymer electrolyte fuel cell.
US08404387B2
A nonaqueous electrolyte battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a nonaqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode contains active material particles and a coating material. The active material particles are represented by any one of the following formulae (1) to (3) and have an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 10 μm. The coating material comprises at least particles having an average particle diameter of 60 nm or less or layers having an average thickness of 60 nm or less. The particles or the layers contain at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ti, Zr, Ba, B and C. LixM1yO2 (1) LizM22wO4 (2) LisM3tPO4 (3)
US08404385B2
The present invention provides a mixed carbon material which comprises carbon material A and carbon material B and which is a carbon material suitable for a negative electrode material which can provide a nonaqueous secondary battery having a low irreversible capacity and having a negative electrode with a high capacity and high charge acceptance. Carbon material A and carbon material B both have cores made of graphite powder and a surface carbon material in the form of at least one of amorphous carbon and turbostratic carbon adhered to or coated on at least a portion of the surface of the graphite powder. The compressed density is 1.80-1.90 g/cm3 for carbon material A alone, 1.45-1.65 g/cm3 for carbon material B alone, and 1.75-1.84 g/cm3 for the mixed carbon material.
US08404366B2
In a cutting tool, if the outermost ceramic coating layer is a κ-Al2O3 coating layer, then certain microns of the κ-Al2O3 layer will be transformed into an α-Al2O3 by instantaneous melting, vaporization and solidification. Further, if the outermost coating layer of the ceramic coating layers is an α-Al2O3 coating layer, then the surface roughness will be enhanced since at least a portion of it will be melted, wherein the melted surface will be solidified with its surface flattened by the surface tension provided in a melted state.
US08404365B2
Paper useful in the manufacture of gypsum wallboard is surfaced treated with an additive to improve the bonding affinity of the paper for wet plaster thereby permitting the manufacture of gypsum wallboard with little or no added starch and reduced amounts of water. A surface treating adhesive, a method of converting the paper and wallboards containing the paper are also described.
US08404362B2
The organic light-emitting element of the present invention is an organic light-emitting element constituted by arranging a light-emitting layer between an anode and a cathode, and is characterized in that the light-emitting layer contains a polymer compound comprising a constitutional unit derived from an electron transport polymerizable compound represented by the following formula (1) and a constitutional unit derived from a phosphorescent polymerizable compound; wherein R1 to R14 are each independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, an amino group, an alkyl group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms or the like, R15 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and X1 is a single bond or the like.
US08404357B2
Laminated steel sheet for a container material with a small environmental load container material and coating pre-coated steel sheet for a container material characterized by comprising steel sheet having on it a tin layer or iron-tin alloy layer which has on it a tin oxide layer of a thickness measured by an electric stripping method of 0 mC/cm2 to 3.5 mC/cm2 and has further formed on that a foundation layer including a zirconium compound not including fluorine or nitrate nitrogen, having an amount of coating converted to zirconium of 1 mg/m2 to 30 mg/m2, and having an amount of sulfuric acid radicals (SO42−) of 0 mg/m2 to 7 mg/m2.
US08404356B2
A contact material which provides improved wear resistance as well as reduced adhesion utilizing the features of an intermetallic compound having an ordered phase, with the intention of (i) improving the seizure resistance and/or wear resistance of an implement bearing which slides under low-speed, high-surface-pressure conditions and is susceptible to lubricant starvation; (ii) preventing abnormal noises; and (iii) achieving prolonged greasing intervals. The contact material contains 10% by volume or more a metallic alloy phase having such a composition range that causes an order-disorder transition. The metallic alloy phase is a Fe base alloy phase containing one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Al, Si, Co and Ni.
US08404352B2
A laminate and a process for making it are disclosed. The laminate comprises a metal substrate and a polymer layer that adheres to at least one plasma-treated surface of the metal substrate. The polymer layer comprises a blend of a first polyolefin and a grafted polyolefin. The laminate can be prepared by plasma-treating at least one surface of a metal substrate and extruding onto the plasma-treated surface a polymer layer comprising a blend of a first polyolefin and a grafted polyolefin.
US08404335B2
A laminated film includes a structure where each 200 layers or more of a layer composed of a resin A (A layer) and a layer composed of a resin B (B layer) are alternately laminated, wherein a relative reflectance in a wavelength range of 400 nm to 1000 nm is 30% or more, tensile stresses at 100% elongation in a longitudinal direction and a width direction of the film are 3 MPa or more and 90 MPa or less in a tensile test at 150° C., and the number of layers with a layer pair-thickness of 120 nm or more and less than 220 nm is 1.05 times or more to 2.5 times or less the number of layers with a layer-thickness of 220 nm or more and 320 nm or less.
US08404333B2
The invention relates to a method for producing a polymer layer composite that comprises a plurality of polymer layers and at least one polymer layer contains a laser-sensitive component, said method consisting of the following steps: A) first personalized information is applied to at least one of the polymer layers by means of an inkjet printing method as a colored inkjet printed layer, B) the polymer layer with the colored inkjet printed layer is then joined to the other polymer layers, the polymer layer with the colored inkjet printed layer being arranged between two other polymer layers, C) second personalized information is inscribed into the polymer layer composite obtained in step B) by means of laser engraving. The invention also relates to a thus obtained polymer layer composite, a security and/or valuable document comprising a polymer layer composite of said type and to a method for producing a security and/or valuable document of said type.
US08404327B2
A honeycomb structure includes: a periphery-ground article obtained by grinding an outer peripheral portion of a cell structure 3 where honeycomb segments 11 are bonded by a bonding layer 12 at an outer wall 10 of each of them, and an outer peripheral coat layer 9 disposed on an outer peripheral face 8 of the periphery-ground article; wherein at least one of the bonding layer 12 and the outer peripheral coat layer 9 is formed using honeycomb-forming slurry containing biologically soluble fibers containing a metal oxide capable of extricating a metal ion and an inorganic binder containing a colloidal oxide having modified silica sol manufactured by adding a substance containing amine or an aqueous solution of a water-soluble metalate of an amphoteric metal to silica sol. Crack generation of the outer peripheral coat layer and/or deterioration of bonding strength of the bonding layer can be inhibited.
US08404325B2
A soft mat of the present invention includes a soft and non-water-absorbent base cushion, a soft and water-absorbent cover cushion and two sheaths. The sheaths are firmly disposed on the cover cushion respectively. Each of the sheaths and the cover cushion defines a pouch. Each of the pouches has an opening. One of the openings is opposite to the other one. Two sides of the base cushion are detachably inserted into the pouches, so that the base cushion is clad beneath the cover cushion. As such, the soft mat of the present invention is soft and supportive. Further, the cover cushion is able to be detached from the base cushion so as to be cleaned or washed easily.
US08404324B2
A mineral-filled, polypropylene composition comprises (i) a coupled, impact propylene polymer, and (ii) at least 0.5 weight percent (wt %) based on the weight of the composition of at least one of calcium carbonate and talc. The compositions are useful in the manufacture of three-layer pipe comprising (A) a first or outer non-foam layer; (B) a second or middle foam layer; and (C) a third or inner non-foam layer.
US08404323B2
Disclosed is an impact-resistant modified polyamide molding compound which is suitable in particular for the production of containers having a good oxygen barrier and low-temperature impact strength. Also disclosed are containers which are produced from the thermoplastic polyamide molding compound. In particular, storage or transport containers for industrial chemicals, agrochemicals, the cosmetic industry, pharmaceutical industry or foodstuffs industry can be produced from the polyamide molding compound of the invention.
US08404317B2
The invention is to provide a liquid crystal composition satisfying at least one of characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of the nematic phase, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a large negative dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and heat, or a liquid crystal composition having a suitable balance regarding at least two of the characteristics; and an AM device having a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth; wherein a liquid crystal composition has a negative dielectric anisotropy and contains a specific compound having a large negative dielectric anisotropy as a first component and a specific two-ring compound having a large optical anisotropy and a low viscosity as a second component, and a liquid crystal display device contains the composition.
US08404313B1
Provided herein is a method for the synthesis of nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) wires by depositing nanocrystalline diamond on Si nanowires using chemical vapor deposition methods. Seeding the nanowires in solutions containing nanodiamond powers, NCD wires are fabricated in typical CVD growth conditions within a very short time. NCD wires were 0.5-5 μm in diameter, depending on the growth time, with lengths in the range of 20-100 μm. The average elastic modulus determined by nanoindentation is 474.16±13.48 GPa. The unique mechanical properties of the NCD wire make it a potential material for active components of both electronic and electromechanical devices.
US08404306B2
The invention concerns the use of the ruthenium containing precursor having the formula (Rn-chd)Ru(CO)3, wherein: (Rn-chd) represents a cyclohexadiene (chd) ligand substituted with n substituents R, any R being in any position on the chd ligand; n is an integer comprised between 1 and 8 (1≦n≦8) and represents the number of substituents on the chd ligand; R is selected from the group consisting of C1-C4 linear or branched alkyls, alkylamides, alkoxides, alkylsilylamides, amidinates, carbonyl and/or fluoroalkyl for R being located in any of the eight available position on the chd ligand, while R can also be oxygen O for substitution on the C positions in the chd cycle which are not involved in a double bond for the deposition of a Ru containing film on a substrate.
US08404302B2
A solution process is provided for forming a textured transparent conductive oxide (TCO) film. The process provides a substrate, and forms a first layer on the substrate of metal oxide nanoparticles such as ZnO, In2O3, or SnO2. The metal oxide nanoparticles have a faceted structure with an average size greater than 100 nanometers (nm). Voids between the metal oxide nanoparticles have a size about equal to the size of the metal oxide nanoparticles. Then, a second layer is formed overlaying the first layer, filling the voids between the nanoparticles of the first layer, and completely covering the substrate. The result is a continuous TCO film having an average surface roughness that is created by the combination of first and second layers.
US08404299B2
A soy protein product having a protein content of at least about 60 wt % (N×6.25) d.b., prefereably an isolate having a protein content of at least about 90 wt % (N×6.25) d.b., is formed by a procedure in which soy protein is extracted from a soy source material using an aqueous calcium chloride solution at low pH, generally about 1.5 to about 5, and separating the resulting aqueous soy protein solution from residual soy protein source. The resulting clarified aqueous soy protein solution may be diluted and the pH adjusted with the range of 1.5 to 5.0. the solution may be concentrated by ultrafiltration, diafiltered and the dried to provide the soy protein product. The soy protein product is soluble in acidic medium and produces transparent, heat stable solutions and hence may be used for protein fortification of soft drinks and sports drinks.
US08404293B2
A method for physical separation and purification of bioactive phenolics from fruits, berries and vegetables by subjecting a fruit, berry or vegetable extract solution having a Brix of from about 1 to about 4 to ultrafiltration using an about 2,000-6,000 Dalton cutoff ultrafiltration membrane under a pressure of about 30-120 psi, and a temperature of about 80-110° F. This is followed by subjecting the resulting retentate to diafiltration-ultrafiltration with the addition of water, using an about 2,000-6,000 Dalton cutoff ultrafiltration membrane under a pressure of about 30-120 psi, and a temperature of about 80-110° F., and recovering the diafiltered retentate or the bioactive phenolic containing solids thereof.
US08404287B2
Use of Fructus schisandrae in preparation of medicaments for preventing and reducing toxicity and side effects of antineoplastic agents. The toxicity and side effects of antineoplastic agents are cardiovascular toxicity, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, suppression of bone marrow, immunosuppression, or alopecia etc induced by antineoplastic agents. Fructus schisandrae and extracts thereof, especially ethanol extracts, schisandrin B, are effective in reducing antineoplastic agent's toxicity and side effects.
US08404282B2
Disclosed herein is a composition for suppressing and preventing obesity and related adult diseases, comprising Herba Ephedrae and Thallus Laminariae seu Eckloniae, or comprising Herba Ephedrae, Thallus Laminariae seu Eckloniae and Radix et Rhizoma Rhei.
US08404281B2
Nanoparticles comprising T3 and their use in treating, e.g., cardiac conditions, for example cardiac arrest, are provided. Such nanoparticles provide improved delivery of T3 and allow for acute treatment and optionally for sustained release of T3 in a patient.
US08404279B2
The present invention relates to the use of a compound, in particular of a derivative of phosphorous acid, especially of fosetyl-Al, for treating plants for the purpose of improving the bud quality thereof.
US08404277B2
A matrix-type transdermal drug delivery system including capsaicin or a capsaicin derivative as an active component and used for treating neuropathy, pain, and inflammation and a preparation method thereof are provided. The matrix-type transdermal drug delivery system includes: a drug protecting layer; a matrix layer formed on the drug protecting layer and including 0.1-25 wt % of capsaicin or a capsaicin derivative, 40-95 wt % of an adhesive including a water-insoluble acrylic polymer, 1-30 wt % of an alcohol having a molecular weight of 600 Daltons or less, 0.1-20 wt % of a nonionic surfactant, and 0.1-20 wt % of a solubilizing agent including a hydrophilic polymer; and a release liner formed on the matrix layer, and is used for treating neuropathy, pain, or inflammation.
US08404275B2
A pharmaceutical composition in the form of a combination tablet is described. The tablet has a rapidly absorbed component that enters the circulation by traversing the buccal mucosa, oral mucosa and combinations thereof, and a more slowly absorbed component that is swallowed. The therapeutic agent in the swallowed portion is absorbed across the gastric mucosa. The combination tablet may be modified, by varying the specific combinations of excipients, fillers, and the like to effect distinct release rates. In addition, the rapid and slow components may have identical or different therapeutic agents depending on the application to a specific medical condition. One embodiment of the combination tablet includes a prostaglandin inhibitor in the rapidly absorbed component in order to mitigate the side effects of immediate release niacin that is in the slow absorbing component. Such combination compositions will increase patient compliance with various dosing regimens due to the resultant decrease in the number of tablets that a patient would need to take on a daily basis.
US08404269B2
A surgical device and method of making and using the same for implantation in a body of a mammal. One preferred device is prepared to include an elongated member. A region includes a pharmaceutical agent and a bioerodible material, a biodegradable material a bioavailable material or a mixture thereof.
US08404264B2
The present invention is directed to a novel poly (diol citrates)-based coating for implantable devices. More specifically, the specification describes methods and compositions for making and using implantable devices coated with citric acid copolymers or citric acid copolymers impregnated with therapeutic compositions and/or cells.
US08404255B2
In the preferred embodiment, the invention is a system for creating micropores in the skin for transdermal drug delivery through the micropores and includes: a chemical that dissolves or breaks down superficial layers of skin; a chemical delivery element that holds and delivers controlled volumes of the chemical to skin, creating micropores; and a base that is able to temporarily couple to skin, contains the chemical delivery elements, and may activate the chemical delivery elements to administer the chemical to skin. In the preferred embodiment, the invention is a method for delivering drugs transdermally that includes providing a carrier containing a chemical delivery element with a chemical to break down superficial layers of skin; placing the carrier into contact with skin; activating the chemical delivery element; allowing the chemical to break down superficial layers of skin and creating micropores; and providing a drug to be delivered transdermally through the micropores.
US08404252B2
The present invention provides antigens and vaccines useful in prevention of infection by Yersinia pestis. The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions of such antigens and/or vaccines. The present invention provides methods for the production of Y. pestis protein antigens in plants, as well as methods for their use in the treatment and/or prevention of Y. pestis infection.
US08404251B2
An adjuvant combination that stimulates immune activation or response includes a hydrophobic immune adjuvant and a pathogen derived lipoprotein that chaperones the hydrophobic immune adjuvant to an immune receptor.
US08404239B2
The invention provides anti-Notch antibodies, and in particular, antibodies that bind Notch2 NRR, and methods of using the same.
US08404237B2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for characterizing, diagnosing, and treating cancer. In particular the invention provides the means and methods for the diagnosis, characterization, prognosis and treatment of cancer and specifically targeting cancer stem cells. The present invention provides an antibody that specifically binds to a non-ligand binding region of the extracellular domain of a human NOTCH receptor and inhibits growth of tumor cells. The present invention further provides a method of treating cancer, the method comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody that specifically binds to a non-ligand binding region of the extracellular domain of a human NOTCH receptor protein and inhibits growth of tumor cells.
US08404230B2
Administration of an exogenous pulmonary surfactant in combination with antioxidant enzymes is effective for the prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and decreases the markers of pulmonary oxidative stress.
US08404225B2
The invention disclosed relates to the detection of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptra: B-prestidae) and in particular to the use of contact sex phenomones therefor. Analysis of the elytral hydrocarbons from male and female emerald ash borer, that were freshly emerged vs. sexually mature (>10 days old) revealed a female-specific compound, 9-methyl-pentacosane (9-Me-C25), only present in sexually mature females. This material was synthesized by the Wittig reaction of 2-decanone with (n-hexadecyl)-triphenylphosphonium bromide followed by catalytic reduction to yield racemic 9-Me C25, which matched the natural compound by GC/MS (retention time and EI-mass spectrum). In field bioassays with freeze-killed sexually mature A. planipennis females, feral males spent significantly more time in contact and attempting copulation with unwashed females than with females that had been washed in n-hexane to remove the cuticular hydrocarbons. Hexane-washed females to which 9-Me-C25 had been reapplied elicited similar contact time and percentage of time attempting copulation as unwashed females, indicating that 9-methyl-pentacosane is a contact sex-pheromone component of A. planipennis. This is the first contact sex pheromone identified in the Buprestidae.
US08404222B2
PEG and related polymer derivatives having weak, hydrolytically unstable linkages near the reactive end of the polymer are provided for conjugation to drugs, including proteins, enzymes, small molecules, and others. These derivatives provide a sufficient circulation period for a drug-PEG conjugate, followed by hydrolytic breakdown of the conjugate and release of the bound molecule. In some cases, drugs that demonstrate reduced activity when permanently coupled to PEG maintain a therapeutically suitable activity when coupled to a degradable PEG in accordance with the invention. The PEG derivatives of the invention can be used to impart improved water solubility, increased size, a slower rate of kidney clearance, and reduced immunogenicity to a conjugate formed by attachment thereto. Controlled hydrolytic release of the bound molecule into an aqueous environment can then enhance the drug's delivery profile by providing a delivery system which employs such polymers and utilizes the teachings provided herein.
US08404221B2
Compositions are disclosed comprising novel fluorinated cationic alcohols in a cosmetically acceptable vehicle. The fluorinated compounds alter a surface property of the hair to provide hair conditioning, for example. In embodiments, the compounds have improved water solubility and deposition properties.
US08404210B2
An iron composition having a plurality of elemental components is disclosed. The major component is an iron component of at least about 68% to about 92% iron by weight. Other components by weight include manganese; cerium; carbon; phosphorous; sulfur; aluminum; silicon; chromium; copper; and zinc. Combined with layers of sand, brick chips and/or charcoal, the iron composition can be used to create a water filter for filtering inorganic arsenic species and soluble metal ions out of water. To enhance hydrous ferric oxide complexation and precipitation, the iron composition may be treated with food grade acids or a water mixture.
US08404206B2
Methods for producing polycrystalline silicon that reduce the deposition of silicon on reactor walls
Gas distribution units of fluidized bed reactors are configured to direct thermally decomposable compounds to the center portion of the reactor and away from the reactor wall to prevent deposition of material on the reactor wall and process for producing polycrystalline silicon product in a reactor that reduce the amount of silicon which deposits on the reactor wall.
US08404197B2
A cup assembly for holding a sample to be analyzed spectrochemically, includes a tubular longitudinal member which is disposed symmetrical about a central axis. The tubular member extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. An indented peripheral flange is defined at the second end. The indented flange has an inverted L shaped cross-section. An annular collar extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. An internal peripheral flange is defined at the first end. The internal flange has an inverted L shaped cross-section complementing the indented flange of the tubular member. When a substantially thin film is interposed between the second end of the tubular member and the first end of the annular collar, the film is retained between the sample cell body and the collar between the indented flange and the internal flange. The cup may have a funnel shaped sample retaining chamber.
US08404192B2
The present invention provides biochips that include: (a) a plurality of cards, each card having a plurality of card apertures extending therethrough, each respective card aperture having one or more cross sectional areas; and (b) a plurality of gaskets, at least one gasket residing intermediate two neighboring cards, each gasket having a plurality of gasket apertures extending therethrough. At least some of the gasket apertures have an area that is greater than that of at least one adjacent card aperture. Different sets of the gasket apertures and card apertures define a plurality of fluidic flow channels. Also provided herein are methods of making and using biochips.
US08404189B2
A gas mixer is disclosed which includes a vessel (10) (e.g., pipe) containing a stream (12) of a first hydrocarbon-containing gas. The mixer includes a hollow pipe (14) located internal to the vessel containing a stream of a second gas, e.g., an oxygen-containing gas stream such as a stream of pure oxygen gas or air enriched with oxygen. The internal pipe further includes a mixer tip (30) at the peripheral end thereof. The mixer tip includes a body having an internal passage for conducting the second gas out of the pipe and an opening introducing the second gas stream into the first gas stream in a radial plane at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The pipe further includes a deflector (20) on its external surface in longitudinal alignment with the opening of the mixer tip. The deflector serves to deflect any entrained particles within the first gas stream away from the mixing zone where the two streams mix, minimizing the risk of ignition of the hydrocarbon-containing gas.
US08404185B2
A system for pre-concentrating analytes in a sample prior to introduction into a chromatographic column is generally disclosed comprising a housing, an adsorbent disposed in the housing, and first and second conduits having an inlet and an outlet, respectively, for transferring fluid out of and into the housing during adsorption/dry purge and desorption stages, respectively. In some embodiments, the inlet of the first conduit and the outlet of the second conduit are both disposed in one end of the housing and are offset from each other with respect to the adsorbent.
US08404184B2
A system and method for calculating a value indicative of the amount of an undesirable constituent of a volatile gas stream that is removed from the atmosphere. Data received at a higher sampling rate is subjected to a plurality of validation processes and data that is determined to be faulty is then quarantined. Quarantined data can be replaced, however, an audit trail is generated to indicate what data has been replaced and the underlying rationale for the replacement data.
US08404183B2
A reactor produces a surface corona for emitting UV light and for the production of ozone by passing air or oxygen through the surface corona. The emitted UV light activates a photocatalyst coated on a surface facing a surface with embedded electrodes which generate the surface corona. The photocatalyst is a thin film of nanoparticle TiO2 with primary particle size of 0.02 to 0.2 μm was deposited on a substrate by a flame aerosol method. The method combines ozonation and photocatalysis to provide effective and efficient oxidation of alcohols and hydrocarbons to value added products. The method can also be used for air and water cleaning.
US08404179B2
An apparatus for removing mold and mildew from sports equipment includes an ozone generator that supplies ozone to a distribution system that directs ozone at a high velocity to both dry and sanitize sports equipment. The high velocity flow of ozone is directed to the interior portions of the sports equipment to dry and sanitize the equipment. The high speed flow of the ozone provides for drying of the interior surfaces of the equipment while also direction impinging ozone flow on interior surfaces to remove undesirable mold and mildew.
US08404177B2
A system and associated process are provided for recovering cadmium telluride (CdTe) that has plated onto components, such as components used in the manufacture of photovoltaic (PV) modules. The system includes a vacuum oven configured for maintaining a vacuum and being heated to a temperature effective for sublimating CdTe off of components placed within the oven. A collection member is disposed so that sublimated CdTe generated in the oven diffuses to the collection member. The collection member is maintained at a temperature effective for causing the sublimated CdTe to plate thereon. The collection member is subsequently processed to collect the plated CdTe.
US08404171B2
A process for three-dimensional modeling in which water soluble thermoplastic material is used in an additive deposition process to form a soluble support structure for a three-dimensional model formed via layer-by-layer deposition of the model's geometry. The water-soluble thermoplastic material includes a base of vinyl alcohol. Following the completion of the model, the model is placed in a cold water bath to dissolve the support structure. The water-soluble material can also be used to form soluble model directly.
US08404170B2
An imprint lithography method is disclosed for forming a patterned layer from a UV-curable, imprintable liquid medium on a substrate by means of an imprint template with a patterned surface. The method involves bringing together the patterned surface and the UV-curable medium for a filling period, illuminating the UV-curable medium with UV-radiation for an illumination period, holding the patterned surface and the UV-curable imprintable liquid medium together for a holding period such that the UV-curable medium has formed a self-supporting patterned layer, and separating the patterned surface and the patterned layer at the end of the holding period. The start time of the illumination period is earlier than the end time of the filling period by a pre-cure period. Also, a method is disclosed where the end time of the illumination period is earlier than the end time of the holding period.
US08404160B2
A metallic ink including a vehicle, a multiplicity of copper nanoparticles, and an alcohol. The conductive metallic ink may be deposited on a substrate by methods including inkjet printing and draw-down printing. The ink may be pre-cured and cured to form a conductor on the substrate.
US08404155B2
A nanocatalyst, dual catalyst and methods for improving the efficiency and output of a biomass gasification process are provided where the catalysts comprise a volatile organometallic compound(s) and/or a nanoalloy catalyst. By the catalyst and method, a very high biomass gasification conversion efficiency of over 85% can be achieved. The subject nanocatalyst cracks and gasifies lignin, which is generally inert in conventional gasification, at relatively low gasification temperatures. The subject disclosure also provides a means to increase gas yields and lower lignin content in the resulting product relative to conventional gasification. Alternatively, oil production may be increased, if desired. Moreover, the resulting gas may achieve a Fischer-Tropsch reactor favorable H2:CO ratio of about 9:1. The energy input to the gasification is correspondingly reduced to reduce costs and the environmental impact associated with the gasification process.
US08404143B2
The present disclosure provides a concentrate for use in chemical mechanical polishing slurries, and a method of diluting that concentrate to a point of use slurry. The concentrate comprises abrasive, complexing agent, and corrosion inhibitor, and the concentrate is diluted with water and oxidizer. These components are present in amounts such that the concentrate can be diluted at very high dilution ratios, without affecting the polishing performance.
US08404129B1
A method and system for fabricating an optical component are described. The method and system include providing a first planarization stopping and a second planarization stopping structure. The first planarization stopping structure has a first height and a first edge. The second planarization stopping structure has a second height different from the first height and a second edge. The first edge is separated from the second edge by a distance. The method and system also include providing an optical material. The optical material resides at least between the first edge of the first planarization stopping structure and the second edge of the second planarization stopping structure. The method and system also include planarizing the optical components. The planarization removes a portion of the optical material to form a surface between the first planarization stopping structure and the second planarization stopping structure. This surface has a curvature.
US08404128B1
A method and system for providing a magnetic recording transducer having a pole are disclosed. The pole has side(s), a bottom, and a top wider than the bottom. The method and system include providing at least one side gap layer that covers the side(s) and the top of the pole. At least one sacrificial layer is provided on the side gap layer(s). The sacrificial layer(s) are wet etchable and cover the side gap layer(s). The magnetic recording transducer is planarized after the sacrificial layer(s) are provided. Thus, a portion of the side gap and sacrificial layer(s) is removed. A remaining portion of the sacrificial layer(s) is thus left. The method and system also include wet etching the sacrificial layer(s) to remove the remaining portion of the sacrificial layer(s). A wrap around shield is provided after the remaining portion of the sacrificial layer(s) is removed.
US08404127B2
A metal vanadium film is used as an extraction electrode contacting with a vanadium oxide or doped vanadium oxide film. The electrode material is adapted for a detector, sensor and optical switch based on a vanadium oxide or doped vanadium oxide film. The metal vanadium film is in favor of reducing the thermal conductivity of the support structure of the array unit. The preparation process of the vanadium film using the metal vanadium as the source material is more easily controlled than that of NiCr film using the NiCr alloy as the source material. The extraction electrode of the present invention easily obtains an excellent metal-semiconductor contact characteristic. The preparation process and patterning process of the metal vanadium film have an excellent technology compatibility with the IC and MEMS manufacturing processes.
US08404126B2
A resist layer is formed over one surface of a current-collector material, while a resist layer having a predetermined pattern is formed on the other surface of the current-collector material. Through-holes are formed on the current-collector material through an etching process. An electrode slurry is applied onto the current-collector material formed with the through-holes without removing the resist layers. Specifically, since the through-holes are closed by the resist layer, the electrode slurry does not pass through the through-holes to leak out. Therefore, the current-collector material can be conveyed in the horizontal direction, whereby the productivity of an electrode can be enhanced. The resist layers are made of PVdF, and the resist layers are removed in a heating and drying step in which the PVdF is dissolved.
US08404122B1
A system and a method for collecting oil from the surface of a body of water, which includes a vessel for receiving oil being collected; an articulating arm, having a first end secured to the vessel and a second end extending above the body of water; an oil collection portion, comprising a funnel shaped member suspended from the second end of the articulating arm, the funnel shaped member having a large opening at is lower end, and an angulated wall portion terminating in a small apex at the upper end of the funnel shaped member; a pump secured to and communicating with the apex end of the funnel shaped member, having a float switch to activate the pump; a line extending from the pump to the interior of the vessel, so that when the funnel shaped member is lowered into the water, oil floating on the water will become more concentrated as the oil is moved from the large opening of the funnel to the apex of the funnel, and when the oil contacts the float switch the pump pumps the oil from atop the water to the interior of the vessel.
US08404120B2
An apparatus and method permit continuous separation of an adsorbate from a processing material containing solid particles, sticky substances and water-soluble proteins, alone or in combination, without pretreatment. The processing is carried out while a loop adsorbent is circulated. An adsorbate is adsorbed, not by supply of the processing solution through the adsorbent, but by contact thereof with the adsorbent. In addition, the adsorbent after desorption of the adsorbate is cleaned. As a result, the apparatus and the method achieve continuous processing and separation of the adsorbate even from a processing material containing solid particles, sticky substances and water-soluble proteins alone or in combination without pretreatment.
US08404118B2
The invention relates to a filter unit for purification of impure water, which could be seawater intended for ballast water, pool water, waste water or the like. The purification is performed by means of filter modules comprising filter means with dead end filter elements of a sintered material, and the filter unit facilitates alternating backwashing of the filter means at the same time as the filter unit may perform filtration of the impure water. The invention likewise relates to use of a dead end filter element in a de-gassing version, the filter element comprising a top end, a bottom end and a plurality of substantially parallel arranged channels with blockings in different ends.
US08404111B2
A fluidized membrane bioreactor comprising a bioreactor including biochemically active organisms; fluidized particles which is a support media to be attached by the organisms; and membranes which permit treated water to pass through except the organisms, wherein the fluidized particles are in direct contact with the membranes. The membranes are installed internally or externally to the bioreactor. The particles may be granular activated carbon or other suitable materials. The fluidized particles serve not only as support media for microorganisms, but also as media for sorption or otherwise retention of matter that can cause membrane fouling and as an abrasive material for cleaning the membrane surface.
US08404109B2
A method of inverting sucrose, including (i) determining an initial solids concentration of an aqueous sucrose solution, an initial bed volume of a sucrose inversion resin system, a minimum target inversion percentage, a maximum target inversion percentage, a target maximum hydroxymethylfuran (HMF) concentration, a minimum target pH, or a maximum target pH; (ii) contacting the sucrose inversion resin system with the aqueous sucrose solution under conditions of aqueous solution flow rate and aqueous solution temperature to produce an inverted sucrose solution having an inversion percentage, an HMF concentration, and a pH; (iii) observing an instantaneous inversion percentage, an instantaneous HMF concentration, or an instantaneous pH of the inverted sucrose solution; and, if appropriate; (iv) changing at least one of the aqueous solution flow rate or the aqueous solution temperature to yield a product having a desired inversion percentage, HMF concentration, and/or pH. An apparatus capable of performing the method.
US08404108B2
A method of extracting hydrocarbon-containing organic matter from a hydrocarbon-containing material includes the steps of providing a first liquid comprising a turpentine liquid; contacting the hydrocarbon-containing material with the turpentine liquid to form an extraction mixture; extracting the hydrocarbon material into the turpentine liquid; and separating the extracted hydrocarbon material from a residual material not extracted.
US08404106B2
After desulfurizing a hydrocarbon feedstream using an alkali metal reagent, the hydrocarbon feedstream can include particles of spent alkali metal salts. The spent alkali metal salts can be separated from the hydrocarbon feedstream and regenerated to form an alkali metal reagent, such as a alkali hydroxide or alkali sulfide. The regeneration process can pass through an intermediate stage of forming an alkali carbonate by successive reactions with carbon dioxide and calcium oxide. The calcium oxide can also be regenerated.
US08404105B2
One exemplary embodiment can be a process for facilitating a transfer of a metal catalyst component from at least one donor particle to at least one recipient particle in a catalytic naphtha reforming unit. The process can include transferring an effective amount of the metal catalyst component from the at least one donor particle to the at least one recipient particle under conditions to effect such transfer to improve a conversion of a hydrocarbon feed.
US08404095B2
A method of immersing an electrode in an electroplating solution while under vacuum, to substantially eliminate air and/or other gas from microscopic holes, cavities or indentations in the electrode. A method of electroplating an electrode in an electroplating solution including the application of a vacuum to the electrode while it is immersed in the electroplating solution to thereby substantially eliminate air and/or other gas from microscopic holes, cavities or indentations in the electrode. The electroplating liquid may be applied to only one side of the electrode (“the wet side”) in which case, sufficient time is allowed to pass for the immersion liquid to fill the microscopic through-holes, cavities or indentations in the electrode. An enhancement of this mode is to force liquid through the microscopic holes from the wet side. A highly penetrating solvent may be used as an immersion liquid. Alternatively, carbon dioxide can be used as an immersion liquid, in which case the liquid carbon dioxide may be obtained by adjusting the temperature and pressure conditions in a closed container of gaseous carbon dioxide.
US08404093B2
An embodiment is a method and apparatus to provide de-ionization. First and second conductive porous membranes are placed between a feed channel having a feed flow and first and second concentration channels having first and second concentration flows to separate the feed channel from the concentration channels. Cathode and anode electrodes are placed on external sides of the concentration channels. A voltage supply distribution network provides independent voltages across the channels to cause movement of ions in the feed and concentration flows toward the electrodes.
US08404089B2
When sputtering method is performed by disposing a plurality of targets in parallel with each other, and by charging power to the targets through a plurality of bipolar pulsed power supplies, power can be charged with higher accuracy to the targets while being subject to less effect by the switching noises by a simple control. In a sputtering method in which, for each of targets making a pair, power is supplied in a bipolar pulsed mode by switching ON or OFF of each of the switching elements SW1 through SW4 in a bridge circuit that is connected to positive and negative DC output ends from the DC power supply source, and in which each of the targets is sputtered, switching ON or OFF of the switching elements is performed in a short-circuited state of an output-short-circuiting switching element SW0 which is disposed between positive and negative DC outputs from the DC power supply source. The timing of shifting the output-short-circuiting switching element is mutually deviated from bridge circuit to bridge circuit.
US08404087B2
The subject invention provides a process for efficiently producing electret coarse powder useful as electrophoretic particles for a large-screen display.The process for producing electret coarse powder comprises irradiating a fluorine-containing resin sheet with an electron beam or a radial ray to convert the fluorine-containing resin sheet into an electret sheet, and pulverizing the electret sheet.
US08404082B2
The present invention relates to wood pulp and polyareneazole pulp for use as reinforcement material in products including for example friction materials, fluid sealing materials, and papers. The pulp comprises (a) irregularly shaped, wood pulp fibrous structures, (b) irregularly shaped, polyareneazole fibrous structures, and (c) water, whereby wood pulp fibrils and/or stalks are substantially entangled with polyareneazole fibrils and/or stalks. The invention further relates to processes for making such wood pulp and polyareneazole pulp.
US08404080B2
An apparatus to treat a substrate includes a processing chamber including a reaction space where a substrate to be treated is placed and a plasma is formed, a ferrite core having a plurality of poles disposed outside the reaction space and a connector facing the reaction space across the plurality of poles and connecting the plurality of the poles each other, a coil winding around the plurality of poles, and an electric power unit supplying electric power to the coil.
US08404062B2
A cooling device and a cooling method for a hot strip allow uniform and stable cooling of the strip at a high cooling rate when supplying the coolant to the upper surface of the hot strip. The cooling device includes an upper header unit 21 for supplying a rod-like flow to the upper surface of the strip 10. The upper header unit 21 is formed of the first upper header group including plural first upper headers 21a arranged in a conveying direction and a second upper header group including plural second upper headers 21b arranged in the conveying direction. The cooling device is provided with an ON-OFF mechanism 30 to allow each of the upper headers 21a and 21b of the first and the second upper header groups to independently execute the ON-OFF control (start/end injection control) of an injection (feeding) of the rod-like flow.
US08404058B2
A housing includes a substrate made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, an ion implantation layer formed on the substrate, and a vacuum coated layer formed on the ion implantation layer. The ion implantation layer is implanted with one or more ion species selected from the group consisting of nitrogen ion, oxygen ion, and boron ion and is substantially comprised of one or more selected from the group consisting of aluminum nitride, aluminum oxide, and aluminum boride. The implanted ions can improve the compactness of the ion implantation layer. Thus, the corrosion resistance of the housing can be improved.
US08404049B2
A barrel susceptor for supporting semiconductor wafers in a heated chamber having an interior space. Each of the wafers has a front surface, a back surface and a circumferential side. The susceptor includes a body having a plurality of faces arranged around an imaginary central axis of the body. Each face has an outer surface and a recess extending laterally inward into the body from the outer surface. Each recess is surrounded by a rim defining the respective recess. The susceptor also includes a plurality of ledges extending outward from the body. Each of the ledges is positioned in one of the recesses and includes an upward facing support surface for supporting a semiconductor wafer received in the recess. Each of the support surfaces is separate from the outer surface of the respective face.
US08404038B2
Mercury adsorbed from combustion gas by activated carbon can be sequestered in concrete containing air-entraining admixtures. The activated carbon may be made by providing a carbon char made from coconut shell, wood, or lignite that was activated by a method selected from the group consisting of activating with steam, activating with CO2, activating in an environment containing free oxygen, and combinations thereof to provide an activated carbon with an Acid Blue 80 Index of less than about 30 milligrams per gram of carbon. The activated carbon may be injected into a combustion gas stream containing fly ash and mercury and may then be removed with fly ash from the gas stream. The resulting composition may be used as a partial substitute for cement in air-entrained concretes.
US08404035B2
An electroless copper plating solution that is favorable to improve the adhesion of a plating film and realizes uniform plating at a low temperature is characterized by containing a water-soluble nitrogen-containing polymer in an electroless copper plating solution, and preferably the above-mentioned electroless copper plating solution contains glyoxylic acid and phosphinic acid as reducing agents. The water-soluble nitrogen-containing polymer is preferably a polyacrylamide or a polyethyleneimine and, preferably, its weight average molecular weight (Mw) is at least 100,000 and Mw/Mn is 10.0 or less.
US08404031B1
The various embodiments of the invention relates to the composition of matter of a hydrogen sulfide sorption material and the related method of manufacture and method of use. The Capture Material is manufactured from steel or iron solubilized with hydrochloric acid. The resulting iron chloride solution is treated with caustic solution to increase the pH, and then further neutralized with lime. Prior to filtration, a flocculent is used to aid in the separation of the Capture Material. After filtration, the Capture Material is dried, crushed, and screened to an appropriate mesh size and packaged. The Capture Material is used by charging standard sorption towers and allowing hydrogen sulfide laden gas or vapor to flow through a bed of the Capture Material. The Capture Material thereby chemically and physically sorbs the hydrogen sulfide and removing the hydrogen sulfide from the gas or vapor exiting the sorption tower.
US08404018B2
Burner assembly for use in industrial heating and melting applications of material susceptible to oxidation at elevated temperatures is comprised of a flow passage of oxidant surrounded by an annular flow passage of fuel whereby the oxidant is substantially contained inside the fuel layer up to at least 5 oxidant nozzle diameters downstream of the burner outlet in order to minimize contact between the oxidant and the furnace load.
US08404005B2
In a method and system to produce biodiesel using an improved catalytic transesterification process, a first reactant and a second reactant are dispersed to form a laminar slug flow pattern within a microchannel of a microreactor, the first reactant and the second reactant being immiscible. The first reactant and the second reactant are mixed, thereby triggering a reaction between them to produce the biodiesel and glycerol, the mixing being convection-enhanced by shear stress induced circulation occurring within each slug of the reactants. The reaction takes place under a pressure that is less than 5 psi and under a temperature that is less than 70 degrees Celsius. Separation of the glycerol from the biodiesel occurs simultaneously with the mixing. Several microreactors are coupled in parallel to improve throughput of the biodiesel.
US08404000B2
The invention provides an organic dye, a composite dye and dye-sensitized solar cell using the same. The organic dye has Formula (I): wherein L is a linker group and comprises a substituted or unsubstituted C4-C20 aryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted carboncyclic group, a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group or combinations thereof, and A is an electron acceptor group.
US08403995B2
An orthopaedic prosthesis includes a curved outer surface configured to abut a patient's bone when the orthopaedic prosthesis is implanted therein. The outer surface may or may not be electrically conductive. A channel is defined in the outer surface in which one or more electrical conductors are positioned. A switch is positioned at a first location on the outer surface and is configured to establish an electrical connection between the electrical conductor and the outer surface (e.g., an electrical trace) and/or another electrical conductor when the first location of the outer surface is pressed against the patient's bone. The switch may be embodied as an end of the electrical conductor or a more complex switch such as a push-button type switch.
US08403993B2
A knee prosthetic system includes a femoral component, a fixed tibial bearing component, a mobile tibial bearing component and an integrated or common tibial base component. The same tibial base component can be used with either the fixed tibial bearing component or the mobile tibial bearing component. The fixed bearing component and tibial base component have mating anti-rotation features. One embodiment of the mobile bearing component does not engage the anti-rotation feature of the tibial base component. Another embodiment engages the anti-rotation feature to allow for limited rotation.
US08403991B2
An implant that has a predefined ratio of load bearing surface area to the overall size of the implant body and specifically to the surface area of a centrally located opening of a vertical aperture which connects to a center void area or passage defined by the implant body shape. This invention discloses a critical ratio or balance between loading of contained graft material through the hollow center or central passage of the implant and the implant's frictional load bearing or contact area with e.g., adjacent vertebral bones. Application of this invention to a spinal implant provides an improved integration and integration rate of the graft material or the fusion of the adjacent vertebral bone structures. The ratio between implant load bearing surface area and implant central opening area maximizes implant internal volume and allows a large passage disposed medial laterally to allow for radiographic verification of fusion growth.
US08403978B2
Stent exhibiting a succession of turns around the axis, adjacent turns being connected by connector portions distributed around the circumference of the prosthesis, each of the turns being made up of struts that extend the length of the turn and are interspersed by inflection zones located at the axial ends of each of the turns. When the prosthesis expands radially, gaps open up between adjacent struts of each of the turns, the inflection zones being distributed regularly around the circumference so that the gaps are substantially the same size as each other around the circumference of the turn, characterized in that at least every second turn exhibits a stagger zone within which the said gap between adjacent said struts is of an individual size different from that common to the other gaps of that second turn.
US08403977B2
Delivery systems for delivering and deploying expandable intraluminal medical devices within a body vessel are provided. A portion of the delivery system that includes the expandable intraluminal medical device orients itself about an axis based on characteristics of the body vessel, such as the relative orientation of major and minor axes of the vessel. This allows the intraluminal medical device to be deployed in the vessel in a desired orientation relative to the vessel. Embodiments can be used with any suitable intraluminal medical device, including valve devices, stents, drug-coated stents, filters, and other suitable devices. Methods of delivering and deploying intraluminal medical devices are also described.
US08403972B2
A thread-forming screw includes a screw end, a shank, and a thread-free head, wherein the shank is provided at least partly with a thread and has a pre-forming region, an intermediate region, which is arranged to follow the pre-forming region, and an anchoring region, which is arranged so as to adjoin the intermediate region and below the head, wherein the pre-forming region is arranged so as to directly adjoin the screw end.
US08403966B2
A bone plate and system is provided. The bone fixation plate conforms to the contour of an irregularly shaped bone and eliminates the need for pre-bending or intraoperative bending of the plate. The bone plate is applied to the bone in a generally flat condition and the process of installing and tightening the bone screws in the prescribed order serves to contour the plate to the underlying bone while providing sufficient strength to effect bone healing. The geometry of the plate allows the plate to follow the contour of an irregularly shaped bone, preventing prominence and patient palpability and streamlining the surgical procedure.
US08403960B2
The invention concerns a distance-keeping inter-process implant with a body ending in its posterior part with two opposite-situated resistance protrusions. In the anterior part of the body there are situated at least two wings, at least one of which is a mobile wing connected with the body by an articulated joint. Each wing is provided with at least one guide of the tensioning band. The articulated joint between the mobile wing and the body is formed by the mutually collaborating shaped surface of the. wing (and the shaped surface of the body and is usefully secured by the pin that constitutes the axis of rotation of the mobile wing. In an alternative version of the implementation of the implant, the mobile wing connected with the body is provided with at least one arm situated with respect to the wing at the angle α amounting to from 30° to 150°.
US08403955B2
Inflatable intravascular filters for filtering blood clots contained within a blood vessel are disclosed. An inflatable intravascular filter in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention can include an apical head and one or more inflatable filter legs operatively coupled to the apical head. Each of the inflatable filter legs can include a first end section, a second end section, and an interior cavity adapted to receive an inflation medium for inflating and/or deflating the intravascular filter.
US08403953B2
Apparatus is provided for use with a subject's body, vagina, vaginal fornix, uterus, and uterine artery. A fornix-engaging structure is inserted into the vagina and engages the vaginal fornix. A rod is inserted into the subject's body via the fornix-engaging structure, such that a distal end of the rod passes through vaginal tissue at a first vaginal site until the distal end of the rod is at a first extrauterine site outside of the uterine artery, but in a vicinity of a portion of the uterine artery that supplies a uterine fibroid. A rod-guide is coupled to the fornix-engaging structure, and guides the distal end of the rod to the first extrauterine site. A uterine artery compression device is disposed on the distal end of the rod. Other embodiments are also described.
US08403952B2
Apparatus for use in a gastrointestinal tract of a subject, the apparatus including a straightening rod (8), and a flexible tubular anchor (1) having a distal end (2) and an open proximal end (4), and sized to fit in the gastrointestinal tract. The anchor (1) comprises a material that has an elastic memory which biases the anchor (1) towards assuming a pre-selected bent configuration. The anchor (1) is shaped so as to define a central core (7) extending from the open proximal end (4) toward the distal end (2). The anchor (1) is configured to be straightened from the pre-selected bent configuration by insertion of the straightening rod (8) in the central core (7). The apparatus further includes a device (70) coupled to the anchor, selected from the list consisting of: a therapeutic device, and a transmitting device. Other embodiments are also described.
US08403950B2
A disposable ultrasonic surgical handle connectable to an ultrasonic waveguide, a battery, and an ultrasonic-movement-generator assembly includes a first handle body portion defining therein an aseptically sealable battery-holding compartment shaped to receive the battery therein, a second handle body portion connected to the first handle body portion, and an electrical couple. The second handle body portion has a waveguide attachment dock exposed to the environment and an ultrasonic-movement-generator assembly dock exposed to the environment and shaped to connect the ultrasonic waveguide in the waveguide attachment dock to the ultrasonic-movement-generator assembly through the second handle body portion. The electrical couple is operable to connect a battery within the battery-holding compartment to the ultrasonic-movement-generator-assembly when the ultrasonic-movement-generator assembly is docked at the ultrasonic-movement-generator assembly dock.
US08403940B2
The present invention provides tools to distract, compress, and measure a vertebral body segment. In one aspect of the invention, a tool includes a handle assembly and a locking mechanism operable between a first condition in which handle portions can translate and pivot relative to one another and a second condition in which the handle portions are fixed translatably. In another aspect of the invention, a tool for distracting and compressing a vertebral body segment includes a measuring device to simultaneously indicate the length of a connecting element for coupling the fasteners. In another aspect of the invention, a measurement device includes indicia defined by a locus of points corresponding to a particular connecting element length. In another aspect of the invention, a method of coupling a first fastener engaged with a first vertebrae to a second fastener engaged with a second vertebrae is provided.
US08403924B2
A system for reducing radiated emissions the system including a microwave generator that supplies microwave energy at a fundamental frequency, a coaxial transmission cable that transmits microwave energy between the microwave generator and a microwave energy delivery device and an isolation apparatus connected between the microwave generator and the coaxial transmission cable. The isolation apparatus is configured to electrically isolate the coaxial transmission cable from the microwave generator and capacitively couple the microwave generator ground to the coaxial transmission cable.
US08403905B2
A method for retaining aerosols when accessing a sealed vial is disclosed. The method includes the steps of piercing the vial seal with a sharp cannula having a medicament lumen and a vent lumen, introducing a liquid through the medicament lumen into the vial, and conducting gas out of the vial through the vent lumen and a vent port to the atmosphere. The method also includes the steps of blocking the passage of non-dispersed liquid out the vent lumen at a first filter device comprising pores having a diameter in the range of 0.2-3.0 microns, absorbing liquid dispersed in gas at a second filter device, and inhibiting the passage of bacteria at a third filter device having a pore size smaller than 0.2 microns.
US08403902B2
Systems, methods, and devices related to removing fluids from a patient are provided. In one instance, fluid is removed from the patient and delivered to a canister using reduced pressure. Reduced pressure is supplied to the canister via a reduced-pressure delivery conduit that includes a moisture processing device and a hydrophobic filter. The moisture processing device condenses moisture from the air to prevent condensation from occluding the hydrophobic filter. The moisture processing devices includes an expanded volume and one or more liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable membranes. The liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable membrane allows vapor to egress the moisture processing device. Other systems, methods, and devices are presented.
US08403901B2
A catheter includes a urinary tube having proximal and distal ends intercoupling a passage for receiving the discharge of urine from the urethera with the urinary tube distal end for coupling to a collection bag. A resilient and deformable flared flange member is formed integral with the proximal end of the urinary tube, has a centered port contiguous with the urinary tube passage, has a peripheral edge that at least in part defines an annular proximal facing contact surface and an opposed annular distal facing contact surface. The peripheral edge covers an area that is greater than the cross-sectional area of the urinary tube. A plurality of miniature suction cups is disposed on the annular proximal facing contact surface. An adhesive component may be applied over the proximal facing contact surface.
US08403895B2
A method of treating a disc that is leaking nucleus pulposus through at least one defect in the annulus fibrosus. The method includes injecting a fibrin sealant into the disc to reduce at least a portion of the at least one defect, wherein the fibrin sealant injected into the disc comprises an anesthetic, fibrinogen and an activating compound, wherein at least a portion of the fibrin forms after injection, with the proviso that a corticosteroid is absent from the fibrin sealant injected into the disc.
US08403892B2
The present disclosure relates to a surgical access member for establishing percutaneous access to a surgical worksite within tissue. The surgical access member includes a constricting mechanism that is adapted to removably receive a surgical instrument and resiliently transition between an open state and a constricted state. In the open state, insertion of the surgical instrument through the constricting mechanism is substantially uninhibited. In the constricted state, the constricting mechanism substantially limits transverse movement of the surgical instrument, and may facilitate the creation of a substantially fluid-tight seal therewith.
US08403883B2
A medical injector is provided herein having a body and a reservoir disposed in the body, the reservoir including at least first and second mixable components. At least one stopper is associated with the reservoir where distal advancement of the stopper over a predetermined distance causes mixing of the mixable components. A plunger is disposed in the body, along with a knob stem and a knob fixed to the knob stem so as to be rotatable therewith. A sleeve is telescopingly disposed over the knob stem, wherein the knob stem and the sleeve have cooperating elements formed thereon which selectively permit rotation of the knob stem to be transmitted to the sleeve so that the knob stem and the sleeve may rotate together. A spring is also provided for urging the sleeve distally. A releasable retainer releasably retains the sleeve against force of the spring. Rotation of the knob releases the sleeve and allows the spring to displace the sleeve distally. Distal movement of the sleeve causes distal movement of the plunger which causes distal movement of the stopper thus causing mixing of the mixable components. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a medical injector may be provided where autoreconstitution can be achieved by the turning of a knob.
US08403882B2
Disclosed is an applicator device (10) for applying a multi-component fluid, especially a multi-component tissue glue, comprising a plurality of substantially cylindrical supply containers (12) for respectively one component of the fluid to be applied, each supply container (12) having a front end (16) with an outlet opening (18), a rear end (22) opposite to the front end (16), and a slidably displaceable piston (24) arranged within the supply container (12) and having a piston rod (26) extending out of the rear end (22) for operating the piston (24). Moreover, the applicator device includes a manifold (72) having terminal ends (50,58) with a first port for fluid connection with the front ends (16) of the supply containers (12), the manifold (72) further having internal channels (62) extending from the first ports of the terminal ends (50,58) to an outlet site. Finally, also a holding element (38) for holding the supply containers (12), and a coupling element (74) extending from the holding element (38) and having a connection end (76) connected to the manifold (72) are provided, wherein the connection end (76) of the coupling element (74) is bonded to the manifold (72).
US08403874B2
In a machine for extracorporeal blood treatment, a syringe pump (4) for infusion of an anticoagulant comprises a support (5) for the syringe, a pusher (6), a sensor of the pushing force of the pusher (6), and a control unit (8) for guiding the pusher (6) in accordance with the force measured by the sensor. The support comprises a series of interchangeable gripping elements (9), each of which defines a housing for a syringe having a different diameter, the housing having a longitudinal axis which, for all of the interchangeable gripping elements in the series, is always in the same position in relation to the pusher. The invention provides a dialysis machine with a pump that is easily and rapidly adaptable for syringes over a wide range of sizes.
US08403868B2
A guide wire assembly includes a proximal end portion, a distal portion comprising a coil, a hollow stranded wire extending towards the distal portion, and a core wire. The guide wire assembly is characterized in that a proximal tube is provided, which extends from the proximal end portion to a proximal end of the hollow stranded wire such that the hollow stranded wire is directly joined to the proximal tube. The core wire extends into the distal portion and does not extend into the proximal tube. An entire length of the hollow stranded wire is in a range of 7.5 to 22.5% of an entire length of the guide wire assembly.
US08403866B2
A method and apparatus for introducing a cardiac lead to an implantation site that includes a catheter body having an outer wall and a distal leader and having a proximal portion extending from the first proximal end to a second distal end. An inner member is positioned within an outer lumen of the catheter body and is spaced from the outer wall to form a first inner lumen for receiving a guide tool inserted therein and a second lumen for receiving the cardiac lead while the guide tool is positioned within the first inner lumen. A distal end of the inner member forms a first opening at a distal end of the first inner lumen and a second opening at a distal end of the second inner lumen, the first opening and the second opening positioned proximal the distal leader.
US08403859B2
An interventional medical device is provided that incorporates a forward-directed ultrasound imaging system integrated into a single device. The medical device can be in the form of sheaths, catheters, and interventional devices, particularly those suitable for minimally invasive procedures in the human or other mammalian body. The imaging system comprises one or more small ultrasound transducers that can be permanently integrated into the device or integrated into an interchangeable ultrasound transducer that can be inserted into and removed from the device to customize the device for a particular use. An ultrasound system can be provided in the device either alone or in combination with fiber optic imaging to provide a range of imaging and therapeutic capabilities of the device.
US08403857B2
An oesophageal Doppler monitoring probe is comprised of an elongated flexible shaft having a distal end and a proximal end. In one embodiment, the elongated flexible shaft includes a pitched spring. The probe further includes a probe tip coupled to the distal end, wherein the probe tip includes an ultrasound transducer assembly, and a connector coupled to the proximal end, wherein the connector is configured to electrically couple the monitoring probe to a host processor. In one embodiment, the ultrasound transducer assembly may be configured to detect blood flow characteristics based on the Doppler effect.
US08403853B2
A technology for providing a small and inexpensive ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which does not need a high resolution A/D converter, and has high sensitivity and a wide dynamic range is disclosed. According to the technology, an ultrasonic transducer unit 1 for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic wave is driven by a drive circuit 2 for generating a pulse signal. An echo signal received by the ultrasonic transducer unit is inputted to an analog low frequency band attenuator 3 which attenuates a low frequency band component. An output signal of the analog low frequency band attenuator is inputted to an A/D converter 4 which converts the signal to a digital signal. The converted and outputted digital signal is inputted to a digital correction filter 5 which intensifies the low frequency band component attenuated by the analog low frequency band attenuator and outputs a digital signal having a frequency distribution almost equal to that of the echo signal received by the ultrasonic transducer unit.
US08403838B2
A medical device for managing tissue in an organ, such as the stomach, for retracting or positioning tissue and related organs to allow certain regions of the stomach to be acquired for a gastroplasty procedure. The medical device includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a tissue treatment device attached to the distal end of the elongated body. The tissue treatment device includes a first jaw opposite a second jaw, and each jaw is adapted to acquire tissue. A retractor is disposed along the tissue treatment device and adapted to be moveable from a delivery position to a retraction position to move or manage the tissue of the stomach. The medical device also includes a collapsible barrier disposed between the first and second jaws of the tissue treatment device to direct tissue into the first and second jaws separately.
US08403837B2
A deployable jaws retraction device is provided for retracting a body organ away from an operative site without occupying an incision or surgical access port during the surgical procedure. The deployable jaws retraction device includes a jaw assembly having two or more jaws joined at one end and a retention device to maintain the jaws of the closed condition about a target body organ. The deployable jaws retraction device additionally includes an anchoring assembly for securing the jaw assembly and body organ away from the operative site during the surgical procedure. The anchoring assembly includes a needle having a tissue penetrating tip and a length of suture material connecting the needle to the jaw assembly. There is also provided an applicator instrument for applying the deployable jaws retraction device onto a target body organ.
US08403834B2
The inside of a cylindrical body is divided into two parts, that is, a first and a second chamber, and in a piston body, a first ventilation hole and a first ventilation path of a pushing portion are formed so as to communicate with the first chamber and a second ventilation hole and a second ventilation path of the pushing portion are formed to communicate with the second chamber, and a spring for returning the piston body to its original position is provided. By pressing the pushing portion while closing the first ventilation port so as to advance the piston body, air is supplied through a syringe port on the first chamber, while by pressing the pushing portion while closing the second ventilation port, air is supplied through the syringe port on the second chamber, and by releasing the pushing operation, the piston body automatically returns to the original position.
US08403829B2
An endoscopic form detection device includes a sensor tentative position detecting section configured to detect a tentative position of each sensor unit on the assumption that a portion between the respective sensor units is a linear tentative link whose dimension is equal to an inter-sensor dimension. The endoscopic form detection device includes a sensor position correcting section configured to correct a position of each sensor unit from the tentative position to a final position based on an absolute value of a difference between an arc length of each tentative arc and the inter-sensor dimension, and a final curve form detecting section configured to perform curve interpolation between the final positions of the respective sensor units by using a final arc to detect a final curve form of an inserting section.
US08403826B1
A video endoscope for diagnostic and therapeutic usage including a rigid or flexible tube defining an axis and a compact video module arranged at a distal end of the tube along the axis, the video unit being configured to pivot off the axis for providing improved access of medical instruments through the distal end of the tube.
US08403825B2
A method of preparing an opening formed in a penis for reception of a penile prosthetic includes measuring a length of the opening formed in the penis with a shaft of an instrument; aspirating a fluid through an orifice formed in a distal end of the shaft; expanding, with the fluid, a balloon that is attached to the shaft; and dilating a diameter of the opening formed in the penis with the expanded balloon.
US08403824B2
The apparatus is a ventricular assist device comprising: a pump with a housing having therein radial a impeller, and a rotor for driving the impeller, both the rotor and the impeller being hydrodynamically suspended within the housing in us, the pump further including a stator for driving the rotor; an inlet cannula section arranged to extend from an internal part of the ventricle to straddle the wall of the ventricle, the stator being within the inlet cannula section to be located in the internal part of the ventricle; and an outlet for blood driven by the impeller such that the pump is a radial pump. Both the outlet and the impeller are arranged to reside outside of the heart.
US08403820B2
A method of making reinforced paperboard cartons comprises the steps of advancing a web of paperboard along a path and progressively laminating at least one ribbon of reinforcing material to the advancing web of paperboard. The ribbon of reinforcing material, which also may be paperboard, has a width less than the width of the web of paperboard and is applied with adhesive at a selected location across the width of the web. The web and its laminated ribbon are cut into sheets of a predetermined size and the sheets are die-cut and scored with fold lines to form carton blanks. The fold lines may transition from non-reinforced to reinforced portions of the blank and a special transition zone is contemplated to accommodate the transition. The carton blanks are subsequently formed into cartons for receiving articles, the laminated reinforcing material providing reinforcement in selected portions of the cartons. Multiple ribbons and multiple layers of ribbons may be laminated to the web in respective selected locations to provide reinforcement in more than one portion of the cartons. Reinforcing ribbons may be deformed or altered to exhibit, for instance, corrugations or perforations prior to being adhered to the base sheet. Reinforced cartons and carton blanks made by the method also are provided.
US08403808B2
A multi-motor differential system for driving a common load includes two or more individual motors and CVTs installed between the individual motors and wheel groups subject to individual loads to achieve differential speed drive operation through speed ratio variation by the CVTs. The differential system also includes stabilizing device constituted by a torque-limited coupling device with sliding damping installed between the loads individually driven by the two CVTs.
US08403795B2
A two speed power take off unit adapted for installation in an all wheel drive vehicle having a transversely mounted engine/transaxle powertrain. The two speed power take off unit includes a planetary gear reduction unit capable of establishing a high range and a low range drive connection between the powertrain and a transfer assembly. The transfer assembly provides drive torque to a front differential assembly driving the front wheels and a rear differential driving the rear wheels.
US08403787B2
The present invention provides a hydraulic control system of a power train for a hybrid vehicle that allows the power train of a hybrid vehicle to implement all of two or more EV modes, two or more power split modes, and at least three or more fixed-stage modes, with a relatively simple configuration, and achieves satisfactory power performance of the power train and fuel efficiency and reduce the cost of the valve body, remove possibility of malfunction, and implements a limp home function when a controller is broken.
US08403784B2
A tool is provided for accessing and handling a belt, such as a serpentine belt, that revolves around pulleys and gears on or in proximity to an engine in a vehicle. For example, the serpentine belt may be accessed, gripped, guided around the pulleys and gears, removed from the pulleys and/or gears and installed on the pulleys and/or gears by utilizing the tool. Further, is not limited to handling of the serpentine belt being utilized in the vehicles, and can be utilized for handling various other belts also.
US08403782B2
A printing apparatus comprises a print head moving module comprising a mounting plate, a first wheel, a second wheel, an endless belt, a retaining member of the mounting plate to clamp with the second wheel; an adjusting device comprising a positioning member of the mounting plate, a driving member of the positioning member comprising an indicating block, a moveable member of the positioning member abutting the retaining member, the moveable member comprises a receiving portion having graduations; the indicating block is through the positioning member in the receiving portion; a resilient member in the receiving portion between the driving and the moveable members; wherein the driving member drives the moveable and the retaining members from a first to a second position, in the first position, the indicating block is away from a predetermined graduation; in the second position, resilient member deformed, the indicating block is at the predetermined graduation.
US08403780B2
A tensioner comprising a base comprising a first portion, an arm comprising a second portion, the arm pivotally connected to the base, a pulley journalled to the arm, a resilient member compressively disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the resilient member comprising a gap within which the first portion and the second portion are disposed, and the resilient member comprising a bore, the bore engaging the arm.
US08403768B2
A golf putting practice ball having visually contrasting lighter and darker sections and a visually contrasting aiming line going across a lighter color section in a 90 degree angle to the borderline of the lighter and darker color sections, and a visually contrasting mark located on the border of the different color sections of the ball, at a location 90° away from the midpoint of the aiming line, and a weight located in an asymmetric position in relation to the internal center of the ball.
US08403764B2
A constant velocity universal joint includes an outer joint member having an inner surface with a plurality of track grooves, an inner joint member having an outer surface with a plurality of track grooves which are paired with the track grooves of the outer joint member, and an inner surface having a shaft hole with a spline, a plurality of balls interposed between the track grooves of the outer joint member and the track grooves of the inner joint member so as to transmit torque, and a cage interposed between the inner surface of the outer joint member and the outer surface of the inner joint member so as to retain the balls, in which the inner joint member includes an axial step portion between an inlet-side end surface thereof and a spline end portion of the shaft hole so as to form a recessed end surface.
US08403756B2
A fantasy sports alert agent provides notifications of relevant news articles and occurrences in a fantasy sports game, such as fantasy team roster changes or player trades, and also suggests changes to a fantasy team roster to improve the team's chances of winning. The notifications are based on items of data received from an item generator, which is typically a server process that communicates with the agent via a network. The alert agent may suggest alternative fantasy team roster lineups and, if the user accepts a suggestion, the agent may change the lineup. Each notification includes a call to action feature, such as a web link, which a user can select to perform an action, such as accepting a trade or changing the team's roster. The notifications may be displayed on a user's computer screen by the alert agent, or by an RSS reader or electronic mail reader.
US08403747B2
When a game is started, at least two types of pieces obtained based on random extraction from prepared types of pieces are set in advance for each player as his/her own assigned pieces (assigned objects). When the game ends as a prescribed condition is satisfied, an evaluation value of each player is calculated based on a cumulative value at that time point of the assigned pieces set for that player. The assigned piece defines the type of the piece to be evaluated for each player. Here, as a difference between a cumulative value of one assigned piece and a cumulative value of the other assigned piece is greater, a higher evaluation value is calculated. Typically, the difference (absolute value) between the cumulative values of the respective assigned pieces is calculated as the evaluation value.
US08403746B2
An apparatus, method, and computer readable storage for automatically deciding slot machine configuration changes. Slot machine usage is electronically monitored and ideal settings are determined from the usage. Slot machines can then be updated electronically according to the ideal settings, either automatically or upon operator approval.
US08403744B2
A wagering method is provided that allows players or gaming establishments to specify conditions which when satisfied, reconfigure the gaming device to change game play from a first game to a second game. The condition may depend upon the value of a parameter—generally related to game play—to determine if the condition is valid and triggers the reconfiguration. The second game may be selected from a game on the same gaming device, from a game on a different gaming device, or a game played by a specific player.
US08403743B2
A method and system of operating a wagering game having simulated mechanical reels includes receiving a wager to play the wagering game. A first set of video images are displayed on a curved surface approximately a radius of curvature of a mechanical reel. The first set of video images simulates movement of a first set of reel symbols. In response to a triggering event, a second set of video images are displayed on the curved surface. The second set of video images simulate a transitioning from the first set of reel symbols to a second set of reel symbols.
US08403730B2
A grinder can include a stopper projection provided to a grinding stone cover and position a stopper abutting portion on a side of a gear housing in order to restrict a position adjustable range through abutment of the stopper projection to the stopper abutting portion in a position where the grinding stone cover has rotated in a rotational direction of the grinding stone by a set angle.
US08403729B1
The present invention is a tool for renotching a worn trowel. The invention consists of a grinding wheel adjustably mounted on an adjustable plate. The edge of the plate is provided with adjustable fingers for engaging the notches of a trowel to insure consistent spacing and depth of notches being formed in the trowel when grinding with the tool. The grinding wheel is attachable to an electric drill or similar motive device for rotating the wheel to thereby accomplish the grinding needed to renotch the worn trowel. The tool is provided with a handle for gripping the tool.
US08403728B2
A grinding/polishing machine includes first and second grinding units. The first grinding unit is mounted slidably on a column on a base support to move along a Z-axis direction, and has a first grinding wheel. The second grinding unit is mounted slidably on the first grinding unit to move along a Y-axis direction and has a second grinding wheel aligned with the first grinding wheel. When the second grinding wheel is in a grinding position, the second grinding wheel is situated between the first grinding wheel and a platform mounted on the base support to hold a workpiece. When the second grinding wheel moves away from the first grinding wheel, the first grinding wheel is movable to the platform for a grinding operation. The first and second grinding wheels have different levels of coarseness/fineness.
US08403724B1
A garment provides a shirt having sleeve portions and a body portion. The body portion defines a body cavity. A bra is disposed within the body cavity of the shirt and is loosely coupled to the body portion of the shirt via at least one attachment point. The garment is wearable by a woman in a manner in which the bra provides breast support for the woman and the shirt covers the bra, and the attachment points are configured to allow the shirt to remain loose while being worn by the woman. The garment provides light soft cup breast support while sleeping and can be worn when awake before going to bed, or after waking up during daytime activities.
US08403722B2
The present invention is a horizontal base for stabilizing vertically extending walls comprising a tray surface elevated from said base, the tray surface defining at least one moulded canal of a pre-defined shape, the at least one moulded canal being defined to receive at least one of said vertically extending walls. The base is preferably used in arts and crafts endeavours and in particular, for improved efficiency in the construction of gingerbread-based structures such as gingerbread houses.
US08403719B2
A sleeveless, torso-encircling vest having an open front to facilitate donning the vest useful for body surfing. Closures, for example a hook-and-loop fastening system, secure the two front portions of the vest to one another after the vest is in place on a wearer's body. Flotation material is placed only in a back panel of the vest to help properly orient a wearer while body surfing. The garment is lightweight, easy to put on, and streamlined in the water when on the wearer's body. The hook-and-loop closure system provides adjustability so that a single size vest properly fits a large range of body sizes. However, the vest may be provided in different sizes such as adult and child sizes.
US08403716B2
A twin-skeg ship that allows for an improvement in propulsion performance (propulsion efficiency). A twin-skeg ship has a pair of left and right skegs on the bottom of a stern has reaction fins, each comprising a plurality of fins extending radially from a bossing fixed to a stern frame provided at a rear end of the skeg, or from a fin boss provided on the bossing, in a range where a flow immediately in front of a propeller attached to the skeg with a propeller shaft therebetween has a component in the same direction as a rotational direction of the propeller.
US08403709B2
The present disclosure relates to a telecommunications jack including a housing having a port for receiving a plug. The jack also includes a plurality of contact springs adapted to make electrical contact with the plug when the plug is inserted into the port of the housing, and a plurality of wire termination contacts for terminating wires to the jack. The jack further includes a circuit board that electrically connects the contact springs to the wire termination contacts. The circuit board includes a multi-zone crosstalk compensation arrangement for reducing crosstalk at the jack.
US08403705B2
An electrical connector comprises: a housing defining a plurality of walls and a receiving room surrounded by the walls, a metal shell enclosing the housing, a PCB located under the metal shell, a terminal module received in the housing and defining a plurality of terminals passing through the PCB and extending out of the metal shell and an insulative outer cover having a receiving cavity enclosing the metal shell, a block wall limiting the PCB moving forwardly and at least one convex limiting the metal shell moving rearwardly.
US08403703B2
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing having a base portion defining a receiving cavity therein and a mating portion unitarily formed with the base portion and protruding outwardly from a front face of the base portion so as to define an insertion opening in communication with the receiving cavity. A plurality of terminals are received in the receiving cavity, each of which has a contacting portion extending rearwardly and upwardly from a position adjacent to the insertion opening. A rear cover is assembled on a rear section of the base portion and severs as a rear wall of the base portion. The insulative housing is formed by a double-colored-injection method and the mating portion and the base portion are configured as different colors. The double-colored-injection method can save an assembling process for the electrical connector, which is helpful for reducing the manufacturing cost.
US08403702B2
Disclosed is an electrical connector adaptor, an electrical assembly, and a process of connecting an electrical assembly. The electrical connector adaptor includes a housing, a mechanical latch positioned on the housing, terminals arranged and disposed within the housing, and a terminal retention device configured to retain the terminals within the housing. The mechanical latch is configured to releasably secure the housing to a first electrical connector. The electrical connector adaptor permits electrical connection between the first electrical connector and a second electrical connector, the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector being otherwise incompatible.
US08403692B2
An illumination device includes a light tube holder including two connectors for receiving either a light-emitting diode (LED) tube or a fluorescent tube. One of the connectors includes a rotary member rotatably received in a through hole defined in a retainer, and four conductive elastic pieces positioned in the retainer around the through hole. Two of the conductive pieces are electrically connected to an LED tube drive circuit board and the other two are connected to a fluorescent tube drive circuit board. The rotary member can be rotated to first and second positions, wherein at the first position, the LED tube can be activated, and at the second position the fluorescent tube can be activated.
US08403689B2
A card edge connector includes an elongated housing extending along a lengthwise direction thereof and having a pair of opposed side walls, and a central slot between the side walls. A plurality of contacts are retained in the housing and exposed to the central slot. A pair of ejector mechanisms are rotatable retained on two opposite ends of the housing. A pair of auxiliary insulators are attached to the ejector mechanisms, respectively. A tie wrap is located on the auxiliary insulators to urge the auxiliary insulators to prevent the ejector mechanisms from rotating.
US08403683B2
A card edge connector comprises an insulative housing defining a front mating face and a central slot recessed rearwardly from the mating face. A plurality of contacts each has a contact portion exposed into the central for mating with a complementary connector and a solder tail exposed to outside of the housing. A cover is assembled to a rear side of the housing. A spacer sandwiched between the housing and the cover along a front-to-rear direction. The spacer defines a plurality of through holes through which the solder tails of the contacts passing.
US08403677B2
The invention relates to a device which allows to preferably explain and demonstrate three-dimensional objects, such as anatomic models or also models and exhibits for museums and fairs. According to the invention the model 1 is fastened to the adjacencies by at least one multiple-component force-torque measurement device 2, includes an electronic storage and evaluation unit and an optic-visual and/or acoustic indicating device. The force-torque measurement device 2 converts the forces and moments arising when the model 1 is touched into electrical measurement signals to be leaded to the electronic storage and evaluation unit, and in the electronic storage and evaluation unit the contact zone is calculated from the forces and torques detected as a result of the touch, and is communicated to the operator as a signal by means of the optic-visual and/or acoustic indicating device.
US08403673B2
The present invention relates to a motion platform system comprising of a base (1), a moving platform (2) displaceable by five actuators along and about the three axes in five degrees of freedom, said moving platform (2), connected to said base (1) by at least three links, wherein one of the said links is a column (3) capable of having at least one rotational freedom at the base of the column (3); the other two links include actuators controlling rotational degrees of freedom about the ‘X’ and ‘Y’ axes; another actuator controlling rotational degree of freedom about the ‘Z’ axis; other two actuators controlling translational degrees of freedom along the ‘X’ and ‘Y’ axes; said column (3) including a joint (12) at the top of the said column (3), said joint (12) capable of providing at least one rotational degree of freedom about any of the three axes.
US08403665B2
An oral irrigator has a pump, a discharge nozzle and a pressure control. The pump has a generally constant operating speed and feeds the discharge nozzle. The pressure control is adapted to modify a discharge pressure at the nozzle without a significant change in pump speed. The pressure control modifies a level of fluid flow restriction between the pump and the nozzle. The modification of the level of fluid flow restriction is accomplished by modifying aspects of a fluid flow path extending through the pressure control. The aspects modified include the diameter, length and/or number of direction changes of the fluid flow path.
US08403662B2
A combustion air supply apparatus 9 of alternating heat exchange type supplies combustion air and discharges combustion exhaust gas at a flow velocity of 80 to 200 m/sec. A burner assembly 4 is configured in such a manner that low-caloric fuel gas is pre-heated with heat of pre-combusting high-caloric fuel gas before the low-caloric fuel gas reaches a mixing starting space CA in the combustion chamber where the pre-combusting high-caloric fuel gas and the low-caloric fuel gas come to burn together in a full scale in the mixing starting space CA. When an air amount of the combustion air supplied through the high-temperature air supply ports of the plurality of fuel gas combustion apparatuses is defined as Q1 and an air amount of the pre-combustion air to be mixed with the high-caloric fuel gas, supplied from the fuel gas combustion apparatuses, is defined as Q2, a total air amount (Q1+Q2) is 1.02 to 1.10 times more than a theoretical air amount QS required for combustion, and a ratio of Q2/(Q1+Q2) is 0.011 to 0.047.
US08403661B2
A heater having first and second oxygen depletion sensors and a main burner injector and configurable for the delivery of at least first and second types of fuels.
US08403660B2
A blow mold with a stationary mold half and another mold half movable relative to the stationary mold half between closed and open positions, and having a bottom mold comprising a bottom mold axis essentially perpendicular to the moving direction of the other mold half which can be moved relative to the mold halves between an engaged position and a removal position, and which can be at least positively locked with the mold halves in the engaged position and the closed position of the other mold half by at least one collar-like engaging element at the bottom mold, and a ring groove-like counterengagement structure in the mold halves, the engaging element and at least the counterengagement structure form a bayonet catch in the stationary mold half which can be actuated by relative rotary motions of the engaging element about the bottom mold axis and only linear relative movements in the direction of the bottom mold axis.
US08403658B2
A consumable assembly comprising a container portion configured to retain a supply of filament, a guide tube connected to the container portion, and a pump portion connected to the guide tube.
US08403657B2
Apparatus (1) for enabling a coating to be applied to an internal surface of a pipe elbow or bend C comprises a flexible body (2) adapted for location to extend within the pipe elbow or bend, and a bendable core (3) extending through the body. Bending of the core causes the flexible body to be bent in a similar manner. A method for applying the coating to the internal surface of the pipe elbow or bend (C) comprises the steps of shaping the flexible body (2) and locating it to extend within the pipe elbow or bend, and introducing a coating material so as to flow around and into a space defined between the flexible body and the internal surface of the elbow or bend.
US08403655B2
A scroll compressor that suffers no decrease in compression performance due to leakage resulting from a twisting assembly error is provided. This scroll compressor includes a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll, each including a spiral wrap protruding from an end plate and having the same tooth thickness (Tr) and the same base-circle radius (b) defining an involute surface. The fixed scroll and the orbiting scroll are offset from each other by an orbiting radius (ρ) and mesh such that the respective wraps face each other with a phase shift of 180°. The orbiting scroll revolves/orbits along a circular orbit with the orbiting radius (ρ) to compress a gas while a rotation-preventing mechanism prevents rotation of the orbiting scroll.
US08403654B2
A fuel primer is disclosed. The primer includes a rigid valve body having first and second ends with first and second check valves therein. The pump also includes an elastic and substantially fuel impermeable bulb substantially encasing the rigid valve body and sealing to the valve body proximate the first and second check valves.
US08403651B2
A fan includes an airflow guiding structure, an impeller and a guiding ring. The outer radius of the airflow guiding structure increases gradually from the top to the bottom of the airflow guiding structure. The airflow guiding structure includes a plurality of fins and a first space for accommodating a circuit device. The impeller is disposed on the airflow guiding structure and the impeller has a hub and several axial-flow blades disposed around the hub. The guiding ring is connected with the axial-flow blades. An inlet is formed on the top of the guiding ring, and an outlet is formed between the bottom of the guiding ring and the outer surface of the sidewall of the airflow guiding structure. When the impeller rotates, the airflow enters the fan from the inlet and flows along the outer surface of the sidewall of the airflow guiding structure, then the airflow exits the fan through the outlet. The direction of the airflow passing through the outlet is different from the direction of the airflow passing through the inlet.
US08403650B2
A fan assembly for creating an air current includes a bladeless fan assembly including a nozzle and a device for creating an air flow through the nozzle. The nozzle includes an interior passage and a mouth receiving the air flow from the interior passage. A Coanda surface located adjacent the mouth and over which the mouth is arranged to direct the air flow. The fan provides an arrangement producing an air current and a flow of cooling air created without requiring a bladed fan, that is, the air flow is created by a bladeless fan.
US08403647B2
A control device for controlling a shower waste pump, includes a housing, a pump setting, and an over-run setting. The pump setting, by way of a control element, preferably a manually adjustable potentiometer, allows selective setting of a maximum pumping capacity of the waste pump. The over-run setting, also by way of a control element, allows selective setting of an over-run period from a predetermined range during which the waste pump continues to operate after fluid flow through the waste pump has ceased or substantially ceased. The over-run setting and the pump setting together optimize operation of the waste pump, so that the over-run period of the waste pump can be set based on the selected maximum pumping capacity.
US08403642B2
A wind turbine rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade having a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending in a generally span-wise direction between a tip and a root. An edge extension is attached along either or both of the leading edge or trailing edge in a generally span-wise direction from adjacent the root towards the blade tip, with the edge extension having a contoured outer surface that defines a generally continuous aerodynamic surface. The edge extension has a terminal end that is spaced from root. A curtain is attached to the edge extension and extends in a span-wise direction from the terminal end t to the root. The curtain is formed from a pliant, flexible material that accommodates connection of the root to a rotor hub, as well as pitch movement of the rotor blade relative to the hub.
US08403641B2
The invention relates to a wind turbine blade tip and actuator assembly and method for controlling the speed of a wind turbine rotor blade. The invention consists of a moveable and turnable blade tip, an actuator assembly for turning the blade tip, control rods, cables and springs for controlling the blade tip, a magnet assembly for holding the blade tip in position and a hydraulic damping cylinder for controlling the rate at which the blade tip deploys.
US08403639B2
A pump, in particular a centrifugal pump, includes at least one flow-leading part with an at least regional surface layer (50) of an elastomer. The flow-leading part with the surface layer (50) is formed as a multi-component injection molded part, with a base structure (55) made of plastic as a first component, and with the elastomer as a second component.
US08403637B2
A thermal control system for a turbine casing (2) mounted radially outwardly of and circumferentially surrounding blade tips of the turbine blades, the system comprising: one or more circumferential chamber walls (6), each disposed around the casing (2), each to form a circumferential flow chamber (7) radially outward of said surface of the turbine casing (2), each to form a circumferential gap (12) between the circumferential chamber wall (6) concerned and said surface of the turbine casing (2), and the one or more circumferential chamber walls (6) define at least one opening (9) on the radially inward side of the chamber (7) adjacent the surface of the turbine casing (2) such that a thermal fluid injected into the flow chamber (7) concerned may leak out through the circumferential gap (12) via the opening (9), and means to induce circumferential flow on the surface of the casing (2) bounded by the circumferential flow chamber (7) comprising one or more ducts (8) radially outwardly connected to the or each circumferential flow chamber (7), via which the thermal fluid can be injected into the flow chamber or chambers (7) concerned in a circumferential direction.
US08403634B2
A retaining seal assembly for use in a gas turbine engine is provided. The retaining seal assembly comprises an outer retaining ring coupled to an aft end of a gas turbine engine combustor. A turbine nozzle is coupled to the outer retaining ring and comprises an outer band. The outer band comprises a leading edge and an opposing trailing edge that defines a slot. A retention seal comprises a first end positioned within the slot, a generally opposing second end that contacts the outer retaining ring, and a body extending between the first end and the second end. The body further comprises an insertion portion positioned within a passage formed in the outer band. The retention seal is fabricated from a resilient material and is configured to facilitate coupling the turbine nozzle to the outer retaining ring.
US08403632B2
A method of cooling a gas turbine engine component includes creating a cooling channel within a platform of the component, communicating cooling air into the cooling channel to cool the platform, and recycling the cooling airflow used to cool the platform by communicating the cooling airflow from the cooling channel into the airfoil to cool the airfoil.
US08403629B2
A stator for installation in a rear section of a jet engine includes a plurality of guide vanes which extend in the radial direction of the stator and between them define ducts for leading a gas. A first side of the stator in its axial direction defines an inlet for the gas and a second side, opposite the first side, defines an outlet for the gas. The guide vanes have such a shape that together they at least substantially cover the gas inlet viewed in the axial direction of the stator from the outlet side thereof.
US08403626B2
An inlet guide vane arrangement for a gas turbine is provided. The arrangement includes a plurality of guide vane duct elements, the guide vane duct elements include a suction side wall and a pressure side wall, both walls facing each other, and are designed to be adjoinable to another of the guide vane duct elements, such that the pressure side wall of one guide vane duct element cooperates with the suction side wall of the adjacent guide vane duct element thereby forming a guide vane. The guide vane duct element includes features to accept a key element adapted to be arranged between the pressure side wall and the adjacent suction side wall, when two guide vane duct elements are adjoining to one another, and to attach together both adjoining guide vane duct elements.
US08403625B2
A pitot tube pump having a hydraulic chamber, a fluid supply line, a fluid discharge line, and a drive, in which the supply line, the discharge line and the drive are all arranged on the same side of the hydraulic chamber. A pitot tube preferably is mounted in the hydraulic chamber on a shoulder of a fixed shaft in communication with the discharge line. The drive is preferably an electric motor with a stator which is connected in a rotationally secure manner to the fixed shaft, and a rotor which forms a part of the hydraulic chamber or which is connected in a rotationally secure manner to the hydraulic chamber.
US08403619B2
In accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed embodiments, a substrate aligner apparatus is presented, the substrate aligner apparatus having a frame adapted to allow a substrate transporter to transport a substrate to and from the aligner apparatus, an inverted chuck capable of holding the substrate and movably connected to the frame by a chuck driveshaft engaged to the inverted chuck for moving the inverted chuck relative to the frame and effecting alignment of the substrate, a sensing device located between the chuck and chuck driveshaft for detecting a position determining feature of the substrate, and a substrate transfer mechanism movably connected to the frame and located inside the frame below the inverted chuck for moving the substrate from the inverted chuck to the substrate transporter.
US08403617B2
In the figures there is provided a bin handling apparatus comprising a trailer (10) having a pair of spaced chassis members (14) defining a rear-opening space. A hoist assembly (16) includes spaced support beams (17) pivoted at pivots (20). The forward ends of the support beams (17) are interconnected and support a hoist tower (22) having a lift chain moving a tine carriage (24) from which is cantilevered a pair of spaced lifting tines (26). A tipping ram (27) serves to rotate the hoist assembly (16) about the pivots (20). A headstock (30) on the hoist tower (22) has apertured bin engaging lugs. An open-topped bin assembly (31) has a movable wall (35) hinged to the upper, rear edge and forming a closure which can be locked in the closed position by latches. The front wall of the bin has engagement lugs (37) with apertures adapted to align with the apertures in the bin engaging lugs, and be retained by an elongate steel pin (40).
US08403615B1
A vehicle lift barrier is adapted to be mounted to vehicle lifts and the like that assist in loading and unloading cargo and provide a storage environment in which cargo is less likely to migrate from a cargo area into a passenger seating area or compartment. A barrier composed of a barricade is mounted to a vehicle lift, in some cases example by mounting the barrier to a generally vertical post, mast or the like or mounting the barrier to a lift platform, allowing the lift to operate normally while the barricade obstructs all or a substantial portion of the passage between the motor vehicle storage/cargo area and the passenger area. Where the barrier is mounted to a vertical post or the like on a vehicle lift, cut-out bracketing can be used to mate with the outer cross-sectional shape of the post to inhibit pivoting of the barrier about the post. Other bracket profiles can be used to enhance the barrier's protective advantages. A wrap-around sheet metal bracket configuration creates two flanges per bracket to reinforce bracing and to provide securing belt mounting points for a given vehicle lift. Such barriers can be used in motor vehicles with rear and/or side access-ways where vehicle lifts typically are provided and do not require special tie-downs or other cargo securing means, making such devices especially useful in vehicles that might serve a number of different users and/or that might transport a variety of types of cargo and/or mobility devices.
US08403604B2
Rotatable multi-operation tool including replaceable cutting inserts of different types, and a basic body rotatable around a center axis with rear and front ends from which there is extending rearward an envelope surface in which at least one chip space is countersunk, which opens in the envelope surface and in the front end. A first cutting insert type is mounted in a first insert seat formed in one side surface of the chip space in the immediate vicinity of the front end and included in a cavity opening in the front end for the cutting insert to partly protrude axially forward from the front end. A second cutting insert type is mounted in a second insert seat formed in the same side surface as the first insert seat and situated axially behind the first insert seat and included in a cavity opening in a part of the envelope surface.
US08403601B2
The present invention is a transfer apparatus for a substrate, including a substrate housing container housing a substrate therein and having a transfer-in/out port for the substrate formed in a side surface thereof; a gas jet unit jetting a predetermined gas toward a rear surface of the substrate in the substrate housing container; and a control unit regulating a supply amount of the predetermined gas supplied from the gas jet unit to control the substrate in the substrate housing container to a predetermined height.
US08403600B2
A drilling tool incorporating first and second ends, a shaft extending between the ends. The first end has a drill bit to penetrate rock. The drill bit and the shaft have complementary threads. The drill bit and the shaft comprise a relative rotation stop means that ensures that the drill bit remains loose during drilling in a first direction. The invention further relates to a self drilling rock bolt, a drill bit, drill shaft and shaft coupling, an anchoring device, and an end coupling per se.
US08403597B2
A cover system is provided for waste sites and environmental closures, in which the cover system comprises a synthetic grass and an impermeable geomembrane that can be applied without the use of heavy earthwork equipment as temporary or final cover to control odors, erosion, gas migration and contaminate migration. The invention allows installation on very steep slopes and does not require the use of an extensive anchoring system to resist wind uplift or slope failure.
US08403588B2
A connection assembly 10 usable for interconnecting two extruded square section aluminium elongate members 12. The assembly 10 includes a frame member 18 which locates in an end of the elongate member 12, with a pair of engagement members 28, 38 extending from the elongate member 12. A second engagement member 38 is movable relative to the first engagement member 28 so as to grip in a channel 14 on the other of the elongate members 12 to hold the elongate members 12 together. The second engagement member 38 is movable by a pivotally mounted handle 52 which extends outwardly from the elongate member 12 when the assembly 10 is in an unlocked condition, but locates substantially wholly within a channel 14 when the assembly 10 is in a locked condition.
US08403587B2
A connecting system configured to secure at least one cavity including curved and retaining walls and positioned on a surface portion located on an edge of a substrate made of a fragile material of glass type and a support member. The connecting system includes a shoe including at least one appendage projecting from at least one of faces of the shoe, the appendage having a profile that complements the profile made on the surface portion situated on the edge of the substrate.
US08403582B2
A package for treating a stained fabric. The package has a contact substrate having a first color and a backing layer having a second color. More than about 25% of each of the widthwise edges of the contact substrate abuts a portion of the backing layer having the second color when the package is in a generally flat position.
US08403581B2
A condiment packet having a spreading apparatus, and a method of use thereof. The condiment packet includes a substantially flat, sealed pouch containing a condiment. The condiment packet further includes a spreading apparatus being within the sealed pouch. The spreading apparatus may be used to spread the condiment over a food substance once the condiment is squeezed onto the food substance and once a portion of the spreading apparatus is exposed.
US08403580B2
A wringing-out member configured to rid an applicator of the brush type of excess product, the said wringing-out member extending along a main axis of elongation and comprising an internal face provided with wringing-out elements, in which the said wringing-out elements comprise at least three protrusions, two protrusions between them defining a slot and a third protrusion anchored on the said internal face of the wringing-out member at a different axial height from the said two protrusions, the said third protrusion projecting at least partially opposite the said slot.
US08403577B2
A multicolor writing and painting instrument may include a plurality of hard, wear-resistant nibs at an end of the tubular housing. Each nib may have a tip. The nibs may be bundled together such that the tips of the nibs lie in substantially the same plane and approximately on the circumference of a common circle. The instrument may include an ink reservoir for each of the nibs within the tubular housing. Each ink reservoir may be configured to hold a colored ink. The instrument may include a single, hard, wear-resistant nib at an end of the tubular housing. The nib may have a writing surface. A plurality of tubes may each lead to the writing surface of the nib. The tubes may form a plurality of openings on the writing surface. The openings may be arranged in clusters of one or more openings. Each cluster of openings may lie approximately along a circumference of a common circle. There may be a separate ink reservoir within the tubular housing for each cluster of openings.
US08403576B2
The keyboard assembly is suitable for use as a keyboard of a hand held computing device. The assembly has a base layer of a printed circuit board and includes a carrier layer having snap domes set out in an array aligned with keys of a keypad layer. An electroluminescent layer generates light in areas aligned with the keys to backlight the keys. An actuator layer having projections is aligned with the keys and snap domes. Pressing a key causes a snap dome to be deformed, closing a switch for the key and providing a snap action press and release feedback for the user.
US08403573B2
A digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera is provided for displaying predetermined photographing information, including focus information, camera information, etc., on a display screen of a viewfinder. The DSLR camera includes: the viewfinder for observing an image of an object; a pentaprism outputting the image of the object to the viewfinder; and a display device disposed on a side of the pentaprism to display photographing information.
US08403570B2
A fiber optic connector for connecting a plurality of optical fibers comprising a plurality of fiber optic assemblies, each assembly including at least one optical fiber coupled to a ferrule, the ferrule being coupled to a spring. A connector housing is configured to support the plurality of optical fibers. The connector housing includes first and second mating connector portions. A plurality of channels support each of the plurality of fiber optic assemblies, respectfully, disposed between the first and second mating connector portions. A plurality of apertures are formed in at least one of end the housing. The plurality of fiber optic assemblies are supported between the first mating connector portion and the second mating connector portion by the channels such that the springs are disposed between the first and second mating connector portions and the ferrules of the plurality of fiber optic assemblies extend through the apertures at the one end of the connector housing in a spring loaded fashion.
US08403567B2
An optical fiber connector includes a female connector and a male connector. The female connector includes a first main body and a first lens portion. The first main includes at least one positioning slit and at least one recess defined in an inner surface of the first main body in the at least one positioning slit. The male connector is used for engagement with the female connector, and includes a second main body and a second lens portion for optically coupling with the first lens portion. The second main body includes at least one positioning post configured for insertion into the corresponding at least one positioning slit and at least one protrusion protruding from the at least one positioning post configured for insertion into the corresponding at least one recess.
US08403563B2
A linear motion guide unit is envisaged smooth transfer of a roller from a turnaround passage to a return passage and vice versa across a joint between the turnaround passage and the associated return passage. Protrusions extending stepwise from an end of the turnaround passage come into complementary fit joints with an associated end of a tubular member defining the return passage to make wall surfaces to guide axially opposite ends of the roller, in which the joints are staggered or different in their locations between wall surfaces. The return passage is defined with a fore-and-aft hole of rectangular shape in transverse section inside a tubular member that fits into a bore made in the carriage. The tubular member is joined at lengthwise opposite ends thereof together to the protrusions that are raised above end surfaces of the end caps to extend the turnaround passage into the bore. Edges of the protrusions come into complementary fit joints with the associated ends of the tubular member to provide wall surfaces to guide axially opposite ends of the roller.
US08403562B2
A wiper seal is less in sliding resistance that is encountered when the seal slides over a raceway surface of a guide rail, better in wear-proof quality, rich in durability, and further easy to steadily install it to a slider. The wiper seal is installed on one end of the slider in a linear motion guide system to wipe away foreign materials adhered on the guide rail. The wiper seal is made of polyester polyurethane foam having a reticular skeleton texture of three-dimensional construction including open-cells therein, the polyester polyurethane foam being squeezed or compressed into from ¼ to 1/20 in thickness to form a compact blank of three-dimensional construction having porosity therein. The wiper seal is set to come into sliding contact with the guide rail 1 to exert a positive interference of from 0.1 mm to 0.05 mm.
US08403559B2
Provided is a two-terminal semiconductor sensor device with which an external device having low circuit or element accuracy may be used. An output voltage (VOUT) of the two-terminal semiconductor sensor device based on temperature is not based on a constant current of a constant current source (70) of the external device and a current of an output transistor (60) of the two-terminal semiconductor sensor device, but on a resistance ratio of a voltage dividing circuit including a resistor (30) and a resistor (40), and a temperature voltage (Vbe) of the two-terminal semiconductor sensor device. Accordingly, accuracy of the constant current of the constant current source (70) of the external device that receives the output voltage (VOUT) does not need to be high. Therefore, the external device does not need to have a highly accurate circuit or element for receiving the output voltage (VOUT).
US08403557B2
A micromixer is fabricated using a selective high intensity focused ultrasound foaming technique. The micromixer employs a 3D porous region for effective mixing. The 3D porous micromixer can achieve sufficient mixing results with a short mixing length for flows with a Reynolds number as low as 0.1. The fabrication process of the micromixer is rapid, low-cost, and biocompatible. The pore size of the micromixer can be controlled by adjusting the selective high intensity focused ultrasound foaming parameters. The micromixer has potential for use in lab-on-a-chip and micro-total-analysis devices.
US08403549B2
An edge-type backlight module and a direct-type backlight module with a optical device are provided. The optical device comprises an array layer and a second refractive layer. The array layer has a first refractive index (n1) and contains pluralities of lenticular lens disposed on a base surface side by side. The lenticular lens contains a curving structure with a peak, a trough, a curvature radius (R), a width (P) and an altitude (H) between the peak and the trough. The trough is disposed on the base1 surface. The array layer has a first critical angle (θ1c) relative to the normal of the base surface and satisfies θ 1 c = sin - 1 ( 1 n 1 ) and H = R 1 + K [ 1 - 1 - ( 1 + K ) ( P 2 R ) 2 ] . The conical constant (K) of the lenticular lens ranges from −2.1 to −1.5. The second refractive layer is adjacent to the array layer and has a second refractive index (n2) and a second critical angle (θ2c) relative to the normal line of the second refractive layer. The first refractive index (n1) is greater than the second refractive index (n2) and θ 2 c = sin - 1 ( n 2 n 1 ) is satisfied. Wherein the lenticular lens, the first critical angle (θ1c) and the second critical angle (θ2c) satisfy the equation of sin - 1 ( 1 n 1 ) ≤ cot - 1 ( H P / 2 ) < sin - 1 ( n 2 n 1 ) .
US08403545B2
An illumination device includes a shell, a hub, a conductive cable, a partition plate, a resilient member, a cover, and a lamp. The hub is rotatably secured within the shell. The conductive cable is wound around the hub. The partition plate is fastened to and rotatable together with the hub. The cover covers the shell. The resilient member is latched between the partition plate and the cover. The lamp connects with the conductive cable.
US08403539B2
A light guide guides light from a light emitter that is adjacent to an aperture of an electronic device. The light is eventually emitted from the aperture, to thereby provide lighting. The light guide can include a plurality of prisms which can thereby permit reduction in the overall thickness of the electronic device.
US08403531B2
There is provided a lighting device which emits light with an wall plug efficiency of at least 85 lumens per watt. The lighting device comprises at least one solid state light emitter, e.g., one or more light emitting diodes, and optionally further includes one or more luminescent material. In some embodiments, the output light is of a brightness of at least 300 lumens. In some embodiments, the output light has a CRI Ra of at least 90. Also, a method of lighting, comprising supplying electricity to a lighting device which emits light with a wall plug efficiency of at least 85 lumens per watt.
US08403529B2
An illumination module includes a color conversion cavity with multiple interior surfaces, such as sidewalls and an output window. A shaped reflector is disposed above a mounting board upon which are mounted LEDs. The shaped reflector includes a first plurality of reflective surfaces that preferentially direct light emitted from a first LED to a first interior surface of the color conversion cavity and a second plurality of reflective surfaces that preferentially direct light emitted from a second LED to a second interior surface. The illumination module may further include a second color conversion cavity.
US08403523B2
Methods, luminaires and systems for matching a composite light spectrum to a target light spectrum are disclosed. Method embodiments may be optimized for simultaneously maximizing luminous output with minimal chromaticity error. Method embodiments may further be optimized for simultaneously minimizing both chromaticity and spectral error. Embodiments of the present invention may be used with composite light sources having four or more distinct dominant colors within the visible spectrum.
US08403513B2
A pool light adapter ring for retrofitting a pool light in a pool wall niche. The adapter ring has a pair of interlocking hooks to allow the ring to be compressed to a first, compressed state, inserted into a wall niche and then relaxed to a second, rigid state. The adapter ring has mounting brackets attached to the ring for receipt of a pool light or other device. The adapter ring also has a plurality of anchor screws for securing the adapter ring inside the niche. Further, some embodiments may include a grounding screw for attaching the grounding wire from the pool light.
US08403510B2
A multi-segment display is disclosed. Specifically, a low height LED-based display is disclosed that includes a number of segments. The segment construction may include a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) layer, a first substrate, and a second substrate that are laminated or otherwise connected to one another. The first and second substrates may include windows which allow light generated by a light source mounted on the PCB to exit the display and one or more of the windows may be filled with an encapsulant.
US08403500B2
A projector includes a projection unit, an imaging unit, a correction control unit acquiring first correction information based on a first captured image acquired by capturing a distortion detection image projected onto a projection surface, and a distortion correction unit performing distortion correction based on the first correction information. The correction control unit, in a case where second distortion correction needs to be performed after the distortion correction unit, performs first distortion correction based on the first correction information, allows the projection unit to project the distortion detection image without transforming the distortion detection image by using the distortion correction unit allows the imaging unit to capture the projected distortion detection image so as to be acquired as a second captured image, acquires second correction information based on the second captured image, and allows the distortion correction unit to perform the second distortion correction based on the second correction information.
US08403496B2
A high efficiency micro projection optical engine includes a light source module, a lens assembly, a micro display panel and a projection lens. An image of the luminous surface of light emitting elements of the light source module is formed in the vicinity of the micro display panel. The micro display panel is arranged on the path of emission light of the lens assembly to modulate incident light and obtain image light with image information. The projection lens is used to project the image information on the micro display panel and form an image onto a screen. The optical engine enhances efficiency by means of critical illumination.
US08403492B2
A light source device includes: a first light source configured to emit a first source light in a first wavelength range; a source light generator configured to generate, from the first light, a color-varying source light having time varying color; a second light source configured to emit a second source light in a second wavelength range that is different from the first wavelength range; and a light source controller configured to control driving timing for turning on and off each of the first light source and the second light source so as to cyclically select one of the color-varying source light and the second source light to be output as an output source light.
US08403487B2
A stereo-image displaying apparatus including an adjustable light source module, a spatial modulator, and an image display panel is provided. The adjustable light source module is adapted for emitting a plurality of first illumination beams and a plurality of second illumination beams that are staggered along a first axis. The spatial modulator and the image display panel are sequentially disposed on the light path of the first and second illumination beams. The first illumination beam passes through the spatial modulator so that the image display panel displays a first view field image in a first frame period. The second illumination beam passes through the spatial modulator so that the image display panel displays a second view field image in a second frame period. Moreover, a method for reducing stereo-image cross-talk is also provided.
US08403485B2
A method for vision evaluation including displaying a sequence of frames on a display screen of a display device. Each frame may contain one or more symbols. The method may also include changing one or more viewing parameters between frames of said sequence of frames as the displaying of the sequence of frames progresses. The viewing parameters may be selected from the group of viewing parameters consisting of spatial and temporal parameters. The method may also include calculating a vision evaluation score for the subject whose response to the displayed sequence of frames is received through an input interface device. A system for vision evaluation is also disclosed.
US08403484B2
An ophthalmic imaging system includes a light source, focusing optics, compensating optics, and a computer that coordinates both of the optics to optimize the Diffraction Limited Point Spread Function (DL-PSF) of the imaging light beam. In detail, the compensating optics includes a customized phase plate that provides substantially complete compensation for static aberrations introduced by an eye into the imaging light beam. Further, the computer measures an operational error signal that results from dynamic aberrations. The computer then uses the error signal to control the compensating optics and thereby optimize the DL-PSF by compensating for both static and dynamic aberrations. For an alternate embodiment, an active mirror can be included in the compensating optics to provide additional compensation for the dynamic aberrations.
US08403481B2
Methods of reducing motion artifacts in Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) include scanning a sample with a scan pattern to acquire OCT data at a plurality of data locations. The data locations are distributed in the scan pattern across the sample such that at least some spatially adjacent data locations are acquired non-sequentially in time. A profile of the sample corresponding to a sample surface or an aspect of an internal structure of the sample is estimated responsive the OCT data.
US08403479B2
A model for testing contact lens designs is used in applications such as methods for designing contact lenses in which one subjects a lens design to the model, determines whether the lens meets its design objectives by application of the model, keeps the lens design if it does, and modifies the lens design if it does not.
US08403478B2
An improved lens with Rugate filter specifically designed to be worn in prescription and non-prescription glasses, contact lenses, intraocular lenses and sunglasses, and to provide protection against macular degeneration by reducing harmful visible blue light transmission and ocular photochemical damage. The lens at least includes a single lens layer with a Rugate filter deposited thereon to selectively block visible blue light. Other layers may be added including a polarizing layer, dielectric layer and/or color tint in a lens sandwich configuration, to additionally give a high degree of UVA and UVB protection, color contrast, and glare reduction. The Rugate filter is a stop band which yields an exceptional light transmission profile under all light conditions, thereby maximizing protection as well as clarity of vision. In the multi-layer embodiment, all of the lens layers provide comprehensive protection for preventing macular degeneration, cataracts and other ocular injuries, yet maintain a balanced light transmission profile for visual acuity.
US08403475B2
A pigment dispersion includes a pigment and a dispersant, wherein an as formed curable phase change ink having the pigment dispersion added thereto, when filtered using a 1 micron filter at a temperature of 85° C., has a slope of ≧5 g/s and a T2/T1 of ≦1.6, wherein T2 represents a time to filter the last 25 g of a 100 g sample of the phase change ink through the 1 micron filter at 85° C., while T1 represents the time it takes to filter the first 25 g of the 100 g sample of the phase change ink through the 1 micron filter at 85° C.
US08403474B2
Pretreatment agent for ink jet ink, cloth treated by pretreatment agent, and ink jet printing method
A pretreatment agent for ink jet printing employing an acid dye includes hydroxyethyl cellulose; ammonium salt; a hydrotropic agent; and water, wherein the content of the hydroxyethyl cellulose is in the range of 1 to 5 wt % and the content of ammonium salt is in the range of 1 to 6 wt %.
US08403473B2
An inkjet recording method includes: a treatment liquid application process in which a treatment liquid containing an acidic compound is coated on a recording medium by roller coating at a coating speed of 300 mm/sec or higher; and an ink application process in which an ink composition containing self-dispersing polymer particles having an acid value of from 30 mgKOH/g to 80 mgKOH/g, a pigment, and an aqueous medium is ejected, by an inkjet process, onto the recording medium coated with the treatment liquid to record an image.
US08403452B2
A method for causing fluid to be ejected from a fluid chamber of a jet in a printhead. An actuator is actuated with a first energy imparting pulse to push fluid away from the actuator and toward a nozzle. Following a lapse of a first interval, the actuator is actuated with second energy imparting pulse to push fluid away from the actuator and toward the nozzle. Following a lapse of a second interval as measured from the second energy imparting pulse, the actuator is actuated with a break-off pulse to cause fluid extending out of an orifice of the nozzle to break off from fluid within the nozzle, wherein the second lapse is longer than the first lapse and is an inverse of the meniscus-jet mass frequency.
US08403451B2
A cleaning apparatus, which cleans a print head of a printing apparatus in response to a start trigger for regular cleaning, includes a sound sensor that detects a sound of the operational environment of the printing apparatus, a determination unit that determines whether the operational environment is quiet or not based on a comparison result between detected sound of the sound sensor and a threshold value, and a controller that delays the start of the regular cleaning by holding the start trigger until the operational environment becomes quiet based on a determination result of the determination unit when the start trigger for the regular cleaning has occurred.
US08403445B2
An apparatus for determining the density unevenness of an ink jet head includes a characteristic data generation unit which calculates characteristic values about ink amounts ejected from all nozzles of the ink jet head, respectively. A decision parameter acquisition unit arranges the characteristic values in the order the nozzles are arranged and calculates a decision parameter from changes in the characteristic values about those of the nozzles, which exist in a predetermined section. A decision unit compares the decision parameter with a predetermined threshold value, thereby determining the density unevenness of the ink jet head.
US08403443B2
Each of a plurality of unit ejection portions includes a pressure chamber filled with liquid, nozzles which communicate with the pressure chamber, and a piezoelectric vibrator that varies the pressure within the pressure chamber, and ejects ink from each nozzle according to the fluctuation of the pressure within the pressure chamber. A control unit controls the presence or the absence of the minute vibrations to be applied to the pressure chamber at the print period, and causes the respective unit ejection portions to execute the flushing operation so that an ejection quantity of ink by the flushing operation of the unit ejection portion, to which the minute vibrations is applied at the print period, exceeds the ejection quantity of ink by the flushing operation of the unit ejection portion to which the minute vibrations are not applied at the print period.
US08403442B2
A printing device is configured to print a first band in a first pass and to print a second band in a second pass so that the second band partially overlaps the first band for from an overlap printed area. The overlap printed area is divided by a single continuous boundary line into a first area that is printed during the first pass and a second area that is printed during the second pass. The boundary line includes a first boundary line portion where a parallel line extending parallel to a sub-scanning direction crosses the boundary line from the first area into the second area and a second boundary line portion where the parallel line crosses from the second area into the first area.
US08403439B2
A flow rate control device includes a pressure generating unit that delivers a liquid to a liquid reservoir unit including an ejecting port; a flow rate control unit that controls a flow rate of the pressure generating unit by performing a first flow rate control and a second flow rate control, the first flow rate control being to raise a pressure inside the liquid reservoir unit up to a target pressure at a first pressure change rate which is sufficiently high to float air bubbles adhering to a wall surface inside the liquid reservoir unit, the second flow rate control being to maintain the target pressure or to lower the pressure inside the liquid reservoir unit from the target pressure at a second pressure change rate lower than the first pressure change rate in order to eject air bubbles floating inside the liquid reservoir unit from the ejecting port.
US08403435B2
A sliding apparatus in which a first extension member and a second extension member are relatively movable in a longitudinal direction includes a restriction portion for restricting a movement range that allows the relative movement. The restriction portion includes: a projection portion that is formed integrally with the first extension member; and an engaging portion that is formed integrally with the second extension member. The projection portion has: a support portion; and a protrusion portion that is provided on a tip side of the support portion and is protruded toward the second extension member. The engaging portion has: a guide portion that guides the protrusion portion of the projection portion; and an abutting portion that abuts the protrusion portion. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sliding apparatus and a sliding structure that have a small number of parts, require no additional steps, significantly improve workability and productivity, and are capable of being disassembled in a simple manner and in a short time even after assembly.
US08403431B2
A telecommunications enclosure includes a frame having a plurality of frame members defining at least one opening. At least one frame member that defines the opening includes a gasket channel positioned on an inner surface of said frame member. The enclosure includes a gasket disposed in the gasket channel and at least one panel coupled to the frame with a retainer. The panel covers the opening in the inner of the enclosure and overlaps an inner surface of the gasket.
US08403430B2
An adjustable food shield includes a panel mounting mechanism that enables extensive adjustability of the food shield. The food shield may include a post having a longitudinal axis, and a carrier coupled to the post, the carrier including a carrier clamping mechanism. The carrier clamping mechanism is loosenable to enable the carrier to be moved along at least a portion of the length of the post, and is also tightenable to fix the carrier at a certain location on the post. The mounting mechanism may also include a link having a proximal end pivotally coupled to the carrier. An arm may be pivotally coupled to the distal end of the link and extend from the link. The adjustable food shield may include a clear panel coupled to the arm such that the clear panel is movable to different positions by rotating the link, the arm, or both.
US08403423B2
A method of limiting a load applied on a seat belt in an emergency, includes obtaining information, judging if the emergency situation is in a first situation wherein a predetermined condition for controlling one seat belt load limiting mechanism is not satisfied based on the information, or in a second situation wherein the predetermined condition is satisfied; and in the first situation, the method further performs actuating a driving member not to operate the one seat belt load limiting mechanism, winding the seat belt to remove a slack of the seat belt with actuating the driving member, and operating another seat belt load limiting mechanism to prevent withdrawing the seat belt; and in the second situation, the method further performs winding the seat belt without actuating the driving member, and operating the one and another seat belt load limiting mechanisms to prevent withdrawing the seat belt.
US08403413B2
A booster seat may be conveniently carried over one's shoulder using a shoulder strap or worn as a backpack using a pair of parallel straps. The shoulder strap is convertible from a shoulder strap into a leash with a handle. A foam core and padded backpack-style shoulder straps, making it comfortable to carry and use. A three-point seatbelt includes a lap belt and pelvic strap, making it extremely safe to use. The seatbelt prevents a child from slipping off the booster seat. The booster seat also includes non-slip pads which prevent the booster seat from sliding off a chair, bench or booth. In an embodiment with thick non-slip pads, the pads maintain a space between the back panel and a backpack wearer's back, increasing breathability and comfort.
US08403407B2
A deflector apparatus for a vehicle includes a fixed frame, a movable frame positioned at an upper side of the fixed frame and being rotatable between a raised position and a retracted position, a mesh member connected to the fixed frame and the movable frame and brought to a raised state and a retracted state, and a spring member. The spring member includes a sliding portion fitted to a guide groove formed at the movable frame and slidably making contact with the guide groove to transmit a biasing force of the spring member in a state where the movable frame is rotating. The spring member further includes an engagement portion engaging with the movable frame when the movable frame is in the raised position. The movable frame is configured to be maintained at the raised position by the engagement with the engagement portion of the spring member.
US08403403B2
A pair of sub frames is provided on the outside of a heat exchanger in a vehicle width direction, there is provided a stiffener which interconnects front ends of the sub frames and projects forward, and the stiffener is connected to lower portions of the sub frames. Accordingly, the sufficient attachment rigidity of the stiffener can be secured in the normal state, whereas in the vehicle collision state the stiffener can be easily separated off the sub frames without resisting improperly, so that the safety of pedestrian can be secured.
US08403402B1
The device of the present invention is an magnetic band to be applied to vehicles such as car, boats, race cars, passengers or cargo cars of railroad trains as well as in trucks and all other kind of land vehicles. The magnetic band is such to cause repulsion between cars as they approach one to the other one.
US08403398B2
A motor vehicle is provided with a sliding door, which has an inner side facing the vehicle interior, on which a protruding armrest is disposed. The sliding door can be displaced from a closed position in which the entry opening is closed by the sliding door, within the scope of an opening process via an intermediate position in which the sliding door is outwardly offset with respect to an adjoining vehicle wall, into an open position in which the inner side of the sliding door is disposed opposite to the outer side of the vehicle wall. Within the scope of the opening process the protruding armrest can be moved automatically from a usage position into a non-usage position in which the protruding armrest is set back with respect to the usage position in the direction of the inner side of the sliding door.
US08403397B2
An adjustable tailgate support contains a fixed inner tube, which is connected to a lower housing part and on which is arranged a spiral spring. The spiral spring on the one hand is supported at the lower end on a setting element held on the inner tube and, on the other hand, is held fixed at a remote, upper, free end in the upper housing part. An increase or reduction in the spring force of the spiral spring can be set by turning the setting element, which has a supporting ring, on an external thread of the fixed inner tube.
US08403394B2
A tailgate accessory drill-less adapter for connecting a tailgate accessory to a tailgate portion of a pick-up truck includes an elongated body having a first side, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge, the first side edge having a tailgate latch bolt slot transverse to the first side edge and through the elongated body, the slot positioned a predefined distance from the bottom edge, and an offset hook anchor having a hook portion and a hook body portion, the offset hook anchor connected to the first side adjacent to but spaced from the second side edge where the hook portion is adjustably extendable.
US08403389B1
A device for recovery of physical objects includes a chain having two ends and a retriever attached to one of the ends. The retriever is configured to locate the object to be recovered and to grasp and retrieve that object once located. The retriever includes transducers that detect acoustic frequencies propagating in a fluid medium. Independent transponders, which can be deployed from the retriever; are provided for deployment in an area to be searched. Each transponder emits a predetermined acoustic frequency that is detectable by the transducers. The transducers signal movement of the recovery device for retrieval of the object.
US08403384B2
A door handle device capable of operating a door opening/closing mechanism of a vehicle is disclosed. The door handle device includes a support member, a door handle, a circuit substrate, a lock detection electrode, a capacitance sensor, and an auxiliary electrode. The circuit substrate is arranged in the door handle and includes a ground electrode. The lock detection electrode is mounted on the circuit substrate and capacitance-coupled to an outer panel of the door. The capacitance sensor is connected to the lock detection electrode and detects the issuance of a door lock command based on a change in a first capacitance between the outer panel and the lock detection electrode. The auxiliary electrode is capacitance-coupled to the ground electrode to form a second capacitance connected in parallel to the first capacitance between the auxiliary electrode and the ground electrode.
US08403382B2
A retractable stopper, for example a door stopper, includes a tilting element that is rotatably supported about a rotation axis and that can be moved from a retracted position into a blocking position by the action of at least one trigger magnet, which is fastened to a moving object, and in the blocking position blocks the movement of the moving object. The tilting element includes a front lever, on which a preferably elastic buffer element is disposed. In the blocking position, the buffer element faces the moving object. A stopper magnet is disposed at the tilting element. As the trigger magnet approaches a vicinity region in front of the stopper, the tilting element can be rotated out of the retracted position into the blocking position due to the action of the trigger magnet on the stopper magnet before the trigger magnet is located above the tilting element.
US08403366B2
There is provided a vehicle body structure for mounting a washer tank to a vehicle body, which prevents a fog lamp as a functional part in vicinity of the washer tank from being damaged when the fog lamp comes in contact with the washer tank at the time of a light collision. The vehicle body structure for mounting a washer tank includes a washer tank for being mounted to the vehicle body; and a fog lamp provided at a more frontward position than the washer tank in a traveling direction of the vehicle body, wherein the washer tank is provided with a through hole at a position opposing the fog lamp, and the through hole penetrates through the washer tank in the traveling direction of the vehicle body.
US08403365B2
A mounting concave portion with a predetermined depth is formed on a gas-pressure-receiving-side surface of a piston. Further, a plate-like sealing member includes a mounting convex portion which is erected at a position meeting with the mounting concave portion on the gas-pressure-receiving-side surface of the piston. When the piston and the sealing plate are assembled together, the mounting convex portion is fitted in the mounting concave portion. By merely pushing the mounting convex portion in the mounting concave portion, the sealing plate and the piston can be integrated, which improves productivity in assembly. Further, the sealing plate will not get twisted, deviated or displaced due to friction against inner wall of the pipe cylinder when the sealing plate and the piston are integrally inserted in the pipe cylinder. Deterioration of sealing function due to improper mounting of the sealing plate can be avoided.
US08403347B2
Front-axle bracket (1) for motor vehicles, in which in each case two receptacles or recesses (5, 6) for the bearings for the swivel mounting of in each case one of two wheel control elements (7), such as the wishbone or A-arm, and the receptacles (18, 19, 20) for the securing of the front-axle bracket are provided as a premanufactured unit together with preassembled assemblies on the vehicle body, and at least some of the receptacles or recesses listed below for the securing of the steering mechanism (13) the securing of the stabilizer (15) the mounting of a hinged column (14), and the front-axle bracket is produced in the form of a light-metal component which is integral with said receptacles or recesses and connects them to one another.
US08403346B2
An adjustable run height lift axle suspension system includes an axle assembly, an air spring and a lift actuator. A device may be releasably attached to the axle assembly and connected to each of the air spring and the lift actuator, the device spacing the air spring away from the axle assembly. A selected one of multiple devices may be used, the suspension system having one run height when one device is releasably attached to the axle assembly and connected to each of the air spring and the lift actuator, and a different run height when another device is used. The air spring may have approximately the same operational height when the suspension system is at the different run heights.
US08403345B2
The present invention is a unique cart for transporting and dispensing spooled or reeled materials such as wire, carpet, or cable. The apparatus allows a user to elevate a spool of material off the ground into a suspended position where the material can be unreeled, without the user having to manually lift the spool. The apparatus also allows the user to transport or move the elevated material from place to place while still in the cart. The apparatus also contains a feature for transport, storage, and unreeling of multiple spools of material.
US08403341B2
An adapter is provided for a motor-driven machine tool which includes a tool driven in an oscillating rotational pendulum motion. The machine tool includes a driveable tool shaft (1), the end face of which is designed as a locating flange (2) having at least one form-fit element (3) for receiving and fastening the tool (5). The adapter (9) includes, on an end face (16), form-fit counter elements (10) which are matched to the form-fit elements (3) of the tool shaft (1). A plurality of axially projecting mandrels (11) is distributed around the circumference on the opposite end face (13) of the adapter (9).
US08403331B2
A stuffing box for a polished rod used with a downhole pump uses injectable packing to provide a seal around the polished rod. The stuffing box has a chamber for receiving the packing. The chamber has an opening to allow the addition of packing to the chamber. The packing is maintained in a compacted condition by either injecting additional packing through the opening or adjusting the volume of the chamber.
US08403323B2
A sheet stacking device and method of stacking sheets, wherein a first pressing member engages with an edge of a new sheet to be deposited on top of a previously deposited sheet on a sheet receiving plane and presses down the edge, while a second pressing member maintains a pressure onto an edge of the previously deposited sheet. The second pressing member engages with the edge of the new sheet and presses down the edge onto the previously deposited sheet on the receiving plane, while the first pressing member maintains a pressure onto the edge of the new sheet. Thus, the sheets may always be pressed down on the edge by at least one of the first and second pressing members.
US08403319B2
A sheet-supplying device has a sheet-accommodating tray, a raising/lowering unit, a first position sensor, a second position sensor, a controlling unit. The raising/lowering unit raises and lowers the sheet-accommodating tray substantially. The first position sensor detects a first position indicating a position in the stacked direction of one end portion of a topmost sheet stacked in the sheet-accommodating tray. The second position sensor detects a second position indicating a position in the stacked direction of another end portion of the topmost sheet. The controlling unit controls the raising/lowering unit to raise or lower the sheet-accommodating tray based on both the first position detected by the first position sensor and the second position detected by the second position sensor so that one end of the topmost sheet in the stacked status is positioned at a prescribed position in the stacked direction.
US08403314B2
A workbench system is disclosed which may include a work surface with a first dog hole, a second dog hole spaced apart from the first dog hole and a plurality of dogs, each of the plurality of dogs including a body defining a first and second securing portion, and a stem portion extending away from the body and configured to fit into the first and second dog holes such that the first securing portions of the first and the second of the plurality of dogs are spaced apart with respect to an axis extending along the first work surface portion at a distance corresponding to a first commonly sized work piece width and the second securing portions of the first and the second of the plurality of dogs are spaced apart with respect to the axis at a distance corresponding to a second commonly sized work piece width.
US08403312B2
An adjustable fixture comprises a clamping board used to mount a workpiece thereon, a hollow telescopic sleeve, a latching assembly, a telescopic shaft, and a fastening seat. The clamping board is fastened to the telescopic sleeve. The telescopic sleeve slidably receives the telescopic shaft therein. The latching assembly is mounted on the telescopic shaft and resists an interior wall of the telescopic sleeve to position the telescopic shaft relative to the telescopic sleeve. The telescopic shaft is rotatably mounted on the fastening seat.
US08403309B2
A vibration isolating apparatus is provided in which a vehicle collision is detected as soon as a predetermined load or greater is applied to a torque rod, a rod portion of the vibration isolating apparatus for supporting an engine is broken, and the engine can be fallen down (moved) in a predetermined direction, whereby a passenger can be assured of safety at the time of the vehicle collision.A vibration isolating apparatus includes a pair of rings, a rod portion connecting the pair of rings, the pair of rings and the rod portion being integrally formed from a resin or metal material, and inner cylinders which are inserted into the pair of rings, respectively, through rubber elastic bodies, wherein the rod portion is formed in an asymmetrical shape with respect to the pair of rings to provide rigidity difference, and the rod portion at the side having low rigidity is broken when a predetermined load or greater is applied thereto.
US08403303B2
In certain embodiments, a fence system includes a rail having a first surface having one or more apertures. The rail also includes second and third surfaces opposing one another, the first, second, and third surfaces of the rail forming a channel. The second surface and the third surface of the rail have first and second lips, respectively, the first and second lips extending into the channel. The fence system section also includes one or more pickets inserted through corresponding apertures of the first surface of the rail. Each picket has a first connection region located substantially in the channel formed by the first, second, and third surfaces of the rail such that the first connection region is substantially prevented from passing through the corresponding aperture in the first surface of the rail or between the opening defined by the first and second lips of the rail.
US08403286B2
A three-dimensional printing device includes a top bracket, a side bracket, and a pivoting member. The top bracket includes a pair of sidewalls cooperatively defining a receiving space to receive an inkjet head. The side bracket includes a pair of sidewalls cooperatively defining a receiving space to receive the top bracket. The pivoting member includes a pair of sidewalls cooperatively defining a receiving space to receive an inkjet head. The pivoting member is rotatably mounted in the receiving space of the side bracket.
US08403285B2
A label transport device for transporting indicia-bearing labels for identifying electrical and electronic components, comprising a generally rectangular carrier frame member having a generally planar support surface, a generally rectangular planar indicia-bearing label, and a mounting arrangement for mounting the label on the carrier frame, including at least one positioning tab member connected with one edge of the label, and a positioning lug arranged on one of the frame and tab members for engagement with an opening contained in the other of the tab and frame members, thereby to position the label at a given transport location on the carrier frame member. The frame is injection-molded from a synthetic plastic material and includes a plurality of parallel spaced longitudinal spars that are connected together integrally by a plurality of parallel transverse spars.
US08403275B2
A support frame for supporting an intravenous bag and associated equipment, comprises a main pole adapted to be secured to a structure so as to be self-standing. A pivotable pole is adapted to support equipment associated with an intravenous bag. A pivot joint is provided between the main pole and the pivotable pole such that the pivotable pole rotates about the main pole. A rack is supported by the pivotable pole, the rack being adapted to support an intravenous bag.
US08403267B2
An ejection system for ejecting a payload from a payload delivery vehicle is provided. The ejection system includes an airbag ejection system configured to eject the payload from the payload delivery vehicle, a payload separation system configured to selectively couple the payload to the airbag ejection system, and a controller configured to inflate the airbag ejection system and further configured to signal the payload separation system to release the payload from the airbag ejection system.
US08403256B1
Apparatus and methods provide for a swept-wing powered-lift aircraft. Aspects of the disclosure provide a powered-lift aircraft that utilizes the engine exhaust flow over upper surface blown flaps to increase lift during various flight operations. The powered-lift aircraft has wings with inboard portions and outboard portions. The adjacent inboard and outboard portions share a swept leading edge. The leading edge is swept to a degree that shifts the outboard portion rearward to a position in which the aircraft center of lift has little to no variance upon the activation or deactivation of a powered-lift system.
US08403252B2
An apparatus for maintaining uniform tension across a width of a web including a frame, a roller, a shaft about which the roller rotates, a first arm rigidly connected to a first end of the shaft, a second arm pivotally connected to a second end of the shaft, and a third arm rigidly connected to the second end of the shaft. The first arm is pivotally connected to the frame by a first joint. The second arm is pivotally connected to the shaft by a second joint and to the frame by a third joint. The third arm is coupled to the frame through a fourth joint. The first, third, and fourth joints are offset from the axis of the shaft by substantially the same distance. The first and third joints are offset in the same direction. The fourth joint is offset in the opposite direction.
US08403249B2
Systems and methods of rolling and unrolling secondary flooring surfaces, such as tall pile polyethylene turf, are provided. The system includes a drive system that allows for the conversion of a primary surface into a secondary flooring surface in a relatively short period of time. The drive system includes core adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed and torque of the motors that drive the core, as well as roller adjustable speed drive units for controlling the speed of the front roller. The core adjustable speed drive units control the torque of the core motors during roll up and control the speed of the core motors during roll out.
US08403240B2
The invention discloses a rotary waterfall shower comprising a hollow body, transversely arranged vane wheels, a front cover arranged on the front end of the body in a sealing way and a water division member which is arranged in the body in a sealing way and can cause the vane wheels to rotate, a pinion wheel is fixedly arranged on the front end of the vane wheels in an axial direction and is meshed with output gear wheels distributed in a central symmetry way, and each output gear wheel can drive one rotary water discharge component arranged on the front end of the front cover to rotate horizontally. Water sprinkled out from the water outlet of the rotary waterfall shower can be dynamically rotated to form gainly clusters of spiral waterfall water blooms, and the shower has the effect of gentle massage.
US08403236B2
A nozzle includes a nozzle connector and nozzle filter engaged together. The nozzle connector is engaged with a tote connector of a tote which contains a paint component. A hose connector can be sealingly engaged with the tote connector if they are matched. The hose connector is restricted from being sealingly engaged with the nozzle connector if they do not match. Matching hose and nozzle connectors have the same color to indicate that they match each other.
US08403234B2
A compact hydronic space and water heating apparatus and system is disclosed for use in a recreational vehicle. A liquid heating medium, stored within a low pressure tank, is recirculated through a gas fired heater thereby maintaining a desired set point temperature. The liquid heating medium is further circulated through the vehicles hydronic space heaters to heat the interior of the vehicle. Further fresh domestic water is passed through a heat transfer coil within the tank whereby hot domestic water may be provided. An auxiliary heating device is attached to the tank whereby hot combustion engine coolant may assist in maintaining the temperature of the liquid heating medium within the tank and/or reversed to pre heat the combustion engine if and when needed.
US08403225B2
A method of reading information bearing indicia comprising the steps of: scanning indicia on a vehicular license plate utilizing an indicia reader; decoding the data; and, utilizing the decoded data to retrieve information regarding the vehicle and/or vehicle operator from a remote database.
US08403223B2
A taggant composition including a taggant material that is invisible in light of the visible spectrum and fluoresces under a non-visible excitation energy, a binder, and a solvent in which the taggant material and the binder are dissolved. The taggant composition can be printed or otherwise applied to a material such as fabric to provide a detectable and identifiable indicium. A method and apparatus for detecting and decoding the taggant indicium are also provided.
US08403214B2
Systems and methods for controlling access to wireless gaming devices and networks are provided. For example, access is controlled through one or more levels of security check, such as a hard security check instead of or in addition to a soft security check. In a hard security check, the user employs an apparatus such as a card or other physical token that can be used to access the wireless gaming device. Such an apparatus may communicate information that identifies the user to the device or may simply be used to produce a signal without which the device is locked to users.
US08403208B2
Apparatus and method for a privacy shield in keypad input devices at financial transaction terminals
An input device for inputting personal information has a keypad for selectively inputting personal information and a privacy shield that is positioned adjacent to and extends away from near the keypad, the privacy shield inhibiting someone from viewing personal information entered into the keypad. The input device is part of a sales transaction terminal. The input device is part of an automated teller machine.
US08403201B2
According to the invention, a shell handling carriage (19) is provided with grippers (194) which grip the end edges of a shell (2) made of composite material still fixed to a molding drum (11). An expeller strut (13) prevents the drum (11) from moving while the carriage (19) translating 5 removes the shell (2) from the drum (11). The shell (2) is then transported by the carriage (19) to a working station in which robots rivet the transversal ribs on it. The transversal ribs reach the robot working position orderly arranged on a self-moving rib store, which is inserted in the shell (2) itself.
US08403200B2
The invention relates to a device for supplying inert gas in order to protect the surface of a solder bath in a wave soldering installation and the components to be soldered against oxidation. Wave soldering installations form solder waves over which parts to be soldered are transported. The parts to be soldered are generally electronic printed circuit boards which have electronic components soldered onto their undersides by the solder wave making contact with the printed circuit board.
US08403198B2
A surgical device for applying a plurality of surgical staples is provided. The device includes a staple fastening assembly attached to a surgical instrument. The staple fastening assembly includes a pair of cooperating jaws, a jaw operating mechanism, and a gap sensor. A staple magazine having a plurality of staples and an anvil member having a plurality of staple pockets are attached to the jaws. The staple magazine includes a staple crimping cam and a staple dimpling cam that are operatively coupled to the surgical instrument. The jaw operating mechanism is operatively connected to a drive assembly in the surgical instrument for moving the jaws for automatically setting a tissue gap between the cooperating jaws. The gap sensor cooperates with the jaw operating mechanism for controlling staple formation.
US08403178B2
A container assembly has a first container that operably houses a second container. The first container is configured to hold a first flowable substance, and the second container is configured to hold a second flowable substance. The second container is rupturable, preferably by manipulation through the first container, wherein the second flowable substance can mix with the first flowable substance to form a mixture. The first container is also rupturable to dispense the mixture therefrom.
US08403177B2
Pressurized can comprising a body (2), a dome (3) accommodating a valve (4), a concavely shaped bottom (5), an inner casing (7) attached to a cup (6), a push rod (9) arranged in the inner casing (7), said push rod (9) being actuated through the cup (6) and intended to force open the inner casing (7), with said inner casing (7) being joined to the cup (6) via a spring cage (11), said spring cage (11) containing a spring-loaded trigger (12) which acts on the push rod (9) which, in turn, acts on a cover (8) arranged at the can-side end of the inner casing (7), said cover (8) being a membrane which seals the inner casing (7) at its can-side end hermetically against the contents of the pressurized can (1) and which is torn open by the push rod (9) when the trigger (12) is actuated.
US08403171B2
An enclosure includes a bottom panel and a side panel extending from the bottom panel. The side panel is substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel. The side panel has an opening and a flange surrounding the opening. A cross section of the flange includes a first side portion, a bent portion extending from the first side portion, and a second side portion. An angle is defined by the second side portion and the side panel is larger than 90 degrees. The flange is configured to prevent the opening to be deformed.
US08403159B2
A stopper device is disclosed. The stopper device includes a substantially tubular support defining a first axis, and a tab extending along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. A cap is hinged to the support to pivot between a closed position and an open position. A tamper-proofing band is connected to the cap in its closed position via at least one breakable bridge situated along a third axis in a portion of the tamper-proofing band. The third axis is substantially perpendicular to the first and second axes when the cap is closed. The cap is pivoted from the closed position to the open position by squeezing along the third axis. During a first stage of the squeezing, the at least one breakable bridge is broken, and during a second stage of the squeezing after the first stage, the fastener tab disengages from the cap opening.
US08403151B2
A nanofiber-containing membrane has a specific surface area of 0.1 to 1000 m2/g, porosity of 10 to 99.5% and a pore size of 0.01 to 10 μm. This provides a nanofiber-containing membrane having properties of high specific surface area, high porosity, nanoscale pore size, high pore uniformity and so on. A process for producing a nanofiber-containing membrane comprising producing a membrane from a polymer solution by electrospinning technology under optimal operation conditions.
US08403150B2
An end-cap assembly for closing one end of a housing of a filter comprises an end-cap having an end wall; an inlet port extending through the end wall for connection to a first end of a pump hose of a peristaltic pump; and a first holder for securing a second end of the pump hose. The inlet port and the first holder are arranged relative to each other so that the pump hose forms a loop when the first end of the pump hose is connected to the inlet port and the second end of the pump hose is secured by the holder.
US08403146B2
Collectors for froth flotation including oxidized fatty acid compositions and oxidized and maleated compositions. In particular, use of oxidized tall oil compositions and oxidized and maleated fatty acid compositions are disclosed.
US08403145B1
Disclosed herein is a bow making device and methods of use thereof. The device is configured to include one or more ribbon rolls, an elongated flexible member, a container, and a lid having a clip and indicia for ribbon measurement. In some aspects, the clip includes a base and a plurality of fingers defining a channel and a receptacle. The container includes transparent material such that the rolls are visually-perceptible through the transparent material, and slits are provided for dispensing ribbon. In use, ribbon is dispensed through the slits and then formed into a bow. Regarding the latter, the elongated flexible member is slid through the channel into receptacle, and the ribbon is folded into measured lengths and slid through the channel into the receptacle. A user pulls the elongated flexible member and measured lengths of ribbon out of the clip through the channel and ties the ribbon to form a bow.
US08403144B2
According to one embodiment, a distribution assembly is used to distribute a load of liquid containers. The distribution assembly may include a slip sheet, a pallet divider, and a rotating pallet. The slip sheet may be designed to laterally group two or more liquid containers. The pallet divider may divide the load into sections, each section containing a stack of liquid containers. The pallet divider may restrict access to one of the sections to distribute the liquid containers of the other section. The rotating pallet may rotate the load to allow the other section to be accessed.
US08403143B2
A reticle storing container is disclosed to include an outer container, an inner container, and a purging valve. The outer container comprises a container body and a container base on which at least a first through-hole is disposed, and a first inner space is formed between the container body and the container base for storing the inner container. The inner container comprises a top cover and a bottom base on which at least a second through-hole connected to the first through-hole is disposed, and a second inner space is formed between the top cover and the bottom base for storing a reticle. The purging valve is disposed in the first through-hole on the outer container base and connected to the second through-hole of said inner container, wherein the purging valve comprises a spring and a valve part. Thus, when the valve part is propped up by a purging head, the valve part compresses the spring for the purging valve to be connected to the purging head. And a filter material is disposed on the joint portion between the container body and the container base to prevent the interior of the reticle from being contaminated.
US08403135B2
An apparatus and method for retaining an ear-bud, said apparatus having a base, first and second sidewalls at opposing ends of the base forming a receptacle, a flexible member stretched around the first and second sidewalls of the base, wherein the flexible member forms a band that stretches and contracts to enable the apparatus to retain ear-buds having various configurations. The sidewalls are preferably attached to a portion of the periphery of the base, which is preferably an elongated, flat platform. The flexible member forms a band that is stretched around the sidewalls, wherein a portion of the flexible band is not connected to the sidewalls and is capable of expanding and contracting so as to receive and retain an ear-bud placed within the receptacle.
US08403131B2
A reservoir cap to be positioned on a neck of a container at an aperture thereof, including a first element in which a chamber, closed by a pierceable wall, is provided to house a product introducible into the interior of the container, and a second element including a piercer for piercing the pierceable wall. The first and second element being axially movable relative to each other, such that the movement causes piercing of the pierceable wall, with consequent introduction of the product into the container. The first element includes a first connector for connection to the container, which cooperate with an external portion of the neck of the container, and second connector for connection to the second element. The second connector including a thread cooperating with at least one tooth engaged in it.
US08403130B1
A conveyor system includes a frame, a drive roller carried by the frame, and a tail roller carried by the frame. The drive roller and the tail roller each include a relief channel positioned around a roller circumference. The conveyor system further includes a first intermediate roller positioned between the drive roller and the tail roller and carried by the frame, where the first intermediate roller has a channel positioned around a first intermediate roller circumference. The conveyor system also includes a continuous flexible belt positioned around the drive roller and the tail roller, where the continuous flexible belt has an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a guide extending inwards from the interior surface. The guide is positioned within the channel of the first intermediate roller and the guide is spaced apart from the drive roller relief channel and the tail roller relief channel.
US08403127B2
The introduction of a heterogeneous solid substance, such as biomass, into a container which is under pressure is difficult. The rotary valves and airlocks used hitherto have substantial deficiencies. The use of standard screw conveyors has hitherto failed due to the fact that a cavity formed behind the screw helix in which gas could escape from the pressurized container. These deficiencies are resolved in that two independently controllable screws are arranged in a screw conveyor pipe. Between the primary screw driven by a motor and the secondary screw driven by another motor, the biomass is compacted by high pressure as a consequence of the different revolution speeds of the motors in such a way that an almost gas-tight plug is formed. The invention is particularly well-suited for the introduction of biomass into a gasification installation which is under pressure, for the production of synthesis gas.
US08403126B1
In a rolling mill in which hot rolled product is formed into rings by a laying head and the rings are transported in an overlapping pattern to a reforming station where the rings are gathered into coils, a method of increasing the time gap between billet lengths of product delivered to the reforming station by advancing the rings of a front end of one billet along said conveyor at a one speed while advancing the rings of a tail end of a preceding billet at another speed greater than said one speed.
US08403121B2
A device for sealing a double clutch transmission of a motor vehicle, with a transmission housing, in which are arranged a clutch chamber with clutch oil and a double clutch, a transmission chamber with transmission oil and a double clutch transmission wheel set and two co-axial drive shafts disposed, one inside the other. One drive shaft is an interior central shaft which extends inside the transmission chamber from the end of the second hollow drive shaft. The two drive shafts each have a sealing element to seal the clutch chamber from the transmission chamber. A mounting component is situated inside and fixed to the transmission housing to support two adjacent sealing elements. A first sealing element forms a seal radially on the hollow drive shaft and a second sealing element forms a seal radially on the central drive shaft to provide a reliable seal and offer a simple ventilation and leakage detection.
US08403114B2
The invention relates to a pneumatically and/or electromechanically actuable commercial vehicle disc brake having a brake disc, a brake caliper, a brake application shaft which can be actuated by a pivoting lever and lies transversely with respect to a rotational axis of the brake disc, an adjusting device which is arranged at least partially within an inner space of the brake caliper, and a first sealing device for sealing an annular space which is delimited by the inner wall of a through opening of the brake caliper and a device which extends through the through opening. According to the invention, a holding device, which holds a second sealing device for sealing the annular space at least partially, and a third sealing device are provided, which sealing device bears against the holding device for sealing the annular space at least partially.
US08403105B2
A sound source location is estimated by particle filtering where a set of particles represents a probability density function for a state variable comprising the sound source location. The method includes determining the weight for a particle in response to a correlation between estimated acoustic transfer functions from the sound source to at least two sound recording positions. A weight update function may specifically be determined deterministically from the correlation and thus the correlation may be used as a pseudo-likelihood function for the measurement function of the particle filtering. The acoustic transfer functions may be determined from an audio beamforming towards the sound source. The audio weight may be combined with a video weight to generate a multi-modal particle filtering approach.
US08403099B2
A construction machine that permits an exhaust gas after-treatment device to be disposed while suppressing an increase of height. An upper surface of a hydraulic pump is positioned lower than an upper surface of an engine, a tank device having at least one of a working oil tank and a fuel tank is provided at a rear portion thereof with a small height portion which has an upper surface of a height almost equal to or smaller than the height of the upper surface of the hydraulic tank, and an exhaust gas after-treatment device is disposed at a position above both the small height portion and the hydraulic pump.
US08403098B2
A hydraulic power control system for a work machine is provided. The system may include a hydraulic power output device selected from the group consisting of a hydraulic motor and a work implement hydraulic actuator. The system may also include a variable displacement hydraulic pump configured to supply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic power output device. The system may further include at least one pressure sensor configured to measure pressure of the hydraulic fluid at a location between the pump and the hydraulic power output device. In addition, the system may include at least one temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the hydraulic fluid in the system. The system may include a controller configured to control a displacement of the pump based on a pressure measurement of the at least one pressure sensor and a temperature measurement of the at least one temperature sensor.
US08403088B2
An electric axle drive unit for an axle of a vehicle has an electric machine. The drive output of electric machine can be connected to the input of a transmission device. The electric drive unit has a differential gear, the input member of which is connected to an output of the transmission device. The output members of the differential gear can be connected respectively to a left-hand and a right-hand driveshaft of the axle. At least one transmission stage of the transmission device and the differential gear are arranged on opposite sides of the electric machine in the axial direction. The differential gear is connected to the transmission stage by means of a hollow shaft.
US08403080B2
Binder compositions for use in forming a bit body of an earth-boring bit includes at least one of cobalt, nickel, and iron, and at least one melting point-reducing constituent selected from at least one of a transition metal carbide up to 60 weight percent, a transition metal boride up to 60 weight percent, and a transition metal silicide up to 60 weight percent, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the binder. Earth-boring bit bodies include a cemented tungsten carbide material comprising tungsten carbide and a metallic binder, wherein the tungsten carbide comprises greater than 75 volume percent of the cemented tungsten carbide material.
US08403072B2
An improved method is provided for operating a power tool. The method includes receiving an input control variable from an input unit; determining a derivative of the input control variable; selecting one of a plurality of control profiles based on the control input variable and the derivative, each control profile correlating the control input variable of the input unit to a rotational speed at which to drive the output shaft; and driving the output shaft at a rotational speed in accordance with the selected control profile.
US08403063B2
A downhole tool including a ball valve having a pivotal ball and providing full drift clearance through a fluid pathway of the valve over a portion of a pivotal range of the ball is described. An internal bore of the ball includes a first opening larger than a second opening, and the internal bore transitions between the first and second openings. The first opening overlays or encompasses an opening formed by a first bore portion over a range of pivot of the ball, and the second opening may be fully encompassed by an opening formed by a second bore portion over a pivotal range when the internal bore is not centrally aligned with the first or second bore portions.
US08403051B2
Emulsified acids have been used to increase production rates of oil and gas in carbonate reservoirs through acid fracturing and matrix acidizing operations. An emulsifier is used to emulsify the aqueous acid with an oil, usually diesel. Very small particles, such as colloidal clay particles and/or nanoparticles increase the stability of the emulsified acids over an elevated temperature range.
US08403050B2
The present invention includes a method for treating a hydrocarbon-bearing clastic formation having brine. The method includes contacting the hydrocarbon-bearing clastic formation with a fluid, which at least one of at least partially solubilizes or at least partially displaces the brine in the hydrocarbon-bearing clastic formation, and subsequently contacting the hydrocarbon-bearing clastic formation with a composition. The composition includes a nonionic fluorinated polymeric surfactant and solvent. When the composition is contacting the hydrocarbon-bearing clastic formation, the nonionic fluorinated polymeric surfactant has a cloud point that is above the temperature of the hydrocarbon-bearing clastic formation.
US08403049B2
A tubing conveyed tool for use in perforating a well bore utilizing abrasive perforating techniques. The perforating tool is particularly useful in non-vertical wells. The perforating tool is designed to permit running and setting a bridge plug, and then perforating the well bore without requiring the removal of the tool string. An eccentric weight bar can also be used to allow for directional perforating in non-vertical wells. The eccentric weight bar uses gravity to cause the bar to rotate to a predetermined position.
US08403038B2
An apparatus for controlling flow of fluid from a reservoir into a wellbore is provided, which apparatus in one embodiment may include a flow-through region configured to substantially increase value of a selected parameter relating to the flow-through region when selected parameter is in a first range and maintain a substantially constant value of the selected parameter when the selected property of the fluid is in a second range.
US08403033B2
The invention is generally directed to the novel and unique water pump system that is for manual operation, such as when there is a power failure and electrical pump systems are inoperable. An expansion tank is connected to the first end of a water conduit, which runs from below the static water level of the water to the expansion tank. A static chamber is disposed in the well and below the static water level. An air line conduit is fluidly connected to the top portion of the static chamber with the opposing end of the air line conduit being an air input port. When air is delivered into the air input port of the air line conduit, the air pushes water residing in the static chamber and water conduit up through the main water line and into an optional expansion tank for use.
US08403028B2
The invention provides water-soluble salt cores which are produced by compacting a mixture of water-soluble salts and a binding agent, under pressure and subsequently subjecting them to heat-treatment. The binding agent is an inorganic phosphate or a mixture of inorganic phosphates having a proportion of between 0.5 and 10 wt. % of the mixture.
US08403024B2
A metallic, ferriferous permanent mold, especially a permanent steel mold, is provided that can be impinged upon with a liquid or flowable aluminum material, a layer for protecting the permanent form and for obtaining an optimum cast result being producible by means of a mold release agent. The invention also relates to a mold release agent for producing said layer and to a method for producing said layer.
US08403022B2
A security device and method for a garage door opening system mounted within the dwelling, for preventing an unauthorized access to the garage door opening system from outside of the garage and mechanically disconnecting the carriage assembly of the system from the remaining part of the system by pulling the release cord toward the garage door.
US08403016B2
A mandrel suitable for forming a hollow part from a heat curable material includes an (a) an elongate central member having a coefficient of expansion which is different than the coefficient of expansion of the cured heat curable material, (b) at least one lateral member disposed at a first location and projecting away from the outer surface of the central member, the lateral member being slidably attached to the central member, and (c) a rigid elongate strut member having a coefficient of expansion substantially similar to the coefficient of expansion of the cured heat curable material. The first end of the strut member is affixed to the lateral member, and the second end of the strut member is affixed spaced apart from the lateral member.
US08403012B2
A tread wear indicator may be molded into the shoulder region of a tire tread and may have three symbols. Two of the symbols may be alphanumeric characters and the third symbol may surround the two symbols. All three symbols may be visible prior to wearing the tread. After the tread has been worn a first amount, the first symbol may be invisible and the second and third symbols may be visible to indicate to the user that a new tire will soon be required. After the tread has been worn a second amount, the first and second symbols may be invisible and the third symbol may be visible to indicate to the user that a new tire is required immediately.
US08403009B2
A method for filling a plurality of containers in cycles at a predetermined number of stationary filling units arranged in a row with a first spacing from each other. The method includes providing a plurality of positively guided containers in a row, one-by-one, wherein the containers have a uniform second spacing from each other, wherein the first spacing of the individual filling units is a whole-number multiple of the second spacing of the containers, and filling a predetermined number of the containers simultaneously at the filling units. The containers are shifted in cycles along the filling units in a transport direction by a step length, which is a whole-number multiple of the second spacing of the containers and which is shorter than a third spacing between a first filling unit and a last filling unit steps of filling and shifting are repeated over a predetermined number of iterations.
US08403008B2
Metered dose applicators that irradiate a portion of light sensitive product. When a dropper applicator is secured to a reservoir, a usable volume inside the dropper is reduced. As the dropper is removed from the reservoir, the usable volume in the dropper increases, creating a suction within the dropper that draws product into the dropper from the reservoir. When the dropper is off the reservoir, then a button that is accessible to a user is used to increase and decrease the size of the usable volume. The button also turns on a light that is effective to activate the product as it is being dispensed from the dropper.
US08403003B2
A fluid flow control device includes a body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path extending from the inlet to the outlet. A valve seat ring is coupled to the body and defines an orifice through which the fluid flow path passes. A cage is also coupled to the body and defines an interior bore, wherein the cage includes at least one passage through which the fluid flow path passes. A throttling element is sized for insertion into the cage interior bore and movable along an axis between open and closed positions. The throttling element defines a sealing surface oriented substantially parallel to the axis. A seal is positioned to engage the sealing surface when the throttling element is substantially in the closed position, thereby to restrict fluid flow through the valve seat ring orifice.
US08403000B2
A tank for a cryogenic liquid is fitted with a conduit assembly that provides for flow of the cryogenic liquid into and out of the tank, venting of the tank and control of the fill level in the tank. The conduit assembly includes serpentine tubes that extend into an upper region within the inner shell. Within the inner shell, one of the tubes extends downwardly to a lower opening and provides for liquid flow into and out the tank; the other tube has an end with a downwardly facing opening in the upper region whereby vapor can be conducted out of the tank and the fill level is established. A system for effecting pressure management of the cryogenic liquid in the tank includes a conduit network that provides for pressure build as pressure in the conduit network drops and provides for delivery of liquid only to, e.g., a vehicle engine.
US08402989B2
A telescopic pump nozzle for a pump includes a shaft having a first end and a second end, a channel formed therein and communicating the first end with the second end, and a threadedly coupled portion defined at the first end, and in addition, the second end is coupled to an air pipe of the pump. A tube has a first end and a second end and includes first and second connected sections formed on the inner wall of the first end, a compartment defined in the second end, and at least one O-ring mounted on the shaft and abutted against the inner wall of the compartment in an air-tight manner. The second connected section is provided between the first connected section and the compartment. The shaft is slideably disposed in the compartment of the tube. The threadedly coupled portion is selectively coupled to the second connected section.
US08402988B2
The specification discloses a tire inflation pressure regulator facilitating precise tire inflation. The regulator includes a body, a two-position valve within the body, and a rotational lock. The body includes an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air vent. In one position, the valve directs air from the air inlet to the air outlet when the tire pressure is below a preset level; and, in a second position, the valve directs air from the air inlet to the air vent when the tire pressure exceeds the preset level to prevent overfilling. The valve moves rapidly between the two positions, and is unstable between the two positions. The valve includes a regulator enabling the preset level to be adjusted. The rotational lock enables the regulator to be screwed onto a tire stem, but prevents removal of the regulator from the tire stem without a key.
US08402986B1
A device is provided for deflating or inflating an item using a vacuum source including a receiving member including an outer open-ended cup with a partial bottom, the bottom including a central aperture, and an outer frustoconical portion extending from the central aperture; an air-flow adjusting member including an inner open-ended substantially cylindrical portion, an inner frustoconical portion extending from the inner open-ended substantially cylindrical portion; a tip member; and means for removably coupling the tip member to the air-flow adjusting member.
US08402975B2
A cover for posts, bollards, and the like, includes an integral or attached cigarette receptacle. A sleeve for covering a post includes an open bottom, a closed top, and an outer sidewall, and a cigarette receptacle attached to the sidewall of the sleeve. The sleeve is preferably cylindrical. The sleeve has a height in the range of two to 10 feet and an inner diameter in the range of 2 to 10 inches. The sleeve may be plastic, and may feature a hemispherically shaped top. The cigarette receptacle may be temporarily or permanently attached to the sidewall of the sleeve. The cigarette receptacle preferably includes a lower portion and an upper, removable cap. The cigarette receptacle may be plastic with an inner, non-flammable liner, or may be composed of metal. The cigarette receptacle preferably includes a small hole into which cigarettes are placed.
US08402973B2
Systems for sizing oral applications include both a width measuring template or tool for determining the distance between opposed molars and an arch sizing tool for determining the size and shape of the patient's dental arch. Based on this information, individual appliances can be selected from an inventory of such appliances, where the selected appliance would best fit the patient.
US08402971B2
A mouth cushion for a mask system includes a side wall, an undercushion extending away from the side wall, and a membrane provided to substantially surround the undercushion and adapted to form a continuous seal around an exterior of a patient's mouth in use. The side wall includes spaced-apart prong support structures that provide annular recesses adapted to support respective nasal prongs, and at least a portion of the undercushion includes a question-mark or sickle-shape configuration when in cross-section.
US08402970B2
An integrated ventilation system is presented. The integrated ventilation system includes a high frequency ventilation module configured to be operationally coupled to a ventilation system, where the high frequency ventilation module is configured to aid the ventilation system in performing high frequency ventilation. A method for providing high frequency ventilation via use of a high frequency ventilation module, where the high frequency ventilation module is configured to be operationally coupled to a ventilation system, and where the high frequency ventilation module is configured to aid the ventilation system in performing high frequency ventilation, is presented. The method includes creating a vacuum effect at an outlet port of the ventilation system to aid in active exhalation of gas from a patient.
US08402969B2
This invention relates to a method for controlling a bi-level apparatus. The method includes repeatedly measuring an airflow, choosing an expiration threshold value and choosing an inspiration threshold value. Switching to an inspiration mode takes place if the airflow is greater than the expiration threshold value in a comparison with the expiration threshold value. A switching back to the expiration mode takes place if the airflow is smaller than the inspiration threshold value in a comparison with the inspiration threshold value. Moreover, the invention relates to a bi-level apparatus for performing the method.
US08402958B2
The wheel also includes an opening in the third portion leading to a chamber in a hollow support of the wheel. A spring-biased knob is mounted on a shaft that also mounts the wheel. Both the knob and the wheel have axially align protrusions that may engage each other to allow the wheel to be rotationally adjusted to correct any jam or misalignment of the darts stored on the wheel. A flexible arm and a pusher structure are also included with the magazine apparatus and are connected to a constant force spring, where the flexible arm and a portion of the constant force spring are lodged in the chamber of the hollow support during a dart loading process of the wheel, and the constant force spring uncoils when the wheel is rotated during the loading process. The constant force spring biases the wheel to feed the darts from both the drum and the clip to a firing position at the end of the clip located in the launcher, but the constant force spring is insufficient to discharge the darts when the magazine is not connected to the launcher.
US08402953B2
It is an object to provide an engine that makes it possible to constantly detect the number of rotations of a supercharger with a calculation load of an ECU reduced. An engine 1 is provided with an engine base 8 comprised of a plurality of cylinders and a turbocharger 7, a crank angle sensor 4, a turbo sensor 5 that detects rotations of the turbocharger 7 as pulses, an amplifier 11 that divides the pulses by an arbitrary division ratio and calculates the divided pulses, and an ECU 10 that judges a surge condition of the turbocharger 7, wherein the ECU 10 sets a predetermined position of a piston of each cylinder in a crank angle of the engine base 8 to count start timing of the divided pulses, outputs the divided pulses counted from the count start timing to the number of predetermined rotations as a first output, and judges that, if a difference between the first outputs at every cylinder is more than a predetermined value, the turbocharger 7 is in the surge condition.
US08402951B2
The present invention provides an apparatus for enabling operation of a piezoelectric actuator, comprising a spring configured to provide a compressive force to a piezoelectric element of a piezoelectric actuator, wherein the compressive force varies with displacement of the piezoelectric element such that the compressive force is less at a first displacement than at a second displacement, and wherein the first displacement is greater than the second displacement.
US08402948B2
A fuel line may include a hollow elongate body having a first end and a second end. A first sealing member located on the first end of the hollow elongate body may have a monolithic construction and include a base region and a sealing region. The base region may have a first material hardness and the sealing region may have a second material hardness, the second material hardness being less than the first material hardness. A first connector may be coupled with the elongate body and the first connector and the first sealing member may be configured to sealingly connect to a fuel injector.
US08402946B2
A fuel distributor for supplying fuel to injection valves for internal combustion engines includes a hollow manifold having a plurality of branch bores disposed radially therethrough. A plurality of branch lines are operably connected with a manifold at the branch bores by adapters. The adapters have either a one-piece deep-drawn construction or a one-piece extruded construction, and include a mounting flange that conforms to the outer contour of the manifold and joins the adapter to the exterior of the manifold, and a neck portion that closely receives and securely mounts therein the end portions of the branch lines.
US08402935B2
An engine starting control apparatus is basically provided with a motor control section, a valve timing control section and a start control section. The motor control section is configured to operate an electric motor to crank an engine with an output of the electric motor being adjustable. The valve timing control section is configured to operate a variable valve operating mechanism when the engine is started to change at least a close timing of an intake valve of the engine from an initial timing to a start timing such that the start timing is set closer to an intake bottom dead center during a single engine start as compared to the initial timing. The start control section is configured to adjust the output of the electric motor as the close timing of the intake valve changes from the initial timing to the start timing during the single engine start.
US08402934B2
An electromagnetic camshaft adjusting device has an armature unit, which can be moved relative to a yoke and core unit by energizing a stationary coil unit and which is designed to carry out an axial actuating movement and to exert a correspondingly axially directed actuating force on a rotating internal combustion engine camshaft by a slider unit interacting with the armature unit. The yoke and core unit is mounted such that it can rotate relative to the coil unit and provides a receptacle for the armature unit that is guided such that it can move axially in the yoke and core unit and has the slider unit firmly seated thereon.
US08402933B2
A rocker arm changeover device for an engine includes a major rocker arm to drive intake or exhaust valves. A driven rocker arm is arranged in line with the major rocker arm. A changeover pin is movable within a first pin hole and a second pin hole and to change between engagement and disengagement of the major and driven rocker arms. The first pin hole coaxially matches the second pin hole through rocking motions of the major and driven rocker arms. A first pin is movable within the first and second pin holes between a disengagement position at which the first pin is retracted into the first pin hole and an engagement position at which the first pin protrudes from the major rocker arm. A second pin is movable relative to and coaxially with the first pin within the first pin hole.
US08402932B2
A continuously variable valve actuation (CVVA) system may include a driving cam firmly fixed to a crank shaft and rotated by a driving force of the crank shaft, a driven cam configured to rotatably contact the driving cam, wherein the driven cam is selectively pressed by the driving cam to rotate around one end thereof serving as a rotational axle and has a cam face at the other end thereof so as to press and open a valve when pressed, and a swing arm, one end of which is pivotally coupled to a stationary member and the other end of which is coupled to the one end of the driven cam to be rotated around the rotational axle of the swing arm.
US08402929B2
A system for cooling an engine on a vehicle without a coolant based intercooler and intermediate duct, the system including an air-to-oil radiator system configured to cool oil that flows through an engine, an air-to-air radiator system configured to cool air that flows through the engine and further configured to operate in conjunction with the air-to-oil radiator system to provide cool air for use with the air-to-oil radiator system, and a slow flow coolant radiator configured to cool a coolant provided to cool the engine and further provided to operate in conjunction with the air-to-oil radiator system. A method for cooling oil in an engine without a coolant based intercooler and intermediate duct is also disclosed.
US08402927B2
A water heater with enhanced thermal efficiency includes a heat exchange tank, a water tank that houses the heat exchange tank and shields and isolates the heat exchange tank with a surrounding curtain of water flowing therethrough, a burner, and a blower. The burners is connected to a combustible gas outlet opening of the blower and extends from a central base of the heat exchange tank up into the heat exchange tank to form a combustion chamber within an internal cavity of the heat exchange tank. A plurality of radially arranged flame tubes extends downward from a top corner of the internal cavity and is enclosed by the water flowing inside the water tank. The flame tubes are extended to communicate an exhaust gas discharge tube set circumferentially of and separated from the base for discharging gas. Water inlet and outlet are respectively provided to the water tank.
US08402925B2
The present invention is a retractable animal leash having a housing that surrounds a spring activated spooled leash. The housing may be opened in order to gain access to the spring-activated spooled leash and replace or repair the spooled leash as desired.
US08402922B2
A livestock breeding system including a breeding place enclosed by a fence for breeding livestock; layers of wood chips spread over and stacked up on the surface of the earth in the breeding place; and a feedstuff for breeding the livestock, and in this system, the feedstuff is prepared by mixing wood fine chips containing sawdust and/or wood fibers with large quantities of fermentation tubes.
US08402921B2
A dairy inflation includes a barrel portion connected to a milk tube portion for extracting milk from a teat of an animal. The barrel portion includes an axial passage defined by a wall, the wall having an exterior surface defining an outer periphery having a substantially circular shape. The wall further includes an interior surface defining an inner periphery having a substantially elliptical shape. The elliptical inner periphery includes a major axis and a minor axis, and the disposition of the elliptical inner periphery within the circular outer periphery creates reduced-thickness regions on opposing sides of the wall along the major axis. The reduced-thickness regions allow a controlled collapse of the barrel portion during milking operations.
US08402912B2
A spin coating device includes a container and a rotating member. The container is used for holding a first solution and includes a sidewall which a plurality of substrates are arranged on. The rotating member is rotatable within the container and includes an inlet and at least one outlet. A second solution flows into the rotating member through the inlet, and flows into the container through the at lease one outlet. A mixture of the first solution and the second solution is spread onto the substrate by centrifugal force of the rotating member.
US08402909B2
The present invention provides a production facility of hot dip galvannealed steel plate able to produce hot dip galvannealed steel plate on production conditions optimal at all times despite rapid changes in the steel type, plating deposition, and other external factors, wherein the production facility 1 of hot dip galvannealed steel plate is provided with a soaking/cooling furnace 7 for treating steel plate I running after leaving a rapid heating furnace 6 by at least one of soaking and cooling. Further, the soaking/cooling furnace 7 is configured to enable a change of the ratio in the furnace of the soaking region 15 for soaking steel plate I by soaking means 21 at a soaking temperature of 500° C. to 650° C. and the cooling region 16 for cooling the steel plate I by spray nozzles 22 by a 5° C./sec or more average cooling rate.
US08402902B2
An apparatus for the production of rectangular mattress plates from a length of material includes a base frame, a feed drive for feeding the length of material in a transport direction (A), two lateral sewing stations, each provided with a longitudinal sewing head for producing a lateral seam and with a longitudinal cutter, a transverse sewing station provided with a transverse sewing head and a transverse cutter that can be moved along a crossbeam, and a control device for controlling the feed drive, the transverse drive, the lateral sewing stations, and the transverse sewing station. The lateral sewing stations are each pivotable by a rotary drive about an axis extending perpendicularly with regard to the plane of a transport path of the material and moveable along crossbeams by a translatory drive. The translatory drive and the rotary drive are controllable by the control device in coordination with the feed drive.
US08402898B2
A safety system and method for objects moved by a driving cabling system. Offers a redundant back-up system that activates when the main cable system fails. The safety system has various embodiments and may be utilized with camera movement systems configured to move the camera throughout two or three-dimensional space.
US08402896B1
Novel hybrid luminescent ammunition (HLA) is provided. The HLA projectiles can include photoluminescent or triboluminescent material, or both. The photoluminescent and triboluminescent material can be placed at various locations on the projectile. In one configuration, the triboluminescent material that gives off light when the projectile impacts the target. In another configuration, a photoluminescent material provides a during flight and the triboluminescent material provides identification of target impact. In another configuration, the triboluminescent material is used to provide both the ballistic trace and the impact identification. Methods of making the HLA are also provided.
US08402888B2
Apparatuses, systems and methods for providing a pressed beverage using a press and lid system. In one aspect, a beverage material is pressed to the bottom of a beverage container by means of a press ring including a filter. The walls of the beverage container exert a force on the press ring, folding flaps (perimeter portions) that are attached to the press ring by means of a flexible attachment member. Any beverage material or other debris that is not collected by the filter in the press ring is collected by a filter in the lid. Other variations and features consistent with the present invention exist.
US08402886B2
A device for processing foodstuffs in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an upper part, a drive mechanism and a lower part with a working container, in which a working unit can be manually driven and made to rotate by means of the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a tractive cable drive and is operatively connected to the working unit by means of a releasable torque-coupled connection. The drive mechanism also includes a primary and secondary drive unit, which are operatively interconnected by means of a gear in such a way that a transmission ratio of between 1:1.5 and 1:4 and preferably between 1:1.8 and 1:1.9 is achieved. The primary and secondary drive units are axially parallel and dimensioned in such a way that at least one of the drive units intersects the rotational axis of the other respective drive unit. Despite the transmission ratio achieved, the dimensions of the drive mechanism can be kept small, allowing said mechanism to be housed without any problems in the upper part. The non-employment of two continuous axes, the eccentric arrangement of the drive wheel axis and the use of a drive wheel with inner gearing allow an axial wheel for indirectly driving the drive unit to be mounted on the central axis of the device in a preferred embodiment and the transmission to be achieved by the larger drive wheel, without causing the space required in the upper part next to the axial pin to increase by the diameter of the drive wheel.
US08402877B1
An armor kit may include a weapon shield having a front plate with a weapon barrel opening and at least one window opening; a rotating outboard shield including a front panel connected to a center panel and a rear panel connected to the center panel, each of the front, center, and rear panels including a window opening and a window disposed over the window opening; a rotating inboard shield having an upper portion that is solid and a lower portion with a viewing aperture, the rotating inboard shield being located generally opposite the rotating outboard shield, the rotating inboard shield and the rotating outboard shield being simultaneously rotatable and maintaining fixed positions relative to each other; and a stationary inboard shield located in an interior of a circle of rotation of the rotating inboard shield and the rotating outboard shield.
US08402873B2
A pallet dismantler includes a frame, a first drive roller rotatably coupled to the frame, and an arm pivotably coupled to the frame. A sleeve member is rigidly coupled to the arm. An axle extends from the sleeve. A second drive roller is rotatably coupled to the axle. An adjustable ratchet member extends between the arm and the frame. The adjustable ratchet member is operable to adjust the position of the second driver roller relative to the first drive roller. A blade member is trained on the first and second drive rollers.
US08402870B1
A reconfigurable flying cutting, notching and shaping machine operates upon a workpiece traveling along a generally linear axis of motion. The machine supports one or more flying tools upon one or more splined shafts and provides bearings for travel along a splined shaft in a direction of movement parallel to the direction of work travel. Rotation of the splined shaft is coupled through a double-acting cam to move one or more flying cutting tools transversely to the splined shaft.
US08402865B2
A hand tool includes a handle, a shank pivotally connected to the handle, and a locking unit operable for retaining the shank in a selected one of first and second angles relative to the handle. The first angle is about 175° to 185°, wherein the second angle is about 115° to 145°.
US08402863B2
A self-energizing and de-energizing adjustable gripping tool for engaging a work piece to impart work thereto includes a first element and second element disposed for relative movement. The second element includes an actuation portion having a plurality of slots. The first element includes gripping elements which are each associated with a force transfer element that engages one of the slots such that movement of the second element relative to the first element actuates the gripping elements to engage the work piece.
US08402861B2
A vehicle, such as a snowmobile, includes a handlebar assembly for steering the vehicle. The handlebar assembly includes a riser pivotally secured to a steering shaft and handlebars pivotally secured to the riser. A clamp selectively engages both handlebars and steering shaft to fix the position of the riser relative to the handlebars and steering shaft. The clamp includes upper and lower clamps selectively drawn toward one another by a locking member embodied as a cam-lock including a rod having a cam eccentrically and pivotally connected to one end and an enlargement secured to the opposite end. A lever pivots the cam to shorten or lengthen the distance between a lower surface of the cam and the enlargement.
US08402855B2
Hydraulic control systems for a dual clutch transmission include a regulated source of pressurized hydraulic fluid including an electric pump, a filter and an accumulator, a pair of pressure control valves and a branching hydraulic circuit including pressure or flow control valves, spool or logic valves and two position valves which collectively supply and exhaust hydraulic fluid from a plurality of shift actuators. The actuators are connected to shift rails which include shift forks and are slidable to engage synchronizers and positive clutches associated with the various gear ratios.
US08402851B2
Under control of rotation of a crankshaft 41, a friction roller 32 is pressed against a friction roller 31 in a radial direction, so as to achieve torque transmission between the rollers 31, 32. An inter-roller radial pressing reaction is canceled as an internal force in bearing supports 23, 25, with no input to a housing 11. The reaction causes a radial displacement of a bearing-fitting portion provided with inner and outer bearings 21, 42 in double layer arrangement, wherein the radial displacement is larger than that of a bearing-fitting portion provided with a bearing 18, 19, 22 in single arrangement, so as to cause unbalanced contact between rollers 31, 32. In order to prevent this, support stiffness of bearing support 23 against the inter-friction-roller radial pressing reaction is set higher than that of bearing support 25.
US08402850B2
A load displacement apparatus to displace a mobile platform along a structure includes a worm screw mounted on the platform for rotation about its axis that meshes with a plurality of support blocks mounted on the structure. The support blocks are spaced apart from one another along the structure to be successively engaged by the worm screw. Each support block includes a plurality of bearing balls freely movably supported and retained therein to selectively and movably engage the worm screw over at least an arc segment thereof such that the worm screw is always in meshing engagement with at least one of the support blocks. A scaffolding system incorporating the apparatus is also described.
US08402849B2
A starter for starting an engine in a vehicle is disclosed. The starter includes a motor and an output shaft that rotates by receiving torque from the motor. The starter also includes a pinion movable body that includes a pinion for transmitting the torque of the motor to a ring gear of the engine. The pinion movable body is provided on an outer circumference of the output shaft integrally with the pinion in a manner allowing movement along an axial direction thereof. The pinion is pushed towards the ring gear by a pinion-pushing means. A motor current-supply means turns ON and OFF energizing current flowing to the motor. A shock absorbing device is disposed on a torque transmitting path transmitting the torque of the motor to the pinion.
US08402835B2
Pressure sensors having components with reduced variations due to stresses caused by various layers and components that are included in the manufacturing process. In one example, a first stress in a first direction causes a variation in a component. A second stress in a second direction is applied, thereby reducing the variation in the component. The first and second stresses may be caused by a polysilicon layer, while the component may be a resistor in a Wheatstone bridge.
US08402829B2
A device for determining the internal structure of a bone along a path directed into the bone (or other tissue) is disclosed. The device comprises a nozzle fluidically connected to a liquid reservoir for providing a liquid jet directed at the bone in the direction of the path; an ultrasonic transducer for generating ultrasonic waves through the liquid jet and for detecting echoes of the ultrasonic waves caused by changes in the acoustical impedance in the bone characterizing changes in the structure of the bone along the path; and an analyzer for interpreting the echoes into meaningful information relating to the location of the structural changes along the path.
US08402823B2
A metering system can include a pull up circuit to be selectively coupled between a voltage node and a metering line that communicates a signal indicative of status of a flow line through which a metered substance flows. An impedance of the pull up circuit is set to reduce power consumption based on a calibration, and the pull up circuit can be disabled between sampling of the signal to reduce power consumption.
US08402820B2
A system and method for determining whether a shut-off valve in a cabin heating by-pass line of a thermal sub-system associated with an engine has failed that uses the pump current for a pump that pumps the cooling fluid through the by-pass line. The method includes setting a predetermined constant speed of the pump and then providing a valve command that opens the by-pass valve. The method then determines if the pump current has increased or remained substantially the same when the by-pass valve is commanded open, and determines that the by-pass valve has not opened if the pump current remains substantially constant when the by-pass valve is commanded open.
US08402812B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a gas concentration detection apparatus that is capable of forming an accurate activity judgment when a gas concentration detection cell begins to detect gas concentration with high accuracy. When warm-up begins at time t0 in a NOx concentration detection apparatus that achieves NOx concentration detection with a NOx sensor cell after excess oxygen is discharged by an oxygen pump cell, a NOx sensor cell output begins to rise at time t1. Subsequently, at time t2, an oxygen pump cell output begins to rise. An inflection point appearing in the NOx sensor cell output is then located. At time t5 at which the inflection point appears, an activity judgment about the NOx sensor cell is formed.
US08402811B2
This invention deals with a testing instrument that is used to investigate failure behavior of items subject to impact and sliding forces. The testing instrument produces an impact motion and a sliding motion in each testing cycle with maximum contact pressure similar to actual stresses applied to the items during real applications. The invented instrument simulates wear conditions and failure behaviors of biomedical implants, components, tools and coatings which are observed in practical applications.
US08402805B2
A method and apparatus are used to form a corrugated web having a cross sectional shape with at least one characteristic that varies substantially continuously along the substantially the entire length of the web. The apparatus includes multiple sets of dies which progressively form corrugations in a moving sheet. At least one characteristic of the web's cross sectional shape is varied along the entire length of the web by displacing the dies as the sheet moves through the die sets.
US08402795B2
Manufacturing a tubular knitted article on a flat knitting machine includes using at least two diametrically opposed needle beds, which has plain stitches and purl stitches in each stitch row, wherein purl stitches follow the plain stitches of a stitch row in a subsequent stitch row, and plain stitches follow the purl stitches of the stitch row in the subsequent stitch row.
US08402790B2
To provide a process to improve acid resistance of a glass substrate for an information recording medium.A process for producing a glass substrate for an information recording medium, comprising processing a glass formed into a plate by a float process, a down-draw method or a press method, wherein, in cooling of the glass in the last step where the glass has a temperature of at least its strain point, the time during which the glass temperature is at least its strain point and at most a temperature where the glass viscosity is 1010 dPa·s is at least 13 minutes.
US08402788B2
A method for manufacturing an optical fiber base material includes producing glass fine particles through a hydrolysis of a glass material gas in a flame created by an oxidizing gas and a combustible gas. The method uses a burner including: a central gas discharge port that ejects a gas containing an oxidizing gas; a plurality of small-diameter gas discharge ports that are arranged in a concentric circle with the central gas discharge port so as to externally surround the central gas discharge port, where the plurality of small-diameter gas discharge ports eject a gas containing an oxidizing gas; a combustible gas discharge port that is concentrically arranged with the central gas discharge port so as to externally surround the central gas discharge port, where the combustible gas discharge port has the plurality of small-diameter gas discharge port arranged therein and the combustible gas discharge port ejects a combustible gas; and an oxidizing gas discharge port that is concentrically arranged with the central gas discharge port so as to externally surround the combustible gas discharge port, the oxidizing gas discharge port ejecting an oxidizing gas. Here, a relation of V1>V2>V3>V4 is satisfied where V1 denotes a gas flow speed at the central gas discharge port, V2 denotes a gas flow speed at the plurality of small-diameter gas discharge ports, V3 denotes a gas flow speed at the combustible gas discharge port, and V4 denotes a gas flow speed at the oxidizing gas discharge port.
US08402786B2
A process for producing a synthetic silica glass optical component which contains at least 1×1017 molecules/cm3 and has an OH concentration of at most 200 ppm and substantially no reduction type defects, by treating a synthetic silica glass having a hydrogen molecule content of less than 1×1017 molecules/cm3 at a temperature of from 300 to 600° C. in a hydrogen gas-containing atmosphere at a pressure of from 2 to 30 atms.
US08402784B2
Embodiments of a heat transfer apparatus, and related methods, involve a first flow path through at least one neck portion defined by at least one boundary wall, a first heat source external to and in thermal communication with the at least one boundary wall, an inflow portion in fluid communication with the first flow path, an outflow portion in fluid communication with the first flow path, and a drive system for driving a first fluid through the first flow path, whereby heat is transferred from the first heat source to the first fluid as it flows through the first flow path.
US08402781B2
A machine for making two different types of product consisting respectively of ice creams and of shakes, includes: a main processing circuit for making the ice cream, having an infeed end associated with a tank for containing a product to be processed and an outfeed end associated with a mixing chamber; an auxiliary processing circuit for making the shake, having an infeed end associated with a tank for containing a diluting liquid and an outfeed end associated with the mixing chamber; a dispenser mechanism positioned at the mixing chamber dispensing the ice cream or the shake; and a selection device for selecting the type of product, equipped with at least a first and a second nozzle. Each nozzle can be associated with the mixing chamber in a corresponding condition for dispensing of the ice cream or the shake.
US08402779B2
An air conditioner refrigerant circuit performs a cooling operation in which an outdoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser of the refrigerant compressed in a compressor and an indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger. Further, an outdoor expansion valve is disposed at a position that is at once downstream of the outdoor heat exchanger and upstream of a liquid refrigerant communication pipe in the refrigerant flow direction in the refrigerant circuit in the cooling operation, and shuts off the refrigerant flow. A refrigerant detection unit is disposed upstream of the outdoor expansion valve and detects the amount or the amount-related value of refrigerant accumulated upstream of the outdoor expansion valve.
US08402778B2
The present invention relates to a method for increasing the solubility of oils in refrigerant compositions within a system using a refrigerant compressed with a mechanical device by adding polyolester directly to the refrigerant followed by charging a mixture of the polyolester and refrigerant into the system (air conditioner, refrigerator, etc.). The present invention also relates to a method of optimizing mineral oil return in a system using a refrigerant compressed with a mechanical device and a method of cleansing heat exchange tubes of a system using a refrigerant compressed with a mechanical device by adding polyolesters directly to a refrigerant composition followed by charging a mixture of the polyolester and refrigerant into the system.
US08402777B2
An intelligent defrosting control for an air conditioner is disclosed, which comprises the following steps: setting a standard air pressure value; placing a high-pressure sensor on the exhaust pipe of the compressor of the air conditioner to measure the air pressure; When the air pressure measured by the high-pressure sensor is lower than the standard air pressure value, said air conditioner begins to come into the defrosting mode; otherwise, said air conditioner working in previous mode.
US08402775B2
Provided is a modular vacuum storage apparatus and method for storing, dispensing, preserving and shipping perishable items.
US08402772B1
A thermal treatment apparatus is built around an enclosure having pairs of separate compartments with each pair separated by a portal gate. The enclosure has a means for securing it in intimate contact with a skin surface. A chemically activatable substance is enclosed within one or more of the compartments and an activator is enclosed under pressure within one or more further compartments. A thermal sensor is positioned in contact, or near contact, with the skin surface, and a means for opening the portal gate, in accordance with a set point temperature and the actual temperature of the skin surface, is provided. Upon opening the portal gate, the activator is driven into contact with the chemically activatable substance thereby producing a chemical reaction causing a thermal exchange between the enclosure and the skin surface so as to cool or heat it.
