US08643204B2
In various embodiments, an apparatus for producing electricity includes a plurality of hydraulic-to-electric converters with each hydraulic-to-electric converters including a hydraulic motor coupled to a common high-pressure hydraulic line and a common low-pressure hydraulic line, a controllable hydraulic switch hydraulically coupled to each respective hydraulic motor, each controllable hydraulic switch being capable of controllably placing the respective hydraulic motor on-line by allowing flow of hydraulic fluid from the common high-pressure hydraulic line through its respective hydraulic motor or off-line by preventing flow of hydraulic fluid from the common high-pressure hydraulic line through its respective hydraulic motor, and an electric generator mechanically coupled to each respective hydraulic motor and configured to generate electricity when hydraulic fluid flows through the respective hydraulic motor. The apparatus further includes a control system coupled to each controllable hydraulic switch configured to place individual hydraulic motors on-line or off-line as a function of available energy provided by the high-pressure line.
US08643203B2
A two-stroke gasoline engine equipped with a self-powering generator is disclosed. The two-stroke gasoline engine includes a housing, an engine bearer, a crank and a self-powering generator. The housing is provided on a side of the two-stroke gasoline engine and formed with a central part. The engine bearer is fixed to the housing and formed on a side thereof with a receiving space for accommodating the self-powering generator. The crank is provided from the central part to pass through the engine bearer with one end protruding into the receiving space. The self-powering generator includes a stator and a rotor. The stator is fixed to the engine bearer, and the rotor is fixed to the crank through the central pivot part so that the self-powering generator is powered by the two-stroke gasoline engine and can generate power continuously.
US08643199B2
Dendrimer/hyperbranched materials are combined with polyimide to form a low CTE material for use as a dielectric substrate layer or an underfill. In the alternative, ruthenium carbene complexes are used to catalyze ROMP cross-linking reactions in polyimides to produce a class of cross-linkable, thermal and mechanical stable material for use as a dielectric substrate or underfill. In another alternative, dendrimers/hyperbranched materials are synthesized by different methods to produce low viscosity, high Tg, fast curing, mechanically and chemically stable materials for imprinting applications.
US08643197B1
A mold compound is provided for encapsulating a semiconductor device (101). The mold compound comprises at least approximately 70% by weight silica fillers, at least approximately 10% by weight epoxy resin system, and beneficial ions that are beneficial with respect to copper ball bond corrosion. A total level of the beneficial ions in the mold compound is at least approximately 100 ppm.
US08643196B2
The present disclosure provides an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes an interconnect structure formed on a substrate; a landing metal trace formed on the interconnect structure and coupled to the interconnect structure, wherein the landing metal trace includes a first width T defined in a first direction; and a metal bump post formed on and aligned with the landing metal trace, wherein the metal bump post includes a second width U defined in the first direction, and the second width U is greater than the first width T.
US08643179B2
Provided are a bump structure includes a first bump and a second bump, a semiconductor package including the same, and a method of manufacturing the same. The bump structure includes: first bump provided on a connection pad of a substrate, the first bump including a plurality of nano-wires extending from the connection pad and a body connecting end portions of the plurality of nano-wires; and a second bump provided on the body of the first bump.
US08643176B2
A semiconductor chip includes a power transistor circuit with a plurality of active transistor cells. A first load electrode and a control electrode are arranged on a first face of the semiconductor chip, wherein the first load electrode includes a first metal layer. A second load electrode is arranged on a second face of the semiconductor chip. A second metal layer is arranged over the first metal layer, wherein the second metal layer is electrically insulated from the power transistor circuit and the second metal layer is arranged over an area of the power transistor circuit that comprises at least one of the plurality of active transistor cells.
US08643173B1
Jet-impingement, two-phase cooling apparatuses and power electronics modules having a target surface with single- and two-phase surface enhancement features are disclosed. In one embodiment, a cooling apparatus includes a jet plate surface and a target layer. The jet plate surface includes a jet orifice having a jet orifice geometry, wherein the jet orifice is configured to generate an impingement jet of a coolant fluid. The target layer has a target surface, single-phase surface enhancement features, and two-phase surface enhancement features. The target surface is configured to receive the impingement jet, and the single-phase surface enhancement features and the two-phase enhancement features are arranged on the target surface according to the jet orifice geometry. The single-phase surface enhancement features are positioned on the target surface at regions associated with high fluid velocity, and the two-phase surface enhancement features are positioned on the target surface at regions associated with low fluid velocity.
US08643170B2
Semiconductor dies are mounted on a heat sink array frame structure. The heat sink array frame structure and the semiconductor dies are assembled together with an insulating substrate that has a corresponding array of apertures on an adhesive tape. The semiconductor dies are connected electrically with electrical contacts on the insulating substrate. The semiconductor dies, heat sinks and electrical connections to the contacts are encapsulated with a mold compound and then the encapsulated array is de-taped and singulated.
US08643166B2
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: forming a lead having a lead bottom body, a lead top body, and a lead top conductive layer directly on the lead top body, the lead top conductive layer having a top protrusion and a top non-vertical portion, the lead bottom body having a horizontally contiguous structure; connecting an integrated circuit to the top protrusion; and forming an encapsulation covering the integrated circuit and exposing a top non-vertical upper side of the top non-vertical portion.
US08643155B2
A chip on film (COF) is disclosed in the present disclosure, which comprises an adhesive base layer, a driving integrated circuit (IC), an adhesive layer and a copper layer. The driving IC is embedded on a surface of the adhesive base layer; the adhesive layer is located under the adhesive base layer; the copper layer is located under the adhesive layer. The adhesive base layer is formed with a heat and pressure spreading structure. A heat and pressure spreading structure is disposed on the adhesive base layer of the COF so that deformation or unevenness of the glass substrate in the bonded area can be avoided when the COF is thermally pressed to the glass substrate of the LCD. These guarantees the consistency between the bonded area and the unbounded area, the bonded area and the unbounded area of the glass substrate will have the same transmissivity and luminance.
US08643149B2
Stress barrier structures for semiconductor chips, and methods of fabrication thereof are described. In one embodiment, the semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate that includes active circuitry and an interconnect metallization structure over the active circuitry, wherein the interconnect metallization structure includes a layer of low-k insulating layer. A first metal bump is disposed over the semiconductor substrate and coupled to the active circuitry of the semiconductor substrate. A first stress barrier structure is disposed under the metal bump, and disposed over the low-k insulating layer, and a second substrate is disposed over the first metal bump.
US08643148B2
A package component includes a substrate, wherein the substrate has a front surface and a back surface over the front surface. A through-via penetrates through the substrate. A conductive feature is disposed over the back surface of the substrate and electrically coupled to the through-via. A first dielectric pattern forms a ring covering edge portions of the conductive feature. An Under-Bump-Metallurgy (UBM) is disposed over and in contact with a center portion of the conductive feature. A polymer contacts a sidewall of the substrate. A second dielectric pattern is disposed over and aligned to the polymer. The first and the second dielectric patterns are formed of a same dielectric material, and are disposed at substantially a same level.
US08643147B2
An integrated circuit structure includes a lower dielectric layer; an upper dielectric layer over the lower dielectric layer; and a seal ring. The seal ring includes an upper metal line in the upper dielectric layer; a continuous via bar underlying and abutting the upper metal line, wherein the continuous via bar has a width greater than about 70 percent of a width of the upper metal line; a lower metal line in the lower dielectric layer; and a via bar underlying and abutting the lower metal line. The via bar has a width substantially less than a half of a width of the lower metal line.
US08643143B2
Provided is a semiconductor device including a metal dummy pattern and a thin film resistor. In detail, a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a thin film resistor, and a metal dummy pattern. The thin film resistor disposed over the semiconductor substrate and extending in a first direction relative to the semiconductor substrate. The metal dummy pattern disposed between the semiconductor substrate and the thin film resistor, the metal dummy pattern including a reflective pattern extending in the first direction semiconductor substrate and spatially corresponding to a periphery of the thin film resistor.
US08643136B2
The present invention discloses a high voltage device and a manufacturing method thereof. The high voltage device includes: a first conductive type substrate in which isolation regions are formed for defining a device region; a gate formed on the first conductive type substrate; a source and a drain formed in the device region and located at both sides of the gate respectively, and doped with second conductive type impurities; a second conductive type well, which is formed in the first conductive type substrate, and surrounds the drain from top view; and a first deep trench isolation structure, which is formed in the first conductive type substrate, and is located in the second conductive type well between the source and the drain from top view, wherein the depth of the first deep trench isolation structure is deeper than the second conductive type well from the cross-sectional view.
US08643133B2
A thermal detector includes a substrate, a thermal detection element and a support member. The substrate has a recess part with a bottom surface of the recess part being a curved light-reflecting surface. The thermal detection element has a light-absorbing film. The support member supports the thermal detection element. The substrate and the support member are arranged to form a hollow part therebetween. The support member includes a light-absorbing part in which impurities are dispersed in polycrystalline silicon with the light-absorbing part being arranged in at least a part of a surface of the support member facing toward the hollow part so that the light-absorbing part being irradiated by light.
US08643125B2
A structure and a process for a microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-based sensor are provided. The structure for a MEMS-based sensor includes a substrate chip. A first insulating layer covers a top surface of the substrate chip. A device layer is disposed on a top surface of the first insulating layer. The device layer includes a periphery region and a sensor component region. The periphery region and a sensor component region have an air trench therebetween. The component region includes an anchor component and a moveable component. A second insulating layer is disposed on a top surface of the device layer, bridging the periphery region and a portion of the anchor component. A conductive pattern is disposed on the second insulating layer, electrically connecting to the anchor component.
US08643119B2
A structure for a semiconductor device, according to an embodiment, includes: a substantially L-shaped silicide element including a base member and an extended member, wherein the base member extends at least partially into a shallow trench isolation (STI) region such that a substantially horizontal surface of the base member directly contacts a substantially horizontal surface of the STI region; and a contact contacting the substantially L-shaped silicide element.
US08643115B2
A complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) structure including a scaled n-channel field effect transistor (nFET) and a scaled p-channel field transistor (pFET) which do not exhibit an increased threshold voltage and reduced mobility during operation is provided Such a structure is provided by forming a plasma nitrided, nFET threshold voltage adjusted high k gate dielectric layer portion within an nFET gate stack, and forming at least a pFET threshold voltage adjusted high k gate dielectric layer portion within a pFET gate stack. In some embodiments, the pFET threshold voltage adjusted high k gate dielectric layer portion in the pFET gate stack is also plasma nitrided. The plasma nitrided, nFET threshold voltage adjusted high k gate dielectric layer portion includes up to 15 atomic % N2 and an nFET threshold voltage adjusted species located therein, while the plasma nitrided, pFET threshold voltage adjusted high k gate dielectric layer portion includes up to 15 atomic % N2 and a pFET threshold voltage adjusted species located therein.
US08643113B2
A process is disclosed of forming metal replacement gates for NMOS and PMOS transistors with oxygen in the PMOS metal gates and metal atom enrichment in the NMOS gates such that the PMOS gates have effective work functions above 4.85 eV and the NMOS gates have effective work functions below 4.25 eV. Metal work function layers in both the NMOS and PMOS gates are oxidized to increase their effective work functions to the desired PMOS range. An oxygen diffusion blocking layer is formed over the PMOS gate and an oxygen getter is formed over the NMOS gates. A getter anneal extracts the oxygen from the NMOS work function layers and adds metal atom enrichment to the NMOS work function layers, reducing their effective work functions to the desired NMOS range. Processes and materials for the metal work function layers, the oxidation process and oxygen gettering are disclosed.
US08643100B2
A FET includes a gate dielectric structure associated with a single gate electrode, the gate dielectric structure having at least two regions, each of those regions having a different effective oxide thickness, the FET further having a channel region with at least two portions each having a different doping profile. A semiconductor manufacturing process produces a FET including a gate dielectric structure associated with a single gate electrode, the gate dielectric structure having at least two regions, each of those regions having a different effective oxide thickness, the FET further having a channel region with at least two portions each having a different doping profile.
US08643098B2
A semiconductor device includes an active region having a side contact region in a sidewall thereof, wherein the side contact has a bulb shape, an ohmic contact region formed over a surface of the side contact region, and a bitline connected to the active region through the ohmic contact.
US08643095B2
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a drift layer. The device includes a base layer. The device includes a source layer selectively provided on a surface of the base layer. The device includes a gate electrode provided via a gate insulating film in a trench penetrating the source layer and the base layer to reach the drift layer. The device includes a field plate electrode provided under the gate electrode in the trench. The device includes a drain electrode electrically connected to the drift layer. The device includes a source electrode. The field plate electrode is electrically connected to the source electrode. An impurity concentration of a first conductivity type contained in the base layer is lower than an impurity concentration of the first conductivity type contained in the drift layer. And the impurity concentration of the first conductivity type contained in the drift layer is not less than 1×1016 (atoms/cm3).
US08643090B2
In various embodiments, a semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device may include a first source/drain region, a second source/drain region, an active region electrically coupled between the first source/drain region and the second source/drain region, a trench disposed between the second source/drain region and at least a portion of the active region, a first isolation layer disposed over the bottom and the sidewalls of the trench, electrically conductive material disposed over the isolation layer in the trench, a second isolation layer disposed over the active region, and a gate region disposed over the second isolation layer. The electrically conductive material may be coupled to an electrical contact.
US08643087B2
Methods and structures are described for reducing leakage currents in semiconductor memory storage cells. Vertically oriented nanorods may be used in the channel region of an access transistor. The nanorod diameter can be made small enough to cause an increase in the electronic band gap energy in the channel region of the access transistor, which may serve to limit channel leakage currents in its off-state. In various embodiments, the access transistor may be electrically coupled to a double-sided capacitor. Memory devices according to embodiments of the invention, and systems including such devices are also disclosed.
US08643085B2
A high-voltage-resistant semiconductor component (1) has vertically conductive semiconductor areas (17) and a trench structure (5). These vertically conductive semiconductor areas are formed from semiconductor body areas (10) of a first conductivity type and are surrounded by a trench structure (5) on the upper face (6) of the semiconductor component. For this purpose the trench structure has a base (7) and a wall area (8) and is filled with a material (9) with a relatively high dielectric constant (εr). The base area (7) of the trench structure (5) is provided with a heavily doped semiconductor material (11) of the same conductivity type as the lightly doped semiconductor body areas (17), and/or having a metallically conductive material (12).
US08643083B2
Devices and systems for insulating integrated circuits from ultraviolet (“UV”) light are described. The device includes a conductive feature, a first and second UV blocking layer, a first and second insulating laver, and a conductive structure. The first insulating layer overlays the first UV blocking layer. A via opening extends through the first insulating layer and the first UV blocking layer. The second UV blocking layer overlays the first insulating laver. The second insulating layer overlays the second UV blocking layer. An interconnect trench is defined in the second insulating layer and second UV blocking layer. The conductive structure is electrically connected to the conductive feature and extends into the via opening and along the interconnect trench.
US08643082B2
Methods and devices are disclosed, such as those involving memory cell devices with improved charge retention characteristics. In one or more embodiments, a memory cell is provided having an active area defined by sidewalls of neighboring trenches. A layer of dielectric material is blanket deposited over the memory cell, and etched to form spacers on sidewalls of the active area. Dielectric material is formed over the active area, a charge trapping structure is formed over the dielectric material over the active area, and a control gate is formed over the charge trapping structure. In some embodiments, the charge trapping structure includes nanodots. In some embodiments, the width of the spacers is between about 130% and about 170% of the thickness of the dielectric material separating the charge trapping material and an upper surface of the active area.
US08643079B2
Nanocrystal structures formed using atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes are useful in the formation of integrated circuits such as memory devices. Rather than continuing the ALD process until a continuous layer is formed, the ALD process is halted prematurely to leave a discontinuous formation of nanocrystals which are then capped by a different material, thus forming a layer with a discontinuous portion and a bulk portion. Such nanocrystals can serve as charge-storage sites within the bulk portion, and the resulting structure can serve as a floating gate of a floating-gate memory cell. A floating gate may contain one or more layers of such nanocrystal structures.
US08643073B2
A plurality of pixels PX include effective pixels and optical black pixels. Signal lines VL are provided corresponding to each column of the pixels PX and supplied with output signals of the pixels PX of the corresponding column. Clip transistors CL are provided corresponding to the respective signal lines VL and limit a potential of the corresponding vertical signal lines VL based on a gate potential. At least in a predetermined operating mode, a potential Vclip_dark is supplied to a gate of one of the clip transistors CL corresponding to at least one pixel column formed of the optical black pixels when reading a noise level from the pixels PX corresponding to the clip transistors CL and when reading a data level from the pixels PX corresponding to the clip transistors CL.
US08643072B1
A semiconductor structure and a method for forming the same are provided. The semiconductor structure includes a bulk, a gate, a source, a drain and a bulk contact region. The gate is on the bulk. The source and the drain are in the bulk on opposing sides of the gate respectively. The bulk contact region is only in a region of the bulk adjacent to the source. The bulk contact region is electrically connected to the bulk.
US08643067B2
Semiconductor devices are described that include a dual-gate configuration. In one or more implementations, the semiconductor devices include a substrate having a first surface and a second surface. The substrate includes a first and a second body region formed proximal to the first surface. Moreover, each body region includes a source region formed therein. The substrate further includes a drain region formed proximal to the second surface and an epitaxial region that is configured to function as a drift region between the drain region and the source regions. A dual-gate is formed over the first surface of the substrate. The dual-gate includes a first gate region and a second gate region that define a gap there between to reduce the gate to drain capacitance. A conductive layer may be formed over the first gate region and the second gate region to lower the effective resistance of the dual-gate.
US08643055B2
Semiconductor protection devices, and related methods and systems, especially devices for providing series current limiting. The device typically comprises two regenerative building blocks and/or MOSFETs connected back-to-back in series, where one of the MOSFETs/Regenerative Building Blocks has an extra voltage probe electrode that provides a regenerative signal with self-limited voltage to the other via coupling to its gate electrode.
US08643040B2
A light emitting device includes a light emitting structure including a second conduction type semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a first conduction type semiconductor layer, a second electrode layer arranged under the light emitting structure, a first electrode layer having at least portion extending to contact the first conduction type semiconductor layer passing the second conduction type semiconductor layer and the active layer, and an insulating layer arranged between the second electrode layer and the first electrode layer, between the second conduction type semiconductor layer and the first electrode layer, and between the active layer and the first electrode layer, wherein said at least one portion of the first electrode layer contacting the first conduction type semiconductor layer has a roughness.
US08643039B2
Light emitting diodes include a diode region having first and second opposing faces that include therein an n-type layer and a p-type layer, an anode contact that ohmically contacts the p-type layer and extends on the first face, and a cathode contact that ohmically contacts the n-type layer and also extends on the first face. The anode and cathode contacts extend on the first face to collectively cover substantially all of the first face. A small gap may be provided between the contacts.
US08643036B2
A semiconductor light-emitting diode, and method of fabricating same, wherein an indium (In)-containing light-emitting layer, as well as subsequent device layers, is deposited on a textured surface. The resulting device is a phosphor-free white light source.
US08643032B2
A light emitting diode (LED) package includes: an array substrate; a plurality of LEDs mounted on the array substrate and arranged in rows and columns; a plurality of wavelength conversion units disposed in a light path of light emitted from each of the plurality of LEDs to convert the wavelength thereof; a plurality of first inspection terminals formed on the array substrate and electrically connected to LEDs in the same rows, among the plurality of LEDs; and a plurality of second inspection terminals formed on the array substrate and electrically connected to LEDs in the same columns, among the plurality of LEDs.
US08643030B2
It is an object of the present invention is to provide a light-emitting device in which high luminance can be obtained with low power consumption by improving the extraction efficiency. A light-emitting device of the invention comprises an insulating film, a plurality of first electrodes being in contact with the insulating film and formed on the insulating film to be in parallel, an electroluminescent layer formed over the plurality of first electrodes, and a plurality of second electrodes intersecting with the plurality of first electrodes and formed over the electroluminescent layer in parallel, wherein the insulating film contains nitrogen and silicon and the first electrodes contain a conductive transparent oxide material and silicon oxide.
US08643021B2
A semiconductor display device is formed including an interlayer insulating. Specifically, a TFT is formed and then a nitrogen-containing inorganic insulating film that transmits less moisture compared to organic resin film is formed so as to cover the TFT. Next, organic resin including photosensitive acrylic resin is applied and an opening is formed by partially exposing the organic resin film to light. The organic resin film where the opening is formed, is then covered with a nitrogen-containing inorganic insulating film which transmits less moisture than organic resin film does. Thereafter, the gate insulating film and the two layers of the nitrogen-containing inorganic insulating films are partially etched away in the opening of the organic resin film to expose the active layer of the TFT.
US08643010B2
A semiconductor device includes an oxide semiconductor film in which a channel portion is formed and a gate portion arranged to be opposed to the channel portion. A drain portion in which the oxide semiconductor film has been subjected to resistance reduction process and an intermediate area which is provided between the drain portion and the channel portion and has not been subjected to resistance reduction process are formed in the oxide semiconductor film, and the semiconductor device includes a conductive film to block resistance reduction process to the intermediate area at least at a part.
US08643008B2
A semiconductor device which can operate at high speed and consumes a smaller amount of power is provided. In a semiconductor device including transistors each including an oxide semiconductor, the oxygen concentration of the oxide semiconductor film of the transistor having small current at negative gate voltage is different from that of the oxide semiconductor film of the transistor having high field-effect mobility and large on-state current. Typically, the oxygen concentration of the oxide semiconductor film of the transistor having high field-effect mobility and large on-state current is lower than that of the oxide semiconductor film of the transistor having small current at negative gate voltage.
US08643002B2
An organic light emitting diode display includes a substrate, a display unit that includes a common power line and a common electrode, an encapsulation substrate that is attached to the substrate by an adhering layer enclosing the display unit and includes a resin matrix and a plurality of carbon fiber. The display includes a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion. The first conductive portion is on a first inner surface region, a first side surface region, and a first outer surface region of the encapsulation substrate. The first conductive portion is adapted to supply a first electrical signal to the common power line. The second conductive portion is on a second inner surface region, a second side surface region, and a second outer surface region of the encapsulation substrate. The second conductive portion is adapted to supply a second electrical signal to the common electrode.
US08642994B2
A light emitting diode (LED) array includes a substrate with an array having a plurality of LED chips thereon, a dielectric layer, a plug, and a conductive connection layer. Each of the LED chips is isolated from another LED chip adjacent thereto by a trench. The dielectric layer covers a surface of the substrate exposed by the trench and sidewalls and partial surfaces of the LED chips adjacent to the trench. The plug fills the trench. The conductive connection layer is disposed over the plug and the dielectric layer to connect the LED chips with the LED chips adjacent thereto. Radiation emitted from one of the LED chips can be reflected by the dielectric layer and the plug, and finally reflected and output from a side of the LED chip not adjacent to the trench, thereby not affecting the adjacent LED chip and being absorbed by it.
US08642990B2
A method of forming a phase-change random access memory (PRAM) cell, and a structure of a phase-change random access memory (PRAM) cell are disclosed. The PRAM cell includes a bottom electrode, a heater resistor coupled to the bottom electrode, a phase change material (PCM) formed over and coupled to the heater resistor, and a top electrode coupled to the phase change material. The phase change material contacts a portion of a vertical surface of the heater resistor and a portion of a horizontal surface of the heater resistor to form an active region between the heater resistor and the phase change material.
US08642985B2
A memory cell includes a memory element, a current-limiting element electrically coupled to the memory element, and a high-selection-ratio element electrically coupled to the current-limiting element. The memory element is configured to store data as a resistance state. The current-limiting element is a voltage-controlled resistor (VCR) having a resistance that decreases when a voltage applied thereto increases. The high-selection-ratio element has a first resistance that is small when a voltage applied to the memory cell is approximately equal to a selection voltage of the memory cell, and has a second resistance that is substantially larger than the first resistance when the voltage applied to the memory cell is approximately equal to one-half of the selection voltage.
US08642983B2
An electromagnetic wave emission device includes a nonlinear crystal, a prism, and a cylindrical lens. The nonlinear crystal has an optical waveguide, receives exciting light having at least two wavelength components, and outputs an electromagnetic wave having a frequency equal to or more than 0.01 [THz] and equal to or less than 100 [THz] by means of the Cherenkov phase matching. The prism includes an electromagnetic wave input surface receiving the electromagnetic wave from the optical waveguide and an electromagnetic wave transmission surface through which the electromagnetic wave which has entered from the electromagnetic wave input surface passes. The cylindrical lens has two bottom surfaces opposed to each other, a flat surface intersecting with the two bottom surfaces, and a curved surface intersecting with the two bottom surfaces and the flat surface, wherein the flat surface is in contact with the electromagnetic wave transmission surface.
US08642982B2
A fast switching arbitrary frequency light source for broadband spectroscopic applications. The light source may operate near 1.6 um based on sideband tuning using an electro-optic modulator driven by an arbitrary waveform generator. A Fabry-Perot filter cavity selects a single sideband of the light source. The finesse (FSR/ΔνFWHM) of the filter cavity may be chosen to enable rapid frequency switching at rates up to 5 MHz over a frequency range of 40 GHz (1.3 cm−1). The bandwidth, speed and spectral purity are high enough for spectroscopic applications where rapid and discrete frequency scans are needed. Significant signal-to-noise advantages may be realized using the rapid and broadband scanning features of this system in many areas of spectroscopy, e.g., process monitoring and control, reaction dynamics, and remote sensing (e.g., greenhouse gas monitoring, biological/chemical agent screening).
US08642974B2
An inductively-coupled plasma source for a focused charged particle beam system includes a conductive shield that provides improved electrical isolation and reduced capacitive RF coupling and a dielectric fluid that insulates and cools the plasma chamber. The conductive shield may be enclosed in a solid dielectric media. The dielectric fluid may be circulated by a pump or not circulated by a pump. A heat tube can be used to cool the dielectric fluid.
US08642964B2
A terahertz generation system that emits pulsed THz radiation and incorporates a rapidly oscillating, high voltage bias across electrodes insulated from a photoconductive material. The system includes an ultrafast optical pulse source configured to generate an optical pulse having a duration between about ten picoseconds and ten femtoseconds, the pulse further having a repetition rate of about one megahertz or higher. The system further includes a photoconductor configured to receive the optical pulse from the ultrafast optical pulse source and to generate a terahertz frequency pulse, the photoconductor having insulated electrodes. The system still further includes a radio frequency generator configured to apply an electric field to the photoconductor via the insulated electrodes.
US08642961B2
The present embodiments provide methods, systems and apparatuses that detect, classify and locate flash events. In some implementations, some of the methods detect a flash event, trigger an imaging system in response to detecting the flash event to capture an image of an area that includes the flash event, and determines a location of the flash event.
US08642959B2
A method and electron microscope system of performing three-dimensional imaging using an electron microscope. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods comprising generating an electron beam, and creating a hollow-cone electron beam (by passing the electron beam through an annular aperture), focusing the hollow-cone electron beam to form a probe, scanning a specimen using the probe; and performing three-dimensional imaging based on the scanning.
US08642957B2
(1) part or all of the number, coordinates and size/shape and imaging sequence of imaging points each for observation, the imaging position change method and imaging conditions can be calculated automatically from CAD data, (2) a combination of input information and output information for imaging recipe creation can be set arbitrarily, and (3) decision is made of imaging or processing at an arbitrary imaging point as to whether to be successful/unsuccessful and in case a failure is determined, a relief process can be conducted in which the imaging point or imaging sequence is changed.
US08642952B2
The invention provides improved apparatus for, and methods of, ionizing analyte molecules in a flow of gas, typically at or around atmospheric pressure. The invention may be used to facilitate mass spectrometric analysis of analytes comprised in the effluent form a gas chromatograph. Ionization may be effected by atmospheric pressure chemical ionization or by atmospheric pressure photo ionization.
US08642940B2
A display device in which light leakage in a monitor element portion is prevented without increasing the number of steps and cost is provided. The display device includes a monitor element for suppressing influence on a light-emitting element due to temperature change and change over time and a TFT for driving the monitor element, in which the TFT for driving the monitor element is provided so as not to overlap the monitor element. Furthermore, the display device includes a first light shielding film and a second light shielding film, in which the first light shielding film is provided so as to overlap a first electrode of the monitor element and the second light shielding film is electrically connect to the first light shielding film through a contact hole formed in an interlayer insulating film. The contact hole is formed so as to surround the outer edge of the first electrode of the monitor element.
US08642936B2
A solar energy collection system comprises a plurality of solar panels and a control device. The panel further comprises a plurality of solar modules, a supporting, pivoting and tilting mechanism, a controller and a short range communication unit. The control device comprises an orientation detector for determining the optimized orientation of a panel towards the sun for receiving maximum sun radiation. The control device further comprises a communication unit. The optimized orientation determined by the control device may be transmitted to the solar panels through an ad hoc communication network.
US08642928B2
A combination cooking appliance controls a radiant heating element provided in an oven cavity and a convection heating element provided in an air plenum with a regulating system which receives signals from multiple temperature sensors. More specifically, the appliance includes a first temperature sensor provided in an air return plenum portion for controlling the radiant heating element and a second temperature sensor arranged in a discharge air plenum portion, preferably downstream of a catalyst, for controlling the convection heating element. The heating elements are independently controlled based on the sensed temperatures to establish a desired oven cavity temperature, while accommodating for temperature fluctuations due to the incoming fresh air stream.
US08642926B2
An electric heating system, in particular an auxiliary heating system in automobiles, in which the heating system has several heating rods (1), arranged side-by-side; the heating rods (1) are connected to each other by means of alike metal plates (4) that are slid onto the heating rods (1); the heating rods (1) have for this purpose a series of slotted holes (3) that extend in the longitudinal direction (10) of the metal plates (4); the slotted holes (3) have longitudinal edges, facing each other, that clamp the heating rods (1) between them; and at least one part of the slotted holes (3) in each metal plate (4) is longer by more than the manufacturing tolerance, than the width of the heating rods (1) measured in the longitudinal direction (10) of the metal plates (4).
US08642919B2
A laser ablation nozzle including a main pressure chamber centered on an area of a substrate to be ablated and arranged to push a stream of gas through the main pressure chamber onto the substrate. A vacuum chamber surrounds the main pressure chamber and is arranged to vacuum away the process gas and ablation debris. To attempt to address uneven pressure and flow, flow restrictors can be provided at one or both of the process gas inlet and the vacuum chamber. The vacuum flow restrictor is intended to create constriction in a channel to generate a uniform vacuum induced flow around substantially the entire circumference of the nozzle opening. Similarly, the process gas flow restrictor is intended to generate substantially uniform gas flow into the main pressure chamber.
US08642915B2
An object is to enable highly accurate machining by correcting machining conditions by referring to a programmed trajectory to obtain a desired machining shape. A wire electric discharge machining apparatus includes a machining-condition correcting unit that corrects machining conditions in each machining stage corresponding to a circular arc radius of a portion corresponding to a corner portion of a programmed trajectory, in the corner portion formed by changing a direction of relatively moving a wire electrode, when the wire electrode is moved on a wire center trajectory, which is offset from the programmed trajectory prestored in order to obtain a desired machining shape to perform finish machining in each machining stage with an offset amount being changed.
US08642909B2
A touch panel includes a substrate, a first and a second patterned conductive layers respectively disposed on an upper surface of the substrate and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface. The substrate has a first sensing area and a first circuit bonding area located on the upper surface. The first patterned conductive layer includes a plurality of first sensing series and a plurality of first dummy patterns respectively located in the first sensing area and the first circuit bonding area. Each of the first sensing series is electrically insulated from each other and has a first terminal extending into the first circuit bonding area. The first dummy patterns surround each first terminal and are electrically insulated from each first terminal. A plurality of first dummy patterns intervenes between any two adjacent first terminals in the first circuit bonding area.
US08642907B2
An opening assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus having a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a poleshaft. The opening assembly includes a spring link comprising a first portion structured to be pivotably coupled to the poleshaft, and a second portion disposed generally opposite of the first portion. A number of opening springs each include a fixed end fixedly coupled to the housing, and a movable end coupled to the second portion of the spring link. The spring link is movable between an open position, wherein the opening springs bias the spring link and poleshaft to maintain full separation of the separable contacts, and a closed position, wherein the opening springs do not bias the poleshaft.
US08642906B2
Disclosed is a relay for an electric vehicle capable of guiding a precise assembly of a cover assembly and a supporting plate. The supporting plate comprises a position guiding portion protruding from an upper surface thereof so as to guide the cover assembly to be located on a predetermined position of the supporting plate when assembling the cover assembly and the supporting plate to each other.
US08642905B2
A charging assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The charging assembly includes a stored energy mechanism, such as a closing spring, which is movable between charged and discharged positions. A cast member is coupled to the closing spring and moves therewith. The cast member includes a projection. A cam shaft is pivotably coupled to the housing, and includes a number of cams. A catchment, which is also pivotably coupled to the housing, includes an impact surface and a protrusion. The impact surface cooperates with a corresponding one of the cams to resist over rotation of the cam shaft. The protrusion of the catchment cooperates with the projection of the cast member to maintain the desired relationship between the catchment and the cam.
US08642900B2
An electromagnetically shielded enclosure is disclosed. One such system includes a continuously welded shell having a top, a bottom, and a plurality of side walls cooperating to enclose an interior volume, the interior volume sized to receive electronic equipment and allow human entry. The enclosure is constructed from electromagnetically conductive materials and includes continuous welds along seams joining each material. The enclosure includes a sally port located within the enclosure. The sally port includes a first door in one of the plurality of side walls and constructed from electromagnetically conductive materials. The sally port also includes a second door constructed from electromagnetically conductive materials. The sally port defines a secondary interior volume within the enclosure sized to allow human entry through either the first or second door.
US08642896B2
A printed circuit board include: a printed circuit board main body having a mounting area on a first surface of the printed circuit board main body and a recess being provided at a recess area on a second surface that is a back side of the first surface of the printed circuit board main body, the electronic component being mounted on the mounting area, the recess area being provided to correspond to the mounting area; and a thermal expansion control element being placed in the recess and having a smaller thermal expansion coefficient than the printed circuit board main body.
US08642894B2
Provided is a circuit board including a resin base, and a resistance element formed above the resin base. The resistance element includes a resistance pattern including an electrode portion and an extending portion, and an electrode formed on the electrode portion of the resistance pattern and including a foot portion reduced in thickness toward the extending portion.
US08642893B2
A copper foil for a printed circuit having a roughened layer on a surface of a copper foil by way of copper-cobalt-nickel alloy plating, a cobalt-nickel alloy plated layer formed on the roughened layer, and a zinc-nickel alloy plated layer formed on the cobalt-nickel alloy plated layer, wherein the total amount of the zinc-nickel alloy plated layer is 150 to 500 pg/dm2, the lower limit of the nickel ratio in the alloy layer is 0.16, the upper limit thereof is 0.40, and the nickel content is 50 pg/dm2 or more.
US08642890B2
An apparatus for communicating between a cab and a chassis of a truck comprises a multi-conductor cable having a plurality of circuits. The multi-conductor cable is of a length to extend substantially the length of the chassis, to carry various communication functions between the cab and a distal end of the chassis.
US08642885B2
Electrical enclosure assemblies, electrical service enclosures, and methods of assembling an electrical enclosure assembly are presented herein. An electrical enclosure assembly for housing electrical components of an electrical distribution system is disclosed. The enclosure assembly includes a plurality of sidewalls interconnected to define therebetween a mounting space within which are mounted the electrical components, and define at one end thereof an open endface. An endwall guide extends from one or more of the sidewalls into the mounting space. The endwall guide includes a plurality of elongated slots, a plurality of projections, or both. The enclosure assembly also includes an endwall configured to at least partially close off the open endface. The endwall includes a plurality of elongated slots, a plurality of projections, or both. Each of the projections is configured to fit into and secure with a respective elongated slot to thereby removably mount the endwall to the sidewalls.
US08642881B2
A thin film solar cell and a method of manufacturing the same are discussed. The method of manufacturing the thin film solar cell includes forming a masking jig in a first region of a substrate, forming a first electrode in a second region of the substrate, forming a photoelectric conversion unit on the first electrode formed in the second region of the substrate to produce electricity using light incident on the photoelectric conversion unit, and forming a second electrode on the photoelectric conversion unit formed in the second region of the substrate.
US08642873B2
Embodiments are directed to a novel technique used to create electronic apparel that is powered by batteries and generates light, or sound in reaction to various sensors on the garment. The wearer through the use of various options or effects can further modify the output through the use of various options or effects. The electronic apparel includes an image of an instrument and a keypad that allows for user control of sounds generated by electronic circuits incorporated in the garment. Sound generation circuitry and speakers are coupled to the keypad in an electronic assembly that is detachably coupled to the garment in such a way as to allow regular washing of the garment without any damage to the electronic devices.
US08642868B1
Described is a bass drum foot pedal having a variable drive lever linkage with variable arc ratios connecting the foot pedal to a beater bracket. The beater bracket is formed with a mounting surface that tips a beater shaft forward to create a forward beater angle that maximizes the beater impact against a bass drum.
US08642866B1
A musical drum instrument with a hollow shell having one or more openings, each having the capability of forming a circumferential bearing edge, and a head member having a playing surface. Also provided is a single tapered coupling with the narrowest portion of the tapered coupling situated in near proximity to at least one of the hollow shell openings or mating tapered couplings integrated with the outside surface of the shell wall and inside surface of the wall of the head member, respectively. The head member with or without the integrated tapered coupling is mounted upon the end of the hollow shell its integrated tapered couple with the head member and the hollow shell converging in frictional engagement to establish an airtight fit sealing the juncture where the two are joined to enable the direct transfer of energy produced upon the striking of the playing surface to enhance the sound quality of the musical instrument.
US08642862B1
A mechanical pitch shifter for changing the pitch of a stringed musical instrument is disclosed. The mechanical pitch shifter engages the musical instrument string between the end of operational length and point of string termination. This device comprises a base clamp 1 and thumbscrew 2 to attach to the musical instrument. This devise comprises a top bar 6 and cam 8 to engage and disengage the musical instrument string. Reaction force of the string is opposed by the thumbscrew 2. Fine tuning of the string pitch is achieved by turning a thumbwheel 3 thus changing the displacement between top bar 6 and base clamp 1.
US08642853B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV489341. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV489341, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV489341 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV489341 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV489341.
US08642852B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV651587. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV651587, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV651587 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV651587 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV651587.
US08642845B2
The present invention relates to pepper plants resistant to powdery mildew disease as well as to infection by potyviruses, particularly potato virus Y (PVY). Specifically, the present invention relates to pepper plants comprising a viral resistance allele and a powdery mildew resistant allele in cis configuration on the same chromosome, such that the two resistance alleles are in coupling phase.
US08642844B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated D2011905. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety D2011905. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety D2011905 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety D2011905 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08642842B2
The invention provides seed and plants of the lettuce line designated RS 16891364. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of lettuce line RS 16891364, and to methods for producing a lettuce plant produced by crossing a plant of lettuce line RS 16891364 with itself or with another lettuce 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 lettuce line RS 16891364, including the gametes of such plants.
US08642837B2
The invention provides a method for enhancing resistance in plants by providing these plants with a gene construct comprising a DNA sequence coding for a receptor for a systemic signal compound, wherein such a systemic signal compound is one or more of the group consisting of salicylic acid, jasmonic acid and brassinosteroids. The resistance can the be induced by contacting said plants with said signal compound. Preferably, the receptor is an RKS receptor, salicylic acid receptor or jasmonic acid receptor. Also combinations and/or chimaeric receptors can be applied.
US08642836B2
A method of producing male or female sterile plants comprising the steps of transforming plant material with a polynucleotide which encodes at least one enzyme which reacts with a non-phytotoxic substance to produce a phytotoxic one, and regenerating the thus transformed material into a plant, wherein the said non-phytotoxic substance is applied to the plant up to the time of male or female gamete formation and/or maturation, so that the non-phytotoxic substance provides for the production of a phytotoxic one which selectively prevents the formation of or otherwise renders the said gametes non-functional, wherein the enzyme is expressed preferentially in either male or female reproductive structures, characterized in that (i) the non-phytotoxic substance is a D-alpha amino acid, and (ii) the enzyme is a D-amino acid oxidase.
US08642830B2
A drug deactivation system according to some embodiments includes at least one drug-retaining region of a drug delivery device and at least one energy source coupled to the at least one drug-retaining region. The at least one drug-retaining region may be configured to retain a drug. The at least one energy source may be configured to transmit energy to the drug. The drug is capable of being rendered ineffective in the presence of the transmitted energy.
US08642829B2
A container for confining nuclear waste, including a sleeve of longitudinal axis closed at a first longitudinal end by a base and a second longitudinal free end via which the container is designed to be loaded, a plug configured to close the second longitudinal free end tightly, a flange fixed on the inner face of the sleeve to the side of the second longitudinal free end, the plug having at least one external diameter substantially equal to at least one internal diameter of the flange, the plug configured to be welded on the flange such that the welding zone is offset radially towards an interior of the container, relative to an inner face of the sleeve.
US08642821B2
This invention relates to novel and useful toluene and styrene derived telomer distributions, such distributions being desirable substrates for the preparation of brominated flame retardants.
US08642819B2
The present invention provides a process for the manufacture of trans 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (E-1233zd). The first step of the process comprises the fluorination of 1,1,3,3-tetrachlororopropene (1230za, CCh═CH—CHCh) and/or 1,1,1,3,3-pentaachloropropane (240fa) to a mixture of cis 1233zd (Z-1233zd) and trans 1233zd (E-1233zd). The second step of the process comprises a separation of the mixture formed in the first step to isolate cis 1233zd (Z-1233zd) from the mixture. The third step of the process comprises isomerization of cis 1233zd (Z-1233zd) to trans 1233zd (E-1233zd).
US08642814B1
The invention describes methods and systems for making particular organic compounds from unsaturated fatty acids derived from biological materials. Particular embodiments describe synthesizing civetone and olefins from a mixture of palmitoleic and oleic unsaturated fatty acid esters. The inventive methods use reaction steps such as metathesis, cyclization, hydrolysis, and/or decarboxylation.
US08642810B2
Process for the direct amination of hydrocarbons to aminohydrocarbons by reaction of a feed stream E comprising at least one hydrocarbon and at least one aminating reagent to form a reaction mixture R comprising aminohydrocarbon and hydrogen in a reaction zone RZ and electrochemical separation of at least part of the hydrogen formed in the reaction from the reaction mixture R by means of a gastight membrane-electrode assembly having at least one selectively proton-conducting membrane and at least one electrode catalyst on each side of the membrane, where at least part of the hydrogen is oxidized to protons at the anode catalyst on the retentate side of the membrane and the protons pass through the membrane and on the permeate side are reacted with oxygen to form water, where the oxygen originates from an oxygen-comprising stream O which is brought into contact with the permeate side of the membrane, over the cathode catalyst.
US08642809B2
The present invention pertains to the general field of chemical synthesis, and more particularly to methods for the synthesis of certain hydroxamic acid compounds, and in particular, (E)-N-hydroxy-3-(3-phenylsulfamoyl-phenyl)-acrylamide, also known as PXD101 and Belinostat®, comprising, for example, the steps of: (SAF) sulfonamide formation; (PURC) optional purification; (AAA) alkenyl-acid addition, comprising: either (i): the steps of, in order: (ACAEA) alkenyl-carboxylic acid ester addition; (PURE) optional purification; and (CAD) carboxylic acid deprotection; or (ii): the step of: (ACAA) alkenyl-carboxylic acid addition; (PURF) optional purification; (HAF) hydroxamic acid formation; and (PURG) optional purification.
US08642808B2
Compounds are provided that act as potent antagonists of chemokine receptors. The compounds are generally aryl sulfonamide derivatives and are useful in pharmaceutical compositions, methods for the treatment of chemokine receptor-mediated diseases, and as controls in assays for the identification of chemokine antagonists.
US08642802B2
The present invention comprises a process for the preparation of 3-chloro-2-fluoro-5-trifluoromethyl benzoic acid of the formula or of a salt thereof 3-Chloro-2-fluoro-5-trifluoromethyl benzoic acid or salts thereof are versatile intermediates for the preparation of active pharmaceutical or agrochemical agents.
US08642798B2
The present invention relates to a diastereomeric mixture of Silacycle Compounds and methods for using the diastereomeric mixture of Silacycle Compounds for stereoselective synthesis.
US08642796B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an organoruthenium compound which has good film formation characteristics as an organoruthenium compound for chemical deposition, has a high vapor pressure, and can easily form a film even when hydrogen is used as a reactant gas. The present invention relates to an organoruthenium compound, dicarbonyl-bis(5-methyl-2,4-hexanediketonato)ruthenium (II) which can have isomers 1 to 3, wherein the content of the isomer 2 is 30% by mass or more, the content of the isomer 3 is 30% by mass or less, and the balance is the isomer 1.
US08642781B2
Aromatic compounds such as o-xylene are selectively nitrated by nitric acid in the presence of polyphosphoric acid and a large pore, acidic zeolite or a large pore, hydrophobic molecular sieve. This is an environmentally friendly, commercially viable, high conversion process for the selective nitration of aromatic compounds in the para position.
US08642780B2
The present invention relates to N-carbomethoxy-N-methoxy-(2-chloromethyl)-aniline compounds of the formula I, wherein: n is 0, 1, 2 or 3, each R1 is independently selected from halogen, C1-C4-alkyl, C1-C4-haloalkyl, C1-C4-alkoxy or C1-C4-haloalkoxy. The invention also relates to processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds of formula I. The invention furthermore relates to processes for preparing 2-(pyrazol-3′-yloxymethylene)-anilides in which compounds of formula I are applied as precursors.
US08642772B2
Piperidine compounds and pharmaceutically useful salts thereof, a pharmaceutical composition including an effective amount of the racemic or enantiomerically enriched piperidine compounds to treat gastrointestinal diseases, and a method of treating gastrointestinal diseases in a mammal are provided.
US08642751B2
The invention provides chemically modified oligonucleotides capable of inhibiting the expression (e.g., abundance) of miR-208 family miRNAs, including miR-208a, miR-208b, and/or miR-499. The invention provides in some embodiments, oligonucleotides capable of inhibiting, in a specific fashion, the expression or abundance of each of miR-208a, miR-208b, and miR-499. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the oligonucleotides, and methods of treating patients having conditions or disorders relating to or involving a miR-208 family miRNA, such as a cardiovascular condition. In various embodiments, the oligonucleotides provide advantages in one or more of potency, efficiency of delivery, target specificity, toxicity, and/or stability.
US08642749B2
A Zea mays regulatory region is shown, which provides improved seed preferred, and particularly embryo preferred expression in plants. Methods of use are also shown in preferentially expressing a heterologous protein to the embryo tissue of a plant. The sequence is particularly useful in expression of heterologous proteins to the embryo of monocotyledonous plants, particularly cereals, and maize.
US08642736B2
Complexes comprising resveratrol and a casein, a process for their manufacture, their uses and compositions comprising them.
US08642731B2
The present invention relates to isolated Porphyromonas gingivalis polypeptides and nucleotides. The polypeptides include an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ. ID. NO. 110; SEQ. ID. NO. 111; SEQ. ID. NO. 112; SEQ. ID. NO. 113; SEQ ID NO: 120; SEQ. ID. NO. 123; SEQ. ID. NO. 124; SEQ. ID. NO. 125; SEQ. ID. NO. 130; SEQ. ID. NO. 131; SEQ. ID. NO. 132; SEQ. ID. NO. 133; SEQ. ID. NO. 135; SEQ. ID. NO. 136; SEQ. ID. NO. 137; SEQ. ID. NO. 138; SEQ. ID. NO. 143; SEQ. ID. NO. 144; SEQ. ID. NO. 145; SEQ. ID. NO. 146; SEQ. ID. NO. 147; SEQ. ID. NO. 148; and amino acid sequences at least 95% identical thereto.
US08642730B2
The present invention relates to enzyme preparations consisting essentially of an enzyme which has cellulytic activity and comprises a first amino acid sequence having the following sequence (SEQ ID NO: 79) Thr Arg Xaa Xaa Asp Cys Cys Xaa Xaa Xaa Cys Xaa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Trp Xaa 13 14 and a second amino acid sequence having the following sequence Trp Cys Cys Xaa Cys(SEQ ID NO: 80) 1 2 3 4 5 wherein, at position 3 of the first sequence, the amino acid is Trp, Tyr or Phe; at position 4 of the first sequence, the amino acid is Trp, Tyr or Phe; at position 8 of the first sequence, the amino acid is Arg, Lys or His; at positions 9, 10, 12 and 14, respectively, of the first sequence, and at position 4 of the second sequence, the amino acid is any of the 20 naturally occurring amino acid residues with the provisos that, in the first amino acid sequence, (i) when the amino residue at position 12 is Ser, then the amino acid residue at position 14 is not Ser, and (ii) when the amino residue at position 12 is Gly, then the amino acid residue at position 14 is not Ala, performs very well in industrial applications such as laundry compositions, for biopolishing of newly manufactured textiles, for providing an abraded look of cellulosic fabric or garment, and for treatment of paper pulp. Further, the invention relates to DNA constructs encoding such enzymes, a method for providing a gene encoding for such enzymes, a method of producing the enzymes, enzyme preparations containing such enzymes, and the use of these enzymes for a number of industrial applications.
US08642728B2
This invention relates to the finding that collagen peptides bind to the osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR) and stimulate the activation and/or differentiation of OSCAR expressing cells, such as osteoclasts and osteoclast precursor cells. Collagen peptides are described which may be useful in the modulation of the differentiation and/or activation of OSCAR expressing cells, for example in the treatment of bone defects and disorders characterized by altered differentiation and/or activation of OS-CAR expressing cells.
US08642725B2
A process for chemically converting a peptide chain into a peptide thioester includes, when a —C(═X)—R1 group is introduced to the thiol group of the cysteine residue and then the resulting peptide is reacted with a compound having a leaving group represented by the formula: —NH—C(═Y)NHR3 in an organic solvent, the —NH—C(═Y)NHR3 group binds via addition reaction to the carboxyl group of the N-terminal-side peptide bond of the cysteine residue, whereby the peptide bond is cleaved and the C-terminal-side peptide fragment is cut off. Further, when the resulting peptide chain having the —NH—C(═Y)NHR3 group is reacted with a thiol in a buffer solution, a thiol exchange reaction occurs, namely, the thiol group of the thiol binds to the carbonyl carbon to which the —NH—C(═Y)NHR3 group has bound, whereby the —NH—C(═Y)NHR3 group is eliminated.
US08642719B2
A method of making a polymer, including: heating, for a sufficient time and temperature, to polymerize a homogenous mixture including of at least one polymerizable monomer, and a solvent mixture comprised of at least a first liquid and a second liquid, the first liquid being a stronger solvent for the product polymer than the weaker second liquid, and the polymer product precipitates from the homogenous mixture during the heating, as defined herein. Also disclosed are semiconducting articles and printable inks prepared with the resulting narrow polydispersity polymers, as defined herein.
US08642713B2
Improved poly(aryletherketone)s with superior melt stability, lower gel content and lower color and a new process for their manufacture.
US08642712B2
The invention provide a class of actinically-crosslinkable silicone-containing prepolymers obtained by functionalizing an intermediary copolymer to have two or more thiol or ethylenically-unsaturated groups covalently attached thereto, wherein the intermediary copolymer is an atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) product of a reactive mixture comprising a polysiloxane ATRP macroinitiator and at least one hydrophilic vinylic monomer. The present invention is also related to silicone hydrogel contact lenses made from a prepolymer of the invention and methods for making the contact lenses in a cost-effective way and with high consistency and high fidelity to the original lens design.
US08642705B2
A process for producing a conjugated diene-based polymer which comprises, in the first modification, modifying a conjugated diene-based polymer having active chain ends, which is obtained by polymerizing a diene-based monomer singly or with other monomers and has a content of a cis-1,4 unit of 75% by mole or greater in the conjugated diene portion of the main chain, by reacting the active chain ends with a hydrocarbyloxysilane compound and reacting the modified polymer with a specific compound such as a hydrocarbyloxysilane compound, and a rubber composition containing the polymer modified in accordance with the above process and, preferably, 10 to 100 parts by weight of silica and/or carbon black per 100 parts by weight of the rubber component containing the modified polymer, are provided. The rubber composition containing silica and/or carbon black exhibits improved fracture properties, abrasion resistance, low heat buildup property and excellent workability. A process for producing a conjugated diene-based polymer exhibiting improved cold flow, a polymer produced in accordance with the process, and a rubber composition and a tire using the polymer are also provided.
US08642702B2
The invention pertains to a thermoplastic VDF polymer composition comprising: at least one thermoplastic vinylidene fluoride (VDF) polymer comprising at least 85% by moles of recurring units derived from VDF; and at least one ethylene/chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE) polymer, wherein said ECTFE polymer possesses a melting point of less than 210° C. and it is comprised in an amount of from 0.1 to 20% wt with respect to the total weight of VDF polymer and ECTFE polymer. The invention also pertains to a process for making the VDF polymer and to the uses thereof for manufacturing films, in particular transparent films.
US08642701B2
Injection stretch blow molded (ISBM) articles containing a bio-based polymers and methods of forming the same are described herein. The method generally includes providing a propylene-based polymer; contacting the propylene-based polymer with polylactic acid to form a polymeric blend; injection molding the blend into a preform; and stretch-blowing the preform into an article.
US08642699B2
A fluidity improver for a PC resin that improves the melt fluidity during molding without impairing the excellent properties of the PC resin, and also yields a molded product in which external appearance defects are unlikely. The fluidity improver for an aromatic polycarbonate resin according to the present invention is including a first polymer obtained by polymerizing 0.5 to 99.5 parts by mass of a monomer first mixture including 0.5 to 99.5% by mass of styrene and 0.5 to 99.5% by mass of phenyl (meth)acrylates, in the presence of a second polymer obtained by polymerizing 0.5 to 99.5 parts by mass of a second monomer mixture containing 0.5 to 50% by mass of α-methylstyrene, 0.5 to 99% by mass of styrene and 0.5 to 99% by mass of phenyl (meth)acrylates, wherein the combined total of both monomer mixtures is 100 parts by mass.
US08642697B2
A process for preparing a randomly branched copolymer, by reacting the components (a) 10-98.9 mol % of at least one acrylic ester of a straight-chain, branched or cyclic C1-C22-alkyl monoalcohol, (b) 0.1-10 mol % of at least one polyethylenically unsaturated monomer and (c) optionally one or more monoethylenically unsaturated monomers other than acrylic esters of straight-chain, branched or cyclic C1-C22-alkyl monoalcohols and other than compounds of the formula (I), in the presence of (d) 1-10 mol % of at least one compound of the formula (I) H3C—CRaRc—CH2—CRa—CH2 (I) where Ra, Rb are each independently aryl, CN or COOR1 where R1═H, alkyl, aryl or aralkyl, and Rc=alkyl, aryl or aralkyl, and is the presence of at least one initiator of free-radical polymerization in a free-radical polymerization, where the stated molar proportions of components (a), (b), (c) and (d) add up to 100 mol %, and where the molar proportion of component (b) does not exceed the molar proportion of component (d), Copolymers obtainable by the process and use thereof as levelling agents in coating substances.
US08642690B2
A bis[tri(hydroxypolyalkyleneoxy)silylalkyl] polysulfide, i.e., a polysulfide that contains bonded hydroxypolyalkyleneoxy groups instead of alkoxy groups in the bis(trialkoxysilylalkyl) polysulfide; a method of manufacturing of the aforementioned polysulfide by heating a bis(trialkoxysilylalkyl) polysulfide and a polyalkyleneglycol; a tire rubber additive to a tire rubber composition that comprises a bis[tri(hydroxypolyalkyleneoxy)silylalkyl] polysulfide alone or a mixture of bis[tri(hydroxypolyalkyleneoxy)silylalkyl] polysulfide and a polyalkyleneglycol; and a tire rubber composition that contains the aforementioned additive.
US08642681B2
A surface-coated metallic pigment according to the present invention includes base particles and a coating layer constituted of one layer, or two or more layers formed on a surface of the base particles, the coating layer having an outermost layer composed of a first compound obtained by polymerizing one monomer or oligomer, or two or more monomers or oligomers having one or more polymerizable double bonds, the outermost layer having a surface to which one surface modifier or two or more surface modifiers is/are bonded, and the surface modifier being a monomer or an oligomer having a bridged ring structure containing 9 to 12 carbon atoms and having one or more polymerizable double bonds.
US08642675B2
An actinic ray curable composition comprising a photo-polymerizable compound and a photo-polymerization initiator, wherein the photo-polymerizable compound is a cationic polymerizable compound and a terminal polyether-modified silicone surfactant is further incorporated in the actinic ray curable composition.
US08642674B2
A method for curing an addition curable organopolysiloxane composition is provided. This method uses a UV activatable platinum catalyst (complex), and this method has enabled consistent curing of the parts where UV exposure is impossible as well as consistent curing of a thick article. This method cures an addition curable organopolysiloxane composition comprising (A) an organopolysiloxane having at least 2 alkenyl groups bonded to silicon atoms per molecule, (B) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane having at least 2 hydrogen atoms bonded to silicon atoms per molecule, and (C) an effective amount of a photoactivatable platinum complex curing catalyst, and the method comprises the first step of exposing the composition to UV to increase catalytic activity of the component (C), and the second step of applying the composition obtained in the first step to a desired position and curing the composition.
US08642667B2
A process for increasing the hydrogen content of a synthesis gas containing one or more sulphur compounds is described, comprising the steps of (i) heating the synthesis gas and (ii) passing at least part of the heated synthesis gas and steam through a reactor containing a sour shift catalyst, wherein the synthesis gas is heated by passing it through a plurality of tubes disposed within said catalyst in a direction co-current to the flow of said synthesis gas through the catalyst. The resulting synthesis gas may be passed to one or more additional reactors containing sour shift catalyst to maximize the yield of hydrogen production, or used for methanol production, for the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis of liquid hydrocarbons or for the production of synthetic natural gas.
US08642664B2
Solubilizing compositions are provided. The compositions comprise at least one zwitterionic surfactant and at least one nonionic surfactant. In one embodiment, the compositions may be useful for solubilizing and remodeling and/or removing tissue on or beneath a patient's skin, optionally in conjunction with the application of energy to a region of interest on the skin. In one embodiment, at least one analyte may be collected and analyzed from the solubilized tissue.
US08642661B2
Pharmaceutical combinations comprising a beta-3 adrenergic receptor agonist and a muscarinic receptor antagonist, and methods for their use are disclosed. Disclosed combinations include solabegron and oxybutynin. Methods of using the pharmaceutical combinations for the treatment of one or more symptoms associated with overactive bladder, for example, frequency of urgency, nocturia, and urinary incontinence, are also disclosed.
US08642659B2
The invention relates to ether guanidines of the general formulae (I) and/or salts or hydrates thereof, in which R1=—CH2—CH2—CH2—O—R3 where R3 is, independently of the others, hydrocarbon radicals having greater than or equal to 10 carbon atoms, where part of the ether guanidines has radicals R3 which are branched and part of the ether guanidines has radicals R3 which are unbranched, and R2=independently of the others H or an optionally branched, optionally double-bond-containing hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, and use thereof in hair treatment compositions and hair aftertreatment compositions, in particular for preventing damage by chemical treatment compositions and for repairing hair which is already damaged.
US08642658B2
Compounds, methods, uses, compositions, kits and packages for the prevention and/or treatment of neural injury or a neurodegenerative disease, based on the use of a retinoic acid derivative, such as fenretinide, and/or analogs, derivatives, pro-drugs, precursors thereof, and/or salts thereof, are described.
US08642650B2
The invention generally relates to methods of treating an overweight or obese subject, and treating overweight- or obesity-related conditions. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a method of treating an overweight or obese subject including administering a MetAP2 inhibitor in which the amount administered does not substantially modulate angiogenesis.
US08642649B2
The present invention provides a preparation with improved disintegration property, a preparation showing improved bioavailability of a medicament, production methods thereof and the like. A rapidly disintegrating preparation comprising granules comprising a medicament coated with a coating layer containing sugar or sugar alcohol; and a disintegrant. A production method of a rapidly disintegrating preparation including a step of producing granules comprising a medicament, a step of forming a coating layer containing sugar or sugar alcohol on the obtained granules and a step of mixing the coated granules with a disintegrant and molding the mixture.
US08642646B2
The present invention relates to a method and composition for treating acne using lignan compounds represented by Formula 1. More particularly, the invention relates to an antibacterial composition against acne-causing bacteria, containing lignan compounds represented by Formula 1, as well as a method for treating acne using the same. The lignan compounds represented by Formula 1 are excellent not only in the antibacterial activity of inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria, but also in thermal stability. Accordingly, the lignan compounds may be useful as antibacterial agents against the acne-causing bacteria, and acne treatment agents.
US08642644B2
The present invention relates generally to ophthamological drugs. More specifically, the invention relates to a method of modifying (derivatizing) ophthamological drugs so as to increase their penetration through the cornea. The invention also relates to drugs modified (derivatized) in accordance with the instant method and to the use of same in treating conditions associated with elevated intraocular pressure, particularly, glaucoma.
US08642642B2
The invention relates to compounds of the formula (I) wherein the variables have meanings given in the claims and the description. The invention also relates to the use of a compound of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for preparing a medicament for the treatment of a medical disorder susceptible to the treatment with a 5HT6 receptor ligand.
US08642641B2
The present invention relates to new co-crystals of pyrrolidinones having the formula (I) wherein R1 is a C-1-C6 alkyl group. R2 is a C-1-C6 alkyl group which is optionally substituted by 1 to 3 halogens or R2 is a C2-C6 alkenyl group.
US08642634B2
Disclosed are compounds of Formulae 1, 1A, 1B and 1C including all geometric and stereoisomers, N-oxides, and salts thereof, wherein R1, R2, R4a1, R4a2, A, Aa, G, M, W, Z1, Z3, X, J, J1 and n are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are compositions containing the compounds of Formula 1 and methods for controlling plant disease caused by a fungal pathogen comprising applying an effective amount of a compound or a composition of the invention.
US08642633B2
This invention relates to compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for use in the prevention and treatment of cerebral insufficiency, including enhancement of receptor functioning in synapses in brain networks responsible for basic and higher order behaviors. These brain networks, which are involved in regulation of breathing, and cognitive abilities related to memory impairment, such as is observed in a variety of dementias, in imbalances in neuronal activity between different brain regions, as is suggested in disorders such as Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, respiratory depression, sleep apneas, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and affective or mood disorders, and in disorders wherein a deficiency in neurotrophic factors is implicated, as well as in disorders of respiration such as overdose of an alcohol, an opiate, an opioid, a barbiturate, an anesthetic, or a nerve toxin, or where the respiratory depression results form a medical condition such as central sleep apnea, stroke-induced central sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, congenital hypoventilation syndrome, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, sudden infant death syndrome, Rett syndrome, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, Cheney-Stokes respiration, Ondines curse, Prader-Willi's syndrome and drowning. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to compounds useful for treatment of such conditions, and methods of using these compounds for such treatment.
US08642628B2
The present invention is directed to inhibitors of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR), pharmaceutical compositions comprising such GSNOR inhibitors, and methods of making and using the same.
US08642627B2
Provided are liquid pharmaceutical formulations comprising nicotine in any form for administration essentially to the lungs being acidified and/or alkalized by buffering and/or pH regulation providing for a tmax of nicotine in arterial blood of a subject within a short period of time after administration. The administration is preferably accomplished by spraying an aerosol into the oral cavity for further distribution essentially into the lungs. Methods for manufacturing the formulation is also disclosed, as are uses of the formulation in therapy, such as therapy for treating addiction to tobacco.
US08642626B2
Provided is a novel compound represented by formula [I] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof having antagonistic activity against group II metabolism-type glutamic acid (m-Glu) receptors. The compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is useful as a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for diseases such as new mood disorders (depressive and bipolar disorders), anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, specific phobias, and acute stress disorder), schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, cognitive dysfunction, dementia, drug dependence, convulsions, tremors, pain, sleep disorders, and the like.
US08642624B2
Selected heterocyclic compounds are effective for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases, such as angiogenesis mediated diseases. The invention encompasses novel compounds, analogs, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases and other maladies or conditions involving, cancer and the like.
US08642622B2
The present application describes the compound of formula (I): or stereoisomers or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In addition, methods of treating and preventing inflammatory diseases such as asthma and allergic diseases, as well as autoimmune pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis and arthrosclerosis using the compound of the invention are disclosed.
US08642615B2
8-Substituted-2,6-methano-3-benzazocines of general structure I in which A is —CH2—OH, —CH2NH2, —NHSO2CH3, and Y is O, S or NOH are useful as analgesics, anti-diarrheal agents, anticonvulsants, antitussives and anti-addiction medications. 8-Carboxamides, thiocarboxamides, hydroxyamidines and formamides are preferred.
US08642611B2
The invention relates to alkynylpyrimidines according to the general formula (I): in which A, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are as defined in the claims, and salts, N-oxides, metabolites, solvates, tautomers and prodrugs thereof, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said alkynylpyrimidines, to methods of preparing said alkynylpyrimidines, as well as to uses thereof for manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of diseases of dysregulated vascular growth or of diseases which are accompanied with dysregulated vascular growth, wherein the compounds effectively interfere with Tie2 and VEGFR2 signalling.
US08642609B2
The present invention relates to modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (“CFTR”), compositions thereof, and methods therewith. The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using such modulators.
US08642596B2
Compounds, methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treating viral infections, by administering certain novel semicarbazides, sulfonyl carbazides, ureas and related compounds in therapeutically effective amounts are disclosed. Methods for preparing the compounds and methods of using the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof are also disclosed. In particular, the treatment and prophylaxis of viral infections such as caused by hemorrhagic fever viruses is disclosed, i.e., including but not limited to Arenaviridae (Junin, Machupo, Guanavito, Sabia and Lassa), Filoviridae (ebola and Marburg viruses), Flaviviridae (yellow fever, omsk hemorrhagic fever and Kyasanur Forest disease viruses), and Bunyaviridae (Rift Valley fever).
US08642592B2
The present application relates to novel alkylcarboxylic acids having an oxo-substituted azaheterocyclic partial structure, to processes for their preparation, to their use for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases, and to their use for producing medicaments for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases, especially for the treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular disorders.
US08642587B2
The present invention relates to heterocyclic compounds of the formula (I) or a physiologically tolerated salt thereof. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such heterocyclic compounds, and the use of such heterocyclic compounds for therapeutic purposes.
US08642583B2
The biphenyic compounds of formula (I) are serotonin modulators useful in the treatment of serotonin-mediated diseases.
US08642582B2
The present invention provides a compound of Formula (I) as described herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a solvate thereof. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more said compounds, and methods for using said compounds for treating or preventing a thromboses, embolisms, hypercoagulability or fibrotic changes.
US08642572B2
A method for administering ECyd to a patient that realizes a continuous therapy without expressing peripheral neurotoxicity caused by ECyd and that exhibits an excellent therapeutic effect and prolongs patient survival. An antitumor agent containing ECyd or a salt thereof and a method of administering it to a cancer patient through continuous intravenous administration at a dose of 1.30 to 8.56 mg/m2 in terms of ECyd, for each administration period of 2 to 336 hours.
US08642566B2
The present invention relates to novel compositions which can be used for the treatment of neuroinflammation, in particular in subjects having a neurodegenerative, autoimmune, infectious, toxic or traumatic disorder. More particularly, the invention relates to combined therapies for treating neuroinflammation. The invention also discloses new methods for treating neuroinflammation pathological conditions in a subject.
US08642564B2
A composition having at least one alkyl glycoside and at least one therapeutic agent, wherein the alkylglycoside has an alkyl chain length from about 10 to about 16 carbon atoms and wherein the therapeutic agent is an oligonucleotide.
US08642553B2
The invention relates to a composition containing an extract of seeds of Acacia macrostachya. Advantageously the composition is cosmetic, pharmaceutical, dermatological or nutraceutical. The invention also relates to a method for extracting a Acacia macrostachya seed extract, as well as to the resulting extract. The invention further relates to one such composition or one such extract for use in the prevention or treatment of disorders and diseases affecting the skin, mucosae or appendages, for use in the prevention or treatment of vascular disorders and for use in the prevention or treatment of adipose tissue alterations. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for cosmetic care of the Skin, appendages and mucosae in order to improve the condition or appearance thereof, comprising the administration of one such composition or one such extract.
US08642549B2
This invention relates to osteoclast-specific genes and proteins. Specifically, the invention relates to OCL-2A3 or Atp6v0d2, the gene encoding it and uses thereof in methods and treatment of bone disorders.
US08642535B2
The present invention relates to a polymyxin derivative wherein the derivative has a total of three positive charges at physiological pH and wherein the terminal moiety (D) of the derivative comprises a total of 1 to 5 carbon atoms. The invention also relates to a method of treating a subject for a gram-negative bacterial infection by administering a polymyxin derivative of the invention in combination with a second antibacterial agent. Finally, the invention relates to a process for preparing such polymyxin derivatives.
US08642530B2
The present invention is directed to rinse aid compositions and methods for making and using the rinse aid compositions. The compositions of the invention include a sheeting agent, a defoaming agent, and an association disruption agent. The rinse aid compositions of the present invention result in a faster draining/drying time on most substrates compared to conventional rinse aids. The rinse aid compositions of the present invention are especially suitable for use on plastic substrates.
US08642519B2
The present invention provides a composition for a power transmitting fluid that has improved fuel economy, aeration, and cold temperature performance. Additionally, the composition maintains viscosity at higher temperatures that are in line with the viscometrics of current known automatic transmission fluids. The composition preferably comprises an additive and a base stock having a polyalphaolefin blend.
US08642507B1
In one aspect the invention provides matrix based fertilizer formulations that reduce plant nutrient leaching into water sources. In another aspect, the invention provides matrix based formulations that reduce pesticide leaching into water sources. In still another aspect the invention provides matrix based fertilizer formulations comprising both fertilizers and pesticides wherein the formulation reduces pesticide and plant nutrient leaching into water sources. The invention also provides methods for the application of matrix based fertilizer formulations.
US08642500B2
Disclosed is a method for manufacturing an iron catalyst, the method including: a mixing stage where a mixture solution is manufactured by mixing iron nitrate (Fe(NO3)3) solution and copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2) solution; a precipitation slurry-forming stage where a precipitation slurry is formed by adding at least one of sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) or sodium hydroxide (Na2CO3) solutions to the mixture solution; a washing stage where the precipitation slurry is filtered and washed with distilled water; a silica adding stage where fumed silica powder and potassium carbonate (K2CO3) solution are added to the precipitation slurry and then agitated; a drying stage where the precipitation slurry is passed through a sieve having a size of 30 μm to 100 μm and dried by a spry drying method to manufacture a powdered iron catalyst; and a heat treatment stage where the iron catalyst is dried at a temperature of 50° to 150° C., and then heat-treated at a temperature of 300° C. to 500° C.
US08642496B2
The present invention relates to a method for forming a catalyst comprising catalytic nanoparticles and a catalyst support, wherein the catalytic nanoparticles are embedded in the catalyst support, comprising forming the catalytic nanoparticles on carbon particle, dispersing the carbon particle in a solution comprising precursors of the catalyst support to form a suspension, heating the suspension to form a gel, subjecting the gel to incineration to form a powder, and sintering the powder to form the catalyst.
US08642481B2
A method of etching exposed silicon-and-nitrogen-containing material on patterned heterogeneous structures is described and includes a remote plasma etch formed from a fluorine-containing precursor and an oxygen-containing precursor. Plasma effluents from the remote plasma are flowed into a substrate processing region where the plasma effluents react with the exposed regions of silicon-and-nitrogen-containing material. The plasmas effluents react with the patterned heterogeneous structures to selectively remove silicon-and-nitrogen-containing material from the exposed silicon-and-nitrogen-containing material regions while very slowly removing other exposed materials. The silicon-and-nitrogen-containing material selectivity results partly from the presence of an ion suppression element positioned between the remote plasma and the substrate processing region. The ion suppression element reduces or substantially eliminates the number of ionically-charged species that reach the substrate. The methods may be used to selectively remove silicon-and-nitrogen-containing material at more than twenty times the rate of silicon oxide.
US08642475B2
A method of manufacturing an integrated circuit system includes: providing a substrate; forming a polysilicon layer over the substrate; forming an anti-reflective coating layer over the polysilicon layer; etching an anti-reflective coating pattern into the anti-reflective coating layer leaving an anti-reflective coating residue over the polysilicon layer; and etching the anti-reflective coating residue with an etchant gas mixture comprising hydrogen bromide, chlorine, and oxygen to remove the anti-reflective coating residue for mitigating the formation of a polysilicon protrusion.
US08642474B2
Ultrafine dimensions are accurately and efficiently formed in a target layer using a spacer lithographic technique comprising forming a first mask pattern, forming a cross-linkable layer over the first mask pattern, forming a cross-linked spacer between the first mask pattern and cross-linkable layer, removing the cross-linkable layer, cross-linked spacer from the upper surface of the first mask pattern and the first mask pattern to form a second mask pattern comprising remaining portions of the cross-linked spacer, and etching using the second mask pattern to form an ultrafine pattern in the underlying target layer. Embodiments include forming the first mask pattern from a photoresist material capable of generating an acid, depositing a cross-linkable material comprising a material capable of undergoing a cross-linking reaction in the presence of an acid, and removing portions of the non-cross-linked layer and cross-linked spacer from the upper surface of the first mask pattern before removing the remaining portions of the first mask pattern and remaining noncross-linked layer.
US08642464B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a first interconnection and a second interconnection above a semiconductor substrate, forming a first sidewall insulating film on a side wall of the first interconnection, and a second sidewall insulating film on a side wall of the second interconnection, forming a conductive film above the semiconductor substrate with the first interconnection, the first sidewall insulating film, the second interconnection and the second sidewall insulating film formed on, and selectively removing the conductive film above the first interconnection and the second interconnection to form in a region between the first interconnection and the second interconnection a third interconnection formed of the conductive film and spaced from the first interconnection and the second interconnection by the first sidewall insulating film and the second sidewall insulating film.
US08642461B2
A method for providing a semiconductor chip package with side wettable plating includes singulating a semiconductor chip package from an array of packages formed in a block format, immersing the semiconductor chip package in a bath of plating solution, contacting a lead land of the semiconductor chip package with conductive contact material within the bath of plating solution, connecting the conductive contact material to a cathode electrical potential, connecting an anode within the bath of plating solution to an anode electrical potential, and plating the lead land of the semiconductor chip package.
US08642459B2
A method for forming a semiconductor device. One embodiment provides a semiconductor substrate having a trench with a sidewall isolation. The sidewall isolation is removed in a portion of the trench. A gate dielectric is formed on the laid open sidewall. A gate electrode is formed adjacent to the date dielectric. The upper surface of the gate electrode is located at a depth d1 below the surface of the semiconductor substrate. The gate oxide is removed above the gate electrode. An isolation is formed simultaneously on the gate electrode and the semiconductor substrate such that the absolute value of height difference d2 between the isolation over the gate electrode and the isolation over the semiconductor substrate is smaller than the depth d1.
US08642453B2
Disclosed is a silicon-on-insulator-based Schottky barrier diode with a low forward voltage that can be manufactured according to standard SOI process flow. An active silicon island is formed using an SOI wafer. One area of the island is heavily-doped with an n-type or p-type dopant, one area is lightly-doped with the same dopant, and an isolation structure is formed on the top surface above a junction between the two areas. A metal silicide region contacts the lightly-doped side of the island forming a Schottky barrier. Another discrete metal silicide region contacts the heavily-doped area of the island forming an electrode to the Schottky barrier (i.e., a Schottky barrier contact). The two metal silicide regions are isolated from each other by the isolation structure. Contacts to each of the discrete metal silicide regions allow a forward and/or a reverse bias to be applied to the Schottky barrier.
US08642446B2
A semiconductor wafer contains a plurality of semiconductor die separated by a saw street. A contact pad is formed over an active surface of the semiconductor die. A protective pattern is formed over the active surface of the semiconductor die between the contact pad and saw street of the semiconductor die. The protective pattern includes a segmented metal layer or plurality of parallel segmented metal layers. An insulating layer is formed over the active surface, contact pad, and protective pattern. A portion of the insulating layer is removed to expose the contact pad. The protective pattern reduces erosion of the insulating layer between the contact pad and saw street of the semiconductor die. The protective pattern can be angled at corners of the semiconductor die or follow a contour of the contact pad. The protective pattern can be formed at corners of the semiconductor die.
US08642444B2
Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a bonded substrate, including the steps of: forming a first bonding layer on a surface on one side of a semiconductor substrate; forming a second bonding layer on a surface on one side of a support substrate; adhering the first bonding layer and the second bonding layer to each other; a heat treatment for bonding the first bonding layer and the second bonding layer to each other; and thinning the semiconductor substrate from a surface on the other side of the semiconductor substrate to form a semiconductor layer.
US08642436B2
A first impurity region is formed by ion implantation through a first opening formed in a mask layer. By depositing a spacer layer on an etching stop layer on which the mask layer has been provided, a mask portion having the mask layer and the spacer layer is formed. By anisotropically etching the spacer layer, a second opening surrounded by a second sidewall is formed in the mask portion. A second impurity region is formed by ion implantation through the second opening. An angle of the second sidewall with respect to a surface is 90°±10° across a height as great as a second depth. Thus, accuracy in extension of an impurity region can be enhanced.
US08642424B2
A replacement metal gate structure and methods of manufacturing the same is provided. The method includes forming at least one trench structure and forming a liner of high-k dielectric material in the at least one trench structure. The method further includes adjusting a height of the liner of high-k dielectric material. The method further includes forming at least one workfunction metal over the liner, and forming a metal gate structure in the at least one trench structure, over the at least one workfunction metal and the liner of high-k dielectric material.
US08642423B2
A method of forming a trench structure that includes forming a metal containing layer on at least the sidewalls of a trench, and forming an undoped semiconductor fill material within the trench. The undoped semiconductor fill material and the metal containing layer are recessed to a first depth within the trench with a first etch. The undoped semiconductor fill material is then recessed to a second depth within the trench that is greater than a first depth with a second etch. The second etch exposes at least a sidewall portion of the metal containing layer. The trench is filled with a doped semiconductor containing material fill, wherein the doped semiconductor material fill is in direct contact with the at least the sidewall portion of the metal containing layer.
US08642413B2
A method to form a strain-inducing epitaxial film is described. In one embodiment, the strain-inducing epitaxial film is a three-component epitaxial film comprising atoms from a parent film, charge-neutral lattice-substitution atoms and charge-carrier dopant impurity atoms. In another embodiment, the strain-inducing epitaxial film is formed by a multiple deposition/etch cycle sequence involving hydrogenated amorphous silicon, followed by charge carrier dopant and charge-neutral lattice-forming impurity atom implant steps and, finally, a kinetically-driven crystallization process.
US08642409B2
According to one embodiment, there is provided a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device. In the method, a substrate portion and a fin portion on the substrate portion are formed. A first silicon oxide film is formed on each side surface of the fin portion. A polysilazane film having an upper surface lower than the upper surface of the first silicon oxide film is formed on each side surface of the first silicon oxide film. The polysilazane film is converted into a silicon oxynitride film. The first silicon oxide film is etched to make the upper surface of the first silicon oxide film not higher than the upper surface of the silicon oxynitride film. A heavily doped semiconductor layer is formed in the fin portion.
US08642406B2
An object of the present invention is to increase adhesiveness between thin films, particularly a high molecular film formed on an insulating surface, and the present invention provides a semiconductor device with high reliability and a method for manufacturing the semiconductor device with high yield. A semiconductor device of the present invention comprises a laminate structure formed in close contact with an organic insulating film on a hydrophobic surface of an inorganic insulating film including silicon and nitrogen. A film having the hydrophobic surface is an insulating film having a contact angle of water of equal to or more than 30°, preferably of equal to or more than 40°.
US08642402B2
To provide a method for producing a thin film transistor improved in stability, uniformity, reproducibility, heat resistance, durability or the like, a thin film transistor, a thin film transistor substrate, an image display apparatus, an image display apparatus and a semiconductor device.In the semiconductor device, a crystalline oxide is used as an N-type transistor and the electron carrier concentration of the crystalline oxide is less than 2×1017/cm3. Furthermore, the crystalline oxide is a polycrystalline oxide containing In and one or more positive divalent elements selected from Zn, Mg, Cu, Ni, Co and Ca, and the atomic ratio In [In] and the positive divalent element [X][X]/([X]+[In]) is 0.0001 to 0.13.
US08642401B2
In an insulated-gate type semiconductor device in which a gate-purpose conductive layer is embedded into a trench which is formed in a semiconductor substrate, and a source-purpose conductive layer is provided on a major surface of the semiconductor substrate, a portion of a gate pillar which is constituted by both the gate-purpose conductive layer and a cap insulating film for capping an upper surface of the gate-purpose conductive layer is projected from the major surface of the semiconductor substrate; a side wall spacer is provided on a side wall of the projected portion of the gate pillar; and the source-purpose conductive layer is connected to a contact region of the major surface of the semiconductor substrate, which is defined by the side wall spacer.
US08642388B2
A method for manufacturing LEDs includes following steps: forming circuit structures on a substrate, each circuit structure having a first metal layer and a second metal layer formed on opposite surfaces of the substrate and a connecting section interconnecting the first and second metal layers; cutting through each circuit structure along a middle of the connecting section to form first and second electrical connecting portions insulated from each other via a gap therebetween; arranging LED chips on the substrate and electrically connecting the LED chips to the first and second electrical connecting portions; forming an encapsulation on the substrate to cover the LED chips; and cutting through the substrate and the encapsulation between the first and second electrical connecting portions of neighboring circuit structures to obtain the LEDs.
US08642383B2
An integrated circuit package system that includes: providing an electrical interconnect system including a first lead-finger system and a second lead-finger system; connecting a first device to the first lead-finger system with a wire bond; stacking a second device over the first device; and connecting the second device to the second lead-finger system with a bump bond.
US08642380B2
An object is to provide a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device having a high field effect mobility and including an oxide semiconductor layer in a semiconductor device including an oxide semiconductor. Another object is to provide a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device capable of high speed operation. An oxide semiconductor layer is terminated by a halogen element, and thus an increase in the contact resistance between the oxide semiconductor layer and a conductive layer in contact with the oxide semiconductor layer is suppressed. Therefore, the contact resistance between the oxide semiconductor layer and the conductive layer becomes favorable and a transistor having a high field effect mobility can be manufactured.
US08642359B2
An integrated circuit intended to be assembled with an electromagnetic radiation detector, the integrated circuit comprising a device for processing signals stemming from the detector, the processing device being covered with at least one conductive plate for protection against electromagnetic radiation, intended to be placed between said detector and said integrated circuit, said conductive plate including one or more apertures letting through conductive elements providing an electrical connection between the processing device and the detector.
US08642338B2
An anterior ocular segment related cell sheet or three-dimensional structure that have only a few structural defects as they have been recovered retaining the intercellular desmosome structure and the basement membrane-like protein between cell and substrate. The anterior ocular segment related cell sheet or three-dimensional structure is produced by a process comprising the steps of cultivating cells on a cell culture support comprising a substrate having its surface covered with a temperature responsive polymer having an upper or lower critical dissolution temperature of 0-80° C. with respect to water, optionally stratifying the layer of cultured cells by the usual method, and thereafter, (1) adjusting the temperature of the culture solution to either above the upper critical dissolution temperature or below the lower critical dissolution temperature, and further optionally (2) bringing the cultured anterior ocular segment related cell sheet or three-dimensional structure into close contact with a polymer membrane, and (3) detaching the sheet or three-dimensional structure together with the polymer membrane.
US08642336B2
Methods and materials for making complex, living, vascularized tissues for organ and tissue replacement, especially complex and/or thick structures, such as liver tissue is provided. Tissue lamina is made in a system comprising an apparatus having (a) a first mold or polymer scaffold, a semi-permeable membrane, and a second mold or polymer scaffold, wherein the semi-permeable membrane is disposed between the first and second molds or polymer scaffolds, wherein the first and second molds or polymer scaffolds have means defining microchannels positioned toward the semi-permeable membrane, wherein the first and second molds or polymer scaffolds are fastened together; and (b) animal cells. Methods for producing complex, three-dimensional tissues or organs from tissue lamina are also provided.
US08642334B2
The present invention relates generally to the field of cell biology of stem cells, more specifically the directed differentiation of pluripotent or multipotent stem cells, including human embryonic stem cells (hESC), somatic stem cells, and induced human pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) using novel culture conditions. Specifically, methods are provided for obtaining neural tissue, floor plate cells, and placode including induction of neural plate development in hESCs for obtaining midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons, motorneurons, and sensory neurons. Further, neural plate tissue obtained using methods of the present inventions are contemplated for use in co-cultures with other tissues as inducers for shifting differentiation pathways, i.e. patterning.
US08642327B2
A method for screening cells with high level expression of a target protein is disclosed. The method includes introducing into a plurality of host cells a DNA construct that encodes both a target protein and an inhibitor to an endogenous selectable marker in the host cells, screening host cells harboring the DNA construct for the expression of the endogenous selectable marker, and isolating cells with reduced expression of the selectable marker. Also disclosed is a DNA construct configured to express both the target protein and the inhibitor inside the host cell.
US08642323B2
A multi-compartment resealable container for testing for the presence of micro-organisms is provided with or adapted to receive a sample in a first substantially rigid transparent compartment, a growth medium in a second compartment, and a sanitizer in a third compartment, the compartments being separated by foil seals, the second and third compartments have an associated plunger which when depressed causes serrated cutters to puncture the foil seal and allow the contents to be added to the liquid containing or comprising the sample.
US08642322B2
The present invention relates to methods for measuring an amount of an analyte using an electrochemical assay in a conduit comprising a sensor, wherein said sensor comprises an electrode having a surface layer of immobilized antibody that binds said analyte, and a counter/reference electrode disposed within said conduit. A solution comprising a substrate for said enzyme and at least one air segment contacts the sensor to remove unbound analyte and labeled antibody from a region of the sensor. The disclosed invention is adaptable to the point-of-care clinical diagnostic field, including use in accident sites, emergency rooms, surgery, nursing homes, intensive care units, and non-medical environments.
US08642307B2
A surface supporting growth of cells in culture, the surface prepare to provide hydrophilic moieties exposed thereon for enhancing the attachment of biological materials. The surface contains the hydrophilic moiety as part of an amphipathic molecule also having a hydrophobic region that is anchored or embedded within a polymer substrate, and oriented such that the hydrophilic moieties are exposed on the outer surface of the substrate. In one embodiment the surface is customized to provide qualitative and quantitative moieties to enhance particular cell growth. In one embodiment, the surface is provided on a culture apparatus such as a dish or plate.
US08642302B2
A stable continuous method for producing ethanol from the anaerobic bacterial fermentation of a gaseous substrate containing at least one reducing gas involves culturing in a fermentation bioreactor anaerobic, acetogenic bacteria in a liquid nutrient medium; supplying the gaseous substrate to the bioreactor; and manipulating the bacteria in the bioreactor by reducing the redox potential, or increasing the NAD(P)H TO NAD(P) ratio, in the fermentation broth after the bacteria achieves a steady state and stable cell concentration in the bioreactor. The free acetic acid concentration in the bioreactor is maintained at less than 5 g/L free acid. This method allows ethanol to be produced in the fermentation broth in the bioreactor at a productivity of greater than 10 g/L per day. Both ethanol and acetate are produced in a ratio of ethanol to acetate ranging from 1:1 to 20:1.
US08642296B2
A microorganism identified as a Lactococcus lactis strain (NRRL B-30656) produces an extracellular transferase enzyme when cultured and grown in sucrose-containing medium, which can be purified when it is brought into contact with a sucrose-based medium in suitable temperature and pH conditions, thereby producing a glucose and fructose polymer.
US08642294B2
Methods are described for determining the pattern of cytosine methylation in a DNA specimen, where the methods involve comparing the amount of DNA fragments generated by a methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme with the amount of DNA fragments generated by a methylation-insensitive isoschizomer of the methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme.
US08642289B2
The invention is a process for producing ethanol from sugarcane bagasse, the principal steps of which are mild sulphuric acid hydrolysis of the hemicellulose fraction of the sugarcane bagasse, followed by extraction of the hydrolysate and then fermentation thereof with the yeast Pichia stipitis. The process can be carried out with different solid : liquid ratios, and provides a step of acclimatizing the Pichia stipitis yeast, which results in a greater rate of ethanol production. The process takes place in a press reactor specially designed for this purpose, which allows more efficient extraction of the hydrolysate and, as a consequence, better process performance.
US08642287B2
Methods and apparatus for designing and measuring a cell-electrode impedance sensor to detect chemical and biological samples, including biological cells. The method of designing a cell-electrode impedance sensor comprises: determining a cell free cell-electrode impedance and a cell-covered cell-electrode impedance; obtaining a sensor sensitivity of the cell-electrode impedance measurement system; and choosing one or more design parameters of the cell-electrode impedance sensor to maximize the sensor sensitivity. When the frequency of AC signal between electrodes ranges from 10 kHz to 40 kHz, the sensitivity of the sensor is maximized.
US08642286B2
The invention is a method for using an avian embryo to identify the neuripotency of a cell population. The invention may be used for applications such as screening for candidate neuripotent cell lines for masterbanking, validation of working cell banks, and identifying agents and conditions capable of inducing neural differentiation in a cell population.
US08642267B2
The present invention is related to a biomarker for diagnosis of canine cancer, wherein the biomarker is KMO (kynureinie 3-monooxygenase) gene, and the canine cancers including CTVT (canine transmissible venereal tumor) and MGT (mammary gland tumor). The expression level of KMO gene in canine malignant tumor tissues is up-regulated as compared with benign tissues. Furthermore, the expression level of KMO gene in malignant tumor tissue is higher than in the non-metastasis tumor tissue. By detection of the expression level of the present invention biomarker in suspecting tissue specimen, malignancy of tumor tissues can be determined correctly and rapidly.
US08642261B2
The invention provides compositions and methods for the differential detection of high risk forms of HPV from a urine sample provided by a patient. Specifically, the invention provides primers and probes that specifically recognize and bind sequences within the E1 gene of HPV. Detection of high risk forms of HPV identify individuals at risk of developing or in the early stages of cervical carcinoma.
US08642257B2
Described are diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a microorganism or cell containing a DNA sequence encoding a detectable protein or a protein capable of inducing a detectable signal, e.g. a luminescent or fluorescent protein, and, in a particular embodiment, furthermore (a) DNA sequence(s) encoding (a) protein(s) suitable for tumor therapy and/or elimination of metastatic tumors, e.g. a cytotoxic or cytostatic protein.
US08642247B2
The invention provides an ink composition having at least (A) a polymerization initiator, (B) an ester or amide of (meth)acrylic acid having a 1,3-dioxolane ring skeleton or a 1,3-dioxane ring skeleton or (B′) an ester or amide of (meth)acrylic acid having a 1,3-diketone structure, and (C) a colorant. The invention further provides an inkjet recording method and a method for producing a planographic printing plate, each of which includes at least (I) ejecting the ink composition onto a hydrophilic support and (II) curing the ink composition by irradiating the ejected ink composition with active radiation so as to form a hydrophobic image region on the hydrophilic support. The invention furthermore provides a planographic printing plate formed by the method for producing a planographic printing plate.
US08642241B2
The present teachings describe an apparatus for mixing developer. The apparatus includes a first loader for dispensing a predetermined amount of toner particles into a container and a second loader for dispensing a predetermined amount and carrier particles in the container. A sealer seals the container. An acoustic mixer is provided for mixing the container, toner particles and carrier particles at a resonant frequency. A method of mixing developer is disclosed.
US08642232B2
Direct-write lithography apparatus and methods are disclosed in which a transducer image and an image of crossed interference fringe patterns are superimposed on a photoresist layer supported by a substrate. The transducer image has an exposure wavelength and contains bright spots, each corresponding to an activated pixel. The interference image has an inhibition wavelength and contains dark spots where the null points in the crossed interference fringes coincide. The dark spots are aligned with and trim the peripheries of the corresponding bright spot to form sub-resolution photoresist pixels having a size smaller than would be formed in the absence of the dark spots.
US08642225B2
A high-pressure fluid supply apparatus that avoids gas leakage due to a reduction in the performance of a seal member provided inside piping is provided. A high-pressure fluid supply apparatus is provided, the apparatus including: piping that supplies a fluid from a high-pressure fluid supply source to a fluid utilizing device via a first valve device and a second valve device; a seal member that is arranged at a pipe part between the first and second valve devices in order to maintain sealing property of the pipe part, the seal member being made of an elastic material; and a control unit that controls closing and opening of the first and second valve devices to be able to adjust a pressure variation rate of the fluid in the pipe part, wherein the control unit adjusts the pressure variation rate in accordance with a temperature of the seal member.
US08642224B2
The present invention relates to a fuel cell system including a fuel cell, a hydrogen gas piping system for supplying a hydrogen gas to the fuel cell, an injector which adjusts a gas state on an upstream side of the hydrogen gas piping system to supply the gas to a downstream side, and a control device which drives and controls the injector in a predetermined driving period, wherein a driving characteristic of the injector is learnt, and a driving parameter of the injector can be set based on a result of the learning. In the present invention, during an operation of the fuel cell, a supply pressure of the hydrogen gas can appropriately be changed in accordance with an operation state. In addition, even when the pressure is broadly varied, a satisfactory pressure response property can be secured regardless of fluctuations due to aging and individual difference of the injector.
US08642222B2
A power request controller that prevents a power request signal to a fuel cell stack controller from providing more compressor air and hydrogen gas than is necessary to meet the current power demands of the vehicle. The stack controller generates a signal of the available current from the fuel cell stack. This signal and the measured current actually being drawn from the stack are received by a proportional-integral (P-I) controller in the power request controller. If the available stack current is significantly greater than the stack current being used, the P-I controller will provide an output signal that reduces the power request signal to the stack controller so that the current produced by the stack and the current being drawn from the stack are substantially the same. A transient detector turns off the P-I controller so that it does not reduce the power request signal during an up-power transient.
US08642219B2
A cooling system of a fuel cell is provided with a main cooling flow passage and a bypass cooling flow passage which is arranged parallel with the main cooling flow passage and diverts the same coolant, as flow passages through which coolant flows. A radiator and a coolant circulation pump (WP) and the like are arranged in the main cooling flow passage. Coolant from the main cooling flow passage enters the bypass cooling flow passage and reaches a second heat exchanger via a case of a motor of an ACP and the like. At the second heat exchanger, heat exchange is also performed with a supply gas flow passage, after which the coolant returns to the main cooling flow passage. The manner in which the coolant is distributed can be changed depending on where the coolant is diverted from the main cooling flow passage and the arrangement of the circulation pump.
US08642218B2
A coating including a silica-based material having pendent functional groups.
US08642216B2
A composite anode active material includes a metal that may be alloyed with lithium, an intermetallic compound incapable of alloying with lithium, and a carbonaceous material, wherein the intermetallic compound exists in a phase structurally separated from the metal capable of alloying with lithium. Since the composite active material contains an intermetallic compound that does not form any alloy phase with lithium nor the metal capable of alloying with lithium but rather exists in a structurally separated phase, the composite active material exhibits excellent coulombic efficiency. Further, anode electrodes and lithium batteries including the composite anode active material exhibit improved charge and discharge characteristics.
US08642215B2
A negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a SiOx (0.5≦x≦1.5) compound including crystalline Si, and a SiCy, (0.5≦y≦1.5) compound including crystalline carbon. The negative active material may be used in a rechargeable lithium battery to achieve high capacity and good cycle-life characteristics.
US08642214B2
A process includes preparing a solution including a silicon precursor or mixture of silicon precursors and a monomer or mixture of monomers; polymerizing the monomer to form a polymer-silicon precursor matrix; and pyrolyzing the polymer-silicon precursor matrix to form an electrochemically active carbon-coated silicon material.
US08642208B2
A secondary battery includes: a battery module including an electrolyte layer in a form of a plate, a positive electrode disposed on a first main surface of the electrolyte layer and containing a positive electrode active material, and a negative electrode disposed on a second main surface of the electrolyte layer and containing a negative electrode active material; and a conductive layer provided between battery modules, the secondary battery having more than one battery module and more than one conductive layer stacked in layers, wherein the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material are set in concentration in accordance with a temperature distribution in the secondary battery.
US08642207B2
A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly formed by winding two different electrodes and a separator interposed therebetween, a can housing the electrode assembly, a cap assembly at a upper opening of the can; and a gasket interposed between the cap assembly and the can. The gasket has a relaxed condition prior to compression between the cap assembly and an upper portion of the can and a compressed condition after compression between the cap assembly and the upper portion of the can. The gasket includes a sidewall portion bent inwardly from outside of the can when the gasket is in the compressed condition, a bottom portion at a bottom of the sidewall portion and extending inwardly from a periphery of the can, a protruding portion on which the cap assembly is seated, and a concave portion formed between the protruding portion and an inner surface of the sidewall portion.
US08642202B2
An organic electrolyte solution for use in a redox flow battery and the redox flow battery including the organic electrolyte solution has a high energy density because re-precipitation is prevented in the organic electrolyte solution or eduction is prevented in an electrode during reduction of a metal ion used as an electrolyte.
US08642194B2
A fuel cell system has an inlet shutoff valve provided in a main route forming an oxidized gas supply flow path, a humidifier bypass valve provided in a humidifier bypass route which is a route bypassing the main route, a fuel cell bypass valve provided in a fuel cell bypass route bypassing a fuel cell stack, and fuel cell bypass valve controlling unit. Under abnormal conditions in which one of the inlet shutoff valve and the humidifier bypass valve does not function even if the pressure in a valve opening pressure chamber of the one of the valves is at a first pressure value, the fuel cell bypass valve controlling unit restrict the opening of the fuel cell bypass valve to increase the pressure in the valve opening pressure chamber.
US08642190B2
An object is to provide a new fluorene derivative as a good light-emitting material for organic EL elements. A fluorene derivative represented by General Formula (G1) is provided. In the formula, R1 to R8 separately represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted biphenyl group. Further, α1 to α4 separately represent a substituted or unsubstituted phenylene group. Ar1 represents a substituted or unsubstituted condensed aromatic hydrocarbon having 14 to 18 carbon atoms forming a ring. Ar2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 13 carbon atoms forming a ring. Ar3 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. Further, j, m, and n separately represent 0 or 1, and p represents 1 or 2.
US08642189B2
The invention provides an organic compound which shows an excellent electron-injecting/transporting performance, has a hole-blocking ability and shows a high stability as a film, that is, having excellent characteristics as a material for organic electroluminescent device having high efficiency and high durability; and provides an organic EL device comprising the compound and having high efficiency and high durability. The organic compound being a substituted bipyridyl compound represented by the general formula (1);
US08642183B2
Preservation of cellulose based products, such as wood, may be accomplished in an environmentally friendly manner by esterification of the wood with rare saccharides, thereby rendering the wood unfavorable for microorganism based degradation.
US08642181B2
The present invention provides a metal-clad white laminate including: a white resin layer which is composed of a resin composition obtained by mixing a polyimide having a repeating unit as represented by a particular chemical structural formula with a white pigment; and at least one metal layer, the white resin layer being an adhesive layer for the metal layer. The metal-clad white laminate of the present invention uses a white resin composition which has high reflectance and whiteness and excellent light resistance, and is easy to be reduced in thickness and weight.
US08642176B2
In one embodiment, a multilayer structure comprises: an initial terpolymer layer, a second layer comprising plastic and/or glass, a polycarbonate layer, and an adhesive layer. The initial terpolymer layer comprises a polycarbonate terpolymer derived from a first dihydroxy compound, a second dihydroxy compound, and a third dihydroxy compound, the first dihydroxy compound has Structure (A) wherein Rf is a hydrogen or CH3; the second dihydroxy compound has Structure (A) and is different from the first dihydroxy compound; and the third dihydroxy compound does not have Structure (A), and wherein a sum of mole percent of all of the first dihydroxy compound and the second dihydroxy compound is greater than or equal to 45% relative to a sum of mole percent of all of the first dihydroxy compound, the second dihydroxy compound, and the third dihydroxy compound in the polycarbonate terpolymer.
US08642172B2
A nanofiber sheet including a nanofiber layer containing a polymeric nanofiber, a surface of nanofiber sheet being adhesive. The nanofiber preferably contains an adhesive component and a water insoluble polymer. The nanofiber sheet preferably has a water soluble layer containing a nanofiber containing a water soluble adhesive component and a water insoluble layer containing a nanofiber containing a water insoluble polymer laminated to each other. The nanofiber sheet preferably further includes a base layer located on one side of the nanofiber layer and an adhesive layer located on the other side of the nanofiber layer.
US08642170B2
A coating system that includes a plurality of portions, each portion comprising one or more layers. The coating system includes an outer portion, which is an infrared radiation (IR) interaction portion, that dissipates incident (IR). Underlying this outer portion is a performance portion. The performance portion comprises at least one layer that includes microspheres. Between the substrate and performance portion is a compliance portion. The compliance portion comprises at least one layer of high temperature material that has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) intermediate the performance layer and the substrate. The compliance portion thus reduces any high temperature thermal mismatch between the substrate and the performance portion.
US08642157B2
Methods for fabricating sub-lithographic, nanoscale microstructures in one-dimensional arrays utilizing self-assembling block copolymers, and films and devices formed from these methods are provided.
US08642152B2
An optical information recording medium including: a substrate; two or more information signal layers provided on the substrate; and a cover layer provided on the information signal layers, wherein the surface of one of the side of the substrate and the cover layer is a light irradiation plane, wherein at least one of the information signal layers other than the information signal layer at the deepest portion from the light irradiation plane includes an inorganic recording layer that includes a W oxide and a Pd oxide, a first protective layer that is provided on a first principal plane of the inorganic recording layer, and a second protective layer that is provided on a second principal plane of the inorganic recording layer, wherein at least one of the first protective layer and the second protective layer is a layer with an extinction coefficient of 0.05 to 0.6.
US08642141B2
A liquid crystal composition including a dioxolane compound represented by the general formula (G1) as a chiral agent is provided. In the general formula (G1), R1 and R2 individually represent any of hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, and an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms and having a phenyl group as a substituent; R1 and R2 may be bonded to each other to form a ring; R3 and R4 individually represent any of hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and a cycloalkyl group; and R5 to R40 individually represent any of hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and an aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms.
US08642138B2
A method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device. The method includes providing a transparent substrate comprising a surface region and forming a first electrode layer overlying the surface region of the transparent substrate. The first electrode layer has an electrode surface region. In a specific embodiment, the method includes masking one or more portions of the electrode surface region using a masking layer to form an exposed region and a blocked region. The method includes forming an absorber layer comprising a sulfur entity overlying the exposed region and removing the mask layer. In a specific embodiment, the method causing formation of a plurality of metal disulfide species overlying the blocked region. In a specific embodiment, the metal disulfide species has a semiconductor characteristic. The method includes subjecting the plurality of metal disulfide species to electromagnetic radiation from a laser beam to substantially remove the metal disulfide species. The method includes exposing the blocked region free and clear from the metal disulfide.
US08642122B2
The invention discloses utilizing isostatic-press (IP) processes apply a polymeric material (e.g, a PTFE foil) to uncoated razor blade edges forming thin, dense, and uniform coatings on blade edges which in turn exhibit low initial cutting forces correlating with more comfortable shaves. The isostatic press may be a hot isostatic press (HIP) or a cold isostatic press (CIP) or any other isostatic press process. The HIP conditions may include an environment of elevated temperatures and pressures in an inert atmosphere. The CIP conditions may include room temperature and elevated pressure. The polymeric material may be a fluoropolymer or non-fluoropolymeric material or any composite thereof. The lower surface of the polymeric material may be modified (e.g., chemical etching) to enhance adhesion to the blade edge. Two or more layers of polymeric material of similar or different properties may be isostatically pressed onto the uncoated blades.
US08642117B2
A liquid composition for forming an activator-containing layer on a substrate, for activating a chemical reaction to produce a solid layer on the substrate, comprises activator, surfactant and solvent and/or binder. The liquid composition is deposited on a surface of a substrate, desirably by inkjet printing. The layer is used to activate a chemical reaction to produce a solid layer on the substrate surface, e.g. a layer of conductive metal. The surfactant in the liquid composition has beneficial effects on the behavior of the liquid composition when applied to certain substrates.
US08642109B2
The present invention relates to food materials containing a high concentration of protein and processes for their manufacture. More particularly, the present invention relates to protein extrudates containing high concentrations of soy protein, dairy protein, and mixtures thereof and low concentrations of carbohydrates, processes for manufacturing such protein extrudates, and the use of such protein extrudates as functional food ingredients.
US08642106B2
Methods for preparing cheese blends of analog cheese and soft or firm/semi-hard, ripened or unripended, cheese are provided. The methods generally involve combining a slurry that contains the basic ingredients for an analog cheese and optionally one or more other ingredients with a mass of heated soft or firm/semi-hard cheese. Slurries that are used in the methods and cheeses produced by the methods are also provided.
US08642094B2
A medicinal combination of herbs, herbal extracts, and their chemical constituents that is synergistically effective for promoting human and veterinary health. The combination is a blood lipid level lowering synergistic composition comprising Ku ding cha, berberine or a berberine-containing plant extract, and other optional active ingredients. Methods of extraction and combination in synergistic amounts are also disclosed. The compositions according to the present invention may be used to treat or reduce the chance of contracting or the progression of a number of diseases or conditions in a subject, particularly cardiovascular diseases.
US08642093B2
The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for use of photolyzable nitric oxide donors for the treatment of sexual dysfunction.
US08642084B2
Compositions of the invention for regenerating defective or absent myocardium comprise an emulsified or injectable extracellular matrix composition. The composition may also include an extracellular matrix scaffold component of any formulation, and further include added cells, proteins, or other components to optimize the regenerative process and restore cardiac function.
US08642077B2
The present invention relates to, inter alia, pharmaceutical compositions comprising a polyunsaturated fatty acid and to methods of using the same to treat or prevent cardiovascular-related diseases.
US08642074B2
A thermosensitive liposome for the delivery of active agents and a composition thereof are disclosed, wherein the liposome comprises at least one phosphatidylcholine, at least one phosphatidylglycerol and at least one lysolipid, and the gel to liquid phase transition temperature of said liposome is from 39 0° C. to 45° C.
US08642072B2
The invention relates to a membrane for supporting cells, especially RPE cells. The membrane is useful in the treatment of conditions such as age related macular degeneration.
US08642071B2
Microencapsulated materials are added to compressed products. Microencapsulation permits a wide range of products to be incorporated into these compressed products while maintaining the dry, compressed nature of the products. In one aspect, methods are provided that comprise forming the article, that comprises paper or fabric, in a size of intended use; attaching a plurality of microencapsulated beads containing a material therein to the paper or fabric; and compressing the article to a compressed size that is smaller than the size of intended use. In another aspect, articles comprise a liquid-expandable paper or fabric, and a plurality of microencapsulated beads containing a material therein attached to the paper or fabric.
US08642060B2
A device includes a first reservoir configured to include a degradation agent, a second reservoir configured to include an osteogenerative agent, and a controller configured to selectively initiate access to the first reservoir or the second reservoir.
US08642059B2
A device includes a sensor configured to determine a condition associated with a nucleus pulposus, a reservoir configured to include a first agent capable of affecting the condition associated with the nucleus pulposus, a control element configured to provide access to the reservoir, and a controller in communication with the sensor and the control element. The controller is configured to manipulate the control element to provide access to the reservoir in response to the condition determined by the sensor.
US08642049B2
VACCIN AGAINST GROUP A BETA HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCUS AND RESPECTIVE PROCESS FOR OBTAINING THEREOF, which predicts the production of recombinant protein cloned from the gene emm5, which contains a sequence of oligonucleotides corresponding to 52 and/or 87 amino acid residues capable of protection, isolated after the sequential molecular identification of the epitopes from the M protein carboxy-terminal region, differing in 01 amino acid residue, identified by antibodies and T lymphocytes of health human beings and of patients carriers of rheumatic fever, capable of generating a protective response by antibodies depending on the T lymphocytes; prevention of the development of the autoimmune disease by the selected epitope was evaluated in vitro with T lymphocytes from the cardiac tissue of patients with lesions arising out of rheumatic fever.
US08642042B2
The invention relates to vaccine compositions having a carrier protein and an antigen of interest entrapped in a complex, methods of making such vaccines, and methods of vaccine administration.
US08642041B2
The present invention relates to the use of Adenylyl Cyclase-Associated Protein (CAP1) as a target for immuno-modulation. More specifically, the invention relates to the use of compounds that interact and bind CAP1, specifically, anti-CAP1 antibodies, and/or to CAP1 molecule or any fragments thereof, for the treatment of immune-related disorders by modulation of the Th1/Th2 balance. The invention further provides screening method for immuno-modulatory compounds that interact with CAP1.
US08642033B2
The present invention encompasses methods for inducing in vivo tolerance to a foreign tissue.
US08642031B2
In certain aspects, the present disclosure relates to the insight that a polypeptide comprising a ligand-binding portion of the extracellular domain of activin-like kinase I (ALK1) polypeptide may be used to inhibit angiogenesis in vivo, particularly in mammals suffering angiogenesis-related disorders. In certain aspects, the disclosure demonstrates that antagonists of BMP9 and/or BMP10, ligands for ALK1, may also be used to inhibit angiogenesis in vivo.
US08642029B2
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for Lactobacillus Replacement Therapy (LRT). Methods for improved stability and recovery of dried bacterial preparations are also provided.
US08642028B2
The present invention relates to the field of gene therapy and the treatment of tumors.
US08642025B2
The present disclosure relates to compounds, compositions and methods for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and methods for using these compounds in the treatment of HCV infection.
US08642024B2
Provided herein is an anhydrous cosmetic composition comprising at least one organic structuring agent, at least one modified starch, at least one wood meal, at least one surfactant, and at least one anhydrous liquid phase. Also provided is a method for cleansing and/or conditioning keratin materials, comprising applying at least one of the anhydrous cosmetic compositions to the keratin materials.
US08642023B2
Problem To provide a skin cosmetic which exerts a feeling of ameliorating effect on skin wrinkles and sagging by application, and is free from uncomfortable feelings in use, such as stickiness, twisting of the cosmetic applied on the skin, and squeakiness.Means for Solution A skin cosmetic is provided, which comprises an aqueous liquid of an anionic or amphoteric urethane resin dissolved or dispersed in water and wherein the anionic or amphoteric urethane resin is prepared by reacting (a) an isocyanate compound with (b) a polyol compound containing the following components (b-1) to (b-3) or the following components (b-1) to (b-4) and having a ratio of (b-1)/(b-2) of 0.15-3.0 (by mass, in terms of charge): [(b-1): cyclohexanedimethanol, (b-2): polypropylene glycol having a molecular weight of 1000-3000, (b-3): a compound having an active hydrogen and a carboxyl group in one molecule, (b-4): a compound having an active hydrogen and a tertiary amino group in one molecule.].
US08642020B2
The subject of the present disclosure is a composition for treating keratin fibers comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one oxidizing agent; at least one nonionic amphiphilic hydrophobic compound which is solid at ambient temperature; and, optionally, at least one hydrophilic surfactant; wherein the weight ratio of the at least one hydrophilic surfactant to the at least one nonionic amphiphilic hydrophobic compound ranges from 0:1 to 0.16:1, on the condition that when the at least one hydrophilic surfactant is present, it must be chosen from cationic and zwitterionic hydrophilic surfactants; and further wherein the composition is in the form of an aqueous dispersion.
US08642013B2
Compositions and methods are disclosed for evaluating a subject's vasculature integrity, for differentiating between a malignant lesion and a benign lesion, for evaluating the accessibility of a tumor to nano-sized therapeutics, for treating tumors, and for live or real time monitoring of a nano-probe's biodistribution.
US08642009B2
Methods and compositions are provided for the analysis of skin surfaces to determine the presence of neoplastic tissue. In the methods of the invention, a composition comprising a florescent probe that binds to a specific neoplasia associated marker is applied topically to the area of interest. After topical administration, the probe preferentially binds to markers associated in neoplastic lesions in situ, which binding is detected with a compact illumination unit that provides illumination at a wavelength appropriate for image acquisition. The illumination unit comprises a light source and fiber optic bundle to direct the light towards the area of examination. A detection unit is used to capture and record an image of the area of investigation. The detection unit may be a digital camera, film camera, etc. A mapping module may also be provided to catalogue the site of examination.
US08642007B2
This invention provides a combination of a gene and isotope therapy that is applied to a cancerous tissue to selectively kill that associated cancer cells with minimal negative effects on surrounding non-cancerous cells. Functionally, the specific DNA fragments with labeled isotope are able to bind the tumor cells DNA through recombination, and then the isotope kills the tumor cells. A gene is employed as a carrier to deliver the P-32 which can kill cancer cells through radioactive emission. Unlike traditional gene therapy, which employs a gene to express a protein, which can suppress the cancer cell growth or increase the sensitivity for radiation therapy or chemotherapy, the illustrative embodiment actually binds the radioactive substance via a gene. The illustrative embodiment produces the compound/agent containing a gene (DNA fragment) and P-32 through use of conventional P-32 labeling techniques such as those employed in molecular biology experiments (for example experiments used to test gene expression and gene amplification potency). In the illustrative embodiment, however, the same P-32 labeled DNA is employed directly for cancer treatment through a novel medical treatment method. Appropriate doses are provided to patients as part of a medical treatment method.
US08642005B2
A method for producing hydrogen via a thermochemical route from water, based on the cerium-chlorine cycle is provided. The method comprises, according to a first reaction scheme, the following reactions: H2O+Cl2=2HCl+½O2; (A) 8HCl+2CeO2=2CeCl3+Cl2+4H2O; (B) 2CeCl3+4H2O=2CeO2+6HCl+H2; (C) or, according to a second reaction scheme, the following reactions: H2O+Cl2=2HCl+½O2; (A) 8HCl+2CeO2=2CeCl3+Cl2+4H2O; (B) 2CeCl3+2H2O=2CeOCl+4HCl; (B′) 2CeOCl+2H2O=2CeO2+2HCl+H2; (C′) wherein the reaction (B) for chlorination of cerium oxide is conducted in a liquid phase, the cerium chloride passing into solution, and wherein the reaction (B) is catalyzed by fluoride ions.
US08641995B2
Rare earth magneto-optical nanocrystalline oxides provide a material that is transparent in the visible range and has a high magnetic response to external magnetic fields. The material can be manufactured using current activated pressure assisted densification (CAPAD). The result is a rare earth magneto-optical nanocrystalline oxide having an average grain size of less than about 100 nm and a Verdet constant greater than or equal to about 300 rad T−1 m−1 for light having a wavelength of about 632.8 nm.
US08641982B2
A vaporizer for the sterilization of containers, includes a housing, a first opening arranged in the housing for supplying a gaseous medium to the housing, an injection device for injecting into the housing a substance which contains hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). A heating device is arranged inside the housing for vaporizing the hydrogen peroxide, and a second opening is arranged in the housing for discharging a mixture of the gaseous medium and the vaporized hydrogen peroxide from the housing. The injection device extends in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to a plane of the heating device and the first opening is adjoined by a pipe section which extends at least partially in a longitudinal direction (L) of the injection device, wherein the injection device runs at least partially inside the pipe section.
US08641974B2
A device dynamically detects particles of a fluid. The device can be miniaturized for detecting and selecting magnetized particles, particularly cells.
US08641968B2
A chemical analyzer, a method for sample-based analysis, a device for handling cuvette assemblies including a rotatable incubator with at least one curved opening for receiving a new cuvette assembly, an analyzer arranged around the incubator for analyzing contents of the new cuvette assembly, and a loading device adapted to carry the new cuvette assembly while initially being aligned in a straight manner before being loaded. The loading device includes a feed funnel having a first end for receiving the new cuvette assembly initially aligned in the straight manner into the feed funnel, and a second end for feeding the new cuvette assembly into the at least one curved opening, the second end having a curvature which corresponds to the curvature of the curved opening, the second end for bending the initially straight new cuvette assembly and fitting the new cuvette assembly into the at least one curved opening.
US08641965B2
Method for controlling the sterilization of products in an autoclave, in which products are placed in at least one closed, unsealed and confined container of any type, and according to which inside this same container there is a loaded and autonomous device for measuring in the container at least one sterilization parameter wherein during at least one part of the duration of the sterilization cycle and according to a predefined frequency, at least one representative value of the measurement of the at least one parameter is recorded in the loaded device and at least one of these representative values is transmitted directly through the container that remains closed, through wireless transmission by electromagnetic rays of waves with a frequency of less than 250,000 GHz.
US08641958B2
Devices positioned between an energy source and an imprint lithography template may block exposure of energy to portions of polymerizable material dispensed on a substrate. Portions of the polymerizable material that are blocked from the energy may remain fluid, while the remaining polymerizable material is solidified.
US08641956B1
A gasket apparatus is disclosed for forming an undercut on an inner surface of a molded part, along with corresponding methods for molding and positioning the apparatus within the undercut. The apparatus provides, in an exemplary embodiment, a gasket removably molded about a circumferential perimeter portion of a substantially disk-shaped insert. The perimeter portion is configured for forming a gasket groove in the gasket, the gasket groove itself configured for subsequently accepting and retaining an object therewithin when the insert is removed. The apparatus is configured for extending a distance into the inner surface of the molded part during the molding process, thereby forming the undercut therewithin. Upon cooling of the molded part, the insert is able to be disengaged and removed from gasket, leaving the gasket within the undercut and allowing the object to be positioned and retained within the gasket groove.
US08641951B2
The invention relates to a method for producing a programmed shape memory polymer, which assumes a first temporary shape and at least two additional stored thermally activatable shapes, namely at least one second temporary shape and a permanent shape, with the steps of: (a) providing a shape memory polymer which has at least two switching segments (A, B), which through phase segregation each form a switching phase having each a corresponding transition temperature (TtransA, TtransB), (b) deforming the shape memory polymer into a shape corresponding to the first temporary shape at a temperature above the upper transition temperature (TtransA), and (c) cooling to a temperature below the lower transition temperature (TtransB) by fixing the first temporary shape. The method of the invention provides a one-step programming method for a triple-shape plastic material.
US08641947B2
A method and extrusion line for producing peroxide-cross-linked polyethylene pipes in an extrusion line having an extruder, a cross-linking furnace and a flue. The extruded tube is subjected to a stretching process, and the cross-linking furnace has a first heating section that extends from its inlet to an actuated deflection roller and a second heating section from the deflection roller to its outlet. The stretching process in the first heating section and the stretching process in the second heating section are monitored and regulated in such a manner that the necessary stretching of the pipe takes place primarily in the first heating section, and the stretching of the pipe in the second heating section is subjected to zero adjustment. In this case, the height of the deflection roller(s) of the cross-linking furnace and the angle of the heating sections to the horizontal plane can be height-adjustable.
US08641945B2
The invention relates to vitreous aroma particles and the preparation thereof, as well as to the use thereof in foods, consumer articles and pharmaceuticals.
US08641940B2
A method for the monolithic furnaces construction with refractory concrete for the manufacture of glass through the formation of temporary structures for the filling and molded of refractory concrete.
US08641936B2
In a method for manufacturing a structure of curable material, a first structure from a first curable material is molded and cured on a substrate, and a second structure of a second curable material is molded and cured on a first surface of the first structure facing away from the substrate, so that at the first surface of the first structure a boundary surface forms between the first and second structures so that the first structure is not covered by the second structure in a passage area. A solvent is introduced into the passage area to dissolve the first curable material of the first structure so that a cavity forms between the second structure and the first surface of the substrate. After curing, the first curable material is soluble and the second curable material is insoluble for the solvent. An optical component and an optical layer stack are made of curable material.
US08641934B2
A method for fabricating a light guide plate includes the following steps. Injection molding a light guide plate to obtain a light guide plate with a stub. Cutting away the stub to obtain a light guide plate with a cut edge. Providing a thermal resetting apparatus having an nano release material layer. A thermal melting temperature of the nano release material layer is higher than that of the light guide plate, heating the thermal resetting apparatus to make a temperature of the nano release material layer higher than the thermal melting temperature of the nano release material layer. And resetting the cut edge of the light guide plate by contacting the nano release material layer of the thermal resetting apparatus with the cut edge of the light guide plate to obtain a light guide plate with a smooth edge.
US08641923B2
Disclosed is a liquid crystal mixture that includes an isotropic mixture of liquid crystal molecules and a photo-polymerizable monomer. In addition, disclosed are a liquid crystal display (LCD) including a first display panel and a second display panel facing each other, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first display panel and the second display panel and including a plurality of liquid crystal regions and a plurality of polymer structures positioned among the plurality of liquid crystal regions, and a method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display (LCD). The liquid crystal layer is formed of a liquid crystal mixture in which liquid crystal molecules and a photo-polymerizable monomer exist isotropically.
US08641917B2
A thermoelectric material that comprises a ternary main group matrix material and nano-particles and/or nano-inclusions of transition metal oxide dispersed therein. A process for making the thermoelectric material that includes reacting a reduced metal precursor with an oxidized metal precursor in the presence of transition metal oxide nanoparticles.
US08641913B2
A method includes applying a final etch-resistant material to an in-process substrate so that the final etch-resistant material at least partially covers first microcontact portions integral with the substrate and projecting upwardly from a surface of the substrate, and etching the surface of the substrate so as to leave second microcontact portions below the first microcontact portions and integral therewith, the final etch-resistant material at least partially protecting the first microcontact portions from etching during the further etching step. A microelectronic unit includes a substrate, and a plurality of microcontacts projecting in a vertical direction from the substrate, each microcontact including a base region adjacent the substrate and a tip region remote from the substrate, each microcontact having a horizontal dimension which is a first function of vertical location in the base region and which is a second function of vertical location in the tip region.
US08641911B2
A centrifugal bowl (105) comprises a base (3) that can rotate about an axis of rotation. A filter sieve in the shape of a perforated peripheral side sieve wall (151) extends from an open end to the base, and a plurality of vanes (155a . . . 155f) is disposed in a predominantly radial direction on the inner surface of the perforated peripheral side sieve wall (151).
US08641908B2
A method of recovering polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from municipal waste sludge includes: (a) measuring a solid content in the municipal waste sludge in terms of a volatile suspended solid in the municipal waste sludge; (b) removing supernatant from the municipal waste sludge; (c) freezing the municipal waste sludge; (d) conducting a pretreatment of the municipal waste sludge that has been frozen; (e) adding a surfactant into the pretreated sludge to obtain a slurry; (f) adding a controlled amount of sodium hypochlorite solution to the municipal waste sludge obtained in step (e), a ratio of a volume of the sodium hypochlorite solution to the solid content of the municipal waste sludge ranging from 0.67 mg/ml to 1.25 mg/ml and being defined as a liquid-solid ratio; and (g) separating PHAs from non-PHAs substances in the municipal waste sludge obtained in the step (f).
US08641901B2
A filter element is disclosed. The filter element includes a filter casing defining an inner radial surface, a filter body disposed within the casing, the filter body having an axial, dirty side surface and an axial, clean side surface, wherein the filter body includes fluted filter media having one or more flutes that extend from the dirty side surface to the clean side surface and a pre-filter including an axial, dirty side surface and an axial, clean side surface, the pre-filter arranged within the casing so that the dirty side surface of the pre-filter is proximate the clean side surface of the filter body, wherein the filter body and the pre-filter are fixably retained by the inner radial surface of the casing.
US08641898B2
An apparatus for treating a liquid includes: (a) a pump volute or hydrocyclone head having an inlet and a throat having an outlet and a central axis, (b) a tank connected to the outlet of the throat, wherein the tank has a maximum inner diameter that is larger than an inner diameter of the outlet of the throat, and (c) a wave energy source having a first electrode within the pump volute or hydrocyclone head that extends through the outlet of the throat along the central axis, and a second electrode within the tank that is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode along the central axis. The liquid is supplied to the inlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, and is irradiated with one or more wave energies produced by the wave energy source.
US08641895B2
A method and apparatus for recovering oil from oil-containing sorbents, such as drill cuttings obtained from drilling with an oil-based mud. The method includes peptizing the substrate with an acid reagent and direct thermal desorption with combustion effluent gases at high temperature under turbulent mixing conditions. Another method disclosed includes upgrading the oil in the substrate to improve one or more of the properties of the recovered oil relative to the oil in the substrate, such as, lower aromatics content, lower sulfur content, lower functional group content, higher saturates, higher viscosity, higher viscosity index, and any combination thereof. The apparatus provides for efficient recovery of oil from the substrate with a short residence time, high throughput, low residual oil content in the treated solids and/or high percentage of oil recovery. The apparatus may be transported to a remote location for on-site treatment of drill cuttings or other oil-containing solids.
US08641890B2
The invention relates to a method for removing mercury from mercury containing materials, such as feedstreams, natural gas streams, natural gas condensates, and so forth. The method involves passing a fluid (e.g., gas or liquid) stream containing mercury along a polymeric membrane contact module, while a cleaning or scrubbing solution passes along the other side of the membrane. The scrubbing solution facilitates removal of mercury from the first solution via, e.g., mercury reactive components contained in it.
US08641886B2
An electrolytic method for treatment of water to increase the dissolved oxygen content, the method including: (a) contacting the water with at least one first electrode device; (b) providing at least one second electrode device in non-physical, electrical contact with the water; (c) introducing an oxidant to the water, and (d) passing an electric current between the second electrode device and the first electrode device, so as to establish an electric field in the water of sufficient strength and duration to effect the electrolytic dissociation of the water to produce dissolved oxygen and/or hydrogen species.
US08641885B2
Disclosed is a system and method for reducing carbon dioxide into a carbon based product. The system includes an electrochemical cell having a cathode region which includes a cathode and a non-aqueous catholyte; an anode region having an anode and an aqueous or gaseous anolyte; and an ion permeable zone disposed between the anode region and the cathode region. The ion permeable zone is at least one of (i) the interface between the anolyte and the catholyte, (ii) an ion selective membrane; (iii) at least one liquid layer formed of an emulsion or (iv) a hydrophobic or glass fiber separator. The system and method includes a source of energy, whereby applying the source of energy across the anode and cathode reduces the carbon dioxide and produces an oxidation product.
US08641882B2
Described is a capillary column cartridge. The cartridge can be used to perform separations according to various techniques such as capillary gas chromatography, capillary electrophoresis and capillary liquid chromatography. The cartridge includes a capillary column secured in a cartridge body. The capillary column includes an inlet port and an outlet port that, in some embodiments, are disposed on a planar surface of the body. When the body is engaged to a separation system module, the inlet port is aligned to receive a sample to be separated and the outlet port is aligned to provide the separated sample to the separation system module. The path of the capillary through the body has a non-planar path shape such as a coil shape. Consequently, longer column lengths can be accommodated, leading to an improvement in separation resolution. The body can include a material having a high thermal conductivity to achieve improved thermal performance.
US08641880B2
Method and apparatus for the manipulation and/or control of the position of particles using time-variable fields of force; the fields of force can be of dielectrophoresis (positive or negative), electrophoresis, electrohydrodynamic or electrowetting on dielectric, possessing a set of stable points of equilibrium for the particles.
US08641874B2
This is an electrolytic apparatus and process for the production of Hypochlorous Acid (HClO) and Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) in a closed-loop arrangement. A brine solution in an electrolyzer cell is subjected to an electric current, causing HClO and/or NaOH to be produced in water circulated through the cell. The produced solution is recirculated through the cell as its chemical properties are monitored by a sensor, connected by a controller which controls a recirculating pump and the electric current, until the sensor indicates that the concentration of the solution has reached a desired value, and the controller stops the process.
US08641870B2
The invention relates to a method for the surface treatment of a titanium dioxide with aluminum phosphate and hydrous aluminum oxide that leads to pigments with improved greying resistance, while simultaneously maintaining good brightness and opacity. The method is characterized in that phosphoric acid is initially added to a TiO2 suspension with a pH value of at least 8, in which context the pH value drops to 3 or below. An alkaline aluminum compound is subsequently added, in which context the pH rises to at least 5, after which an acid aluminum compound is added, as a result of which a pH value of 4.5 to 7 is obtained. The pigment manufactured by the method according to the invention is eminently suitable for use in decorative laminating paper.
US08641862B2
Plasma is generated using elemental hydrogen, a weak oxidizing agent, and a fluorine containing gas. An inert gas is introduced to the plasma downstream of the plasma source and upstream of a showerhead that directs gas mixture into the reaction chamber where the mixture reacts with the high-dose implant resist. The process removes both the crust and bulk resist layers at a high strip rate, and leaves the work piece surface substantially residue free with low silicon loss.
US08641856B2
A method for adhesive bond joining of two surfaces, where a metallic or non-metallic solder is applied to at least one of the two surfaces, where the solder has a temperature-dependent optical property. The solder is radiated with electromagnetic radiation with a predetermined spectrum, such that the solder reaches a predetermined temperature above its melting temperature and moistens the surfaces, such that the temperature-dependent optical property is modified reversibly or irreversibly at the predetermined temperature of the solder. The solder is cooled to below its melting temperature, such that the solder solidifies and connects the surfaces in an adhesive bond.
US08641852B2
Methods are disclosed for converting on a mass scale elongated material webs into finished parts or devices. Slits form strands in a web, the strands comprising interconnected objects which correspond to parts of finished devices. Strands are combined with additional webs to form a material laminate from which finished devices are die cut. The methods are suitable for a range of converting applications including medical devices, particularly the external nasal dilator. Complex dilator devices produced from the methods are formed as a single body truss having horizontal regions adapted to engage outer wall tissues of first and second nasal passages of a nose. When in use the dilator stabilizes or expands nasal outer wall tissues and prevents the outer wall tissues from drawing inward during breathing. Methods of manufacture comprise separate steps for fabricating and assembling the elements and layers of finished dilator devices and for packaging finished devices individually or in groups. Waste material is incorporated into subsequent fabrication processes to produce the same or complementary devices.
US08641844B2
The present disclosure relates generally to a telecommunications wire including an electrical conductor and a dielectric insulator surrounding the electrical conductor. The dielectric insulator defines a plurality of channels defining void space containing a material having a low dielectric constant such as air. The channels each run along a length of the electrical conductor. The channels are configured to lower an overall dielectric constant of the dielectric insulator while maintaining desirable mechanical properties such as crush resistance.
US08641838B2
A copper alloy sheet material, having a composition containing any one or both of Ni and Co in an amount of 0.5 to 5.0 mass % in total, and Si in an amount of 0.3 to 1.5 mass %, with the balance of copper and unavoidable impurities, wherein an area ratio of cube orientation {0 0 1} <1 0 0> is 5 to 50%, according to a crystal orientation analysis in EBSD measurement.
US08641836B2
The present invention provides steel plate for line pipe excellent in strength and ductility and a method of production of the same. The steel plate has a steel composition containing, by mass %, C: 0.04 to 0.15%, Si: 0.05 to 0.60%, Mn: 0.80 to 1.80%, P: 0.020% or less, S: 0.010% or less, Nb: 0.01 to 0.08%, and Al: 0.003 to 0.08%, having a balance of iron and unavoidable impurities, and having a value of Ceq shown by the following formula <1> of 0.48 or less, comprised of a mixed structure of ferrite and pearlite or ferrite and pearlite partially containing bainite in which a ferrite percentage is 60 to 95%, having a yield strength of 450 MPa or more, and having an amount of hydrogen contained in the steel of 0.1 ppm or less: Ceq=C+Mn/6+(Cu+Ni)/15+(Cr+Mo+Nb+V+Ti)/5+5B <1>.
US08641832B2
An objective of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a rare earth metal-based permanent magnet having an Al film containing Mg, which exhibits an excellent salt water resistance. The present invention, which is to accomplish the objective, is a method for producing a rare earth metal-based permanent magnet having formed on the surface thereof an Al film containing Mg by a vapor deposition, characterized in that the production method comprises, in the case of cooling the magnet from a high temperature of 160° C. or higher after the completion of the vapor deposition step inside the treating chamber of a deposition apparatus, rapidly cooling down the magnet at a cooling rate of 10° C./min or higher until the temperature of the magnet reaches at least 60° C.
US08641830B2
Apparatus and related methods for continually measuring and dispensing precise amounts of bulk chemical in a car wash application. A gravimetric dispensing assembly can include a load cell and a syringe dosing pump that is suspended below the load cell such that an entire mass of the syringe dosing pump is communicated to the load cell. In this manner, the load cell can measure the actual mass of chemical being dispensed from the syringe dosing pump on a continuous basis without solely relying on the rated volumetric capacity of the syringe dosing pump. The syringe dosing pump can be driven by a stepper motor that can be pulsed as directed by a controller so as to maintain, increase or decrease an amount of bulk chemical being dispensed from the syringe dosing pump.
US08641829B2
Disclosed is a substrate processing system, including: a processing chamber to process a substrate; a vaporizing unit to vaporize a material of liquid; a supply system to supply the processing chamber with gas of the material vaporized by the vaporizing unit; an exhaust system to exhaust an atmosphere in the processing chamber; and a cleaning liquid supply system to supply the vaporizing unit with cleaning liquid for cleaning a product deposited in the vaporizing unit, wherein the cleaning liquid supply system supplies at least two kinds of cleaning liquids into the vaporizing unit so that the product can be removed from the vaporizing unit by action of the two kinds of cleaning liquids on the product.
US08641820B2
An implementation of a Czochralski-type crystal growth has been shown and embodied. More particularly, a furnace with suitable insulation and flow arrangement is shown to improve the cost-efficiency of production of crystals. That is achieved by the shown new hot-zone structure, gas flows and the growth process which can decrease the power consumption, increase the lifetime of hot-zone parts and improve the productivity, e.g., by giving means for opening the hot-zone and easily adapting the hot-zone to a new crystal diameter.
US08641816B2
Provided are new functionalized surfactants and methods of their preparation and use. The surfactants are compounds of formula I: wherein R1, R2, and R3 are as defined herein.
US08641813B2
A system and method for optimizing the gas/liquid separation process for a fluid flowing within a pipe is provided, wherein the method includes receiving a fluid flow having a liquid component and a gas component. The method further includes separating the liquid component from the gas component, wherein the liquid component is separated from the gas component via a separator device. The method also includes generating gas component data and liquid component data, wherein the gas component data is responsive to the liquid carry-over into the gas component and wherein the liquid component data is responsive to the gas carry-under into the liquid component. Furthermore, the method includes processing the gas component data and the liquid component data to generate apparatus optimization data.
US08641807B2
Hollow fiber membranes, such as those used in air separation modules, are generally made from solution spinning. Typically, solvent is present in the bore of the fiber for the spinning process. This solvent, in addition to the solvent already present in the polymer casting solution, may cause voids in the fiber material. By adding a polycarboxylic acid to the polymer casting material, these voids may be reduced or eliminated.
US08641797B2
The method of the present disclosure includes providing an organic compost material, combining the organic compost material with a crop to be grown, heating the organic compost material, combining the organic compost material with water, and extracting an aqueous liquid comprising humic acid and fulvic acid. The organic compost material may include straw and manure and the straw and manure may be subjected to several days and/or weeks of aerobic composting. The crop may include a variety of plants, trees, vegetables, fruits and fungi. In one embodiment, the crop may include mushroom spores, mycelia, or mushrooms.
US08641796B2
Thermoplastic bicomponent binder fiber can be combined with other media, fibers and other filtration components to form a thermally bonded filtration media. The filtration media can be used in filter units, such as breather caps. Such filter units can be placed in the stream of a mobile fluid and can remove a particulate and/or fluid mist load from the mobile stream. The unique combination of media fiber, bicomponent binder fiber and other filtration additives and components provide a filtration media having unique properties in filtration applications.
US08641784B2
The present invention relates to organic coloring agents with a high color stability to weathering for thermoplastics. The invention furthermore relates to a polymer composition containing at least one thermoplastic and at least one organic coloring agent, preferably a combination of at least two organic coloring agents, of a specific structure. The invention moreover relates to the use of the coloring agents according to the invention for coloring polymer compositions, in particular for transparent formulations such as are required for the production of panes for use in buildings, motor vehicles and track vehicles or aircraft.
US08641778B2
A method and apparatus for reducing the incident of infection proximate to an exit site where a prosthesis fastener, e.g., a bone screw, percutaneously penetrates a patient's skin/soft tissue. Infection reduction is achieved in accordance with the invention by growing a tissue integrating seal around the fastener proximate to the exit site.
US08641774B2
An osteochondral composite including a hydrogel with implanted biological cells joined to a porous supportive base at a mechanically-interlocked interface is disclosed. A method of fabricating the osteochondral composite and a method of treating damaged or diseased articular cartilage by implanting an osteochondral composite are also disclosed.
US08641768B2
The present invention provides an intervertebral implant for implantation in a treated area of an intervertebral space between vertebral bodies of a spine. The implant includes a spacer portion having an inferior and superior surface, wherein the inferior and superior surfaces each have a contact area capable of engaging with anatomy in the treated area, and the inferior and superior surfaces define a through-hole extending through the spacer body. The present invention further provides screw holes extending from a side portion to the inferior and superior surfaces of the spacer portion and a plate portion rigidly coupled to the spacer portion through a coupling means, wherein the plate portion contains screws holes for receiving screws. A screw back out prevention mechanism adapted on the plate portion and prevents the back out of screws from the screw holes.
US08641761B2
The creation and implantation of an artificial nail in the treatment of deformed or missing nails includes preparing the nail bed. A polypropylene mesh is applied and anchored to the nail bed. Nail restoration material is applied to the polypropylene mesh. The nail restoration material is secured by regenerated nail tissue growing through the openings of the mesh whereby the mesh acts as an interface for the nail bed and the nail restoration material.
US08641760B2
A system is provided for stabilized total ossicular replacement in a middle ear having an intact stapes with a capitulum and a footplate. The system includes an ossicular replacement prosthesis including with elongate shaft and a head coupled to the shaft, and a stabilizer that couples the prosthesis to the stapes. The stabilizer has a first portion with a first opening and a second portion with a second opening, said first opening sized to stably engage the shaft of the prosthesis, and said second opening sized to stably engage the capitulum. When the shaft and capitulum are engaged they are retained in an side-by side configuration. The stabilizer may be constructed of an elastic polymer, an elastic metal alloy, a plastic material or a shape memory material.
US08641751B2
A prosthesis is disclosed for placement at an Os opening from a main body lumen to a branch body lumen. The prosthesis comprises a radially expansible support at one end, a circumferentially extending link at the other end and at least one frond extending axially therebetween. The support is configured to be deployed in the branch body lumen, with the circumferentially extending link in the main lumen and the frond extendable across the Os.
US08641746B2
Apparatus and methods for delivering stents and other prostheses to body lumens include a prosthesis forming and deploying mechanism carried at the distal end of a catheter shaft. The mechanism is adapted to form and deploy prostheses of a variable length, and to form and deploy multiple prostheses during a single interventional procedure.
US08641728B2
An endoscopic apparatus shaped and dimensioned for passage through an orifice in the body includes a scope attachment member coupled to an endoscopic instrument, and a connection member attaching the scope attachment member to the endoscopic instrument. The connection member has an insertion orientation sized for passage through the orifice and a deployed orientation too large to pass though the orifice. When the connection member is in its insertion orientation the endoscopic instrument is positioned closely adjacent an exterior of an endoscope for low profile insertion of the endoscopic instrument through an orifice, and when the connection is in its deployed orientation the endoscopic instrument is spaced from the endoscope to improve visibility.
US08641726B2
A method for robotic surgery on a joint using a robotic system and a navigation system. The robotic system includes a base, a plurality of arms, and a cutting tool. The navigation system tracks movement of bones associated with the joint during the surgery. Information related to tracked positions of the bones is communicated from the navigation system to the robotic system. The navigation system may include a plurality of locating devices.
US08641724B2
Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the formation of an arteriovenous fistula in the limb of the patient. Embodiments include a device for the creation, modification and maintenance of a fistula that includes an integral fistula creation assembly near its distal end that passes through the skin of the patient, through a first vessel such as an artery, and into a second vessel such as a vein. The fistula creation assembly preferably includes an anastomotic implant that is placed within the fistula to maintain long-term blood flow therethrough. The devices, systems and methods can be used to treat patients with one or more numerous ailments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, respiratory failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung fibrosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome.
US08641720B2
A surgical instrument is configured to introduce a spinal fixation rod into a vertebral implant such that once the spinal fixation rod is engaged with the surgical instrument and the surgical instrument is put into a retention configuration, the spinal fixation rod cannot be removed from the surgical instrument until the spinal fixation rod is properly located and oriented with respect to the surgical construct and the surgical instrument is released from the retention configuration. The surgical instrument for introducing a spinal fixation rod includes a surgical instrument body with an actuator, and an engagement assembly at opposing ends and a transfer assembly extending between the actuator and the engagement assembly. The surgical instrument can also be used as part of a method for introducing a spinal fixation rod. Additionally, the surgical instrument can be part of a kit for introducing a spinal fixation rod, the kit including a plurality of spinal fixation rods of varying shapes and sizes.
US08641716B2
Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.
US08641715B2
An apparatus for penetrating the bone marrow of a bone is provided. The apparatus includes a handle having a drive shaft, a connector having a first end operable to connect to a drive shaft and a second end operable to connect to a penetrator hub and a penetrator hub having a penetrator that accesses the bone marrow.
US08641713B2
An endoscopic forceps is disclosed including an end effector assembly having two jaw members movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least a second position closer to one another for grasping tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members is connectable to an electrosurgical energy source for conducting energy through tissue held therebetween. The jaw members are biased to the first position. The end effector assembly of the endoscopic forceps further includes a wire snare having a proximal end connectable to an electrosurgical energy source and a distal end translatably extending out of one of the jaw members and operatively associated with the other of the jaw members. In use, withdrawal of the proximal end of the wire snare results in movement of the jaw members from the first position to a second position and clamping of the tissue between the jaws.
US08641697B2
A steering mechanism for a catheter includes a tubular member defining a passage. The tubular member has a longitudinally extending, bend-enhancing portion formed at a predetermined region of the tubular member. An actuator is received in the passage of the tubular member, with the distal part of the actuator being fastened to a distal part of the tubular member.
US08641690B2
An apparatus for treatment of external hemorrhaging has a panel for applying pressure to an absorbent pad and a wound on a body part. The panel has a central portion located between first and second arms which extend outwardly and in transversely opposed directions from the central portion. The apparatus includes a strap which is attached to the first arm at or near a first strap end, and is releasably attachable to the second arm at an attachment region of the strap spaced apart from the first strap end. When the panel is strapped to the body part, the tension in the strap pulls on and elastically deforms the first and second arms of the panel inwardly toward the body part, and applies localized pressure to the pad and wound.
US08641688B2
An assembly for identifying a power injectable vascular access port, including a vascular access port and an identification feature. The port is structured for power injection and includes a housing and a septum together defining a reservoir. A radiographic feature incorporated into the port is perceivable via x-ray following subcutaneous implantation, the radiographic feature identifying the port as suitable for flowing fluid at a fluid flow rate of at least 1 mL/sec therethrough. A structural feature of the port is perceivable via palpation following subcutaneous implantation, the structural feature identifying the port as suitable for accommodating a pressure within the reservoir of at least 35 psi. The identification feature is separated from the port and confirms that the port is both suitable for flowing fluid at a rate of at least 1 mL/sec therethrough and suitable for accommodating a pressure within the reservoir of at least 35 psi.
US08641687B2
A device and kit are described for mixing and instillation of a two-part chemical system within a body cavity, under pressure. More particularly, a vaginal hygiene system is illustrated utilizing a two-part chemical system effective for achieving stasis of the vaginal flora, whereby bacterial vaginosis is effectively mitigated, thereby eliminating undesirable vaginal discharge and discomfort. In one embodiment a kit is described including a highly portable dispenser having separate and distinct reservoirs which segregate the two-part chemical system until the desired time of use, and further include a combination applicator nozzle and blending manifold, wherein activation of the device results in the fluidic coupling of the chemical reservoirs, and provides immediate intermixing of the two-part chemical system concomitant with pressurized expulsion through an imperforate nozzle into the vaginal canal.
US08641685B2
A medical connector is described which is formed by a body having an inlet port, an outlet port through a male luer portion of the body, and a fluid path between the inlet port and the at least one outlet ports. A retractable post extends through the fluid path in the male luer sealing a tip of the male luer thereby closing the fluid path when the connector in not activated. There is a seal between the retractable post and the body that forms a fluid volume within a portion of the cavity. The fluid path passes through the fluid volume. When actuated, the retractable post is forced away from the tip of the male luer, thereby opening the fluid path through the medical connector and decreasing the fluid volume.
US08641680B2
The present invention safety device is a one-piece needle assembly that has a base and a housing pivotally connected to the base. The base has a distal portion to which a needle is fitted. At the base there is formed longitudinally along its distal portion a catch mechanism that may be in the form of an anchor projection. At the back wall of the housing there is extended another catch mechanism that may be configured in the form of two clasping fingers. Also providing in the housing is an integral hook. As the housing and the base are pivoted relative to each other, and as the needle makes contact with the hook, the respective catch mechanisms at the base and the housing also make contact with each other, resulting in the coupling of the catch mechanisms and the coupling of the needle to the hook. As a result, the catch mechanisms are interlocked and the needle is fixedly retained by the hook within the housing. The catch mechanisms may also be configured as a hook and a latch in the form of a rib with an opening whereto the hook is fixedly coupled. The gauge of the needle may be determined by the color of both the base and the housing, which are molded as a unitary single unit.
US08641677B2
An intravenous catheter device and system includes: (a) a medical tubing connector at a first end of the intravenous catheter device; (b) a length of flexible, non-kinking, supported medical tubing, a first end of the non-kinking tubing being connected to a first end of the medical tubing connector; (c) an intravenous catheter portion having a first end attached to a second end of the non-kinking tubing, the non-kinking tubing extending between the intravenous catheter portion and the tubing connector; and (d) a cylindrical-shaped cuff attached to a first outside end portion of the intravenous catheter portion, and a second outside end portion of the non-kinking tubing; wherein a central channel of the intravenous catheter portion is in fluid communication with a channel of the non-kinking, flexible tubing when the intravenous catheter device is in use. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims.
US08641668B2
A disposable injector with a housing (10) in which are arranged at least one mechanical spring energy reservoir (50), at least one cylinder/piston unit (100), at least one piston-actuating ram, and at least one trigger unit. For this purpose, the housing has at least one inverted draw hook, which has at least one support surface respectively in the region of its free end. The spring-loaded piston-actuating plunger rests on the support surface, whereby the contact zone placed between the draw hook and the piston-actuating plunger represents a variable-speed gear pair thrusting the draw hook radially outwards. The locking position of the draw hook is secured by an actuating element positioned in a locked position. The actuating element has a triggering position which effects radially outwards aligned retreat of the draw hook when the piston-actuating plunger is released.
US08641667B2
A perfusion device and method is provided in various examples. In an example, the device includes a container having a first internal chamber configured to hold the material; a port for introducing the liquid into the chamber; a vent for releasing gas and liquid from the chamber; and a flow control device for sealing the vent to allow a vacuum to be drawn on the first chamber. In an example, the container includes a syringe that defines the internal material chamber and includes an end cap and a plunger. The vent may be formed by a venting passageway in the plunger and/or the cap. In various examples, the vacuum may be created by a medical syringe coupled to the container. In some examples, the medical syringe may also be used to deliver the liquid into the container.
US08641666B2
Catheters with laminar flow bioactive agent delivery properties and methods of using for treating or preventing vascular disease are disclosed.
US08641661B2
A system includes a cylinder having a bore with a piston disposed therein, the piston moveable along the bore of the cylinder and having a passage therethrough. The system also includes a mixer disposed in the passage in the piston and including at least one porous mixing device, the at least one porous mixing device comprising a three-dimensional lattice defining a plurality of tortuous, interconnecting passages therethrough, and having physical characteristics to sufficiently mix the first and second components, which characteristics include a selected one or more of mean flow pore size, thickness and porosity.
US08641651B2
An improved foot abduction apparatus allowing movement in a horizontal and vertical plane. The embodiments allow a user to more easily manipulate the apparatus in one or both planes through the use of strategically placed pivot points. The device utilizes at least one rigid member attached to coupling devices which contain at least one pivot point. The specialized coupling devices may be selectively attached to shoe receiving member or plates which are well known in the art. Additionally the shoe receiving members are able to receive an improved shoe containing a sole member contained with a silicone boot.
US08641637B2
The present invention provides a method of measuring an acoustic impedance of a respiratory system. The method comprises selecting a frequency range for an acoustic wave, directing the acoustic wave into the respiratory system and receiving an acoustic wave from the respiratory system. The method also comprises determining the acoustic impedance for a plurality of volumes or volume ranges of the respiratory system. Each volume, or the volumes within each volume range, is larger than RV or FRC and smaller than TLC whereby the determined acoustic impedances are specific for respective volumes or volume ranges. Further, the method includes determining a volume, or volume range, dependency of the acoustic impedance of the respiratory system and characterizing the respiratory system by analyzing the dependency of the acoustic impedance on the volume or volume range.
US08641636B2
A electronic vital-sign monitoring system is provided here, which uses an external electronic device to compute a physiological value detected by an electronic vital-sign monitoring device and obtain a heart frequency spectrum; and provide power to the electronic vital-sign monitoring system; and further transfer the computed physiological value and the heart frequency spectrum to a database for data integration and incident reporting. In addition to the original function of detecting physiological values, the electronic vital-sign monitoring system further can detect heart frequency spectrum and offers telecare service to help patients, elders and general users according to different requirements.
US08641622B2
A method and system for ultrasound treatment of photoaged tissue are provided. An exemplary method and system are configured for first, ultrasound imaging of the region of interest for localization of the treatment area, second, delivery of ultrasound energy at a depth and pattern to achieve the desired therapeutic effects, and third to monitor the treatment area during and after therapy to assess the results and/or provide feedback. The exemplary treatment method and system can be configured for producing arrays of sub-millimeter and larger zones of thermal ablation to treat the epidermal, superficial dermal, mid-dermal and deep dermal components of photoaged tissue.
US08641610B2
An assembly for accessing a body cavity during a surgical procedure. The access assembly includes a compressible body having proximal and distal ends and a substantially hourglass-shaped central portion extending therebetween and includes first and second lumen extending therethrough. The access assembly further includes a translating mechanism operably positioned within the compressible body between the first and second lumen for selectively translating the first and second lumen relative to each other.
US08641606B2
An endoscope apparatus includes: a long insertion portion that is inserted into an examination object; an illumination portion provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion, that irradiates illumination light at the examination object; an image pickup portion provided inside the distal end portion, that picks up reflected light captured in the insertion portion; and a heat radiating member that radiates heat emitted from at least one of the illumination portion and the image pickup portion. A distal end of the heat radiating member is disposed on a further proximal end side of the insertion portion than a maximum external diameter portion of the image pickup portion within the distal end portion. Therefore, not only can heat be radiated from the distal end portion of the insertion portion, but the distal end portion of the insertion portion can also be formed with a narrow diameter.
US08641595B2
An implantable hearing instrument is provided that reduces the response to unnaturally high vibrations (e.g., due to a patient's own voice), without necessarily or substantially affecting the response to desired signals. The implantable hearing instrument system is operative to selectively alter/lower the gain of signals that have a magnitude above a predetermined threshold. Signals having unnaturally large amplitudes (e.g., due to a patient's own voice) are amplified less than desired signals, so that a patient may experience a more representative sound.
US08641591B2
A dunnage system for processing material into dunnage is herein described. A converting station of the system can include a drum having a drum surface first and second axial sides and guides protruding adjacent the drum surface on the first and second axial sides associated with the drum to rotate with the drum surface. A supply gripping member can be provided to grip a supply roll, and can include a rotatable base. A pivotal blade can be used to cut the dunnage.
US08641586B2
A personal stretching device is used to move a user's torso toward a distal structure. The personal stretching device includes an elongated tensile member, a shiftable uptake, and a manually-powered drive mechanism. The shiftable uptake is attached to the elongated tensile member at a proximal location, with the uptake operable to move along the elongated tensile member to change an adjustable length dimension defined between the proximal location and the distal structure. The manually-powered drive mechanism is operable to drive the uptake and thereby move the uptake along the tensile member. The drive mechanism includes a driven element attached to the uptake and a pair of drive elements shiftably mounted relative to the uptake. Each of the drive elements is drivingly coupled to the driven element independent of the other of the drive elements so that the user can drive the uptake by powering either one of the drive elements and thereby change the adjustable length dimension.
US08641584B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus for kicking exercise, and more specifically, to an apparatus for kicking exercise which includes a plurality of hitting parts coupled to a body which is fastened to a gravity center frame or a running machine to enable martial arts exercise such as taekwondo, karate, kickboxing and the like, thereby enabling a user to do martial arts exercise by hitting and kicking the hitting parts with the hand and foot.
US08641582B2
Disclosed is a leg-stretching exercise apparatus comprising a base, a handle connected to the base about a front vertical member assembly extending from the front thereof, a waist belt extending from a rear vertical member extending from the rear of the base, and a pair of generally horizontal track assemblies extending collinearly from either side of the base. Each track assembly comprises at least one rail pipe extending between a pair of proximal and distal blocks, a foot-supporting platform coupled to the at least one rail pipe such that the platform can slide along the length thereof, and a resilient member connecting the platform to the proximal block.
US08641581B2
A stationary, ergometric exercise apparatus including a hand/foot-operated drive with two drive elements that are operated alternately and a measuring device for measuring the drive force applied to the drive force includes a measuring device for measuring the angular position of the drive, having a pair of sensor devices which are arranged in positions opposite to each other relative to a wheel that is joined to the drive so as to be synchronous in motion with it, which positions each correspond to a position in motion of a load alternation between the two drive elements. A computer receives the signals from the force measuring device and calculates the temporal progress of the drive force, as well as variables that can be derived from it, and alternately output a dedicated right or left limb reading for a person in training depending on the load alternation notified by the measuring device.
US08641575B2
A driving force transmission apparatus includes: a front housing and an inner shaft coaxially with each other and rotatable relative to each other; a main clutch transmitting torque between the front housing and the inner shaft; and a cam mechanism having a main cam and a pilot cam and using the main cam to press the main clutch. Where a circumferential gap angle between each spline tooth of the front housing and a corresponding first protrusion of outer clutch plates is θ1, a circumferential gap angle between each spline tooth of the inner shaft and a corresponding protrusion of inner clutch plates is θ2 and a circumferential gap angle between each spline tooth of the inner shaft and a corresponding protrusion of the main cam is θ3, the inequality θ1+θ2−θ3≧1.0° is satisfied.
US08641567B2
Hybrid powertrain with manual transmission and off-latching clutch, and method of operating the same
A powertrain for a hybrid vehicle includes a clutch interconnecting an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The electric motor is coupled to a manually operated gearbox operable in at least one electric only drive position and at least one hybrid drive position. A latch is coupled to the clutch and is moveable between a closed position inhibiting the clutch from interconnecting the internal combustion engine and the electric motor when the gearbox is disposed in the electric only drive position, and an open position allowing the clutch to interconnect the internal combustion engine and the electric motor when the gearbox is disposed in the hybrid drive position.
US08641565B2
An inverted tooth chain drive system includes an inverted tooth chain structured for inside flank engagement. The chain includes link rows each including leading inside flanks that project outwardly relative to trailing outside flanks of a preceding link row. The system further includes a sprocket with which said inverted tooth chain is drivingly engaged. The sprocket includes a plurality of teeth circumferentially spaced about an axis of rotation, each tooth comprising an engaging flank and a disengaging flank. Some of the teeth are defined with a first tooth form in which said engaging flank thereof is defined with a first pressure angle and others of said teeth are defined with a second tooth form in which the engaging flank thereof is defined with a second pressure angle that is different from the first pressure angle in order to stagger or modulate the initial meshing impacts between the leading inside flanks of the chain and engaging flanks of the sprocket teeth. The sprocket can be optimized for manufacture by a hobbing process, by arranging the different tooth forms in a specific “hob-compatible” pattern.
US08641563B2
A belt pulley damper for attenuating torsional vibrations of a drive shaft and includes a belt pulley for driving a pull mechanism, particularly a pulling belt. A torsional vibration damper, particularly a decoupler for torsional vibrations is connected with a drive flange and includes a driven disk movable circumferentially relative to the drive flange, and a driven disk is axially movable relative to a belt pulley. The belt pulley and the driven disk include axially-opposed teeth. The belt pulley teeth and the driven disk teeth can be engaged below a threshold pull force occurring during drive operation, and can be disengaged above the threshold pull force. In that manner, undesired torsional vibrations can be avoided by a free-wheel device without substantially increasing noise.
US08641560B2
An apparatus is described that includes a bat handle and a bunt element within a region of space extending from the baseball bat handle where a meat portion of a bat would exist if the bat handle was part of a baseball or softball bat. The bunt element has solid material in a first location of the region of space that is struck by a pitched ball that first meets the region of space within a bunt window on the region of space. The bunt element has empty space in a second location of the region of space that is struck by a pitched ball that first meets the region of space outside the bunt window.
US08641559B2
A golf ball is provided that includes a coating. The coating is designed to allow a golfer to modify or increase the tackiness of the coating. The coating changes tackiness when exposed to a soaking material. A method of determining a desirable length of soak is also disclosed.
US08641553B2
A flexible golf club grip having a brightly colored underlist of elastomeric material of a certain durometer and an outer layer of less durometer. The outer layer may have voids to expose portions of the underlist or the underlist may have portions thereof extend into the voids during molding but remain recessed below the surface of the outer layer. In another version, a brightly colored cover layer is molded over the underlist and a spiral wrapped strip of softer elastomer is molded thereover with the edges of the strip spaced to expose the original strip of the cover layer.
US08641549B2
Putters include a putter body having a ball striking face member made of a material having a first hardness characteristic. A cavity is defined in the putter body behind the ball striking face member, and plural openings are defined in the ball striking face member extending rearward with respect to the ball striking face member and into the cavity. A polymeric material at least partially fills the openings and the cavity, wherein the polymeric material has a second hardness characteristic that is softer than the first hardness characteristic. The ball striking face member and the polymeric material exposed in at least some of the openings provide a ball striking surface of the putter. The ball striking surface may include grooves or scorelines to affect the launch angle, spin, and/or roll of the ball during a putt. Methods for making such putter devices also are described.
US08641546B2
Systems, methods, and computer readable media for changing and controlling settings for adjustable golf clubs are described. Such setting adjustment systems may alter one or more of: lie angle, loft angle, face angle, shaft stiffness, shaft kickpoint location, weighting, weight positioning, face flexibility, maximum face flex location, etc. These systems and methods may use various types of information to determine the appropriate settings, such as: ball launch monitor data, swing path data, weather input data, course condition input data for a location of play, course design input data for a location of play, daily course layout input data for a location and a time of play, golfer past performance data (e.g., recent past performance, past performances at the location of play, past performance during an ongoing round of golf (i.e., on earlier played holes), etc.), current adjustable club setting information, and information indicating specific holes to be played.
US08641541B2
A wheel amusement ride is depicted, which moves carriages containing riders around the wheel on a track. In other words, the carriages move, not the wheel. This design allows a moment frame to be used to support the wheel. Because a moment frame can be constructed to be much narrower than the supports for a traditional Ferris wheel, the wheel of the present invention can be installed in a much narrower land area, while still achieving great height.
US08641534B2
A gaming machine is provided, which includes a cabinet having a front opening, a front door, a display device, an input device and a controller. The front door is pivotably coupled to the cabinet via a hinge that is attached to a lateral end portion at a front face of the cabinet, and opens and closes the front opening. The display device is placed in the front face of the cabinet. The input device allows a player to perform operation related to the game. The front door has an operation table that projects forward from the cabinet. The input device is placed on the operation table. A cutout is arranged such that a side portion of the operation table closer to the hinge has a recess.
US08641532B2
A gaming device includes a housing and a game display carried by the housing for displaying one or more games. The gaming device further includes two card readers carried by the housing: a first card reader to read information indicative of a player identity from a player club card issued by a casino, and a second card reader to read information indicative of a financial account from a financial card issued by a financial institution.
US08641523B2
When a new character is selected by a game player, the game apparatus changes the visual point and the visual axis corresponding to the newly selected character with preventing camera sickness.When a character is changed, a visual point moves from point A to point B parallel to the line connecting a start point and a finish point with maintaining a direction of a visual axis. And then the visual point circular moves from point B to point C at a predetermined speed.
US08641518B2
Disclosed herein are techniques and equipment for providing a temporary ID for a player tracking account. The temporary ID may be created by a first player with a first level of access to a first player tracking account. The temporary ID may be used by a second player to gain a second level of access to the player tracking account. The second level of access may be less than the first level of access.
US08641517B2
A gaming machine is provided, which awards loyalty points to players playing the game who have identified themselves to the machine. The machine is arranged to award loyalty points to the player and to play two game means wherein, the first or base game may be provided by the slot machine game as a stand alone function with no dependence upon a supporting communications network, the second game may be linked game in which a plurality of network connected machines (50) participate with control of the game being provided by a central game controller (60), while the communications network (62) is controlled by a network controller (61). A first game mode is available to all players and a second enhanced game mode is made available to players who have reached a predetermined threshold of loyalty points.
US08641513B2
A gaming machine connected in a gaming network or operating as a stand-alone machine, is capable of accepting two or more currencies for wager game play. The machine operates internally using a native monetary type and converts non-monetary bills to native amounts in the form of restricted or cashable credits. The multiple currency capability of the machine is utilized to encourage the use of restricted credits by adjusting conversion rates, payback tables, and the like. These features, combined with the use of restricted credits, also enable ways to monitor abuse and illegal activity on the gaming machine and implement ways to limit losses by a player. Certain post-conversion processes are used to ensure that the player is returned non-converted amounts. The gaming machine has additional hard and soft meters to process multiple monetary types.
US08641511B2
Systems and methods for real-time interactive wagering on event outcomes are presented. Clients are first qualified and given wagering limits before being allowed to interactively wager on event outcomes. Event outcomes may be based on, for example, financial markets and indices, sporting and entertainment events, casino performances, and natural phenomena such as weather and earthquakes. Events on which wagers can be placed include both those with known and unknown outcome probabilities, and wagers can be a fixed-odds type or a spread-bet type. Wager transactions, including acceptances and confirmations, are executed in real time. Clients can customize displays of events on which they are authorized to wager. Real-time client credit management, automatic dealer hedging, automatic price-spread adjustments, and automatic client and dealer defined wagering limits are also provided.
US08641506B2
The present invention is to provide an effect with its high entertainment property. Those which are printed in a superimposed manner on the effect panel 813 are: the first picture 813a that is printed in an ordinary manner with the use of color ink (such as silk printing or offset printing, for example); and the second picture 813b that is printed with a polarizing pearl ink with its higher light transmission property than that of color ink. Further, the lamp 813c is disposed on a rear side of the effect panel 813, and light is emitted to a rear face of the effect panel 813 at higher luminance than that of external environmental light in accordance with the progress of game.
US08641504B2
A gaming machine includes a controller for controlling operation of the machine, a primary display is provided on which a game to be played is displayed. A secondary display is also provided on which a scorecard, indicating prizes to be paid upon a winning game being achieved, is displayed. The game and the scorecard are controlled by the controller and the scorecard is a dynamic scorecard with the relationship between combinations of symbols constituting a winning game and the prizes awarded by the scorecard for that particular game changing from game to game.
US08641499B2
According to one aspect of the present invention, a method of conducting a wagering game is provided. The method allows an opportunity to achieve a first progressive award and a second progressive award. The method comprises the acts of receiving a primary wager from a player for playing the wagering game and initiating the wagering game. The method further includes displaying a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game via a plurality of symbols. The plurality of symbols are selected from a set of symbols including a predetermined symbol. In response to the randomly selected outcome including a first number of the predetermined symbols, the method includes triggering an event in which the first progressive award can be achieved. In response to the randomly selected outcome including a second number of the predetermined symbols, the method includes triggering an event in which the second progressive award can be achieved.
US08641489B2
A distribution housing including an upstream portion and a widened downstream portion along the transverse axis relative to the upstream portion, in which an air inlet formed in the upstream portion is adapted to correspond to an outlet of an air conditioning apparatus, first and second outlets formed in the downstream portion are respectively adapted to correspond with a duct network for distributing blown air towards a de-icing board and side louvers, first pipes connect the inlet to the first outlets and extend between separation walls of the ducts and side walls of the housing, and a second pipe connects the inlet to the second outlet and extends at least partially between the duct separation walls. The second pipe opens, on the air inlet side, at the center of the air inlet, and the first pipes open on both sides of the first pipe. The housing has a different profile along the plane between the first and second pipes.
US08641481B2
Bonded abrasive tools, e.g., grinding wheels, can be reinforced using, for instance, one or more fiberglass web(s) having a surface of glass per unit of at least 0.2. Alternatively or in addition, the fiberglass web has a thickness of 2 mm or less. The web can be designed to provide improved adhesion between the fiberglass reinforcement and the mixture employed to form the bonded abrasive tool. In some examples, the middle reinforcement at the neutral zone of the wheel can be eliminated or minimized.
US08641479B2
A tool assembly for machining a bore. The tool assembly includes a cutting tool and a tool holder. The cutting tool has an abrasive grit disposed continuously around a circumference of the cutting tool. The tool holder has a first coolant passage and a secondary coolant passage that extends at an angle from the first coolant passage.
US08641475B1
A bra cup with an air bag contains a body including an inner cup portion and an outer cup portion hot pressed together. The inner cup portion has a first elastic layer having a first connecting face for connecting with the outer cup portion. The inner cup portion also has an inner layer hot embossed and connected with the first elastic layer. The outer cup portion has a second elastic layer having a second connecting face for connecting with the inner cup portion. The outer cup portion also has an outer layer hot embossed and connected with the second elastic layer. At least one screen adhesive is connected between the inner cup portion and the outer cup portion of the body. An air bag is connected between the inner cup portion and the outer cup portion of the body.
US08641472B2
A toy snake that reproduces the natural movement of a snake as it moves across surface is described. The toy snake comprises a head that is pivotally mounted to a tail and a motor unit located within the head. In a preferred embodiment a body is employed to pivotally mount the head to the tail. The motor unit comprises at least two independently driven wheels located towards opposite sides of the head and the motor unit is configured to introduce a periodic oscillation between the operation of the independently driven wheels. The motor unit may also be configured to operate a tongue that extends out from the head to further increase the realistic nature of the toy. Embodiments of the snake may be adapted for use on land or water.
US08641469B2
A packaging method includes the following steps. A cover substrate is provided. A blocking dam having a first height is formed in the peripheral region of the cover substrate. The blocking dam has a second height after being hardened. A sealant surrounding the blocking dam and having a third height is formed. An encapsulation glue is filled in the active region of the cover substrate, and blocked by the blocking dam. A device substrate is provided, and a compression process is performed on the device substrate and the cover substrate. After the compression process, a buffer space is formed between the blocking dam and the sealant and between the cover substrate and the device substrate to accommodate the encapsulation glue spilling out of the active region of the cover substrate. The sealant is hardened, so that the cover substrate and the device substrate are bonded together through the sealant.
US08641465B2
A water walking apparatus having a pair of inflatable pontoons with footwells at their center, allowing user to step into. The pontoons are connected together by stretch cords and a platform that allows the user to sit and rest after walking on the water. The platform has a ladder inside the cavity of the platform assisting the user to get on the apparatus from water. Pontoons have pockets at bottom for scoops, the scoops pass over water freely when pontoons are going forward, and drop down into water when opposite pontoon is going forward. When scoops are down into water they reduce the backward movement of pontoon. The front ends of pontoons are up and out of water like the bow on a boat. The apparatus can come apart for easy storing and transporting.
US08641462B2
In an apparatus for controlling operation of an outboard motor having an internal combustion engine and a transmission selectively changeable in gear position to establish speeds including a first speed and a second speed and transmitting power of the engine to the propeller with a gear ratio determined by established speed, it is configured to control operation of the transmission to change the gear position to the first or second speed in response to an outputted speed change command, determine whether an engine speed is continuously equal to or greater than a predetermined speed for a predetermined time period when the speed change command to the first speed is outputted, and when the determination is affirmative, change the gear position from the first speed to the second speed. With this, it becomes possible to mitigate the load on a transmission gear to improve durability of the transmission.
US08641459B1
An example power adaptor is provided. In one aspect, the power adaptor may include a brick and a cable. The brick may further an actuator mechanism configured to allow detachment and attachment of a removable outlet attachment.
US08641448B2
The invention relates to a plug-in connection having shielding, in particular a multi-pin, multi-row plug-in connection comprising a male multipoint connector and a female multipoint connector, the plug-in connection comprising signal contacts, which are arranged in a contact pattern of differential pairs and which form a contact group together with an L-shaped shielding element that surrounds the signal contacts, the contact groups being arranged in rows and columns and adjacent contact groups in adjacent columns being offset from each other by a specifiable length dimension in the longitudinal direction of the columns, the plug-in connection being characterized in that the specified length dimension corresponds to approximately half the distance of two adjacent contact groups in a column.
US08641444B2
For an object of providing a connector which has improved heat radiating efficiency, the connector includes a terminal 2 including a wire connecting portion 21 which an electric wire is connected, and a connector housing 3 provided with a terminal receiving section 30 receiving the terminal 2. Heat radiating portions 45, 55 are provided at a position of the terminal receiving portion 30, at which the wire connecting portion 21 is covered. In the heat radiating portions 45, 55, a plurality of projections 49, 59 formed to project from the surface 4a, 5a of the terminal receiving section 30 is arranged at intervals to each other.
US08641435B2
A Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory device capable of being concealed within a housing exterior designed to resemble a toy car. The device has a USB connector, which can slide out of the rear end of the toy car and be inserted into a USB port on a computer to establish a communication link between the computer and the device. The headlights of the toy car will blink, when a connection is established Alternatively, the tires may spin and the sound of a revving car engine will be emitted from the device when the connection is established. The housing is capable of concealing the USB connector inside of the toy car exterior, making the device completely unrecognizable as a USB memory device. Concealment of the device is intended to discourage theft of the USB memory device and the sensitive information contained thereon.
US08641432B2
An electrical connector system includes a plurality of electrical connectors that can be mounted onto a powered rail. Each of the electrical connectors includes a connector housing that retains an electrical contact. The powered rail includes a tapered alignment guide that receives a complementary tapered arm of the connector housing that locates into the alignment guide so as to position the connectors to the rail.
US08641431B2
A coaxial cable connector is provided having an inner contact configured to be terminated to a center conductor of a coaxial cable. A dielectric insert holds the inner contact. A shell holds the dielectric insert. The shell extends between a mating end and a cable end. The cable end includes a housing having an edge. The cable end is configured to be terminated to an end of the coaxial cable by pressing the edge into the end of the coaxial cable such that the housing is positioned radially inward of a jacket of the coaxial cable and the housing is in direct contact with a cable braid of the coaxial cable.
US08641424B2
A method for the electronic publication and distribution of customized educational materials comprises an educator compiling a set of customized educational course materials from selected segments of educational works stored in an educational materials database of available materials (150-180), and indexing the set of customized educational course materials in an electronic database where it is available for purchase in an electronic format by students (270, 277). Copyright infringement is discouraged by providing the educator the option of electronic testing and grading of only those students that have purchased the educational materials. Hence, only such students are eligible to receive a grade in the class (265, 280). The customized educational course materials are easily updated without the publisher incurring traditional printing and distribution costs, simultaneously reducing the time to market for new editions of educational materials.
US08641419B2
This invention relates to methods and devices for restoring teeth using fixed restorations. In particular, the invention provides a system, kit, and devices for the management of interproximal areas for traditional cementation and/or bonding of dental crowns, onlays, inlays, veneers and bridges. In the method, a barrier is positioned in contact with the tooth being restored and an adjacent tooth to cover a section of the tooth being restored and to create separation of the tooth being restored and the adjacent tooth. Cement is applied to the first mating surface of the fixed restoration and/or to the second mating surface of the tooth, and the first mating surface of the fixed restoration and the second mating surface of the tooth are positioned adjacent each other to seat the fixed restoration on the tooth. The barrier covers a section of the tooth being restored to prevent cement from bonding to the section of the tooth. This eliminates the need to remove hardened cement from this section of the tooth.
US08641410B2
A mold devised for molding of footwear bottoms, composed of overlapping layers made with expandible reticulable polyolefin material, as well as for molding of other manufactures with monolithic structure composed of overlapping layers of expandible reticulable polyolefin materials.
US08641409B2
In a blow mold for manufacturing blow molded or stretch-blow molded containers with mold support parts movable relative to each other by a force-transmitting actuation mechanism for opening, closing and locking mold parts defining a mold cavity and mounted to the mold support parts, each mold support is an integrally formed composite component with areas of different materials, wherein at least one first area of a material in the mold support part predominantly is a force transmission element, while at least one second area of another material predominantly is a filling or enclosing or spacer element.
US08641407B2
A tubing expansion device is adapted to be advanced axially, without rotation, through tubing to be expanded. The device comprises a body and a plurality of expansion members mounted on the body, the expansion members being independently radially movable. The expansion members may be rotatable, or may be non-rotating.
US08641405B2
The invention concerns a piston (1) for positioning a food pot decoration in a mold, a positioning device comprising this piston, and an associated positioning method. The piston (1) comprises at least one means (10) for prefolding or folding the decoration over its full height.
US08641401B2
A combination scoop and mold press includes two generally cup-shaped half-mold members, which engage one another at mold member edges in mirror-image alignment to form a generally enclosed mold. The half-mold members of the scoop and mold press are carried on opposite ends of a unitary piece of injection molded polymeric material, which has a live hinge joint equidistantly spaced between the mold members. Either of the half-mold members may be utilized to scoop out an appropriate mass of bait dough having at least the volume of the closed mold. At least one of the half-mold members is equipped with a notch or slit through which the shank of a fish hook, or the line which is tied to the fish hook, may pass. Finger pressure is used to bring the mold half-members together, compressing the bait dough around the hook.
US08641400B2
There is provided a mold clamping apparatus that can prevent a molding material from spouting from a split surface of a mold even if in-cavity resin pressure causes offset of a mold opening force, and can extend the life of the mold. The mold clamping apparatus includes a control device that estimates a mold opening force by mold internal pressure for molding with mold internal pressure being asymmetrical with respect to a center of a mold block, determines a mold clamping hydraulic value applied to each tie bar correspondingly to the estimated mold opening force, and distributes hydraulic pressure supplied to each tie bar so that the determined mold clamping hydraulic value is reached.
US08641396B2
Foil extrusion lines use spiral distributors for producing a melt which is as homogeneous as possible during operation. The spiral distributors are mostly available as cylindrical or conical axial spiral distributors or as radial spiral distributors. The spiral distributors have spiral channels that run in a multiple spiral arrangement so that rather flat horizontal edges are formed precisely in initial sections and vertical edges are formed between the beginning of spiral channels and transition sections of adjacent spiral channels. The melt can easily adhere there. To accelerate the melt in critical areas, the course or the cross-section of the channels or the surface are modified.
US08641395B2
A system is provided for controlling the balance piston pressure in a screw compressor. The system can use the slide valve of the compressor as a valve to control the flow of fluid from a fluid source to the balance piston. When the slide valve prevents direct flow between the fluid source and the balance piston, an alternate path is used to provide fluid at a reduced pressure to the balance piston. The reduced pressure fluid is obtained by passing the fluid from the fluid source through an orifice to lower the fluid pressure.
US08641391B2
A built-in electric air pump mounted on an inflatable bed by heat binding or adhesion is provided, and includes a pump housing; an air duct conversion mechanism mounted in the pump housing; a cover assembly covering the pump housing; a switch assembly connected with the air duct conversion mechanism; an air valve assembly disposed on the bottom of the pump housing; and a power source device connected with the switch assembly and powering the air pump. The air pump receives power from combinations of power sources in four different modes, namely, dry batteries, a rechargeable battery pack assembly, a vehicle-mounted power source and an AC adapter which match one another, to drive the pump, thereby forming multiple power source configurations to drive the same set of air pump and enable the same inflatable bed to be used indoors as well as outdoors at any time.
US08641387B2
An inflating pump with auxiliary knotting functions for filling up air balloons has a cylinder, piston, actuating shaft, operating handle and outlet nozzle. The piston is set slidably into the actuating space of the cylinder. The inner end of the actuating shaft is linked to the piston, and the outer end protruded from one end of the cylinder. The operating handle is linked to the outer end of the actuating shaft. The outlet nozzle is set to connect with the actuating space of the cylinder. An auxiliary knotting portion is set with a spacing to the outlet nozzle and has a bulge and an internal flange formed at end of the bulge for knotting purposes. After the air balloon is filled up with air, the user could rewind the opening of the air balloon for auxiliary knotting by taking the bulge and internal flange as the guiding structure.
US08641375B2
Disclosed is a ceiling recessed ventilating fan with illuminating device, including a body, a blower disposed horizontally within the body and an illuminating device disposed inside the body. The illuminating device is disposed around an air inlet of the blower. The illuminating device is disposed within the body, and does not protrude from the surface of the ceiling.
US08641371B2
A turbine shroud (30) of a gas turbine engine comprises a plurality of arcuate shroud segments (31) combined into an annular configuration, each shroud segment including a main body (32) defining an inner circumferential surface opposing the tips of the turbine rotor blades (11a) at a small clearance and an engagement feature including an axial wall (33a, 34a) having a prescribed circumferential length and a prescribed axial length, the turbine casing including an axial slot (51, 52) extending coaxially around the center line of the engine and configured to receive the axially extending wall of each shroud segment. A clearance defined between each circumferential end part (E) of the axial wall and an opposing inner circumferential surface of the turbine casing is greater than that defined between a circumferentially middle part (M) of the axial wall and an opposing inner circumferential surface of the turbine casing under a cool condition of the engine. A radial temperature gradient that develops in each shroud segment when the engine is warmed causes a deformation of the shroud segment such that the clearance can be made substantially uniform over the entire circumference of the shroud segment and the cooling air leakage can be minimized while minimizing thermal stress that may be caused by the thermal expansion of the shroud segment.
US08641370B2
The present invention relates to a locking device (10) designed to fixedly attach a first element (9a) to a second element, comprising a locking member (12) intended to equip the first element, an additional locking element intended to equip the second element, and a control handle (13) connected to the locking member via transmission means, characterized in that the transmission means comprise a telescopic connecting rod (15) designed to oscillate freely between a minimum extension position and a maximum extension position, and means for returning the telescopic connecting rod to its position of maximum extension, said return means being placed in a prestressed state when the control handle is in the closure position.
US08641366B1
A rotating element is associated with at least one bearing compartment that includes a bearing to support the rotating element. A seal resists leakage of lubricant outwardly of the bearing compartment and allows air to flow from a chamber across the seal and into the bearing compartment. The seal has a seal face facing a rotating face rotating with the rotating element. The seal is a non-contact seal. A gas turbine engine is also disclosed.
US08641365B2
A rotor of a thermal turbomachine, particularly a gas turbine, is provided. The rotor includes a plurality of individual rotor components that are held together by a tie-bold and combined into a unit. The tie-bolt is supported by the assembly of the surrounding rotor components including the tie-bolt and the rotor disks. A hollow shaft which is made up of two tubular sections and a support wheel further support the rotor.
US08641356B2
An elevating conveyance device with improved versatility which can be utilized for transferring an automobile body in an automobile assembly line, etc., and according to a first aspect of the invention, the elevating conveyance device includes a multistage extensible column, a transfer means, and an extending and contracting drive mechanism, where the multistage extensible column includes a fixed column portion, one or more mid-stage elevating column portions, and a final-stage elevating portion, the transfer means is provided on the final-stage elevating portion, and the extending and contracting drive mechanism includes a counter weight supported on the fixed column portion movably vertically in a range of the height of the fixed column portion, a winding transmission tool which applies the gravity of the counter weight upward to the next mid-stage elevating column portion, an elevating drive means which drives and elevates the next mid-stage elevating column portion with respect to the fixed column portion, and winding transmission tools which convert an upward movement of the mid-stage elevating column portion into an upward movement of the next mid-stage elevating column portion or final-stage elevating portion.
US08641348B2
A table (31) is located in a first position and a second position which is rotated at 90 degrees from the first position. A cover (27) is arranged on a top face of the table (31) and fixed to the table (31) by fixing means (32a, 32b). Cardboards are preliminarily attached to predetermined positions on a rear face of the cover (27), and an outer margin of a predetermined width is formed outside the cardboard. Folding units (35) are arranged on either side of the table (31), and guided by guide rails (34) for reciprocal linear movement in directions toward and away from the table (31). The folding units (35) are located in an outer margin folding position at which said folding units (35) engage with the cover (27) on the table (31) and fold the outer margin of the cover (27) so as to attach the outer margin to the cardboards, and a standby position at which the folding units (35) separate from the cover (27). A control unit controls the table (31) and the folding units (35). The folding units (35) are synchronized with each other in such a manner that the folding units (35) simultaneously fold the outer margin of the cover (27) each time the table (31) is located in the first and second positions.
US08641347B2
A hollow fastening nut assembly including an upper head adapted to engage a wrench or other tightening tool and an integral co-axial, internally threaded lower section of reduced diameter adapted for insertion into an access opening in a fastened component. The lower section acts as a compression limiter. An optional annular disc spring may be disposed about the internally threaded lower section for engagement with the rear surface of the fastened component. A locking structure may be disposed at the exterior surface of the internally threaded lower section to engage the interior of the access opening to lock the nut assembly in place.
US08641339B2
An apparatus (100) for transporting a wind turbine blade (10) on at least two railcars over a railway is provided. The apparatus includes a root end support (22) for supporting the root end (12) of the blade, a mid span support (28) for supporting the mid span (14) of the blade, and a tip displacement limiter (24) for restricting a tip end (16) of the blade from extending beyond a lateral transportation limit (30) imposed by the railroad. The tip displacement limiter exerts a force on the blade which is counter to a force exerted on the blade by the mid span support only when the railcars navigate a design basis curve (32) in the railway to cause a bending of the blade in order to avoid exceeding the lateral transportation limit. The apparatus is particularly useful for the transportation of extra-long or curved wind turbine blades.
US08641337B2
A method of forming a part from a workpiece mountable on a porous spoil-board on the worktable of a CNC machine having means for applying a negative pressure on the underside of the workpiece, providing a pressure differential across the mounted workpiece, and a cutting tool displaceable along x, y and z axes, including programming the controller of the machine to generate a cutting pattern, computing the area of the part, comparing the computed area value of the part with a predetermined area value and positioning the cutting tool along the Z-axis to provide less than a through cut of the workpiece where the computed area value is less than the predetermined area value and providing a through cut when a computed area value exceeds the predetermined area value, mounting the workpiece on the worktable, actuating the negative pressure applying means and operating the machine to execute such program.
US08641335B2
An apparatus for forming recesses on a circumferential surface that defines a cylindrical bore in a workpiece includes a tool holder disposed coaxially with the cylindrical bore; a form roller support retained on the tool holder; a form roller rotatably supported on the form roller support, the form roller including projections on an outer circumferential surface thereof which are configured to form the recesses on the circumferential surface that defines the cylindrical bore in the workpiece. A control assembly is configured to control the form roller support such that the form roller is allowed to be in press contact with the circumferential surface that defines the cylindrical bore in the workpiece at a press contact load of a predetermined value on the basis of a centrifugal force which is exerted on the form roller support and the form roller during rotation of the tool holder.
US08641331B2
The invention relates to a milling cutting insert having a square or triangular shaped cutting face delimited in the plan view by a peripheral cutting edge having linear cutting edges (10) and curved cutting corners (11). According to the invention, each of the cutting edges (10) comprises an inclined region (10a) sloping toward a cutting corner (11), extending beyond the tangential point (14) determined by the point at which the linear cutting edge (10) transitions into a curved cutting corner (11), wherein adjacent thereto the cutting edge (10b) rises prior to the point (24) determined by a cutting corner angle bisector (15), wherein said rising region (10b) extends to a cutting edge maximum (17) on the other side of the cutting corner (11) on the adjacent cutting edge (10), which is linear in plan view, from where the cutting edge (10) continues, again inclined and sloping downward, resulting in a rotationally symmetric form having identically shaped cutting edges.
US08641330B2
A tool for chip removing machining includes a tool holder in order to releasably hold at least one cutting insert. The cutting insert is arranged to be fixable in an insert pocket of the tool holder by a locking screw. The locking screw has a head and is in threaded engagement with the tool holder via a threaded joint which is arranged to allow tilting of the locking screw in a working direction of the tool when the locking screw is partly unscrewed so that the cutting insert can be removed from the insert pocket. The head is arranged to clamp against a part of a front side of the cutting insert. The tool holder includes at least one space at least partly arranged to receive the head when the screw is partly unscrewed.
US08641329B2
Provided herein is a system and method for providing inter-zone connections between first and second portions of a pneumatic tube system. The systems and methods (i.e., utilities) permit creating a direct pneumatic path between the first zone and the second zone. In this regard, air pressure or vacuum from a first zone may be utilized to effectuate transfer of a carrier through a portion or all of the second zone and/or to provide operating pressure or vacuum to the second zone.
US08641327B2
Protective structures for offshore installations and methods for using same are provided. The protective structure can include a body adapted to be disposed at least partially about a primary structure of an offshore installation, and a support system can be disposed on the body. One or more protrusions can be disposed about an outer surface of the body. The protrusions can have a first end adapted to break ice. The support system can be adapted to isolate the one or more bodies from the primary structure such that the one or more bodies can absorb at least a portion of ice generated vibrations.
US08641326B2
An improved method for replacing existing underground sewer pipe is accomplished without excavation, pipe bursting, or pipe reaming. First, vertical sight holes are drilled into the ground and through the existing pipe. Slurry material from the vertical hole drilling fills the old pipe. Then, a pilot hole is drilled in a first direction through the old pipe. Then, a reaming tool is pulled in the opposite direction so as to enlarge the pilot hole and grind out the old pipe, while simultaneously pulling the new pipe into position behind the reaming tool. The broken old pipe and slurry are vacuumed out of the vertical relief holes.
US08641315B2
A kind of furniture connecting piece includes a base and a screw. The base has opposite upper surface and lower surface, opposite two side surfaces, and opposite front surface and back surface. The lower surface of the base is provided with a gapped groove extending to the upper surface of the base, and the gapped groove runs through the front surface and the back surface of the base. The upper surface of the base is provided with a screw hole communicating with the gapped groove. The screw passes through the screw hole and is partially contained within the gapped groove. The furniture connecting piece not only avoids suffering damage in the process of mounting the screw but also strengthens the installation intensity between the furniture connecting piece and the furniture component by setting the gapped groove in the screw hole.
US08641312B2
A rotating connector that is particularly suitable for staging and lighting trusses and that includes a rotating connector and an inside sleeve having at least two portions. The combination of the rotating connector and the sleeve are held together by an outside sleeve, and the assembled sleeve is attached to a truss member.
US08641299B2
An optical connector includes an optical element to be optically connected to an optical fiber; and an optical component. The optical component includes an element fixation part configured to fix the optical element to the optical component; a ferrule attachment part to which a ferrule having the optical fiber connected thereto is to be attached; and a lens to face the optical fiber when the ferrule is attached to the ferrule attachment part. The optical element is positioned relative to the optical fiber in response to attachment of the ferrule to the ferrule attachment part.
US08641292B2
A photonic assembly includes a midplane connector having connector channels extending therethrough. Fiber optic connectors are positioned within the connector channels of the midplane connector. The fiber optic connectors retain ferrules of midplane optical fibers and aligning the ferrules of the midplane optical fibers within the midplane connector. A midplane substrate is provided having an opening extending therethrough. The midplane connector is positioned within the opening of the midplane substrate. The midplane connector floats within the opening of the midplane substrate to position the ferrules of the midplane optical fibers.
US08641291B2
A comb-shaped resin retainer includes an annular section and a plurality of pillar sections which protrude to one side in the axial direction from one side of the annular section. A gap between the pillar sections, adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction serves as a pocket for retaining a cylindrical roller. A side face of the pillar section which serves as the inner face of the pocket is formed in a recessed shape. Each pillar section is tilted so as to become closer to the retainer axial center as the pillar section extends toward the tip of the pillar section. A flat portion is provided on the side face of the pillar section which serves as the inner face of the pocket. The flat portion continues axially from the tip portion of the pillar section to the base end portion thereof.
US08641283B2
There is provided a hydrodynamic bearing apparatus, including: a shaft; and a sleeve rotatably supporting the shaft, wherein at least one of an outer surface of the shaft and an inner surface of the sleeve includes upper and lower hydrodynamic grooves generating hydrodynamic fluid pressure while the shaft rotates, and at least one of the upper and lower hydrodynamic grooves has a depth of a lower part thereof greater than that of an upper part thereof.
US08641279B2
It is aimed to smoothly perform engagement and disengagement of a fastener of a packaging bag and easily take out an inner content by a desired amount. For these purposes, in a packaging bag 1 with a fastener 20 in which a male fastener element and a female fastener element are attached to inner surfaces of opposing flat surface portions 2a and an opening is opened or closed by engaging or disengaging both the fastener elements, pick-up tabs 40 are provided so as to project outward at a portion corresponding to a mounting portion of the fastener 20, or near the portion. The fastener is formed to be asymmetric with respect to the center thereof so that one side largely protruded is attached so as to be directed inward of the packaging bag.
US08641272B1
System for performing dilatometer tests on the seafloor including a unit to rest on the seafloor, including: a pushing rod including at its lower end a dilatometer blade, and a driver device to drive the pushing rod, and cause the dilatometer blade to penetrate into the seafloor and bring the dilatometer into a plurality of predetermined test depths; the driver device including: a clamping member to clamp the pushing rod, at least a pushing member for pushing down to the seafloor the clamping member when the clamping member is clamping the pushing rod, causing the rod and dilatometer blade to penetrate into the seafloor, and for pushing up the clamping member when the clamping member is not clamping the pushing rod, wherein the pushing member moves up and down the clamping member, and moves in an intermittent way the dilatometer between a predetermined test depth and the subsequent one.
US08641258B2
A light guide panel 1 having a reflective sub-wavelength diffraction grating 3 generates zero-order light and minus first-order light in the reflective sub-wavelength diffraction grating 3, extracts the minus first-order light as outgoing light, and transmits the zero-order light to generate new minus first-order light by satisfying the conditional expressions: sin−1(1/n)<θ1 (1) λ/{n(sin θ1+1)}≦Λ
US08641254B2
An illumination apparatus, comprising at least one light emitting source embedded in a waveguide material is disclosed. The waveguide material is capable of propagating light generated by light emitting source(s), such that at least a portion of the light is diffused within the waveguide material and exits through at least a portion of its surface.
US08641247B2
The present invention discloses a backlight module and a ventilation component thereof, and a back plate of the backlight module is provided with a plurality of the ventilation components. The ventilation component comprises: a tubular body, a ventilating filter, a filter washer, and a fixing ring. The tubular body is hollow, and the ventilating filter is carried in the tubular body. The ventilating filter can communicate the internal air with the external air of the backlight module circulate to effectively descend the temperature of the internal air, so that the thermal expansion of the light guide plate in the backlight module can be decreased to prevent from generating an optical problem.
US08641246B2
According to one embodiment, a lamp unit includes a light-emitting module, a lighting circuit, and a housing. The light-emitting module includes a light emitting portion having a semiconductor light-emitting element. The lighting circuit lights the semiconductor light-emitting element. The housing includes a case opening in the direction of irradiation of light, and a base on a side of the case opposite from the direction of radiation of the light. The lighting circuit is accommodated in the case, and the light-emitting module is mounted on the base at a position closer to the base with respect to the position of the lighting circuit.
US08641236B2
An LED device has an LED assembly connected to or abutting a heat sink, the heat sink connected to a cooling bridge and optionally enclosed within insulated connector end caps and crossover end caps and within a reflector cover and side cover. The cooling bridge conducts heat to the heat sink away from the reflector cover, and side cover, where the heat may be removed by a circulating coolant. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b).
US08641231B2
A lighting fixture includes: a base; a plurality of optical sources attached on an upper surface of the base to emit light; a heat spreader attached to the base to radiate heat emitted from the plurality of optical sources; and a light diffusion lens disposed on the upper surface of the plurality of optical sources to refract light emitted from the plurality of optical sources and to increase an irradiation angle of light. In the lighting fixture, an irradiation angle of light emitted from an optical source is close to that of a general electric-light bulb and thus a light distribution characteristic of the lighting fixture may be improved.
US08641228B1
A track-mounted decorative lighting system comprises a track system, a light string, and a motorized lighting cartridge. The track system comprises a flexible track with an inverted “T”-shape profile mounted by a user in a desired configuration upon a structure. The motorized lighting cartridge comprises a gear-type drive system which deploys or retracts the light string through the track. A user may use a hand-held remote controller to activate the internal motor to drive the lights out into position along the track system upon the structure. The lighting system provides a means to add additional light strings and light cartridges to obtain a greater length of deployed lighting. The motor withdraws the deployed lights back into the cartridge for storage. The lighting system further provides a hook embodiment onto which a user may secure existing string-type lighting while still utilizing the deployment and retraction functions.
US08641227B1
The present invention provides an anti-pressing apparatus for flashlight, comprising a space provided on one end of the flashlight, a dialing piece inserted into a slot adjacent to the space, a pressing piece provided on a perforation having the dialing piece inserted therein, a restraining piece corresponding to an outer end of the pressing piece on the central perforation of the flashlight in order to restrain the pressing piece to move upward and downward only; whereby during use of the anti-pressing assembly of the flashlight, only the push portion of the dialing pieces is required to be dialed to another side to drive the blocker of the dialing piece to rotate to a lower position underneath the protruding section of the pressing piece in order to restrain the downward movement of the pressing piece and accidental pressing down on the power of the flashing can be prevented.
US08641223B2
A flashlight screwing structure, applicable to a flashlight having a non-cylindrical gripping segment and a screwing unit for changing a battery quickly and conveniently, includes: a thread disposed on an inner surface at a rear end of the flashlight; a connecting unit inserted into the rear end of the flashlight and having a hole centrally formed in the connecting unit; and a thread segment extending inward from an outer cover capable of screwing so as to mesh with the internal thread at the rear end of the flashlight. Therefore, changing the battery of the non-cylindrical flashlight entails rotating and withdrawing the outer cover and the connecting unit, changing the battery, restoring the connecting unit to a position thereof, and rotating the outer cover to fix the outer cover to the rear end of the flashlight.
US08641215B2
A display device with switchable viewing includes a backlight module and a display panel. The backlight module includes a light guide plate, first optical structures, a reflector, a first light source, and a second light source. The light guide plate includes a bottom surface, a light exit surface, a first light incident surface, and a second light incident surface. The display panel is disposed on the light exit surface. The first optical structures are disposed on the bottom surface and each includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface. The angle between the first inclined surface and the bottom surface is smaller than that between the second inclined surface and the bottom surface. Lights from the first light source and the second light source enter the light guide plate from the first light incident surface and the second light incident surface, respectively. After entering the light guide plate, the lights can be reflected by the first inclined surface or the second inclined surface, or be refracted by the first inclined surface or the second inclined surface to the underlying reflector and reflected by the reflector back to the light guide plate from the first inclined surface or the second inclined surface. Based on such a structure, by controlling the on/off state of the first light source and the second light source, the viewing angle of the display device is switchable.
US08641210B2
Described is a device comprising a retro-reflective marker sphere comprising: a core ball comprising: a generally spherical body portion, a mounting base extending from one end of the body portion of the core ball, and a mounting recess having a recess opening in the mounting base and extending into the body portion of the core ball, and a retro-reflective covering on the core ball, the retro-reflective covering comprising an opening through which the mounting base of the core ball extends, wherein a flat lower surface of the mounting base is spaced proximally from a lower edge of the opening of the retro-reflective covering, and wherein the mounting recess includes an interior screw thread for engaging an exterior screw thread of a mounting post when the retro-reflective marker sphere is mounted on the mounting post.
US08641208B2
Disclosed are a projection display apparatus and a projection optics provided in the projection display apparatus. The projection optics has a refractive optics and a reflective optics. In the refractive optics, a lens (non-circular lens) provided on a reflective optics side has a non-circular shape forming part of an imaginary circular region whose center is an optical axis center of the refractive optics. In other words, the non-circular lens has a shape of a cut-out portion of an imaginary circular lens having an optical axis center coinciding with the optical axis center of the refractive optics.
US08641194B2
An in vivo method of characterizing dynamic tear films has been developed using a near infrared phase-shifting interferometer. This interferometer continuously measures light reflected from the tear film, allowing precision analysis of the dynamic surface topography. Movies showing the tear film behavior may be generated along with quantitative metrics describing the tear film surface as it changes in time.
US08641188B2
The present invention illustrates various methods of attaching a pair of eyeglass lenses or a lens shield to an eyeglass frame using magnets or magnetically attractive material. The magnetic attachment methods are beneficial because they allow the user to have interchangeable lenses or shields for indoor and outdoor use, enhancing their visual acuity during work or play. The lenses may be tinted, prescription, protective eyewear, or plano. The magnetic lenses are convenient and user friendly, allowing intuitive, tool-less interchangeability with no need to twist or stress the frame. These methods of attachment require no specific instructions or tools when the user replaces lenses.
US08641172B2
A liquid discharge head includes first and second element substrates including: a discharge port array; energy generating elements; and electric contacts electrically connected to the energy generating elements and including first and second electric contacts disposed linearly along one end and the other end. The first and second element substrates are configured such that a distance between the gravity center of the first electric contact and that of a discharge port provided at an end of the discharge port array on the first electric contacts side is different from a distance between the gravity center of the second electric contact and that of a discharge port provided at an end of the discharge port array on the second electric contacts side. The first electric contacts of the first element substrate and the second electric contacts of the second element substrates are disposed linearly, and vice versa.
US08641170B2
A liquid ejection device includes a head and a liquid-receiving section. The head has a plurality of nozzles configured and arranged to eject a liquid. The liquid-receiving section has a sloped face for receiving a liquid ejected from the nozzles when flushing is carried out by the head. The sloped face is formed on an elongated member and is configured and arranged to receive the liquid ejected downward from the nozzles. The nozzles forming at least one nozzle row extending in a direction along a longitudinal direction of the elongated member. The head being configured and arranged to carry out the flushing while travelling above the sloped face.
US08641164B2
A density correction value calculation method for a printing device comprising: (A) determining the density of each pixel column composed of pixels aligned in the intersecting direction in a duty determination pattern, and also determining the density of each pixel column in the duty determination pattern; (B) specifying the total duty for which the lowest density of the pixel column densities of the overlapping regions is equal to or greater than the lowest density in the pixel columns of the non-overlapping regions; and (C) calculating a density correction value of the pixel columns using a density correction pattern formed with the specified total duty, and also calculating a density correction value so that the lowest density of the pixel column densities of the density correction pattern is a reference.
US08641161B2
Disclosed is a printing apparatus that performs printing by using inks of plural colors including a white color, which includes a first nozzle group that ejects an ink of one color including a white color and at least one color other than the white color, and a second nozzle group that ejects the inks of plural colors. An image formed by the first nozzle group is an undercoat layer or an overcoat layer of an image formed by the second nozzle group.
US08641137B2
A vehicle headliner assembly includes a roof bow, a headliner, an alignment member and a fastener. The roof bow includes an attachment portion defining a first slot. The headliner includes a mounting portion defining a first aperture aligned with the first slot. The alignment member is non-movably attached to the roof bow at the first slot and defines an alignment hole that coincides with the first slot. The fastener includes an attachment projection that extends through the first aperture, through the alignment hole of the alignment member and through the first slot. The attachment projection has a retaining surface that contacts a surface of the roof bow adjacent to the first slot and faces away from the headliner such that the fastener retains the headliner to the roof bow.
US08641134B2
An air duct for an automotive vehicle is blow molded with an elongated, hollow structural member to be used as a portion of a body of the vehicle. The structural member has an inner wall defining an elongated cavity communicating with first and second access holes at respective longitudinal positions along the structural member. A parison comprised of a thermally insulating material is inserted into the internal cavity. A source of inflation gas is connected to a mouth portion or the parison. The parison is heated and inflated within the internal cavity to an expanded shape to form the air duct disposed against the inner wall and spanning the first and second access holes. The air duct at one of the access holes is configured as an air inlet. The air duct at the other one of the access holes is configured as an air outlet.
US08641128B2
An insert that can be used support a vehicle floor if a cross member fails either mechanically or through corrosion. The insert may also be used to protect a fastener used in a vehicle floor assembly.
US08641127B2
A plasma spoiler is mounted in a rear portion of a vehicle for exerting a force on a passing air flow. The plasma spoiler has a dielectric substrate formed of a dielectric material, a first electrode mounted on a bottom surface of the dielectric substrate and insulated by the dielectric substrate, a second electrode mounted on an upper, exposed surface of the dielectric substrate, and a power source connected to the first and second electrodes. The first electrode is disposed in a rearward direction relative to the second electrode. A switch is disposed between the power source and one of the first electrode and the second electrode. The switch is controlled by a controller that is in communication with a speed sensor, so as to activate the plasma spoiler only when the vehicle exceeds a trigger speed.
US08641117B2
There is provided an assist grip for a vehicle capable of gripping a grip main body easily when in use and applying force thereon and facilitating movement of getting off. The assist grip 1 for the vehicle includes the grip main body 2 for supporting getting out movement from the seat 51 of the occupant, which is provided in the lower part of the door opening 10 beside the seat 51, where the grip main body 2 is provided in a manner capable of raising and lowering in an outward direction of the vehicle. Accordingly, since the grip main body 2 falls outward of the vehicle at the time of use of the assist grip 1, a portion to which a hand of the occupant is applied becomes large, and a flexibility of posture change increases, and getting out of the occupant becomes easy.
US08641111B2
An attachment to a shovel having a shovel head and a handle is provided, converting the shovel into a tool for collecting debris. The attachment has a clamping head and a pivot arm shorter than the shovel handle, and a pivot for attaching the attachment to the shovel handle. The attachment is movable between a closed position when the shovel head and the clamping head are juxtaposed face to face forming a tunnel therebetween, and an open position when the shovel head and the clamping head are spaced apart. In operation, the clamping head is moved into an open position to collect debris, and then moved into a closed position towards the shovel head to secure the debris, followed by rotating the tool by 90° plus an offset angle, thereby causing the clamping head to open under its weight and the debris to fall through the tunnel.
US08641104B1
A latch device (14) includes a latch bolt (30) movable between a latching position and an unlatching position. A sleeve (775) is mounted to an outer side (13A) of a door (11) and operatively connected to an outer operational device (12). A clutch (575) is mounted to and jointly movable with the sleeve (775). An unlatching member (711) is operably connected to the latch bolt (30) and releasably engaged with the clutch (575). When the unlatching member (711) engages with the clutch (575), operation of a handle (502) of the outer operational device (12) retracts the latch bolt (30). When the unlatching member (711) disengages from the clutch (575), the latch bolt (30) remains in the latching position if the handle (502) is rotated.
US08641101B2
A fluid transfer tube comprises a base, a plurality of external threads, and an annular shoulder. The base is disposed at a first axial end of the tube. The plurality of external threads are integrally formed into at least a portion of the base for securing the base into a boss. The annular shoulder is fixed to an outer diameter of the tube at a first distance from the first axial end, causing the shoulder to contact an outer surface of the boss with the base of the tube at a maximum depth in the receiving portion of the boss to prevent further downward travel of the base.
US08641099B2
A fluid coupling assembly has a single fluid connection, including a plate and at least a pair of nipples extending away from the plate in a first direction, and at least a pair of connection pipes connected to each of the nipples extending from the plate in a second opposed direction. The nipples include a thread at an outer periphery, a ramped surface spaced in a direction beyond the thread and towards the plate, and a ditch beyond the ramped surface. A fluid coupling has a thread at an inner periphery received on the thread on the nipple, and the coupling has a plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers spaced by grooves, with the fingers being snapped into the ditch and is biased against the ramped surface. The plate, at least a pair of nipples and at least a pair of connection pipes are all formed of an integral piece of metal.
US08641097B2
There is provided a pretensioner. The pretensioner includes: a pipe; a gas generator that generates a gas in the pipe in an emergency case; a gas generator mount on which the gas generator is mounted; a spool driving mechanism that rotates a spool in a direction to retract a seatbelt by the gas generated by the gas generator in the emergency case; a discharge hole formed in the pipe so as to allow communication between inside and outside of the pipe; and a blocking member configured to block the discharge hole from inside of the pipe, the blocking member being configured to open the discharge hole when the blocking member is pressed from outside of the pipe with a pressing force equal to or greater than a given pressing force.
US08641095B2
A steering column device includes a fixed member and a movable member disposed between a jacket and a mount bracket. The fixed member is located on a mount bracket side, and the movable member is located on a jacket side. The fixed member and the movable member include a lock member and a lock tooth disposed to face each other. The lock member includes an elastic claw having elasticity to achieve engagement with and disengagement from the lock tooth.
US08641086B2
A seat cushion airbag device mountable to a vehicle seat that includes: a seat section including a seat cushion supported by a support section; and a blower duct having an outlet provided below the seat cushion so as to allow air-conditioning air to be ejected upward. The cushion airbag device includes an airbag, at least a part of which is inflated with an inflating fluid such that a seat surface of the seat section is bulged out. The airbag includes a folded portion. Before the airbag is inflated with the inflating fluid, the airbag is disposed at a position on a front side of the outlet while the folded portion is folded such that the outlet is exposed from the airbag. When the airbag is inflated, the folded portion is deployed so as to extend to a position on a rear side of the outlet.
US08641081B2
A passenger airbag apparatus includes an airbag, an inflator, a case and a retainer. The case includes on a bottom wall a set-in opening through which the inflator is set in, a housing region that holds and houses the inflator, a mounting seat on which the airbag is mounted, lateral movement stopping sections that prevent the inflator from moving in an axial direction, and a rotation stopping section that prevents the inflator from rotating in a circumferential direction. The inflator includes a cut-out region engageable with the rotation stopping section. The retainer is secured to the mounting seats of the case with bolts while pressing a hem of an opening of the airbag against an upper circumferential plane of the inflator and the mounting seats, thus mounting the airbag and inflator on the case.
US08641080B2
The present invention relates to an air bag container consisting of an impact modified polyamide composition, wherein the polyamide composition has a Melt Volume-Flow Rate higher than 25 cm3/10 minutes. The polyamide composition preferably comprises a base polyamide, an impact modifier, reinforcing compounds and a flow improver.
US08641079B2
A multi-axle vehicle suspension system comprising a first torsion axle mounted to a first suspension pivot member, the first suspension pivot member pivotally coupled to a vehicle frame, a second torsion axle mounted to a second suspension pivot member, the second suspension pivot member pivotally coupled to the vehicle frame, a pivot member pivotally coupled to the vehicle frame, the first suspension pivot member pivotally coupled to the pivot member, and the second suspension pivot member pivotally coupled to the pivot member.
US08641070B2
A drive assistance device for a wheelchair includes a drive motor, a running wheel and a sensor device which is adapted to determine a driving force manually induced into the running wheel; and a control unit which is adapted to control the drive motor for driving the running wheel depending on the driving force manually induced by the user into the running wheel. The control unit of the drive assistance device includes a user force analysis operational mode which is adapted to determine data concerning physical efficiency and capacity of the user. These include a maximum force of the user as well as the maximum speed which can be reached with purely manual drive.
US08641069B2
On an apparatus for generating and/or storing compressed air, particularly for filling tires of a vehicle, particularly a bicycle, it is provided that the apparatus is accommodated in an element (17), particularly a frame element of the vehicle.
US08641066B2
An integrated vehicular suspension and differential mounting structure includes a metal base frame which supports a differential support member having a body formed of a resin or composite material. The differential support member further includes integrated annular collars having a central portion formed of a metal and a peripheral portion formed of resin or rubber. The peripheral portion of the collars are integrated with the resin or composite body of the differential support member. The base frame may further include a bracket for supporting the differential support member and a bracket for mounting an associated suspension system. The bracket for supporting the differential support member may be integrally formed with the bracket for mounting the associated suspension system.
US08641064B2
A tilting multi-wheeled vehicle includes a tilting frame supporting at least one seat; a body; and a suspension assembly, wherein the suspension assembly is structured and arranged to permit a transversely disposed pair of the wheels to tilt with the tilting frame. While the tilting frame tilts, the body remains in a controlled relationship with the tilting frame. In an embodiment, the controlled relationship with the tilting frame permits the body to remain substantially parallel to the road surface. Accordingly, the vehicle can support a wider automobile-like body which will not contact the road surface when the tilting frame tilts while navigating a turn. In another embodiment, the body can be allowed to remain substantially parallel to and equidistant from the road surface while navigating a turn.
US08641060B2
A support device for moving an item on a surface. A main body includes a panel and a sidewall. A handle assembly engages the main body and includes a first transportation mechanism. The support device includes a resistance portion on the main body for engaging a surface and resisting movement of the support device when in a resistive mode. The handle mechanism lowers the first transportation mechanism to engage the surface and disengage the resistance portion from the surface in a transportive mode to encourage movement of the support device and the item supported thereon.
US08641058B2
The hand truck brake provides automatic braking for a hand truck as it negotiates a stairway or other uneven surface. The brake is adaptable to various types of hand trucks, including powered stair-climbing trucks. The brake includes two major assemblies. The first is a reciprocating plunger having a distal roller that travels along the surface. When the roller travels over the nose of a stairway tread, the plunger extends to actuate the brake. The second major assembly is a rotary cam rotated by the plunger as it extends. The cam has an extension and a brake shoe, the brake shoe engaging the underlying surface to stop the hand truck when the cam is rotated to its brake-engaging position. The assembly automatically retracts when the hand truck is oriented vertically. Additional controls are provided for the operator to extend or retract the brake mechanism.
US08641056B1
A shoulder-carriable wheeled cart assembly includes a cart frame, a detachable backpack mountable on the cart frame, a plurality of laterally spaced support pegs mounted on the cart frame lower end portion, and a detachable harness strap. The harness strap is tightenable about articles mounted on the support pegs between the harness strap and the cart frame to secure said articles against the cart frame. A support tray attachable to the support pegs and interposable between the articles and the support pegs stabilizes the mounting of the articles on the support pegs. The cart assembly is mountable on a mobile passenger vehicle, such as a bicycle, via a docking fixture that receives and secures the cart assembly. A retraction cord connected to the harness strap upper end urges the harness strap upper end toward the upper portion of the frame, thereby avoiding dragging the harness strap along the ground.
US08641053B2
An actuator assembly for use in an active suspension includes a drive assembly having a first portion and a second portion configured to translate relative to each other. The first portion is coupled to a sprung mass and the second portion is coupled to an unsprung mass. The actuator assembly includes an air spring assembly disposed about the drive assembly having a first portion disposed in proximity to the sprung mass and a second portion disposed in proximity to the unsprung mass, the air spring assembly defining an air volume pressurized at an air pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. The actuator assembly includes a cooling assembly having a set of drive assembly channels disposed within the air volume and in thermal communication with the drive assembly and a pump disposed in fluid communication with the set of drive assembly channels.
US08641050B2
An apparatus for transporting a non-ambulatory individual up and down steps includes a seat for the non-ambulatory individual, two front wheels and two larger back wheels positioned under the seat. The apparatus can be used to move up steps through an operator by tilting the apparatus back and moving the apparatus such that the large rear wheels roll towards the steps. When descending steps, the seated occupant can be lowered through successive steps to a lower floor or incorporated landing by tilting the apparatus and moving the rear wheels down the steps. The apparatus includes extension rods which may be extended to stabilize the apparatus while moving up or down steps.
US08641046B2
A piston ring with a DLC coating comprises an adhesive layer on a base material from inside to outside, an amorphous metallic hydrocarbon layer and an amorphous non-metallic hydrocarbon layer, wherein primarily sp2 bonds predominate in the metallic hydrocarbon layer and the non-metallic hydrocarbon layer comprises sp2 and sp3 bonds, the sp3 bond fraction being higher than in the metallic hydrocarbon layer so that an electrical resistance of the DLC coating arises, said resistance being in the range greater than 5000 ohms, in particular greater than 5000 kohms.
US08641035B2
A sheet conveying apparatus includes: a sheet housing unit that houses sheets in a stacked manner; a sheet conveying unit that conveys a sheet to a predetermined conveyance target position; a sheet pick-up unit that picks up outermost one of the sheets housed in the sheet housing unit for conveying to a sheet conveying unit side; a separating and conveying unit that separates the next sheet from the outermost sheet, and conveys only the outermost sheet to the sheet conveying unit; and a sheet-conveyance-movement detecting unit that detects presence or absence of movement of a sheet in the conveying direction. The sheet-conveyance-movement detecting unit is arranged at a position at which the outermost sheet and the next sheet may overlap each other, and a separation portion is located downstream of the pick-up position and is an area where a separation action of the separating and conveying unit works.
US08641032B2
A sheet cassette includes a lower stage side tray that accommodates a sheet, an upper stage side tray that is slidable with respect to the lower stage side tray on an upper portion of the lower stage side tray and accommodates the sheet, and a discharged sheet tray that is slidable with respect to the upper stage side tray, is displaceable to a position to receive the sheet discharged after being recorded on, and covers an upper portion of the upper stage side tray. The upper stage side tray and the discharged sheet tray are configured to be driven by a driving unit, and the discharged sheet tray is displaced by the driving unit to a position to receive the sheet.
US08641030B2
A control apparatus that controls a stapling unit configured to staple sheets includes a control unit configured to determine a turning-over direction of sheets to be stapled by the stapling unit and to determine a maximum number of staplable sheets according to the determined turning-over direction.
US08641024B1
The present invention is directed generally to tools that are high quality, strong, and lightweight. For example, various tools such as clamps may be made using parts containing a compound or alloy including magnesium. Magnesium may be for cast or extruded parts. In one embodiment, an “F” style clamp may be made with one or both of the two cooperating jaw members or sections being cast from a magnesium compound or alloy. In one variation, the “F” style clamp may include a shaft made from extruded magnesium. In another embodiment, a “C” style clamp may be made with the “C” shaped frame being cast from a magnesium compound or alloy. In a further embodiment, a bar clamp having trigger indexing may be made with one or both of two jaw members or sections being cast from a magnesium compound or alloy. In a variation, the bar may be an extruded magnesium.
US08641013B2
A quick release connector has a body, a positioning mount, a sealing valve and an outer sleeve. The body has a connecting end, a linking end and an air inlet chamber. The positioning mount is detachably connected to the body and has a fixing end, an inserting end, an air outlet chamber, multiple ball holes, a returning spring, at least one sealing element and multiple balls. The sealing valve is movably mounted in the body and the positioning mount, selectively abuts the at least one sealing element and has a closed end, an open end, a mounting post, at least one air inlet, a sealing ring and a ring anti-drop cover. The outer sleeve is slidably mounted around the body and the positioning mount and has a spring recess, a holding recess and a pressing spring.
US08641006B2
A hands-free support device and method for supporting an airflow hood relative to an airflow register is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a support device operably attached to the airflow hood and configured to support the airflow hood relative to a first surface proximate the register. The support device is configured to engage a second surface spaced away from the first surface.
US08641005B2
A container mixing stand including a base plate, and a first wall and a second wall connected to the base plate, where the first wall is spaced from the second wall for receiving a container between the first and second walls. A tensioning mechanism independent of the first wall and the second wall is positioned adjacent to at least one of the first wall and the second wall. The tensioning mechanism is movable between a rest position and a tensioning position, where moving the tensioning mechanism to the tensioning position causes at least one of the first wall and the second wall to move along the base plate toward the container and secure the container between the first wall and the second wall.
US08641004B2
A cup holder for beverage containers has a deployable tray movable between a deployed position and a stowed position. The tray has an upper surface, a lower surface, and an aperture. A cup insert includes a cup ring, a cup bag, and a coil spring. The cup ring has an open collar for receiving a beverage container and has a seating flange configured to rest on the upper surface. The cup bag is made of flexible material having a generally cylindrical shape between an upper rim and a bag bottom. The upper rim is affixed to the open collar. A coil spring is coupled between the cup ring and the bottom end for urging them together for collapsing the cup bag. The coil spring is expandable under the weight of a beverage container placed on the bag bottom.
US08641000B1
A tile holder and methods of its use are described. Embodiments of the tile holder are adapted to mounting to suitable objects and removably and replaceably receiving tiles and the like. Embodiments of the tile holder comprise a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shaped tile frame having a frame having a face plate having an aperture for exposing a face of the tile and the like, a back plate removably and releasably fastened to the frame and having a stud for mounting to a post having a receiving hole for receiving the stud of the back plate and locking the back plate to the post with a fastener, another fastener for fastening the post to a suitable object, and an optional escutcheon for optionally fastening the post to the escutcheon and the escutcheon to a wall or other suitable object.
US08640993B2
Devices, methods, and systems for slowing the descent of an object in flight such as a baseball using a parachute are presented. A parachute assembly includes a canopy attached to a plurality of suspension lines converging downwardly to a corresponding number of attachment points on the surface of a ball. The attachment points are substantially equidistantly spaced apart along a line of substantially equal latitude. In one embodiment, each attachment point defines an opening to an interior channel extending to a central chamber. Each suspension line is inserted into an interior channel, through the central chamber, and out of the ball through a common shaft, where the lines are fastened together in a bundle and then withdrawn until the bundle lies in the central chamber, retaining the lines inside the ball.
US08640981B2
Reels or spools for carrying wires or the likes, where the flanges of these reels or spools have corrugations with undercuts selectively formed thereon, are provided. These undercuts may aid in the molding process, such as injection molding or compression molding with substantially rigid molds, among other things. The reels or spools may also have supports dispersed between the corrugations to provide additional structural integrity to the flange. These supports can be mid-plane supports between the corrugations and may be positioned closer to the inside surface or to the outside surface of the flange, and the supports may form an angle with the corrugations.
US08640978B2
An improved irrigation sprinkler nozzle is provided for enhanced short range or close-in distribution of water for irrigating vegetation and the like positioned relatively close to the sprinkler. The improved sprinkler nozzle includes a nozzle passage for outward projection of a water stream, at least a portion of which is defined by a generally vertically oriented, fan-shaped spray pattern. A lower margin of the nozzle passage defining this fan-shaped pattern is lined with a plurality of forwardly extending ramps each formed with a selected width and a different declination angle. A portion of the water discharged through the nozzle passage is forced and guided downwardly along these ramps for enhanced close-in distribution of water near the sprinkler.
US08640972B2
A sprayer has a tank for holding a spray solution that is applied to a ground or turf surface. The sprayer includes an agitation system having a plurality of agitation nozzles that extend into the tank that are accessible from outside the tank and can be removed and replaced without using tools. The sprayer may include a rinse system carried onboard the sprayer which is segregated from the spray and agitation systems to avoid contaminating the rinse liquid prior to the time the rinse liquid is sprayed into the tank through rinse nozzles. The rinse nozzles include upwardly and downwardly directed nozzle ports and a bottom spinner for thoroughly cleaning all interior surfaces of the tank. The sprayer may also include a chemical eductor mounted on the side of the tank, whose weight is counterbalanced by springs, and which easily pivots between lower and upper positions on the tank.
US08640971B2
A nebulizer comprising a main body, an atomizer, and a vibrating element. The atomizer comprises a substrate, a main recipient supported by the substrate for containing liquid and having surfaces delimiting the liquid reservoir, and a dosing reservoir arranged on the main recipient so as to delimit a predetermined amount of liquid to be expelled. The dosing reservoir comprises a hollow section defining the predetermined amount of liquid, a solid section, a central section, an orifice membrane plate, and a fluidic channel arranged in-between a bottom surface of the solid section and the flat top surface of the main reservoir so as to create a capillary communication between the hollow section and the orifice membrane plate.
US08640968B2
This specification discloses a device of controlling temperature gain and the method thereof. The invention detects the temperature of work environment and uses it to generate a control signal and a PWM signal for dynamically controlling the heaters around electronic elements to heat up. When the temperature of work environment is too low, the invention can increase the stability of the electronic elements.
US08640967B2
A network system for operating multiple printers in different locations includes an RFID tag or print information that is arranged at a location where the printer is used and stores location information for identifying the location. The system further includes a printer provided with location information read capability for electromagnetically reading the location information stored in the RFID tag or optically reading the location information stored in the print information. The system associates the read location information with a network address and assigns the associated network address to the printer that has the location information.
US08640966B2
A command destined for a smart card is received. If the command is of a state-altering type that places the smart card in a known state, it is relayed to a smart card reader unless the smart card is currently in the known state. If the command is a POWER OFF command, it is relayed to the smart card reader unless (i) the smart card is currently in the known state and (ii) within a predetermined time from receiving the command, a subsequent command of the state-altering type that places the smart card in the known state is received. If the command is not a POWER OFF command and is not of the state-altering type that places the smart card in the known state, it is relayed to the smart card reader. The command is discarded if not relayed to the smart card reader.
US08640951B2
Electronic delivery of counterfeit-resistant documents exchangeable for value such as admission tickets, gift certificates, coupons, vouchers, etc. directly to the person who ordered the documents over an open communications network such at the Internet. A first party orders a document from a second party, and the second party electronically delivers the ordered, counterfeit-resistant document to a device designated by the first party. For example, the document may be electronically ordered using a PC, and a printer coupled to the PC may print the document. In one embodiment, the first party transmits unsolicited offers over the open communications network The document may be made counterfeit resistant by assigning unique information to each document of a given type, e.g., admission tickets, and checking the uniqueness of a document and whether the unique information was previously read prior to allowing it to be exchanged for value.
US08640949B2
Methods and apparatus for providing multiple transaction cards in a single package are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for forming a carrier package arrangement includes obtaining a plurality of transaction cards, obtaining a first parent activation code, and associating the first parent activation code with the plurality of transaction cards. The method can also include packing the plurality of transaction cards in the carrier package arrangement, and providing the first parent activation code so as to be on or accessible from the carrier package arrangement. The plurality of transaction cards can thereafter be activated using the first parent activation code.
US08640945B1
Methods and apparatus for managing cash items are disclosed. For example, a predetermined or calculated amount/composition of rolled coins may be dispensed based on a count of loose coins, or a mixture of rolled and/or loose coins may be dispensed based on a command from a cash management software program or module. Coins from an end of day deposit may be utilized to calculate a dispense requirement for start-of-day till preparation. A self-service device such as a kiosk, self-checkout lane, or payment island may be configured to also perform cash management tasks and/or to transmit an output to a back office and/or bank to receive provisional credit. Change orders, bank deposits, and/or other cash service tasks may be automated in various aspects including, for instance, scheduling, preparation of cash items (e.g., with predetermined or optimized amount/composition), central management of business rules, and reconciliation of fulfillment with invoices or SLAs.
US08640940B2
A system and method for use in NOTES is provided for reducing surgical invasiveness. An insertion body that is connected by an anvil assembly and joined to a thin wire guide or electric guide wire, is inserted via a natural orifice into a hollow organ so as to incise and remove a diseased or defective site from the hollow organ by using a pair of or front-end/rear-end linear cutters of a linear cutting/stapling device or linear stapler, after which the two cut ends of the tract are anastomosed and recovered by a circular anastomosis surgical stapler that is provided with the system.
US08640939B2
An explosively actuated fastener driving tool of the type having a driving piston for driving a fastener at the forward end of a barrel upon firing of the tool has a retractor pawl assembly with a pawl for resetting the piston into a rear end of the barrel by forward movement of the barrel relative to the receiver following firing. The pawl assembly is so constructed that the pawl can be withdrawn from the barrel to permit removal of the barrel for routine cleaning and maintenance but in this condition the assembly still remains attached to the tool to prevent components from being misplaced.
US08640934B2
The present invention is a roof rack having stowable, non-adjustable cross-bars. The roof rack also includes a plurality of mounts attached to a vehicle in an arrangement to provide a singular stowed position and a singular deployed position. The present invention also includes at least one cross-bar attached between the stowed position or the deployed position. The cross-bar is completely detached from the plurality of mounts to move the cross-bar from the stowed position to the deployed position.
US08640931B2
A tap for liquids dispenses liquids including wines from plastic bags or bladders packaged in cardboard boxes, and has three modes of operation. Liquids may be dispensed from the box on a shelf by manually turning a rotatable cap to open a valve for liquid to flow by gravity; an adapter attached to the tap automates the process and dispenses liquids through a pump; and the tap may be used to fill bags or bladders from an automated filling machine. In a first embodiment, the rotatable cap must be manually opened for both manual and automated operation. In a second embodiment, the rotatable cap may remain closed and the adapter can still dispense liquids through the tap using a pump.
US08640924B2
A water dispensing apparatus includes a lifting system and a water reservoir. The apparatus automatically installs a water bottle by lowering and inverting the water reservoir atop a water bottle, coupling the water reservoir to the water bottle, and raising and inverting the water reservoir with the water bottle coupled therewith. One or more compartments are filled with water from the inverted water bottle, and water is dispensed from each compartment through a dispenser. Multiple compartments may be included in the water reservoir, with the water in one compartment being electrically cooled and water in another compartment being electrically heated.
US08640912B2
A foldable box includes a floor and two longitudinal and transverse side exterior walls each lying opposite in pairs and foldable relative to the floor, each longitudinal side exterior walls including a protrusion at a transverse side end extending toward the transverse side exterior walls when upfolded, limiting foldability of the transverse side exterior walls to the outside. Each transverse side exterior wall including a locking mechanism at the outside of the transverse side exterior wall, including when upfolded, a snap-in element movable in a vertical direction relative to the floor surface, latchable with the protrusion. The protrusion and/or the snap-in element includes contact surfaces, inclined relative to the vertical direction when upfolded wherein the locking mechanism opens against a spring pretensioning when exceeding a predetermined inward force acting upon the transverse side exterior wall.
US08640911B2
A modular case and method of forming the same, the case preferably formed from a plurality of panels, edge members and corner pieces having ribs. The panels, edge members and corner pieces are preferably connected to align the ribs, forming substantially continuous ribs capable of distributing forces over a large area of the modular case. The case is most preferably made of plastic, the connections preferably being hot-plate welds. Most preferably, the panels and edge members have a dual skin construction with internal ribs, proving for greater strength and allowing for superior structural properties including air-/water-tight integrity. Edge members are preferably formed with protuberances to allow for better base-to-lid and case-to-case engagement. Hardware attachments to the modular case can be advantageously made while distributing the force on attachment points and without compromising structural integrity.
US08640910B2
A pressure container comprising a plastic container core (2) for storing a fluid under pressure, a support sheath (3) surrounding the plastic container core (2), a connection piece (4) formed at the plastic container core (2) and having an opening (5) for filling in and discharging the fluid from the plastic container core (2), a connection body (6) arranged radially outside the connection piece (4) and having a bore (7), a valve body (8) having a fluid duct (9) for conducting the fluid in and out through the opening (5) in the connection piece (4), wherein the valve body (8) is arranged in the opening (5) of the connection piece (4) and in the bore (7) of the connection body (6), wherein the connection body (4) has at least one radially inside annular groove (12) and a second seal (13) is arranged in the at least one radially inside annular groove (12), so that the second seal (13) rests radially outside on the connection piece (4).
US08640905B2
A container includes a container body defining a container cavity, the container includes a container top configured to create at least two container openings via at least partial depression of at least two container portions into the cavity defined by the container body.
US08640898B2
A cap for a container provided with an internal seal gasket that combines a first layer in contact with the cap, which first layer provides a narrower against gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide. A second layer in contact with the first layer, which second layer possesses mechanical sealing properties.
US08640897B2
A teat for a feeding bottle has a one-way valve located remotely from the nipple of the teat to allow air to enter the feeding bottle to replace liquid sucked out of the bottle through the nipple while preventing liquid from leaking from the bottle. The one-way valve comprises an inwardly-oriented depression having opposed mutually inclined side walls meeting along a ridge having a slit. In the invention, when undeflected, the side walls make line contact with one another at the ridge and the thickness of the side walls is less than 0.4 mm so that, when acted upon by an increased pressure in the feeding bottle, the side walls collapse against one another and make sealing contact along a surface that extends from the ridge in the direction away from it.
US08640893B2
A shelving system having a top, bottom and intermediate shelves mounted on vertical supports. The intermediate shelves are mounted on adjustable brackets that permit individual removal of the intermediate shelves without disturbing the top and bottom shelves. The adjustable brackets comprise at one end a pin that is adapted to be inserted into a series of apertures formed along the length of each support. Opposite the pin, a mounting member is sized and shaped to receive a corner of each shelf. A stop is formed on the bracket between the pins and mounting member.
US08640883B2
A filtration barrier comprises first elements that are fibers, strips, or bristles wherein apertures between elements provide passages for a fluid transporting granules to the filtration barrier, and wherein the elements (11) are supported against deflection by second elements (12) when the fluid is flowing in a forwards direction whereby granules are prevented from accompanying the fluid through said passages by the barrier, but whereby the second elements do not support the first elements against deflection when the fluid flows in a (back-wash) direction opposite the forwards direction, when the elements (11a, 11b, 11c) become deflected by the fluid to increase the size of the apertures. In various embodiments of the invention the elements are supported at one end or both ends, and elements are arranged to deflect differently to further increase the apertures between neighboring elements as shown below.
US08640881B2
The invention relates to a screen changer in a system that processes flowable plastic. The screen changer includes an element, such as a portafilter, that is movable between two positions; two hydraulic pumps that effect position change of the screen changer; and a motor that operates both pumps. One pump provides greater flow volume and the other provides a lower flow volume, but with greater pressure. A non-return valve in the supply line to the hydraulic cylinder controls flow to the cylinder that moves the movable element between positions. The volume pump is used to move the movable element when resistance to movement of the screen is low and the high-pressure pump to move the element when resistance is high. The non-return valve selectively enables or interrupts flow from the pumps to the hydraulic cylinder. The screen changer allows use of a non-pressurized hydraulic fluid reservoir.
US08640878B2
A tilt roller grader for grading solid objects, such as shrimp. The grader has grading rollers obliquely arranged across a tilted grading bed. Jacks in cross members supporting the bed are used to jack up the grading bed across its width to adjust the flatness of the bed for uniform grading gaps between the grading rollers and the bed.
US08640874B2
A package for holding a plurality of non-spherical products, each product having at least one product axis, is provided. The package comprises a tray defining a tray plane, a plurality of open pockets protruding from the tray plane, each for containing a single product; and each pocket including an angular orienting pocket wall portion for angularly orienting the product within the pocket, so that a product axis is angularly oriented with respect to the tray plane.
US08640872B2
A container for receiving frangible items comprising a sheet of polymer formed into: a base portion and at least one cover portion with a hinge between the base portion and the cover portion. Abutment spacer are formed at an edge between the peripheral walls and the top wall and each comprise an abutment surface projecting into the concavity from one of the peripheral walls, and support walls relating the abutment surface to the top wall, with at least one of the support walls being in an acute angle relation with the top wall of the cover portion. Alignment channels are in at least one of the peripheral walls defining an alignment protrusion through the sheet of polymer, the alignment channel/protrusion being oriented vertically for guiding the nesting of an upper one of the cover portion descending into a lower one of the cover portion.
US08640870B2
A packaging system for personal care products includes a package configured for receipt of personal care products therein, the package including an external surface, a package circumference, a package height, and a package width; and a concealment element repositionable between a first position in which the packaging system exhibits product-identifying graphics and a second position in which the packaging system is substantially bereft of product-identifying graphics, wherein the concealment element is a tubular sleeve that is open at two ends and that, in the first and second positions and at all intermediate positions while being repositioned between the first and second positions, circumscribes the package at the package circumference and does not extend beyond one of the package height and the package width.
US08640861B2
A vernier adjustor for a conveyor system is provided. The vernier adjustor includes first and second longitudinal members moveable in slidable relation and a pin, the first and second longitudinal members each including a plurality of slots separated by respective first and second spacings. The pin is adapted for placement within an aligned slot pairing to fix movement of the first longitudinal member relative to the second longitudinal member. The first and second longitudinal members are positionable in increments less than the first and second spacings. In particular, the first and second longitudinal members are positionable in increments substantially equal to the difference between the first spacing and the second spacing. Movement of the first longitudinal member relative to the second longitudinal member provides an incremental tensioning of an endless belt associated with the conveyor system.
US08640860B2
Device (1) for gripping an object such as a blow-molding container preform (3), comprising: a guiding body (12); a stop body (13), mounted so as to move axially relative to the guiding body (12) along an axis (4) of the device, intended to be aligned with the object (3) to be gripped; a mandrel support (7), equipped with a gripping mandrel (15), able to move axially relative to the guiding body (12) and having a plunge-in travel (8) going from a set-back position to a plunged-in position in which the mandrel (15) is capable of gripping the object (3). The stop body (13) has, together with the mandrel support (7), a system of support stops (18, 19) arranged so that the mandrel support (7) drives the stop body (13) axially onto a terminal portion of the plunge-in travel (8). The device (1) includes a return means (34, 36) mounted between the guiding body (13) and the stop body, for the purpose of driving the stop body along an axial set-back direction opposite direction of plunge-in travel.
US08640855B2
A dust control apparatus and method for a bulk material handling transfer system having a chute comprising a pathway there through for handling varying volumes of bulk material flowing through the chute using gravity flow. A self-adjusting air restrictor gate is mounted in the chute for engaging the upper surface of flowing bulk material through the chute for restricting the air pathway during material volume flow variations to reduce dust emissions. The gate member contacts the upper surface of flowing bulk material and moves up and down in response to the flow of bulk material through the chute to restrict the flow of air to reduce dust. A counterweight mechanism and a damper helps maintain controlled contact of the air restrictor gate with the upper surface of bulk material flowing through the chute.
US08640851B2
A permanent magnet air heater has a housing with an internal chamber accommodating an electric motor rotating a fan to move air through the housing. A non-ferrous member having bores for cylindrical magnets and a steel member with a copper plate secured to the steel member are rotated relative to each other by the motor whereby the magnetic field between the magnets and copper plate generates heat which is transferred to air in the housing moving through the housing by the fan.
US08640849B2
A paper sheet processing apparatus capable of preventing an action of drawing out a paper sheet such as a bill is provided. A bill processing apparatus of the present invention has an insertion slot into which a bill is inserted and a traveling route through which the bill inserted into the insertion slot is conveyed. The traveling route has a first traveling route (3A) connected to the insertion slot and a second traveling route (3B) extending downstream from the first traveling route (3A) and being inclined relative to the first traveling route (3A). The second traveling route (3B) is provided with a shutter member (200) for preventing conveyance of the bill toward the insertion slot.
US08640848B1
The shaft positioning device includes a first supporting part, a second supporting part, and a position-limiting structure. The first supporting part includes a first hole. The second supporting part includes a second hole. After two ends of a shaft are penetrated through the first hole and the second hole, respectively, the position-limiting structure is located beside the first supporting part to limit the axial position of the shaft. Consequently, the shaft positioning device of the present invention is capable of positioning various types of shafts without the need of reserving a large installation space.
US08640847B2
A packaging apparatus includes a chute, a moving member, and a control unit. The chute encloses a passage space, and has a slit formed in a first portion. Items to be packaged are supplied from an upper apparatus to the passage space. The first portion surrounds a first space. The first space is part of the passage space, where the items targeted to be packaged, readily become clogged. The moving member is configured to move into the first space and withdraw from the first space through the slit. The control unit causes the moving member to enter the first space after the items targeted to be packaged have passed through the first space.
US08640842B2
A friction clutch assembly that selectively engages an input member and an output member to allow selective transfer of torque therebetween is provided. A clutch pack includes a first clutch member and a second clutch member. One of the first clutch member or the second clutch member is operatively coupled to the input member. The other of the first and second clutch members is operatively coupled to the output member. The first clutch member comprises an annular body that has a circumferential outer surface including a plurality of splines extending outwardly from the annular body. At least one of the splines has a deflected portion that is integrally formed with the annular body and curved in a circumferential direction toward a distal tip.
US08640835B2
A suspension unit, for example for a track-laying vehicle, comprises an oil-filled cylinder within which a piston, connected to a piston rod, is provided. The cylinder 4 is oil-filled, and communicates with an upper region of a spring chamber, the lower region 46 of which contains gas under pressure. The piston rod has a hollow interior filled with gas under pressure. The piston is connected by a connecting rod to a secondary piston which is slidable within the piston rod. On rebound the piston rod and the piston move relatively to each other between a retracted end position and an extended end position. During this movement and the return movement, oil is transferred, by way of apertures between damping chambers which serve to damp the relative movement of the piston and the piston rod so avoiding shock loading at the end positions of the movement.
US08640833B2
A pneumatically or electromechanically actuatable disc brake as a wear adjustment adjustment device, which is positioned in a caliper, and is actuatable by a brake lever, includes a central drive element. The central drive element is connected to a drive spindle by way of a ball ramp coupling and the ball ramp coupling has a drive output disc, which engages in the drive element, and a coupling ring, with the ends of a torsion spring being connected to either the disc or the ring. The torsion spring is a helical spring, preferably composed of a wound spring plate.
US08640814B2
The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to side-by-side all terrain vehicles having plural rows of seats.
US08640813B2
A breath alcohol ignition interlock device. The breath alcohol interlock device includes an ignition interlock system for use with a vehicle, the interlock system requiring a successful breathalyzer test to initiate operation of a motor of the vehicle, the interlock system including a CPU. A vehicle computer that controls functions of the vehicle related to motion receives a signal from the interlock system of a successful breathalyzer test to permit operation of the motor vehicle. A motion detection device associated with the vehicle determines when the vehicle is placed into motion. The motion detection device provides a signal to the CPU of the ignition interlock system when vehicle motion is detected. The CPU of the ignition interlock system initiates a breathalyzer retest algorithm upon receiving a signal from the motion detection device that the vehicle is placed in motion.
US08640810B2
A battery is disposed close to a through-hole of a swing shaft that pivotally supports a swing arm on a vehicle body frame so as to be freely swingable at a position closer to the front of the vehicle body in the swing arm. An electric motor is disposed close to an axle of a rear wheel at a position closer to the rear of the vehicle body in the swing arm. The control board is disposed at a position outside of the battery in the vehicle width direction, and the heating element board is disposed at a position rearward of the vehicle body with respect to the control board and forward of the vehicle body with respect to the motor.
US08640807B2
An inverted pendulum type vehicle provided with a body, a pair of wheels and that is attached to the pertinent body and that is arranged in parallel, drive mechanisms and that separately rotate the pertinent pair of wheels and around wheel axes, and a control member that controls the drive mechanisms and, wherein: the body is provided with a base to which the pair of wheels and is attached, a column disposed upright from the base, and a load-supporting part that is attached to the column and that sustains a payload; the column is joined to the base via a shaft that extends in a non-parallel direction relative to the wheel axes, and is provided so as to be capable of sliding around the shaft; and the shaft is provided with an actuator which imparts torque to the column that slides around the shaft with an orientation that is the reverse of the sliding direction of the column.
US08640806B2
A transport means (1) comprising: —at least two wheels (2), —a chassis (3) with a longitudinal axis, which is substantially parallel to a direction of travel of the transport means (1), and —at least one suspension system (4) operationally positioned between the chassis (3) and the wheels (2), wherein each wheel (2) has a wheel rotation axis (5), which is substantially horizontal, wherein the suspension system (4) includes a connection means (22) that interact releasably with a connection means (23) on the chassis (3), and wherein the suspension system (4) has a first orientation, wherein the suspension system (4) has at least one other orientation which is rotated in relation to the first orientation about a suspension rotation axis (6), which is substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chassis (3).
US08640803B2
A hydraulic excavator includes a lower travel body, an upper swivel body, a cooling unit, and first and second exterior members. The cooling unit includes a first cooling device disposed facing the first exterior member, and a second cooling device disposed on a side of the first cooling device towards the second exterior member and in midway in an air channel between the second exterior device and a cooling fan. The second cooling device extends in a direction intersecting a direction in which the first cooling device extends. The first and second exterior members have first and second openings in portions that overlap the first and second cooling devices in a height direction, respectively. A lower edge of one of the first opening and the second opening disposed at a higher position is positioned higher than an upper edge of the other of the first opening and the second opening.
US08640802B2
A radiator grill (10) for a motor vehicle comprises: a frame (12) for securing the radiator grill (10) to the vehicle, wherein a condition in which the radiator grill (10) is mounted on the vehicle will be designated in the following as the reference condition of the radiator grill (10), and wherein the frame (12) in the reference condition of the radiator grill (10) relative to the motor vehicle is mounted substantially immovably thereon, at least one air-conducting element (20) which extends along an air-conducting element longitudinal axis (L) and at least in sections forms at least one part of an outer side (21) of the radiator grill (10), at least one air-passage opening (30) which is designed to allow cooling air to flow into a motor vehicle interior region (24), which in the reference condition of the radiator grill (10) and during travel operation of the motor vehicle flows on to the outer side (21) of the radiator grill (10) counter to a travel direction (F), as well as at least one air flap (16) with a flap outer surface (27) and a flap axis (28), wherein the air flap (16) can move, at least between a closed position and an open end position, relative to the air-conducting element (20) in an adjusting movement comprising a pivoting movement about the flap axis (28) so as to vary an opening cross-section of the air-passage opening (30), wherein the air-conducting element (20) completely obscures over more than half of its axial extension, preferably over its entire axial extension, the air flap (16) in its open end position, viewed counter to the travel direction (F).
US08640797B2
An endless belt tensioner system adapted to apply a minimum tensioning force on a ground-contacting endless belt of a vehicle is provided, the minimum tensioning force being managed to prevent the endless belt to disengage from an operating configuration. A vehicle and a method of use thereof are also provided.
US08640782B2
An aerial retardant delivery system comprising a retardant tank mountable in the fuselage of an aircraft. The tank includes a pressure opening in fluid communication with the fuselage such that pressure in the fuselage may act on retardant contained in the tank. The tank includes an outlet extending through a sidewall of the aircraft's fuselage, through which retardant may be delivered to a target. The system also includes a discharge gate operative to open and close the outlet. An actuation mechanism is disposed on the exterior of the tank and operatively coupled to the at least one discharge gate. A variable flow controller controls the discharge gate open position in order to provide retardant over a desired area of terrain. A one-way flapper is disposed in the pressure opening and is operative to allow pressure in the fuselage to enter the tank while inhibiting retardant from spilling from the tank.
US08640780B2
An improved multi-bolt and nut torque wrench for installing and removing bolts or nuts from flanged joints or the like which includes a plurality of torque stations having a plurality of high torque wrenches for engaging the heads of the bolts or nuts during a high torque phase of removal or installation; a plurality of low-torque motors operatively engaged with the wrenches for rotating the bolts or nuts during the low torque phase of removal or installation; a source of hydraulic fluid for driving the low-torque motors during the low-torque phase, and driving the high-torque wrenches during the high torque phase; and a mechanism for switching between the two phases depending on the torque needed.
US08640772B2
Systems and methods for maximizing energy recovery from a subterranean formation are herein disclosed. According to one embodiment, a selected subterranean open-hole interval is isolated and at least one fracture is stimulated in the isolated subterranean open-hole interval.
US08640752B2
A wheel for a celestial running vehicle which enables the celestial running vehicle to sufficiently exhibit its desired running performance by maintaining a sufficient ground contact length, as well as reducing the wheel maximum width and the number of the sliding portions. The celestial body vehicle wheel (1) is mounted on a celestial body running vehicle and includes, a hub body (2) rotatable about a rotation axis, a grounding member (3) arranged radially outside of the hub body (2) and rotatable about the rotation axis while contacting a celestial body surface, and a load bearing device (4) arranged between the hub body (2) and the grounding member (3) for bearing radial load, the load bearing device (4) including, a plurality of first support members (5) arranged circumferentially to extend radially outward from the hub body (2) and terminate short of the grounding member (3), a plurality of second bearing members (6) arranged circumferentially to extend radially inward from the grounding member (3) and terminate short of the hub body (2), and elastic members (7) for connecting the first support members (5) and the second support members (6) to each other, wherein, under the radial load, the elastic members (7) are elastically deformed, and the first support members (5) and the second support members (6) are relatively displaced in directions approaching each other.
US08640748B2
The present invention provides a multiple liquid dispenser having an upper section for receiving ice to form a cooling chamber. The cooling chamber has a spiral passageway extending through the ice having a plurality of layers of passageways. The spiral passageway has an upper end for receiving the liquid to be chilled by the surrounding ice and a lower end connected to multiple tubes for distributing the chilled liquid. The lower section has multiple liquid dispensers connected to the multiple tubes for receiving and dispensing the chilled liquid from the multiple liquid dispensers. The multiple liquid dispensers are spaced around the periphery of the lower section and has valves for opening and closing the liquid dispensers for dispensing the chilled liquid. A vertical stand is provided for supporting the upper and lower sections. A turntable is also provided for receiving the mounting stand and for receiving a plurality of drinking glasses for receiving the dispensed chilled liquid from the multiple liquid dispensers.
US08640741B2
A woven papermaker fabric having a first woven fabric layer made of first threads and having a second woven fabric layer made of second threads, the two woven fabric layers being connected by binder threads formed by structural second threads at binder points and having knuckles having peaks constituting a peak plane parallel to a paper side plane, and the first threads forming knuckles with concave inner bends, the points of which lying nearest to the paper side plane constituting an inner plane, wherein the tension of the first threads extending transversely to the binder threads is such that the peak plane is nearer to the paper side plane than the inner plane thereby causing lateral deflections of at least one of the first threads.
