Document Document Title
US08076857B2 Display devices with ambient light sensing
A display device comprises an illumination source (12), a display modulator (10) for modulating the light provided by the illumination source and an integrated light sensor arrangement (14) to detect a light level. Light sensor signals from a plurality of light sensors are processed such that localized shielding of the ambient light at the location of one or more of the light sensors is identified. An accurate estimate of the ambient light level can then be obtained.
US08076855B2 Combination emergency light and nightlight
A light device includes a nightlight unit adapted to operate in an automatic mode, an on mode, or an off mode; an illumination unit comprising a sensor, the illumination unit being removably secured to the nightlight unit; and a charging unit for charging the illumination unit. The lighting unit is adapted to come on automatically by operating in the automatic mode, continuously emit light by operating in the on mode, or stop emitting light by operating in the off mode. The illumination unit is adapted to come on automatically to emit light either when the sensor senses an activating condition in the form of an absence of AC or after removing from the nightlight unit. The sensor is adapted to disable the illumination unit either when sensing a termination of the activating condition or after placing the illumination unit in the nightlight unit and electrically connecting thereto.
US08076854B2 Light source apparatus
A light source apparatus includes: a lamp replacement door configured to open and close a lamp replacement window; an igniter replacement door configured to open and close an igniter replacement window which is opened at a position different from the position of the lamp replacement window; a door opening detection switch configured to detect the opening and closing of the lamp replacement door; a circuit breaker device configured, when the opening state of the lamp replacement door is detected by the door opening detection switch, to interrupt power supply to an electric circuit; and a door opening regulation mechanism configured to lock the closing state of the igniter replacement door, and configured to permit the opening of the igniter replacement door.
US08076852B2 High-pressure discharge lamp, lighting method and lighting device for high-pressure discharge lamp, high-pressure discharge lamp device, and lamp unit, image display device and headlight device
In a high-pressure discharge lamp that includes a bulb formed from a light emitting part having a discharge space therein and a pair of sealing parts connected to the light emitting part, and an electrode pair disposed within the discharge space, a section of a proximity conductor is wound substantially spirally around one of the sealing parts within a predetermined range from the light emitting part, while the remaining section of the proximity conductor crosses over the light emitting part and is electrically connected to the electrode nearer the other sealing part. By initiating a discharge after applying a high-frequency voltage of 1 kHz to 1 MHz to a high-pressure mercury lamp having this structure, the breakdown voltage can be suppressed to at least 8 kV.
US08076848B2 Mercury dispensing system for fluorescent lamps
The present invention relates to a mercury dispensing system (11; 21, 31) for fluorescent lamps, comprising a dispensing member (12; 22, 32) containing a mercury releasing compound. The dispensing member (12; 22, 32) is fixed on a metal support (13; 23; 33) suitable to be heated by electromagnetic induction in order to cause the activation of said mercury releasing compound. The surface area of the metal support (13; 23; 33) is comprised between 9 and 64 mm2. The invention also relates to fluorescent lamps comprising said mercury dispensing system (11; 21; 31).
US08076845B2 Display apparatus
In a display apparatus, a thin film transistor, a planarization film, and at least two light-emitting devices are provided on a substrate, and the light-emitting device at least includes a light-emitting layer and first and second electrodes. At least two first contact holes and at least two second contact holes are provided in the planarization film at a part outside a display region and connect the first electrode to ground wiring and/or power wiring with a resistance lower than that of the first electrode, the distance between the second contact hole and the display region is longer than that between the first contact hole and the display region, and the opening area of the second contact hole is smaller than that of the first contact hole.
US08076842B2 Multilayer polymer light-emitting diodes for solid state lighting applications
Multilayer polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) are demonstrated using semiconducting polymers blended with organometallic emitters as the emissive layer and one or both of an electron transport layer and a hole transparent layer on the appropriate electron injection and hole injection sides of the emissive layer. The transport layers reduce energy potential gaps between the hole injection electrode and the emissive polymer and between the electron injection electrode and the emissive polymer. A solvent-processing based procedure for preparing these devices is also disclosed It uses nonpolar solvent-based solutions of emissive polymers to form the emissive layer and polar solvent-based solutions to form the transport layers to minimize etching and other undesirable interactions as the multiple layers are being laid down. Illumination quality white light can be obtained with stable Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage coordinates, stable color temperatures, and stable color rendering indices, all close to those of “pure” white light. These multilayer white light-emitting PLEDs are useful as backlights for liquid crystal displays and for solid state lighting applications.
US08076833B2 Methods and apparatuses for enhancing heat dissipation from a light emitting device
A light emitting device and method of producing the same is disclosed. The light emitting device includes a phosphor layer and a wire mesh thermally coupled to the phosphor layer and configured to dissipate heat from the phosphor layer.
US08076829B2 Electrostrictive composite and electrostrictive element using the same
An electrostrictive composite includes a flexible polymer matrix and a number of one dimensional conductive materials dispersed in the flexible polymer matrix. The flexible polymer matrix is a sheet. The one dimensional conductive materials cooperatively form an electrically conductive structure in the flexible polymer matrix. The one dimensional conductive materials are oriented substantially along a same preferred direction.
US08076813B2 Hermetic motors with windings coupled to on-winding motor protectors via welded terminals
A hermetic motor includes a stator having at least one winding formed by a winding wire, and an on-winding motor protector having at least one contact. To improve the reliability and reduce the cost of the hermetic motor, the winding wire is directly coupled (without a lead wire) to the motor protector contact. Additionally, a common wire extending from the motor protector to a cluster block (if applicable) can be the same type of wire as the winding wire.
US08076811B2 Flux-switching magnetic motor/generator machine
A flux-switching magnetic machine is provided having a drive element and a driven element. The drive element is configured to generate a composite magnetic field comprising a fixed component and a variable component, the fixed component being generated by spaced fixed field members and the variable component being generated by spaced armature windings. The driven element has a plurality of magnetisable portions configured to be coupled to the composite magnetic field generated by the drive element, such that the driven element moves in response to changes in this field. The number of fixed field members is greater than the number of armature windings.
US08076810B2 Method for assembling an electric motor and motor obtained using this method
A method for assembling an electric motor of the type having a stator unit (5) and a rotary unit (6) housed in a containment compartment (2a) delimited by a casing (2), includes exposing the compartment (2a) to a different pressure relative to the outside environment and checking for the passage of fluid between the outside environment and the compartment (2a) in order to test the motor (1) hermetic seal.
US08076797B2 Energy transfer circuit and method
An energy transfer circuit for connecting a load to multiple energy sources that can have different voltages. The energy transfer circuit connects the load and at least two energy sources, and has a control unit. The energy transfer circuit can transfer energy from at least one energy source to the load in response to the load's power demand; transfer energy from the load to at least one energy source in response to the load's charging current, and transfer energy between the energy sources. The energy transfer circuit also includes a first capacitor in parallel with the primary source and the load; a second capacitor in parallel with the secondary source, an inductor, a first switch between the inductor and the first capacitor, a second switch between the inductor and the second capacitor. The control unit opens and closes the first and second switches in response to the load and sources.
US08076794B2 Multi-voltage vehicle electrical supply system for a motor vehicle and method for operating the same
A multi-voltage vehicle electrical system for a motor vehicle is provided, including at least one multi-voltage generator, a first energy store, whose energy may be fed into a first low-voltage vehicle electrical system branch having low-voltage consumers, and a second energy store, whose energy may be fed into a second high-voltage vehicle electrical system branch having high-voltage consumers, as well as at least one controllable switching device, using which the energy generated by the multi-voltage generator may be distributed to the first and the second vehicle electrical system branches, the first and the second energy stores being connected in series to one another and the first vehicle electrical system branch being connected to a node between the first and the second energy store and to a reference potential of the first energy store.
US08076792B2 Power line communication apparatus
A power line communication apparatus includes power lines disposed independently and individually, for connecting various loads to a battery by way of fuses, respectively, an inductor disposed at an end portion of each of the above-mentioned power lines on a side connected to the above-mentioned battery, and an information unit for transmitting information by way of each of the above-mentioned power lines.
US08076791B2 Wind and water turbine
A power generation system that provides means for a wind or water powered wheel having pairs of radially positioned arms each having a shaft with a pair of fins pivotally attached thereto and where the independently rotating fins or paddles allow for increased power generation and reduced drag.
US08076789B2 System and method for controlling wind turbine power output
A system and method for use in controlling a wind turbine's power output by a wind turbine controller. The method includes determining a predicted wind speed for the wind turbine, determining a current wind turbine power output, and determining a predicted wind turbine power output utilizing the predicted wind speed. The method also includes comparing the current wind turbine power output to the predicted wind turbine power output and adjusting the wind turbine power output based on the comparison of the current wind turbine power output and the predicted wind turbine power output.
US08076788B2 Off-chip vias in stacked chips
A microelectronic assembly includes first and second stacked microelectronic elements, each having spaced apart traces extending along a front face and beyond at least a first edge thereof. An insulating region can contact the edges of each microelectronic element and at least portions of the traces of each microelectronic element extending beyond the respective first edges. The insulating region can define first and second side surfaces adjacent the first and second edges of the microelectronic elements. A plurality of spaced apart openings can extend along a side surface of the microelectronic assembly. Electrical conductors connected with respective traces can have portions disposed in respective openings and extending along the respective openings. The electrical conductors may extend to pads or solder balls overlying a face of one of the microelectronic elements.
US08076785B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor element having a main surface where an outside connection terminal pad is provided. The semiconductor element is connected to a conductive layer on a supporting board via a plurality of convex-shaped outside connection terminals provided on the outside connection terminal pad and a connection member; and the connection member commonly covers the convex-shaped outside connection terminals.
US08076784B2 Stacked semiconductor chips
Stacked semiconductor chips are disclosed. One embodiment provides a method including a first substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The first substrate includes an array of first connection elements on the first surface of the first substrate. A second substrate has a first surface and an opposing second surface. The second substrate includes an array of second connection elements on the first surface of the second substrate. The first connection elements is attached to the second connection elements; and is thinning at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate after the attachment of the first connection elements to the second connection elements.
US08076774B2 Transistor clamping device
A transistor-clamping device for a transistor is provided with a holding block and a spring. The holding block engages over the transistor, so that the spring is pre-tensioned. A pressure plate is provided between the holding block and the transistor. The spring fixes the pressure plate on the transistor, so that a uniform pressure is applied to the transistor via the pressure plate, and, at the side facing away from the pressure plate, the latter accordingly provides a good thermal conduction to a cooling element.
US08076760B2 Semiconductor fuse arrangements
The invention includes semiconductor fuse arrangements containing an electrically conductive plate over and in electrical contact with a plurality of electrically conductive links. Each of the links contacts the electrically conductive plate as a separate region relative to the other links, and the region where a link makes contact to the electrically conductive plate is a fuse. The invention also includes methods of forming semiconductor fuse arrangements.
US08076758B2 Wafer structure
A wafer structure includes a plurality of dies, an edge portion, a passivation layer, and a UV-blocking metal layer. Each of the dies having an integrated circuit formed thereon, and the circuit includes an upmost metal layer that includes bonding pads. A composite dielectric layer corresponding to dielectric layers of the integrated circuit is disposed on the edge portion, and a cavity is formed in the composite dielectric layer over the edge portion. The passivation layer is located over the whole wafer and covers the upmost metal layer. The UV-blocking metal layer is located on the passivation layer and covers the edge portion and at least a portion of each of the dies. The cavity, the passivation layer, and the UV-blocking metal layer result in an alignment mark.
US08076743B2 Image sensor
Embodiments relate to an image sensor and a method of manufacturing the image sensor. An image sensor according to the embodiment includes: silicon patterns that are formed on a flexible substrate; a device isolation pattern that is formed between the silicon patterns; a circuit layer that is formed on the silicon patterns and has a first isolation pattern directly connected with the device isolation pattern; and a wiring layer that is formed on the circuit layer and includes a second isolation pattern corresponding to the first isolation pattern, and a wiring electrically connected with the circuit layer. The embodiments provide a flexible image sensor that can be applied to a variety of products and a method of manufacturing the flexible image sensor.
US08076740B2 Photo detector with a quantum dot layer
A photo detector is provided with a plurality of quantum dot layers and first conductive type contact layers provided at both sides of the plurality of quantum dot layers so as to sandwich them; a second conductive type impurity is doped in a first semiconductor layer formed between one first conductive type contact layer and a first quantum dot layer which is closest to the one first conductive type contact layer so that it results in a barrier against a carrier positioned at the one first conductive contact layer.
US08076727B2 Magnesium-doped zinc oxide structures and methods
Methods of forming transparent conducting oxides and devices formed by these methods are shown. Monolayers that contain zinc and monolayers that contain magnesium are deposited onto a substrate and subsequently processed to form magnesium-doped zinc oxide. The resulting transparent conducing oxide includes properties such as an amorphous or nanocrystalline microstructure. Devices that include transparent conducing oxides formed with these methods have better step coverage over substrate topography and more robust film mechanical properties.
US08076726B2 Semiconductor device
The semiconductor device includes: a first conductive-type first well and a second conductive-type second well configured over a substrate to contact each other; a second conductive-type anti-diffusion region configured in an interface where the first conductive-type first well contacts the second conductive-type second well over the substrate; and a gate electrode configured to simultaneously cross the first conductive-type first well, the second conductive-type anti-diffusion region, and the second conductive-type second well over the substrate.
US08076723B2 Method of fabricating a deep trench insulated gate bipolar transistor
In one embodiment, a method comprises forming an epitaxial layer over a substrate of an opposite conductivity type, the epitaxial layer being separated by a buffer layer having a doping concentration that is substantially constant in a vertical direction down to the buffer layer. A pair of spaced-apart trenches is formed in the epitaxial layer from a top surface of the epitaxial layer down at least into the buffer layer. A dielectric material is formed in the trenches over the first and second sidewall portions. Source/collector and body regions of are formed at the top of the epitaxial layer, the body region separating the source/collector region of the pillar from a drift region of the epitaxial layer that extends from the body region to the buffer layer. An insulated gate member is then formed in each of the trenches adjacent to and insulated from the body region.
US08076721B2 Fin structures and methods of fabricating fin structures
There is provided fin structures and methods for fabricating fin structures. More specifically, fin structures are formed in a substrate. The fin structures may include two fins separated by a channel, wherein the fins may be employed as fins of a field effect transistor. The fin structures are formed below the upper surface of the substrate, and may be formed without utilizing a photolithographic mask to etch the fins.
US08076713B2 Non-volatile memory devices having a multi-layered charge storage layer
A non-volatile memory device includes a substrate having a first region and a second region. A first gate electrode is disposed on the first region. A multi-layered charge storage layer is interposed between the first gate electrode and the substrate, the multi-layered charge storage including a tunnel insulation, a trap insulation, and a blocking insulation layer which are sequentially stacked. A second gate electrode is placed on the substrate of the second region, the second gate electrode including a lower gate and an upper gate connected to a region of an upper surface of the lower gate. A gate insulation layer is interposed between the second gate electrode and the substrate. The first gate electrode and the upper gate of the second gate electrode comprise a same material.
US08076709B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
In a situation where a memory cell includes an ONO film, which comprises a silicon nitride film for charge storage and oxide films positioned above and below the silicon nitride film; a memory gate above the ONO film; a select gate, which is adjacent to a lateral surface of the memory gate via the ONO film; a gate insulator positioned below the select gate; a source region; and a drain region, an erase operation is performed by injecting holes generated by BTBT into the silicon nitride film while applying a positive potential to the source region, applying a negative potential to the memory gate, applying a positive potential to the select gate, and flowing a current from the drain region to the source region, thus improving the characteristics of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device.
US08076706B2 Ferroelectric memory device and method of manufacturing the same
A ferroelectric memory device includes: a substrate; a first insulating film formed above the substrate, the first insulating film including a plug; a ferroelectric capacitor formed above the first insulating film; the ferroelectric capacitor including a lower electrode formed above the plug, a ferroelectric film formed on the lower electrode, an upper electrode formed on the ferroelectric film; a hydrogen barrier film formed on the ferroelectric capacitor, a first thickness of the hydrogen barrier film formed on the upper electrode being greater than a second thickness of the hydrogen barrier film formed on a side surface of the ferroelectric capacitor; and the hydrogen barrier film including a first hydrogen barrier film and the second hydrogen barrier film, the first hydrogen barrier film formed on an upper surface of the upper electrode and a side surface of the upper electrode, the second hydrogen barrier film formed above the ferroelectric capacitor.
US08076704B2 Organic light emitting device and manufacturing method thereof
An organic light emitting device according to an embodiment includes a thin film transistor substrate including a plurality of thin film transistors and an over-coating film formed on the thin film transistors. The over-coating film includes a curved surface on at least two pixels among pixels of different colors and the slope angles of depressed portions forming the curved surface are respectively different from each other depending on the colors of the pixels. A plurality of first electrodes formed on the over-coating film includes a surface formed according to the curved surface, an organic light emitting member formed on the first electrodes includes a surface formed according to the curved surface, and a second electrode formed on the organic light emitting member includes a surface formed according to the curved surface. Slope angles of the depressed portions increase according to a decrease of wavelengths of the colors of the pixels.
US08076702B2 CMOS image sensor and fabricating method thereof
A CMOS image sensor and fabricating method thereof by which capacitance of a floating diffusion region (FD) can be increased. The CMOS image sensor can include an epitaxial layer formed over a semiconductor substrate; a gate electrode formed over the epitaxial layer; a gate metal formed over a floating diffusion region of the epitaxial layer; n+ type source and drain regions formed in the epitaxial layer; a gate spacer formed on both sidewalls of the gate electrode and both sidewalls of the gate metal; an insulating interlayer formed over the epitaxial layer including the gate electrode, the gate spacer and the gate metal layer, the insulating interlayer including a first contact hole extending through the insulating interlayer exposing the source region; a second contact hole extending through the insulating interlayer exposing the gate metal; a first contact plug formed in the first contact hole and connected to the source region; a second contact plug formed in the second contact hole and connected to the gate metal; and a metal line formed over the first contact plug and the second contact plug to electrically connect the source region to the gate metal.
US08076698B2 Transistor and method for operating the same
In a transistor, an AlN buffer layer 102, an undoped GaN layer 103, an undoped AlGaN layer 104, a p-type control layer 105, and a p-type contact layer 106 are formed in this order on a sapphire substrate 101. The transistor further includes a gate electrode 110 in ohmic contact with the p-type contact layer 106, and a source electrode 108 and a drain electrode 109 provided on the undoped AlGaN layer 104. By applying a positive voltage to the p-type control layer 105, holes are injected into a channel to increase a current flowing in the channel.
US08076685B2 Nitride semiconductor device having current confining layer
A nitride semiconductor device includes an active layer formed between an n-type cladding layer and a p-type cladding layer, and a current confining layer having a conductive area through which a current flows to the active layer. The current confining layer includes a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer and a third semiconductor layer. The second semiconductor layer is formed on and in contact with the first semiconductor layer and has a smaller lattice constant than that of the first semiconductor layer. The third semiconductor layer is formed on and in contact with the second semiconductor layer and has a lattice constant that is smaller than that of the first semiconductor layer and larger than that of the second semiconductor layer.
US08076680B2 LED package having an array of light emitting cells coupled in series
Disclosed is a light emitting diode (LED) package having an array of light emitting cells coupled in series. The LED package comprises a package body and an LED chip mounted on the package body. The LED chip has an array of light emitting cells coupled in series. Since the LED chip having the array of light emitting cells coupled in series is mounted on the LED package, it can be driven directly using an AC power source.
US08076670B2 LED with conductively joined bonding structure
An LED is disclosed that includes a conductive submount, a bond pad having a total volume less than 3×10−5 mm3 conductively joined to the submount, a first ohmic contact on the bond pad opposite from the submount, an epitaxial region comprising at least a p-type layer and an n-type layer on the first ohmic contact, and an electrode to the epitaxial region opposite from the first ohmic contact.
US08076666B2 Use of sack geometry to implement a single qubit phase gate
An implementation of a single qubit phase gate for use in a quantum information processing scheme based on the υ=5/2 fractional quantum Hall (FQH) state is disclosed. Using sack geometry, a qubit consisting of two σ-quasiparticles. which may be isolated on respective antidots, may be separated by a constriction from the bulk of a two-dimensional electron gas in the υ=5/2 FQH state. An edge quasiparticle may induce a phase gate on the qubit. The number of quasiparticles that are allowed to traverse the edge path defines which gate is induced. For example, if a certain number of quasiparticles are allowed to traverse the path, then a π/8 gate may be effected.
US08076664B2 Phase change memory with layered insulator
A phase change memory may be formed with an insulator made up of two different layers having significantly different thermal conductivities. Pores may be formed within the stack of insulating layers and the pores may be filled with heaters, chalcogenide layers, and electrodes in some embodiments. The use of the two different insulator layers enables embodiments where thermal losses may be reduced and an amorphous region may be maintained along the entire length of the phase change material layer.
US08076659B2 Foil trap and extreme ultraviolet light source device using the foil trap
An extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light source device and foil trap, the device including a vessel; an EUV radiating species supply means that feeds an extreme ultraviolet radiating species into the vessel; a discharge part with discharge electrodes that heat and excite the EUV radiating species and generate a high-temperature plasma; a collector mirror collecting EUV radiation emitted from the plasma; the foil trap installed between the discharge part and the mirror; an extractor part extracting the collected radiation; and an evacuation means exhausting and regulating pressure within the vessel. The foil trap includes foils extending radially from a main axis thereof to capture debris from the light source, while allowing the emitted radiation to pass through a region thereof to the mirror. A length of at least part of the foils in directions parallel to the main axis is shorter in positions close to the main axis than distant therefrom.
US08076658B2 Electron beam processing device
An electron beam processing device includes a chamber housing that defines a chamber interior space and has a first opening. A carriage is movable along the first opening. An electron beam generator is disposed on the carriage so that the generated electron beam passes through the first opening when the carriage moves along the first opening. A disk is disposed between the chamber housing and the carriage and is rotatable about a rotational axis, which is perpendicular to the first opening, at least between a first rotational position and a second rotational position. The disk has a second opening spaced from the rotational axis of the disk in the radial direction. The rotational axis of the disk is disposed so that the first opening always overlaps the second opening at least along an electron beam propagation axis when the disk rotates between the first and second rotational positions.
US08076656B2 Writing apparatus and writing data conversion method
A writing apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store writing data, an acquiring unit configured to acquire information on a pattern defined based on the writing data, a selecting unit configured to select a format of a plurality of formats having different number of bits to be used, based on acquired information on the pattern, for each predetermined region, a converting unit configured to convert data in the predetermined region defined by the writing data, by using a selected format, and a writing unit configured to write a predetermined pattern on a target workpiece, based on converted data in the predetermined region.
US08076655B2 Method of cleaning optical surfaces of an irradiation unit in a two-step process
The present invention provides a method of cleaning optical surfaces in an irradiation unit in order to remove contaminations deposited on said optical surfaces. The method includes a cleaning step in which a first gas or gas mixture is brought into contact with said optical surfaces thereby forming a volatile compound with a first portion of said contaminations. In an operation pause of the irradiation unit prior to the cleaning step, a pretreatment step is performed, in which a second gas or gas mixture is brought into contact with said optical surfaces. Said second gas or gas mixture is selected to react with a second portion of said contaminations different from said first portion to form a reaction product, which is able to form a volatile compound with said first gas or gas mixture.
US08076654B2 Sample surface inspection apparatus and method
The present invention provides a surface inspection method and apparatus for inspecting a surface of a sample, in which a resistive film is coated on the surface, and a beam is irradiated to the surface having the resistive film coated thereon, to thereby conduct inspection of the surface of the sample. In the surface inspection method of the present invention, a resistive film having an arbitrarily determined thickness t1 is first coated on a surface of a sample. Thereafter, a part of the resistive film having the arbitrarily determined thickness t1 is dissolved in a solvent, to thereby reduce the thickness of the resistive film to a desired level. This enables precise control of a value of resistance of the resistive film and suppresses distortion of an image to be detected.
US08076653B2 Dispersions of luminescent rare-earth oxide particles, varnish comprising these particles, their methods of preparation and method for marking substrates
A composition including: a dispersion of particles of at least one oxide of at least one luminescent rare earth, disaggregated and stabilized in a hydrophobic liquid medium to which at least one surfactant is added, in which said surfactant is a non-ionic surfactant having an HLB (hydrophilic-to-lipophilic balance) lower than 12.
US08076651B2 Specimen stage apparatus and specimen stage positioning control method
A specimen stage apparatus has a braking structure which can generate a braking force enough to stop a specimen stage while keeping a movable table from increasing in its weight. The specimen stage apparatus has an X guide fixed on an X base and representing a guide structure in X direction, an X table constrained by the X guide to be movable in X direction, an X actuator having its movable part fixed to the X table and an X brake fixed to the X base and representing a braking structure for the X table. A controller carries out positioning control in which it generates a braking force by pushing the X brake against the bottom surface of the X table to stop a specimen stage and turning off the servo-control of the X actuator after stoppage of the specimen stage.
US08076650B2 Multi-source plasma focused ion beam system
The present invention provides a plasma ion beam system that includes multiple gas sources and that can be used for performing multiple operations using different ion species to create or alter submicron features of a work piece. The system preferably uses an inductively coupled, magnetically enhanced ion beam source, suitable in conjunction with probe-forming optics sources to produce ion beams of a wide variety of ions without substantial kinetic energy oscillations induced by the source, thereby permitting formation of a high resolution beam.
US08076633B2 Night vision apparatus
A night vision image processing unit (night vision apparatus) separates an input field image that a field separating unit has acquired from a near-infrared camera into an odd-numbered field image and an even-numbered field image. A region segmenting unit segments an image into a plurality of regions (a luminous region, a high-reflection region, a low-luminance region) based on luminance value of each pixel included in the odd-numbered field image and the even-numbered field image. A luminous region processing unit, a high-reflection region processing unit, and a low-luminance region processing unit correct the luminance value according to characteristics of the regions.
US08076632B2 Device and method for the contactless manipulation and alignment of sample particles in a measurement volume using a nonhomogeneous electric alternating field
The invention relates to a device for contactless manipulation and alignment of sample particles in a measurement volume using a nonhomogeneous electric alternating field, comprising a radiation source for emitting electromagnetic radiation and optical means for guiding the electromagnetic radiation into the measurement volume. The device is characterized in that the optical means include a beam shaping device for generating an intensity profile that is asymmetrical about the beam axis, wherein sample particles in the measurement volume can be trapped in a nonhomogeneous field distribution of the electric field generated by the asymmetrical intensity profile, that for the purpose of entraining sample particles trapped in the nonhomogeneous field distribution there is provided a rotating device to effect rotation of the asymmetrical intensity profile about the beam axis relatively to the measurement volume, and that the electromagnetic radiation beam in the measurement volume is unfocused, more particularly, divergent. The invention further relates to a method for contactless manipulation and alignment of sample particles in a measurement volume using a nonhomogeneous electric field.
US08076626B2 Light amount control, optical writing, and image forming apparatuses having a plurality of drive-current setting units
A light-amount control apparatus for controlling an output light amount of light sources used for optical writing is disclosed. The apparatus includes one or more drive units for supplying a drive current to the light source; one or more drive-current setting units for determining an amount of the drive current provided to the light source from the drive unit; a light-amount detecting unit for detecting an output light from the light source; and outputting a voltage according to the detected light amount; and a processing unit for setting the drive current amount based on the detected value detected with the light-amount detecting unit.
US08076621B2 Integrated reference source and target designator system for high-precision guidance of guided munitions
A method for guiding a moving object to a target. The method comprising: transmitting a signal from one or more illuminating sources defined in a reference coordinate system; receiving the signal at three or more cavity waveguides disposed on the moving object; using one or more forward observers to determine the position of the target; fixing the one or more illuminating sources to the one or more forward observers; determining a position and/or orientation of the object in the reference coordinate system based on a strength of the signal received in the three or more cavity waveguides; and guiding the moving object to the target based on the determined position and/or orientation.
US08076616B2 Cook and hold system and method with ribbed tray
A cook and hold system having an oven, a food warmer and a metallic food tray. The metallic food tray is used in the oven to hold the food products during cooking and then is rapidly transferred to the food warmer for holding. The food warmer has doors that cover the food warmer inlets so as to retain moisture and heat so that the food products are moist and warm when removed from the food warmer. The food tray has a bottom with parallel ribs that provide grill markings on the food products and a trapping of cook byproducts, such as moisture, grease and particles in the bottom spaces along side the ribs. These byproducts help to preserve heat and moisture when the food tray is transferred from the quick cook oven to the food warmer.
US08076611B2 Welding device having a selector to designate welding conditions
A welding device includes a welding torch, a memory, a power supply, an input section, a selector, and a controller. The welding torch includes a welding tip having a feeder for supplying electric power to a welding wire. The memory stores a plurality of welding conditions in which a feeder-work-piece to be welded distance is associated with at least one a length of the wire supplied per unit time, a weight of the wire supplied per unit time, and a set electric current. The power supply supplies electric power between the wire and the work-piece. The input section receives an input of a set value of a feeder-work-piece distance. The selector selects one of the welding conditions stored in the memory based on the set value. The controller controls the power supply based on the welding condition selected by the selector.
US08076609B2 Apparatus and method for machining tubing
An apparatus for machining tubing includes a weighted base, an upright frame attached to the weighted base, and a laser light source attached to the weighted base. The apparatus also includes a guide bushing tooling attached to the upright frame which holds a guide bushing. A rotary drive bushing is aligned with the guide bushing holder. An optical assembly for focusing the laser light to a laser beam spot is also attached to the guide bushing tooling block. Spacer plates may be used to correctly space the optical assembly from the tubing material.
US08076608B2 Energy collection and power reduction in laser coupling process
An energy collector is used to assist a laser coupling process by reducing the amount of output power of a laser that is used to modify a device attaching element. The energy collector includes an energy collector tip configured to be placed proximate to a device attaching element during the laser coupling process. The energy collector tip is configured to receive laser energy reflected from the device attaching element during the laser coupling process and is formed from a material that converts this reflected energy to heat. Sufficient thermal coupling is created between the energy collector and a surface to provide a conductive pathway for the energy, which has been converted to heat, between the energy collector and the device attaching element.
US08076605B2 Systems and methods for adapting parameters to increase throughput during laser-based wafer processing
Systems and methods automatically modify a laser-based system for processing target specimens such as semiconductor wafers. In one embodiment, the laser-based system detects a trigger associated with a processing model. The processing model corresponds to a set of wafers. In response to the trigger, the system automatically adjusts one or more system parameters based on the processing model. The system then uses the modified system parameters to selectively irradiate structures on or within at least one wafer in the set of wafers. In one embodiment, the trigger includes variations in a thermal state related to a motion stage. In response to the variations in the thermal state, the system operates the motion stage in a series of movements until a thermal equilibrium threshold is reached. The sequence of movements may, for example, simulate movements used to process a particular wafer.
US08076602B2 Printed circuit board for a mobile device
A printed circuit board is provided for use in a keyboard assembly of a mobile device having a plurality of keys in a key layout. The printed circuit board has a plurality of contacts, such as dome switches, arranged in a contact layout. The contact layout is such that it can be used with a plurality of different key layouts, each actuating different combinations of contacts. Some keys in a particular key layout are overlying at least two of the plurality of contacts, and such keys actuate only one of the underlying contacts. As such, a common printed circuit board can be used for a plurality of complementary mobile device designs having different key layouts, thereby allowing a manufacturer to realize cost efficiencies.
US08076599B2 Foot actuated switch
The present invention provides a foot control unit having a plurality of switches for use by a dentist, surgeon, or other professional that is ergonomically designed to minimize body movement during activation and to prevent interruptions of the procedure being performed that may be caused by the same. In one exemplary embodiment, the design provides for the operator's, e.g., the dentist's, foot to be continuously and comfortably supported in a neutral muscular-skeletal position by a portion of the foot control unit both at rest and during activation. By providing the foot with a neutral muscular-skeletal position at rest, the position of each of the switches may be kept at a substantially minimal and substantially equal distance from a corresponding activating part of the foot. This allows for the foot control unit of the present invention to minimize muscular activities and movement during activation.
US08076598B2 Interlock system and method for rotary disconnect switches
Disclosed herein is an interlock system in combination with an enclosure, including: the enclosure having a base and a door that define an interior; a rotary handle attached to the door; a disconnect switch disposed in the interior of the enclosure and including a shaft extending toward an exterior of the enclosure in a direction toward the door; a first interlocking member attached to the door and extending toward an interior of the enclosure; and a second interlocking member attached to the shaft. The handle is configured to engage the shaft when the door is closed and rotate the shaft to move the disconnect switch between an on position and an off position. The second interlocking member is configured to engage and interlock with the first interlocking member when the door is closed and the disconnect switch is in the on position.
US08076589B2 Multilayer wiring board and its manufacturing method
A multilayer wiring board employs a thin insulating substrate having substantially only resin flow as the compression property effect, and has an any-layer IVH structure where at least one core layer is formed without burying wiring. For sufficiently securing an effective compression amount of the crush-allowance of a conductor, the ratio of the thickness of a cover film to that of the electrical insulating substrate is increased, and a via can be formed in the core layer without burying the wiring in the insulating substrate. Thus, a multilayer wiring board having an any-layer IVH structure that can achieve high-density component mountability and wiring storability in an extremely small thickness can be provided.
US08076588B2 Multilayer wiring board
A multilayer wiring board having a structure in which wiring layers 12A to 12D and insulating layers 11A to 11C are alternately arranged, and in which one or plural kinds of wirings selected from a group of a signal wiring 25 having a signal electrode 15, a power supply wiring 26 having a power supply electrode 16, and a ground wiring 27 having a ground electrode 17 are formed on each of the wiring layers 12A to 12D. The signal wiring 25 and the power supply wiring 26 are alternately provided on the insulating layers. Alternatively, the signal wiring 25 and the ground wiring 27 are alternately provided on the insulating layers.
US08076579B2 Watertight structure for spliced portion
A watertight structure for a spliced portion includes a container that has an open top adapted to receive a spliced portion of electrical wires and that is elongated in a longitudinal direction of the electrical wires, and a lid to be mounted on the container. The container is provided with a bottom wall and upward inclined portions that extend in a longitudinal direction. The container is provided with a spliced portion positioning section having a narrow width. The spliced portion positioning section is provided on opposite outer sides with receiving portions to be engaged with locking pieces projecting from the lid.
US08076575B1 Electrical box assembly for mounting and supporting a security camera or fixture
An electrical box assembly for mounting a security camera or an electrical fixture on a wall or ceiling. The electrical box assembly includes an electrical box with a sidewall and back wall defining an enclosure therein. A flange extends laterally from the rim of the sidewall. A plurality of rotatable flags, adjustable from the front of the electrical box assembly, are tightened to secure the assembly to the wallboard in a ceiling or wall. Wall preparation for installation of the electrical box assembly requires only a round hole in the wallboard, which can be easily provided by a hole-saw. Recessed areas in the sidewalls of the electrical box enable retracting of the flags to enable easy insertion of the sidewalls within the hole in the wallboard. An adapter plate enables the mounting of a security camera to the electrical box assembly.
US08076571B2 Front electrode for use in photovoltaic device and method of making same
This invention relates to a front electrode/contact for use in an electronic device such as a photovoltaic device. In certain example embodiments, the front electrode of a photovoltaic device or the like includes a multilayer coating including at least one transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer (e.g., of or including a material such as tin oxide, ITO, zinc oxide, or the like) and/or at least one conductive substantially metallic IR reflecting layer (e.g., based on silver, gold, or the like). In certain example instances, the multilayer front electrode coating may include one or more conductive metal(s) oxide layer(s) and/or one or more conductive substantially metallic IR reflecting layer(s) in order to provide for reduced visible light reflection, increased conductivity, cheaper manufacturability, and/or increased infrared (IR) reflection capability.
US08076569B2 Method and structure, using flexible membrane surfaces, for setting and/or maintaining a uniform micron/sub-micron gap separation between juxtaposed photosensitive and heat-supplying surfaces of photovoltaic chips and the like for the generation of electrical power
A near-field energy conversion structure and method of assembling the same, utilizing a sub-micrometer “near field” gap between juxtaposed photocell infrared radiation receiver and heat emitter surfaces, wherein compliant membrane structures, preferably fluid-filled, are interposed in the structure.
US08076566B2 Beat extraction device and beat extraction method
Upon receiving a digital audio signal recorded in a .wav file, a beat extraction processing unit 12 extracts coarse beat position information from this digital audio signal and outputs the result as metadata recorded in an .mty file. In addition, a beat alignment processing unit 13 aligns beat information of the metadata recorded in the .mty file and outputs the result as metadata recorded in a .may file. Beats of a rhythm of music are extracted highly accurately while reproducing a music signal of a musical tune.
US08076562B1 Double pedal percussion instrument
A double pedal percussion instrument of the present invention has a bottom plate and a pedal plate. The bottom plate includes a rear plate and a front plate. The rear plate is rotatably connected to the front plate about an axial pole. A rear end of the pedal plate and the rear plate are in an operative relationship. As such, the pedal plate is rotatable with respect to the front plate. The position of the pedal plate is adjustable.
US08076560B2 Musical instrument pick grip
A grip member for connection to an instrument pick includes a grip member body having opposed first and second sides. A plurality of abrasive particles is attached to and extends away from the first side. An adhesive on the second side is used to adhesively connect the grip member to a pick surface. An aperture extends entirely through the grip member first and second sides such that the pick surface is exposed through the aperture when the grip member is adhesively connected to the pick surface permitting the user's finger to contact both the abrasive particles and the pick surface through the aperture.
US08076555B2 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH156941
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH156941. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH156941, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH156941 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH156941.
US08076546B2 Soybean cultivar S090253
A soybean cultivar designated S090253 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S090253, to the plants of soybean S090253, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S090253, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S090253 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety S090253, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S090253, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar S090253 with another soybean cultivar.
US08076542B2 Soybean cultivar S080206
A soybean cultivar designated S080206 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S080206, to the plants of soybean S080206, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S080206 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S080206 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean variety S080206, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S080206 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar S080206 with another soybean cultivar.
US08076532B2 Transgenic mouse defective in WW45 function and use in screening compounds for anti-tunour activity
Mechanisms regulating cell proliferation stop and differentiation initiation during the development stage of mammalian embryo, and the proteins involved therein, are presented. Differentiation regulators, methods of regulating differentiation, transgenic organisms with loss of expression of the differentiation regulator, and methods of preparing the transgenic organisms, are provided.
US08076518B2 Chain extenders
This invention provides chain extender compositions. These compositions comprise (i) an aliphatic secondary diamine, and (ii) a component selected from the group consisting of: (a) a cycloaliphatic primary diamine; (b) an aliphatic secondary diamine; (c) an aliphatic secondary diamine and an aliphatic primary diamine; (d) an aliphatic diimine; and (e) a combination of any two or more of (a) through (d), with the proviso that when (ii) is (a), (i) is a noncyclic aliphatic secondary diamine. Processes for producing polyurethanes, polyureas, and polyurea-urethanes are also provided.
US08076514B2 Phenyl compounds and their use in the treatment of Type II diabetes
The present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein A is (xx); X is selected from CH, CF and N, R5 is selected from H, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 fluoroalkyl, and —OR12, R9 is selected from H and —C(O)NR1OR1 1, R12 is selected from H, C1-C6 alkyl and C3-C6 cycloalkyl for use as inhibitors of the DPP-IV enzyme in the treatment or prevention of conditions including Type II diabetes.
US08076511B2 Preparative-scale separation of enantiomers of chiral carboxylic acids
High yields and purity are obtained in the purification of enantiomers of chiral carboxylic acids by preparative-scale chromatography by including a tertiary alcohol in the mobile phase in conjunction with an acidic modifier and a hydrophobic solvent. The tertiary alcohol is superior to other, more commonly used alcohols by reducing the extent of esterification of the enantiomer that otherwise lowers the yield and the purity.
US08076504B2 Method for production of short chain carboxylic acids and esters from biomass and product of same
A method for producing a mixture of short chain carboxylic acids from biomass includes adding biomass to a reactor vessel, heating the biomass to crack it, removing undesired and unreacted materials and light ends from the cracked biomass, and removing a mixture containing carboxylic acids having carbon chain lengths between C2 and C16. A composition includes a carboxyl group-containing compound derived by cracking biomass and having a carboxyl carbon chain length between C2 and C16.
US08076500B2 Production of N-aryl carbamates and N-aryl isocyanates
A method for the production of N-aryl carbamates (urethanes) and N-aryl isocyanates is described in which aromatic nitro compounds are subjected to a reductive carbonylation in the presence of carbon monoxide and organic compounds carrying hydroxyl groups, wherein the carbonylation is carried out in the presence of metal complex catalysts, for which anionic N,O chelate ligands of the general type [M(N˜O)−2] and [M(O˜N˜N˜O)2−] containing a bi- or trivalent transition metal of the groups 5 to 11 are used.
US08076483B2 Process for the preparation of pure risedronic acid or salts
The present invention relates to an industrially advantageous process of making bisphosphonic acid or its salt in particular risedronic acid, [1-hydroxy-2(3-pyridinyl)ethylidene]bisphosphonic acid, having formula-(I) or its salts in high purity and high yields.
US08076481B2 Chemical process 632
A process for preparing pharmaceutically active compounds of formula (I) or a salt thereof wherein R1, n, m, R3, R6, X1, X2, X3 and X4 are as defined in the specification, is described. Novel intermediates are also described and claimed.
US08076477B2 Adsorbents for protein purification
Use of an affinity adsorbent for the separation, removal, isolation, purification, characterisation, identification or quantification of a proteinaceous material, wherein the affinity adsorbent is a compound of formula (III), wherein R1 is H, alkyl, aryl, hydroxyalkyl, cyciohexyl, amino or a heterocyclic group which is optionally substituted with one or more of alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, acyloxy, acylamino, amino, OH, CO2H, sulphonyl, carbamoyl, sulphamoyl, alkylsuiphonyl and halogen; one X is N and the other is N, C—Cl or C—CN; Y is O, S or NR2; Z is O, S or NR3; R2 and R3 are each H, alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, benzyl or β-phenylethyl; Q is benzene, naphthalene, benzthiazole, benzoxazole, 1-phenylpyrazole, indazoie or benzimidazoie; R4, R5 and R6 are each H, OH, alkyl, aryl, heterocyclic, alkoxy, aryloxy, amino, acyloxy, acylamino, CO2H, sulphonic acid, carbamoyl, suiphamoyl, alkylsulphonyl or halogen, or two or more of R4, R5 and R6 are linked to form a cyclic structure; U and V are the same or different C1-10 straight-chain alkylene groups optionally substituted by one or more of hydroxyl, alkyl, aryl, hydroxyl, alkyl, β-phenylethyl and halogen; and A is a support matrix optionally linked to the X-containing ring by a spacer.
US08076473B2 Process for starch modification
A starch thinning and etherification process is provided comprising the steps of (a) mixing a starch substrate with a thinning agent, an alkalizing agent and an etherification agent; (b) drying the mixture of step (a); and (c) allowing the dried mixture to react with the etherification agent, wherein: the thinning agent consists of one or more hypochlorites; step (a) is carried out at an alkaline pH and does not involve any artificial heating; and step (b) is carried out before the mixture of step (a) reaches the starch substrate's gelatinisation temperature.
US08076472B2 RNA interference mediated inhibition of muscarinic colinergic receptor gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA)
The present invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating the expression of genes associated with respiratory and pulmonary disease, such as cholinergic muscarinic receptor genes, using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) molecules. This invention also relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating the expression and activity of cholinergic muscarinic receptor genes, or other genes involved in pathways of cholinergic muscarinic receptor gene expression and/or activity by RNA interference (RNAi) using small nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the instant invention features small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules and methods used to modulate the expression of M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor or cholinergic receptor muscarinic 3 (CHRM3).
US08076468B2 Nucleic acid molecules encoding Streptomyces 1AG3 serine proteases
Certain aspects of this disclosure relate to an isolated protease, and cleaning compositions containing the same. In some embodiments, the protease may comprise an amino acid sequence that is at least 80% identical to the wild type Streptomyces 1AG3 protease. Isolated nucleic acid encoding the subject protease, recombinant nucleic acid containing the same and host cells containing the recombinant nucleic acid are also provided.
US08076466B2 Saccharidic fluorescent substrates, their process of preparation and their use
The present invention relates to fluorescent enzymatic substrates of saccharidic nature having a self-cleavable spacer arm functionalized by a fluorophore F and by at least one inhibitor of the fluorescence of F, to the use thereof for preparation of a diagnostic reagent for functional imaging in vivo, and to the diagnostic reagent for functional imaging containing at least one such enzymatic substrate.
US08076465B2 Method for manufacturing charge control agent
A method for manufacturing a charge control agent comprising steps of: an initiative chelating step by reacting with a monoazo compound represented by the following chemical formula [1] (in the chemical formula [1], —Ar1— and —Ar2— are aromatic groups) and a metal chelating agent to prepare an azo-type metal complex salt intermediate; a subsequent ion-exchanging step by reacting with the azo-type metal complex salt intermediate and an ammonium counter ion forming agent including an inorganic ammonium salt and aqueous ammonia to prepare an azo-type metal complex salt having an ammonium ion of a counter ion represented by the following chemical formula [2] (in the chemical formula [2], —Ar1— and —Ar2— are the same as the chemical formula [1]; M is a trivalent metal; B+ is a cation except an ammonium ion; n is from 0.70 to 1.00).
US08076463B2 Polymer-von Willebrand factor-conjugates
The present invention relates to a proteinaceous construct (also designated as polymer-VWF-conjugate) comprising plasmatic and/or recombinant von Willebrand factor (VWF), said VWF being bound to at least one physiologically acceptable polymer molecule, as well as to a complex between said proteinaceous construct and at least one factor VIII (FVIII) protein. The physiologically acceptable polymer molecule can be, for instance, polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polysialic acid (PSA). Further the present invention relates to methods for prolonging the in vivo-half-life of VWF or FVIII in the blood of a mammal having a bleeding disorder associated with functional defects of or deficiencies of at least one of FVIII or VWF.
US08076455B2 Guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding protein-coupled receptor protein, BG37
The present inventors conducted a similarity search of the amino acid sequence of known G protein-coupled receptor proteins in GenBank, and obtained a novel human GPCR gene “BG37”, cDNA containing the ORF of the gene was cloned and its nucleotide sequence was determined. Moreover, novel GPCR “BG37” genes from mouse and rat were isolated. Use of the novel GPCR of the present invention enables screening of ligands, compounds inhibiting the binding to a ligand, and candidate compounds of pharmaceuticals which can regulate signal transduction from the “BG37” receptor.
US08076453B2 Kinin B1 receptor peptide agonists and uses thereof
The present invention provides for novel kinin B1 receptors peptide agonists of formula (I) having very good to excellent affinities and selectivity for the B1 receptor, in vitro and in vivo increased resistance to enzymatic degradation, superior pharmacokinetic properties to those of naturally occurring agents, capacity to significantly enhance delivery of chemotherapeutic substances across the blood brain barrier and within peripheral tissues for the treatment of tumors, capacity to protect and restore kidney, heart, brain and other organ functions, when given alone or in combination with other therapies in the treatment of hypertension, diabetes and other cardiovascular diseases particularly, but not limited to, atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis. Formula (I): aay-aax-aa0-aa1-aa2-aa3-aa4-aa5-Ser6-Pro7-D-Phe8-X.
US08076452B2 Streptavidin-binding peptide
The invention relates to novel streptavidin binding peptides.
US08076450B2 Treatment of ischemia
A system, including methods and compositions, for treatment of ischemia.
US08076442B2 Polyamino and/or polyammonium/polysiloxane copolymer compounds with polyalkylene oxide units in comb-shaped arrangement
The invention concerns polyamino and/or polyammonium/polysiloxane copolymer compounds with polyalkylene oxide units in comb-shaped arrangement, a method for producing said compounds and their use, in particular for treating textiles and other natural or synthetic textile materials.
US08076438B2 Method for producing organopolysiloxanes
Organopolysiloxanes are prepared in a multistage process by a first partial hydrolysis with from 0.002 to 0.6 mol water per hydrolyzable chlorine and alcohol at a water to alcohol ratio of 0.001 to 1.5, then further hydrolyzing with additional water, and then separating an aqueous alcoholic phase from an organopolysiloxane phase.
US08076437B2 Encapsulant material for optical component and light-emitting device
A light-emitting device is provided which uses an encapsulant material made from a polymer having a high relative light output. The light-emitting device includes a light-emitting element and a member sealing the light-emitting element. The encapsulant material has one or more than two kinds of units given by the following formula (1) and a refractive index of 1.55 or more. where R is a hydrogen atom, alkyl group or phenyl group, Y is an alkyl group of which the carbon number is 1 to 6 or an alkyloxy group of which the carbon number is 1 to 6 and Z is an aromatic compound that meets predetermined requirements.
US08076435B2 Acrylic copolymers with high heat-resistance and preparation thereof
An acrylic copolymer with high heat-resistance is provided. The acrylic copolymer includes repeat units of a monomer of Formula (1) and repeat units of a methacrylic monomer derivative: wherein x is 1-3 and y is 0-3. The acrylic copolymer possesses high heat-resistance and low water absorptivity. The invention also provides a method for preparing the acrylic copolymer.
US08076431B2 High melt flow fluoropolymer
The present invention relates to a partially-crystalline copolymer comprising tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene in an amount corresponding to hexafluoropropylene index (HFPI) of from about 2.8 to 5.3, and preferably from about 0.2% to 3% by weight of perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether), said copolymer having less than about 50 ppm alkali metal ion, having a melt flow rate of within the range of about 30±3 g/10 min, and having no more than about 50 unstable endgroups/106 carbon atoms and which can be extruded at high speed onto conductor over a broad polymer melt temperature range to give insulated wire of high quality.
US08076428B2 Ethylene copolymer having multiple pitch molecular weight distribution and the method of preparing the same
Disclosed are an ethylene polymerization process, a catalyst for use in the process, a production method employing the catalyst, and a product produced thereby. More specifically, disclosed is a process of producing an ethylene copolymer from ethylene and an alpha-olefin comonomer, in which the produced ethylene copolymer has a multimodal molecular weight distribution and excellent processability and physical properties, and thus can increase the value and productivity of products, including pipes and films. Particularly, the produced ethylene copolymer has a trimodal or higher molecular weight distribution or density distribution, and thus, when it is a linear low-density copolymer, it has an excellent effect of improving the impact strength of films, and when it is a medium-density ethylene copolymer, it can be produced into pipes, which have slow crack growth rate and can be used even at high temperature.
US08076425B2 Carbamate functional silica compounds and methods of making and use thereof
Disclosed is a carbamate functional silica, comprising repeating units: wherein R is H or an alkyl group of from 1 to 50 carbon atoms and n is a number from 1 to 100. Also disclosed is a functional silica comprising repeating units: wherein R is an alkyl group of from 1 to 50 carbon atoms, n is from 1 to 100, R1 and R2 may be the same or different and are at least one of a hydrocarbon group comprising from 1 to 100 carbon atoms with the proviso that at least one of R1 and R2 is not hydrogen. In one embodiment, R1 and R2 are hydrogen or the residual of an aminoplast polymer, an alkylating alcohol, or the like. Methods for making the disclosed functional silicas and coating compositions comprising the same are also provided.
US08076416B2 Thermoplastic vulcanizates and their use
A thermoplastic vulcanizate comprising a dynamically cured rubber, and from about 20 to about 400 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin per 100 parts by weight rubber, where said thermoplastic resin includes at least 0.1 percent by weight and less than 5.0 percent by weight, based upon the entire weight of said thermoplastic resin, of a long-chain branched polyolefin, with the remainder of said thermoplastic resin including a non-long-chain branched thermoplastic resin, where said long-chain branched polyolefin includes one or more polymers or copolymers having a viscosity average branching index vis of less than 0.9 and deriving from monomer selected from the group consisting of ethylene and mono-α-olefins, and where said non-long-chain thermoplastic resin includes one or more polymers or copolymers having a viscosity average branching index vis of 0.9 or more.
US08076414B2 Adhesion promoter composition
A composition for improving the adhesion of a paint to a surface, wherein the composition comprises an unsaturated polyester, a modified acrylic resin, a polymerization inhibitor, an aromatic solvent and either divinylbenzene, isopropenyl-2-methyl benzyl isocyanate or an acrylic monomer.
US08076410B2 Luminescent silicon nanoparticle-polymer composites, composite wavelength converter and white LED
An embodiment of the invention is luminescent silicon nanoparticle polymer composite that can serve as a wavelength converter or a UV absorber. The composite includes a polymer or an organosilicon compound; and within the polymer or organosilicon compound, a dispersion of luminescent silicon nanoparticles. In a preferred composite, the silicon nanoparticles have multiple Si—H termination sites, the silicon nanoparticles being linked to a C site to produce a silicon carbide bond (Si—C). In a preferred embodiment, the polymer comprises polyurethane. A composite of the invention can perform wavelength conversion. In a wavelength converted film of the invention, the silicon nanoparticles are incorporated into the polymer or organosilicon compound in a quantity sufficient for wavelength conversion but small enough to have no or an insubstantial effect on the properties of the polymer or the organosilicon compound. A white LED of the invention includes a light emitting diode having a narrow band wavelength output. A luminescent silicon wavelength converter includes a composite film as described above for converting the narrow band wavelength output into wide band wavelength output. In a preferred embodiment, the LED comprises a GaN LED, and the wavelength converter film is disposed on an active region of the LED.
US08076407B2 Hot melt adhesive
Hot melt adhesives are provided that have improved heat resistance. The adhesives comprise a metallocene polyolefin, an amorphous α-olefin polymer, a tackifier and a functional polyolefin. The functional polyolefin is used in an amount sufficient to increase the heat resistance. A preferred functional polyolefin is a maleated polyolefin such as maleated polypropylene. A preferred tackifier is a hydrogenated hydrocarbon tackifier.
US08076386B2 Materials for imprint lithography
The present invention is directed to a material for use in imprint lithography that features a composition having a viscosity associated therewith and including a surfactant, a polymerizable component, and an initiator responsive to a stimuli to vary the viscosity in response thereto, with the composition, in a liquid state, having the viscosity being lower than about 100 centipoises, a vapor pressure of less than about 20 Torr, and in a solid cured state a tensile modulus of greater than about 100 MPa, a break stress of greater than about 3 MPa and an elongation at break of greater than about 2%.
US08076378B2 Dispersants
A dispersant comprising a polyester chain obtainable by polymerising a hydroxy carboxylic acid or lactone thereof such as ε-caprolactone with a cyclic alkylene carbonate such as 5,5-dimethyltrimethylene carbonate. The dispersant may be in the form of a phosphate ester where the polyester chain is reacted with a phosphating agent such as polyphosphoric acid or the polyester chain may be attached to a polyamine or polyimine such as polyethyleneimine.
US08076375B2 Methods of inhibiting poxvirus growth
This disclosure ascribes new functions to derivatives of tetralin, anthraquinone, naphthylamine, tri-amino-pyrimidine, xanthen-3-one, and/or cinnamic acid (including, for example, NSC270718R, NSC117285R, NSC170008Y, NSC306711P, NSC119913X, NSC119915Z, NSC119911V, NSC119910U, NSC128437O, NSC125908P, NSC9600Q, or NSC13778J, each obtained from the Structure Diversity Set, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Developmental Therapeutics Program). These compounds are shown to be effective inhibitors of viral essential protein kinases (such as poxvirus B1 and/or F10 protein kinases). Exemplary chemical structures for viral protein kinase (VPK) inhibitors are provided, as are methods of using such compounds, for instance, to inhibit VPK activity and/or poxvirus growth, and/or for the treatment of poxvirus infection. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions including disclosed VPK inhibitors.
US08076373B2 Method for treating mammalian diseases and injuries caused by the over-expression of peroxynitrite
The present invention provides a method for treating wounds and diseases in mammals, caused by mammalian cells involved in an inflammatory response, by altering indigenous in vivo levels of peroxynitrous acid, and salts thereof. The method comprises contacting the mammalian cells with a therapeutically effective amount of a reactive oxygen species mediator, wherein the reactive oxygen species mediator is selected from the group consisting of pyruvates, pyruvate precursors, α-keto acids having four or more carbon atoms, precursors of α-keto acids having four or more carbon atoms, and the salts thereof, wherein mediation of reactive oxygen species results in mediation of peroxynitrous acid. The present invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition for treating wounds and diseases in mammals, caused by mammalian cells involved in an inflammatory response, by altering indigenous in vivo levels of peroxynitrous acid, and salts thereof.
US08076371B2 Gallium compositions for the treatment of liver cancer and methods of use
Provided are compositions and methods to treat liver cancer and related disorders in human or veterinary individuals. Primary liver cancers, including those metastatic to other parts of the body, as well as cancers metastatic to the liver cancer, can be treated and/or prevented with the compositions and methods of the present invention. The methods comprise the administration of pharmaceutically acceptable gallium compositions, including gallium maltolate. Routes of administration include, without limitation, oral, intravenous, intratumoral, and into blood vessels as part of chemoembolization therapy. Some of the compositions and methods disclosed herein are applicable to cancers other than liver cancer.
US08076366B2 Forms of bendamustine free base
Novel polymorphic forms of bendamustine free base are described, including amorphous bendamustine free base, six anhydrous crystalline forms, four hydrate forms, and five solvate forms, with methods of their preparation and use also being described.
US08076357B2 Compositions of n-[2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-5-hydroxyphenyl]-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide
Pharmaceutical compositions including N-[2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-5-hydroxyphenyl]-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide (Compound 1) and methods of using such compositions are described herein.
US08076352B2 Administration of carboline derivatives useful in the treatment of cancer and other diseases
In accordance with the present invention, compounds that inhibit the expression of VEGF post-transcriptionally have been identified, and compositions, and methods for the administration and use of those compounds. provided. In one aspect of the invention, compounds useful in the inhibition of VEGF production, in the treatment of solid tumor cancer, and in reducing serum, plasma, and/or tumor VEGF levels, are provided. In another aspect of the invention, methods are provided for the inhibition of VEGF production, the treatment of cancer, and the reduction of plasma and/or tumor VEGF levels, using the compounds of the invention.
US08076349B2 Spirotropane compounds and methods for the modulation of chemokine receptor activity
Compounds according to formula (I): wherein A, R1 and R2 are as defined herein, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates and solvates thereof are useful for the modulation of CCR5 chemokine receptor activity.
US08076342B2 Malonate salt of 4-((1R,3S)-6-chloro-3-phenylindan-1-yl)-1,2,2-trimethylpiperazine and uses of same
4-((1R,3S)-6-Chloro-3-phenylindan-1-yl)-1,2,2-trimethylpiperazine hydrogen malonate salt and pharmaceutical comprising and uses of the same, including for the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders are described.
US08076330B2 Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitors
The present invention relates generally to pyrrolidine and thiazolidine DPP-IV inhibitor compounds. The present invention also provides synthetic methods for preparation of such compounds, methods of inhibiting DPP-IV using such compounds and pharmaceutical formulations containing them for treatment of DPP-IV mediated diseases, in particular, Type-2 diabetes.
US08076326B2 N-phenyl- (piperazinyl or homopiperazinyl)-benzenesulfonamide or benzenesulfonyl-phenl-(piperazine or homopiperazine) compounds suitable for treating disorders that respond to modulation of the serotonin 5-HT6 receptor
The present invention relates to N-phenyl-(piperazinyl or homopiperazinyl)-benzenesulfonamide or benzenesulfonyl-phenyl-(piperazine or homopiperazine) compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use in therapy. The compounds possess valuable therapeutic properties and are particularly suitable for treating diseases that respond to modulation of the serotonin 5-HT6 receptor. wherein X is a bond or a group N—R4; R1 is hydrogen or methyl; R2 is hydrogen or methyl; R3 is hydrogen, C1-C3 alkyl, fluorine, C1-C2 alkoxy or fluorinated C1-C2 alkoxy; R4 is hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, C3-C4 cycloalkyl, or C3-C4 cycloalkyl-CH2—; R5 is hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, C1-C2 alkyl, fluorinated C1-C2 alkyl, C1-C2 alkoxy or fluorinated C1-C2 alkoxy; R6 is hydrogen, fluorine or chlorine; and n is 1 or 2.
US08076320B2 Crystalline forms of a pharmaceutical compound
Described are crystalline forms of the pharmaceutical compound “[9S-(9α,10β,12α)]-5,16-Bis[(ethylthio)methyl]-2,3,9,10,11,12-hexahydro-10-hydroxy-9-methyl-1-oxo-9, 12-epoxy-1H-diindolo[1,2,3-fg:3′,2′,1′-kl]pyrrolo[3,4-i][1,6]benzodiazocine-10-carboxylic acid methyl ester”, as well as methods for their use and preparation.
US08076319B2 Treatment of conditions relating to hormone deficiencies by administration of progestins
The present invention includes methods for preventing endometrial hyperplasia associated with estrogen therapy through the administration of a progestin agent. The methods presented may include starting the administration of a progestin agent at a high dose, and then lowering the dose.
US08076314B2 Topical compositions for anti-aging and methods of using same
A pharmaceutical composition for treatment of skin aging including a pharmaceutically effective amount of estriol; a pharmaceutically effective amount of estradiol; a pharmaceutically effective amount of hyaluronic acid; a pharmaceutically effective amount of green tea extract; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is provided. In some embodiments, the composition further includes ascorbic acid, date palm extract, or a combination thereof. Also disclosed is a method for treating symptoms of skin aging and photoaging by administering a pharmaceutical composition having estriol, estradiol, hyaluronic acid, green tea extract, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and optionally, ascorbic acid and date palm extract. A method of promoting urogenital function is likewise provided wherein a pharmaceutical composition having estriol, estradiol, hyaluronic acid, and green tea extract is applied intravaginally.
US08076307B2 Formation/elongation of axon by inhibiting the expression or function of Singar and application to nerve regeneration
Singar is identified as a novel molecule, whose expression is varied before and after the polarization of a nerve cell, and occurs in the tip of an elongating axon, called a growth cone, which is important for the formation or elongation of an axon. Singar is expressed specifically in the brain and the amount of Singar expression is largely increased in an individual during periods where the formation of axons is increased. It is observed that Singar is highly enriched in the growth cone at the tip of an axon. When the expression of Singar is inhibited in nerve cells in culture, the formation of multiple axons is induced. Thus, the inhibition of Singar can induce axon formation. Therefore, by inhibiting the expression or activity of Singar, it becomes possible to induce or promote the formation or elongation of an axon in a nerve cell.
US08076303B2 Nucleotide and oligonucleotide prodrugs
The present invention discloses compounds of formula (I): which exhibit antiviral properties. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the aforementioned compounds for administration to a subject in need of anti-HBV treatment. The invention also relates to methods of treating a HBV infection in a subject by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compounds of the present invention.
US08076301B2 10-substituted macrolide antibiotics
Disclosed herein are 10-desmethyl, 10 substituted-macrolides, their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, their use and methods of treatment using them. The 10-desmethyl macrolides are particularly useful as antibiotics.
US08076299B2 Method for producing peptide thioester
It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel method for producing a peptide thioester. In the present invention, general peptide synthesis is performed on a solid-phase resin, carboxylic acid obtained after cutout is allowed to react with p-toluenesulfonyl isocyanate, and then the reaction product is alkylated, and is reacted with thiol. Thus, peptide thioester is simply synthesized under mild conditions.
US08076297B2 Pharmaceutical composition containing polypeptide fragments of serralysins
The present invention is related to a composition capable of inhibiting the growth of tumoral cells of different histological origins and of activated endothelial cells. The components of said compositions are polypeptide fragments of the serralisins, corresponding to the C-terminal fragment, from the internal metionine trough the end of the molecule, which could be combined among them and optionally with the prodigiosins that potentiate the antitumoral effect of the composition. The prodigiosins in the composition could be at a concentration of 0.1-100 nM. The anti-proliferative action of this composition is mediated by apoptotic mechanism. It's “in vivo” administration has antitumoral, antiangiogenic and protective effect against malignant tumors.
US08076291B2 Treatment for obesity
The present invention provides peptides and pharmaceutical compositions thereof for appetite suppression and weight control. Preferred peptides are calcitonin analogs, preferably with specific amino acid changes to make the peptide more amylin-like.
US08076289B2 Fibrosis inhibitor for implanted organ
A pharmaceutical preparation comprising a hepatocyte growth factor or a DNA molecule encoding the same and the like according to the present invention can suppress the fibrosis of a transplanted organ after organ transplantation. The present invention is useful in the fields of organ transplantation and regeneration therapy.
US08076267B2 Enhancers for water soluble selective auxin type herbicides
An improved selective herbicide, as well of methods of controlling unwanted plants using such a herbicide, are provided. A method for treating undesired vegetation can include providing a selective herbicidal composition that includes a water-soluble selective auxin-type herbicide and a chelating agent complexed with at least one transition metal, and contacting vegetation with a herbicidally effective amount of the composition such that unwanted vegetation is controlled, while desired vegetation is unaffected.
US08076262B2 Production of broad molecular weight polyethylene
Broad molecular weight polyethylene and polyethylene having a bimodal molecular weight profile can be produced with chromium oxide based catalyst systems employing alkyl silanols. The systems may also contain various organoaluminum compounds. Catalyst activity and molecular weight of the resulting polyethylene may also be tuned using the present invention.
US08076258B1 Method and apparatus for making recyclable catalysts
A method of producing a fixed-bed catalyst with nano-scale structure using a nano-powder production reactor and a filter, the method comprising: introducing a starting powder into the reactor, wherein the starting powder comprises catalyst material; the reactor nano-sizing the starting powder, thereby producing an output, wherein the output comprises a nano-powder entrained in a fluid stream, the nano-powder comprising a plurality of nano-particles, each nano-particle comprising the catalyst material; introducing the output from the reactor to the filter structure, wherein the filter structure is fluidly coupled to the reactor; the filter structure separating the nano-particles from the fluid stream, wherein the fluid stream flows through the filter structure, while the filter structure collects the nano-particles, thereby forming a structured collection of catalytic nano-particles on the filter structure; and removing the filter structure from the reactor, wherein the structured collection of catalytic nano-particles is maintained for use as a fixed-bed catalyst.
US08076255B2 Castable refractory
To provide a long-life refractory capable of maintaining durability under severe conditions. The castable refractory comprises a mixture containing at least one of 2 to 10 mass % of silicon carbide and 3 to 10 mass % of chamotte, as an auxiliary raw material, and a binder material, with the remaining balance being one or more main raw materials selected from corundum, mullite, bauxite, chamotte, talc and silica, and is used in an environment exposed to an alkali component-containing hot gas atmosphere. In an alkali component-containing gas atmosphere at a high temperature (750° C. or more), silicon carbide and/or chamotte are vitrified to a thickness of 1 mm or less in the surface layer of the refractory to prevent the alkali component-containing gas from intruding inside of the refractory.
US08076248B2 Methods for forming semiconductor constructions, and methods for selectively etching silicon nitride relative to conductive material
The invention includes methods for selectively etching insulative material supports relative to conductive material. The invention can include methods for selectively etching silicon nitride relative to metal nitride. The metal nitride can be in the form of containers over a semiconductor substrate, with such containers having upwardly-extending openings with lateral widths of less than or equal to about 4000 angstroms; and the silicon nitride can be in the form of a layer extending between the containers. The selective etching can comprise exposure of at least some of the silicon nitride and the containers to Cl2 to remove the exposed silicon nitride, while not removing at least the majority of the metal nitride from the containers. In subsequent processing, the containers can be incorporated into capacitors.
US08076239B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, includes the steps of forming an insulating film on a semiconductor substrate having a silicide layer, forming a hole in the insulating film on the silicide layer, cleaning an inside of the hole and a surface of the silicide layer, forming a titanium layer on a bottom surface and an inner peripheral surface of the hole by a CVD method, forming a copper diffusion preventing barrier metal layer on the titanium layer in the hole, and burying a copper layer in the hole.
US08076228B2 Low noise transistor and method of making same
A low noise transistor and a method of making a low noise transistor. A noise-reducing agent is introduced into the gate electrode and then moved into the gate dielectric of a transistor.
US08076222B2 Microcrystalline silicon thin film transistor
Methods for forming a microcrystalline silicon layer in a thin film transistor structure are provided. In one embodiment, a method for forming a microcrystalline silicon layer includes providing a substrate in a processing chamber, supplying a first gas mixture having a hydrogen containing gas to a silicon containing gas flow rate ratio greater than about 200:1 into the processing chamber, maintaining a first process pressure greater than about 6 Torr in the processing chamber to deposit a first microcrystalline silicon containing layer in presence of a plasma formed from the first gas mixture, supplying a second gas mixture into the processing chamber, and maintaining a second process pressure less than about 5 Torr in the processing chamber to deposit a second microcrystalline silicon containing layer in presence of a plasma formed from the second gas mixture.
US08076221B2 Fabrication method of pixel structure and thin film transistor
A method of fabricating a thin film transistor is disclosed. First, a substrate is provided and a patterned polysilicon layer is formed on the substrate. A metal layer is formed on the patterned polysilicon layer. Then, a portion of the metal layer is removed so that the remaining metal layer beside the patterned polysilicon layer forms a source and a drain. A gate insulation layer is formed on the substrate to cover the source, the drain and the patterned polysilicon layer. A gate is formed on the gate insulation layer over the patterned polysilicon layer.
US08076218B2 Method for the production of photo-patterned carbon electronics
A method for the manufacture of carbon based electrical components is herein presented. In the method a wafer substrate is provided upon which a first layer of carbon based semiconductor is deposited. The first layer of carbon based semiconductor is introduced to a first doping agent precursor and the first doping agent precursor and first layer of carbon based semiconductor are irradiated with light having a wavelength in the ultraviolet spectrum thereby selectively doping areas of the first layer of carbon based semiconductor.
US08076216B2 Methods and apparatus for thinning, testing and singulating a semiconductor wafer
A wafer translator is provided with a patterned layer of wafer bonding thermoset plastic and is removably attached with a wafer so as to form a wafer/wafer translator pair. The wafer translator acts as a mechanical support during a thinning process as well as during a wafer dicing operation. The singulated integrated circuits are then removed from the wafer translator. In some embodiments, wafer level testing of the integrated circuits on the wafer is performed subsequent to the wafer thinning process but before the wafer and wafer translator are separated. In other embodiments, wafer level testing of the integrated circuits on the wafer is performed subsequent to the wafer dicing operation but before the diced wafer and wafer translator are separated.
US08076211B2 Fabricating bipolar junction select transistors for semiconductor memories
A bipolar junction transistor may act as a select device for a semiconductor memory. The bipolar junction transistor may be formed of a stack of base and collector layers. Sets of parallel trenches are formed in a first direction down to the base and in a second direction down to the collector. The trenches may be used to form local enhancement implants into the exposed portion of the base and collector in each trench. As a result of the local enhancement implants, in some embodiments, leakage current may be reduced, active current capability may be higher, gain may be higher, base resistance may be reduced, breakdown voltage may be increased, and parasitic effects with adjacent junctions may be reduced.
US08076209B2 Methods for fabricating MOS devices having highly stressed channels
Methods for forming a semiconductor device comprising a silicon-comprising substrate are provided. One exemplary method comprises depositing a polysilicon layer overlying the silicon-comprising substrate, amorphizing the polysilicon layer, etching the amorphized polysilicon layer to form a gate electrode, etching recesses into the substrate using the gate electrode as an etch mask, depositing a stress-inducing layer overlying the gate electrode, annealing the silicon-comprising substrate to recrystallize the gate electrode, removing the stress-inducing layer, and epitaxially growing impurity-doped, silicon-comprising regions in the recesses.
US08076205B2 Semiconductor memory device and method of fabricating the same
A semiconductor memory includes a memory cell array area provided with first and second memory cells and having a first active area and a first element isolation area constituting a line & space structure, and having a floating gate electrode and a control gate electrode in the first active area, a word line contact area adjacent to the memory cell array area and having a second active area, first and second word lines with a metal silicide structure, functioning respectively as the control gate electrodes of the first and second memory cells and arranged to straddle the memory cell array area and the word line contact area. A dummy gate electrode is arranged just below the first and second word lines in the second active area.
US08076203B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A polysilicon film is formed all over a surface of a semiconductor substrate, then is subject to a CMP process through a mask pattern as a stopper. Then, a metal film is formed all over the resulting surface, and is allowed at least a part of the polysilicon film and at least a part of the metal film to react with each other to silicidize the metal. This forms the gate electrode.
US08076202B2 Method of fabricating semiconductor device
In a method of fabricating a semiconductor device having a MISFET of trench gate structure, a trench is formed from a major surface of a semiconductor layer of first conductivity type which serves as a drain region, in a depth direction of the semiconductor layer, a gate insulating film including a thermal oxide film and a deposited film is formed over the internal surface of the trench, and after a gate electrode has been formed in the trench, impurities are introduced into the semiconductor substrate of first conductivity type to form a semiconductor region of second conductivity type which serves as a channel forming region, and impurities are introduced into the semiconductor region of second conductivity type to form the semiconductor region of first conductivity type which serves as a source region.
US08076199B2 Method and device employing polysilicon scaling
A memory and method of manufacture employing word line scaling. A layered stack, including a charge trapping component and a core polysilicon layer, is formed on a core section and a peripheral section of a substrate. A portion of the layered stack, including the core polysilicon layer is then removed from the peripheral section. A peripheral polysilicon layer, which is thicker than the core polysilicon layer of the layered stack, is next formed on the layered stack and the peripheral section. The layered stack is then isolated from the peripheral polysilicon layer by removing a portion of the peripheral polysilicon layer from the core section, and polysilicon lines are patterned in the isolated layered stack.
US08076188B2 Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device including a protecting element with a p-n junction which can be formed in the same process as that of a p-channel junction FET while the junction FET is formed in simple manufacturing process is provided. In the method of manufacturing semiconductor device composed of compound semiconductor having a p-channel FET and protective element, an n-type channel layer 2, n+-type contact layer 3, n-type semiconductor layer 5, p-type channel layer 7, p+-type contact layer 8 are laminated on a substrate 1 to form a semiconductor laminate portion 10. A portion of the semiconductor laminate portion 10 is removed by etching to expose the n+-type contact layer 3 and gate electrode 13 of a junction p-channel FET 22 is formed on the surface of the exposed n+-type contact layer 3. A protective element 23 is formed by a portion of the semiconductor 10.
US08076185B1 Integrated circuit protection and ruggedization coatings and methods
An electronics package includes a substrate and at least one electronic component coupled to the substrate. The electronics package comprises an alkali silicate coating forming a hermetic seal around at least a portion of the at least one electronic component.
US08076175B2 Method for making solar cell having crystalline silicon P-N homojunction and amorphous silicon heterojunctions for surface passivation
A thin silicon solar cell is described. Specifically, the solar cell may be fabricated from a crystalline silicon wafer having a thickness of approximately 50 micrometers to 500 micrometers. The solar cell comprises a first region having a p-n homojunction, a second region that creates heterojunction surface passivation, and a third region that creates heterojunction surface passivation. Amorphous silicon layers are deposited on both sides of the silicon wafer at temperatures below approximately 400 degrees Celsius to reduce the loss of passivation properties of the amorphous silicon. A final layer of transparent conductive oxide is formed on both sides at approximately 165 degrees Celsius. Metal contacts are applied to the transparent conductive oxide. The low temperatures and very thin material layers used to fabricate the outer layers of used to fabricate the outer layers of the solar cell protect the thin wafer from excessive stress that may lead to deforming the wafer.
US08076174B2 Method of forming a sputtering target
A sputtering target, including a sputtering layer and a support structure. The sputtering layer includes an alkali-containing transition metal. The support structure includes a second material that does not negatively impact the performance of a copper indium selenide (CIS) based semiconductor absorber layer of a solar cell. The sputtering layer directly contacts the second material.
US08076170B2 Backside illuminated image sensor with shallow backside trench for photodiode isolation
A backside illuminated image sensor comprises a sensor layer implementing a plurality of photosensitive elements of a pixel array, an oxide layer adjacent a backside surface of the sensor layer, and at least one dielectric layer adjacent a frontside surface of the sensor layer. The sensor layer further comprises a plurality of backside trenches formed in the backside surface of the sensor layer and arranged to provide isolation between respective pairs of the photosensitive elements. The backside trenches have corresponding backside field isolation implant regions formed in the sensor layer, and the resulting structure provides reductions in carrier recombination and crosstalk between adjacent photosensitive elements. The image sensor may be implemented in a digital camera or other type of digital imaging device.
US08076164B1 On-die bond wires system and method for enhancing routability of a redistribution layer
An integrated circuit includes a first die and a second die positioned in a package. The first die has a redistribution layer formed on the die and including a plurality of relocated bond pads. The relocated bond pads are positioned near an inner edge of the first die that is adjacent to an inner edge of the second die. Each relocated bond pad is coupled to a corresponding bond pad on the second die through a respective bonding wire. The first die further includes a plurality of original bond pads. The redistribution layer further includes at least one intermediate bond pad electrically interconnected through a respective conductive trace to a corresponding original bond pad. Each intermediate bond pad is electrically connected to a corresponding relocated bond pad through a respective bond wire.
US08076151B2 Ultra-sensitive temperature sensing and calorimetry
Methods and apparatus for ultra-sensitive temperature sensing and calorimetry. Radiation is directed at a thin electrically conductive film having one or more small apertures. The incident radiation excites surface plasmons on a first surface of the electrically conductive film, and energy associated with the surface plasmons couples to an opposite surface of the electrically conductive film, where surface plasmon-enhanced radiation (SPER) is emitted from the aperture(s). A temperature-sensitive fluid or solid dielectric material is disposed contiguous with at least a portion of the electrically conductive film, such that a temperature change in the dielectric material alters a resonance condition for the SPER. Measurable changes in the SPER due to altered resonance conditions provide for an ultrasensitive temperature sensor that can detect small temperature changes in the dielectric material. The disclosed methods and apparatus may be used for a variety of applications including, but not limited to, nanoscale to microscale calorimetry for pharmaceutical and biotechnology products, combustion sensing, explosive detection, and biotoxin monitoring.
US08076149B1 Evaluating mixtures of low molecular weight heparins by chain profiles or chain mapping
Methods for analyzing mixtures of polysaccharides, for example heparin such as unfractionated heparin and enoxaparin are described. In some instances, the mixtures are analyzed using fast performance liquid chromatography (FPLC) and high liquid performance chromatography (HPLC), e.g., strong anion exchange HPLC.
US08076148B2 Cytochrome c protein and assay
The present invention relates to a cytochrome c-reporter fusion protein construct comprising a modified cytochrome c protein which targets the mitochondria and has a reduced ability to induce apoptosis in a living cell. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs encoding such protein fusions and cells stably transfected with such constructs. The stably transfected cells of the invention can be used in assays to detect apoptosis.
US08076144B2 Protocol for risk stratification of ischemic events and optimized individualized treatment
A hemostasis analyzer, such as the Thrombelastograph® (TEG®) hemostasis analyzer is utilized to measure continuously in real time, the hemostasis process from the initial fibrin formation, through platelet-fibrin interaction and lysis to generate blood hemostasis parameters. The measured blood hemostasis parameters permit preparation of an individualized assessment of ischemic event risk and individualized treatment of a subject.
US08076137B2 Tissue engineered cellular sheets, and methods of making same
The disclosure provides methods and compositions to build living tissue covered stents and the like. These tissue coated stents provide a barrier against cell migration to the lumen of the vessel. Since the tissue can surround and envelope the stent, foreign body responses to the stent material are reduced and delayed. The tissue coating is also relatively impermeable to transmural flow, so the wrapped stent can act as a bypass vessel. The tissue is also robust enough to act as a stand alone vessel, without requiring the presence of the metallic stent. These stents can be endothelialized to reduce thrombosis. The genetic modifications described in this disclosure allow for functional organs to be built that express agents that are anti-restenotic or anti-thrombogenic.
US08076127B2 Recovery of rare cells using a microchannel apparatus with patterned posts
A microflow apparatus for separating or isolating cells from a bodily fluid or other liquid sample uses a flow path where straight-line flow is interrupted by a pattern of transverse posts. The posts are spaced across the width of a collection region in the flow path, extending between the upper and lower surfaces thereof; they have rectilinear surfaces, have arcuate cross-sections, and are randomly arranged so as to disrupt streamlined flow. Sequestering agents, such as Abs, are attached to all surfaces in the collection region via a hydrophilic coating, preferably a hydrogel containing isocyanate moieties or a PEG or polyglycine of substantial length, and are highly effective in capturing cells or other targeted biomolecules as a result of such streamlined flow disruption.
US08076125B2 Imagewise patterning of films and devices comprising the same
The present invention is directed, at least in part, to methods for imagewise patterning of a surface. Such patterned surfaces can be used, e.g., in microfluidic devices. Accordingly, the present invention is also directed, at least in part, to nanopatterned devices which include a microchannel structure and methods for forming such devices.
US08076116B2 Nucleic acids encoding class II human histone deacetylases, and uses related thereto
The invention provides histone deacetylase class II nucleic acids and polypeptides, methods and reagents for their use, and related compounds including small molecule libraries containing class II histone deacetylase inhibitors.
US08076108B2 Polypeptides and biosynthetic pathways for the production of stereoisomers of monatin and their precursors
Monatin and certain stereoisomers of monatin, such as R,R monatin and S,R monatin, as well as salts thereof, are produced using polypeptides and biosynthetic pathways. These polypeptides and biosynthetic pathways are also useful in the production of R-2-hydroxy-2-(indoly-3-ylmethyl)-4-keto glutaric acid, an intermediate that is formed in certain monatin synthesis pathways, including some biosynthetic pathways.
US08076102B2 Compositions and methods for metabolic selection of transfected cells
The present invention relates to novel selection marker vectors, and methods for using these vectors to generate stable gene expression systems in eukaryotic cells utilizing any enzyme useful in the eukaryotic sterol/cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, such as a 3-ketosteroid reductase, as a metabolic selection marker to select transfected cells. In one embodiment, the method comprises transfecting cells that are auxotrophic for cholesterol with a vector encoding 3-ketosteroid reductase and at least one heterologous protein, and selecting cells that have the ability to survive in medium lacking cholesterol and/or producing the heterologous protein in these cells in chemically defined and/or serum-free media.
US08076098B2 Mnk kinase homologous proteins involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis and organelle metabolism
The present invention discloses Mnk homologous proteins regulating the energy homeostasis, the metabolism of triglycerides, and/or is contributing to membrane stability and/or function of organelles, and polynucleotides, which identify and encode the proteins disclosed in this invention. The invention also relates to the use of these sequences in the diagnosis, study, prevention, and treatment of diseases and disorders related to body-weight regulation and thermogenesis, for example, but not limited to, metabolic diseases such as obesity, as well as related disorders such as eating disorder, cachexia, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary heart disease, hypercholesterolemia, dyslipidemia, osteoarthritis, gallstones, and sleep apnea, and disorders related to ROS defence, such as diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer, e.g. cancers of the reproductive organs, and others.
US08076093B2 Monoclonal antibodies and methods for their use in the detection of cervical disease
Compositions and methods for diagnosing high-grade cervical disease in a patient sample are provided. The compositions include novel monoclonal antibodies, and variants and fragments thereof, that specifically bind to MCM2. Monoclonal antibodies having the binding characteristics of an MCM2 antibody of the invention are further provided. Hybridoma cell lines that produce an MCM2 monoclonal antibody of the invention are also disclosed herein. The compositions find use in practicing methods for diagnosing high-grade cervical disease comprising detecting overexpression of MCM2 in a cervical sample from a patient. Kits for practicing the methods of the invention are further provided. Polypeptides comprising the amino acid sequence for an MCM2 epitope and methods of using these polypeptides in the production of antibodies are also encompassed by the present invention.
US08076083B2 Screening methods involving the detection of short-lived proteins
A method is provided for screening for agents that affect protein degradation rates, the method comprising: taking a library of cells, the cells expressing a fusion protein comprising a reporter protein and a protein encoded by a sequence from a cDNA library derived from a sample of cells, the sequence from the cDNA library varying within the cell library; contacting the library of cells with a plurality of agents which may affect protein degradation rates; for each agent, selecting cells in the library which express short-lived proteins based on whether the cells have different reporter signal intensities than other cells in the library, the difference being indicative of the selected cells expressing shorter lived fusion proteins than the fusion proteins expressed by the other cells in the library; and characterizing the fusion proteins expressed by the selected cells for each agent.
US08076082B2 Methods for identifying multiple DNA alteration markers in a large background of wild-type DNA
Methods for simultaneously surveying the status of a large number of DNA mutation markers are described. In addition, methods for simultaneously determining the methylation status at multiple sites of a collection of genes, in a single assay, are described.
US08076081B2 Systems, methods, and compositions for detection of human papilloma virus in biological samples
The present invention comprises, without limitation, systems, methods, and compositions for the detection, identification, and quantification, down to the single copy level, of human papillomavirus (HPV) in biological samples, including but not limited to, mammalian body fluids and cervix scrapings, for purposes of detection, treatment and/or management of cancer and dysplasia.
US08076080B2 Nucleic acid amplification primers for detecting cytokeratins and examination method with the use of the primers
It is intended to provide novel primers to be used in gene amplification reactions for detecting human cytokeratins (Human CK). A primer containing an oligonucleotide comprising a base sequence which is selected from among the the 270- to 1375-th regions of the base sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:1 and the regions of complementary strands thereof and represented by, for example, any of SEQ ID NOS:2 to 341 is constructed. Further, a primer containing an oligonucleotide comprising a base sequence which is selected from among the 270- to 930-th regions of the base sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:342 and the regions of complementary strands thereof and represented by, for example, any of SEQ ID NOS:343 to 434 is constructed. Furthermore, a primer containing an oligonucleotide comprising a base sequence which is selected from among the 340 to 490-th regions or the 495- to 1050-th regions of the base sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:435 and the regions of complementary strands thereof and represented by, for example, any of SEQ ID NOS:436 to 474 is constructed.
US08076076B2 Systems and methods for processing hybrid seed
The present disclosure provides for systems and method for producing hybrid seed. In various embodiments, the disclosure provides a system for the high-throughput, nondestructive sampling of seeds. In another embodiment, a high-throughput, nondestructive method for producing hybrid seeds comprises removing a sample from a plurality of seeds in the population while preserving the germination viability of the seed and analyzing the sample for the presence or absence of one or more genetic markers indicative of a male-sterile gene.
US08076070B2 Genome-wide chromosome conformation capture
The invention relates to the use of GCC (Genome Conformation Capture) technology in determining the three dimensional arrangement of an entire genome.
US08076061B2 Method and composition for cancer diagnosis and treatment
Methods and compositions for inhibiting the onset of cancer, and cancer diagnosis and treatment are provided. The treatment method comprises inhibiting the level or function of transcriptional positive factor 4 (PC4). Also provided are methods of screening for cancer inhibition agents based on inhibition of PC4 expression or function.
US08076059B2 Adjuvant capable of specifically activating the adaptive immune response
A composition for eliciting an immune response to an immunogen comprises an immunogen in combination with a mast cell membrane activator such as compound 48/80. Any suitable immunogen may be employed, such as an antibody-inducing determinant, a lipid, a peptide (e.g., an antibody-inducing peptide), a carbohydrate, an immunogen derived from a virus or cancer cell, etc. Methods of use are also described.
US08076056B2 Method of making sub-resolution pillar structures using undercutting technique
A method of making a device includes forming an underlying mask layer over an underlying layer, forming a first mask layer over the underlying mask layer, patterning the first mask layer to form first mask features, undercutting the underlying mask layer to form underlying mask features using the first mask features as a mask, removing the first mask features, and patterning the underlying layer using at least the underlying mask features as a mask.
US08076053B2 Upper layer-forming composition and photoresist patterning method
An upper layer-forming composition formed on a photoresist while causing almost no intermixing with the photoresist film and a photoresist patterning method are provided. The upper layer-forming composition is stably maintained without being eluted in a medium such as water during liquid immersion lithography and is easily dissolved in an alkaline developer. The upper layer-forming composition covers a photoresist film for forming a pattern by exposure to radiation. The composition comprises a resin dissolvable in a developer for the photoresist film and a solvent in which the resin is dissolved. The solvent has a viscosity of less than 5.2×10−3 Pa·s at 20° C. In addition, the solvent does not cause intermixing of the photoresist film and the upper layer-forming composition. The solvent contains an ether or a hydrocarbon.
US08076052B2 Positive-working imageable elements with chemical resistance
Single- and multi-layer positive-working imageable elements include a first polymeric binder that is soluble in an alkaline developer upon exposure to imaging radiation and a radiation absorbing compound. The first polymeric binder comprises a backbone to which are attached pendant groups represented by the following Structure (I): wherein R1 and R2 are independently hydrogen or alkyl groups having 1 to 8 carbon atoms or aryl groups having 6 or 10 carbon atoms in the carbocyclic ring, L is a direct bond or a linking group having at least 1 carbon atom and optionally one or more nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur atoms in the linking chain, and X is oxy, thio, or —NR— wherein R is hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms or an aryl group having 6 or 10 carbon atoms in the carbocyclic ring.
US08076045B2 Solid oxide fuel cell
The present invention relates to a solid oxide fuel cell in which an anode is formed with a hollow portion, and the hollow portion may be used as a gas diffusion path, thereby improving gas diffusion performance, and the hollow portion may be also used as a reinforcement hole for reinforcing a strength or a current collecting hole for increasing a current collecting efficiency, thereby improving a cell strength and also increasing an efficiency of producing electric energy. The solid oxide fuel cell has an electrolyte layer; an anode; a cathode; and a hollow portion formed in the anode.
US08076040B2 Direct oxidation fuel cell
A direct oxidation fuel cell of this invention has at least one unit cell including: a membrane-electrode assembly comprising an electrolyte membrane sandwiched between an anode and a cathode, each of the anode and the cathode including a catalyst layer and a diffusion layer; an anode-side separator with a fuel flow channel for supplying a fuel to the anode; and a cathode-side separator with an oxidant flow channel for supplying an oxidant containing oxygen gas to the cathode. The fuel flow channel and the oxidant flow channel are so structured that the concentration of the oxygen gas in the oxidant flow channel is higher at a part opposing an upstream part of the fuel flow channel than at a part opposing a downstream part of the fuel flow channel.
US08076038B2 Fuel cell with vertical displacement
A fuel cell system includes a housing partially above and below the ground containing a fuel cell beneath ground level and a fuel tank disposed above the fuel cell. The fuel cell may be accessed by raising it to above ground level with a fuel cell vertical displacement device.
US08076037B2 Hydrogen sensor cell for detecting contaminants
A fuel cell stack includes at least one fuel cell having a fuel inlet for directing a hydrogen fuel to the fuel cell to generate electric current; a sensor cell having an anode, a cathode and a membrane between the anode and the cathode, the anode being communicated with the fuel inlet to receive a portion of fuel from the fuel inlet, the sensor cell being connected across the stack to carry the electric current whereby hydrogen from the portion of fuel is electrochemically pumped to the cathode of the sensor cell; and a sensor communicated with the sensor cell to receive a signal corresponding to evolution of hydrogen from the anode to the cathode of the sensor cell and adapted to detect contaminants in the fuel based upon the signal.
US08076036B2 Fuel cell system, operation method thereof, and fuel cell vehicle
In order to prevent the fuel economy from being lowered by a wasteful discharge of fuel gas, in the operation method of a fuel cell system capable of performing intermittent operation for temporarily stopping power generation of the fuel cell, in the case where the secondary pressure of the tank regulator becomes at least a first threshold during intermittent operation, the intermittent operation is stopped and the normal operation is returned. In the case where the intermittent operation is stopped a number of times, subsequent intermittent operation may be prohibited.
US08076035B2 Fuel cell with sequential enzymatic reactions
A fuel cell which utilizes the biogenic metabolism to produce a high current density is provided. The fuel cell generates electric power in such a way that the fuel is decomposed stepwise by a plurality of enzymes and those electrons formed by oxidation are transferred to the electrode. The enzymes work such that the enzyme activity of the enzyme involved in decomposition in the early stage is smaller than the sum of the enzyme activities of the enzymes involved in decomposition in the later stage. In the case where a coenzyme is involved, the enzyme activity of the oxidase that oxidizes the coenzyme is greater than the sum of the enzyme activities of the enzymes involved in the formation of the reduced form of the coenzyme, out of the enzymes involved in the stepwise decomposition of the fuel.
US08076032B1 Electrolyte including silane for use in electrochemical devices
The electrolyte includes one or more salts and a silane. The silane has a silicon linked to one or more first substituents that each include a poly(alkylene oxide) moiety or a cyclic carbonate moiety. The silane can be linked to four of the first substituents. Alternately, the silane can be linked to the one or more first substituents and one or more second substituents that each exclude both a poly(alkylene oxide) moiety and a cyclic carbonate moiety.
US08076022B1 Battery cover having one or more quenching media
A battery includes a case having an interior holding an electrolyte activating one or more anodes and one or more cathodes. A cover is positioned on the case. The cover includes one or more quenching media that each has a phase transition that occurs at a temperature above a failure temperature of the battery and below a failure temperature of the battery. The failure temperature is the temperature at which a chain reaction associated with thermal runaway is initiated. The failure temperature of the battery is the temperature of the battery at which the thermal runaway causes failure of the battery.
US08076018B2 Battery cover assembly with a locking mechanism
A battery cover assembly for a portable electronic device, the battery cover assembly includes a housing, a removeable battery cover, and a locking mechanism. The housing defines a receiving hole. The battery cover forms a latching portion. The locking mechanism latches the cover to the housing. The locking mechanism includes a disked-shape operating member and an elastic member. The operating member rotatably engages in the receiving hole of the housing, and the operating member disposes a locking block releasably and elastically engaging with the latching portion of the battery cover. The elastic member is arranged along one portion of an outer peripheral wall of the operating member. One end of the elastic member abuts the housing, and the other end thereof abuts the operating member.
US08076015B2 Battery cell with improved pressure relief vent
An electrochemical cell with a pressure relief vent formed in a metal plate disposed in at least one of the closed end and the open end of the container. The pressure relief vent has an annular ring that includes a reduced thickness groove, interrupted in at least two places by unthinned sections of the plate. When the vent opens to relieve pressure from within the cell, the area of the plate within the annular ring remains attached to the remainder of the plate by at least one of the unthinned sections. A can with such a pressure relief vent formed in the can bottom is useful as an electrochemical cell container.
US08075993B2 PTFE fabric articles and methods of making same
Unique PTFE fabric and laminate structures, and methods for making the same, are described. Particularly, the invention comprises a laminate of a fabric comprising a plurality of PTFE fibers overlapping at intersections, wherein at least a portion of the intersections have PTFE masses extending from at least one of the overlapping PTFE fibers, and which lock the overlapping PTFE fibers together, bonded to a membrane by at least said PTFE masses. Such reinforced membranes exhibit exceptionally high bond strength, a particularly valuable attribute in applications in which durability is important.
US08075990B2 Building material as well as a method for manufacturing the same and use of the building material
The present invention relates to a building material consisting of a moulded product of a base material, which moulded product is provided with at least one cavity, which cavity is filled with a filler in the form of loose particles, which loose particles have been bonded together by means of a binding agent, wherein the binding agent is present on the loose filler particles in the form of droplets. The present invention furthermore relates to a method for manufacturing such a building material In addition to that the present invention relates to a use of the present building material.
US08075986B2 Opaque films for use in packaging
An opaque polymer film is prepared by admixing high crystalline polypropylene with a microvoid causing filler and extruding to form a sheet that is then biaxially stretched to form an opaque film. End uses for these films include soda bottles, candy wrappers and synthetic paper.
US08075982B2 Device for making illuminated markings
A pressure-sensitive light-extracting drawing surface including a light guide operable to receive a light source, wherein light is extracted from a light guide when pressure is applied to the drawing surface by a marking instrument. A resultant light-emitting drawing can be erased or can be made permanent. An optional multi-layered film disposed on the light guide allows drawings to be created in fluorescent, luminescent, phosphorescent, or photochromic colors. A background sheet containing designs may be inserted behind the light guide. The drawing surface can be embodied as a pressure-sensitive light-extracting “paper.” The invention may be embodied as a drawing tablet, a drawing tablet add-on to a modular graphic display device, or a toy drawing tablet for tracing alphabets, numerals, and characters from comic books, cartoons, and movies.
US08075981B2 Alternating pattern gel cushioning elements and related methods
An alternating pattern gel cushioning device and methods for making the same. The gel pattern may be two- or three-dimensional. The devices may be zoned or stacked. The device may be made by a variety of methods including roller molding, open-face molding, injection molding, casting, extrusion, compression molding and other methods.
US08075978B2 Method for producing an annular honeycomb body, and annular honeycomb body
A method for producing a honeycomb body includes providing an annular radial partial region with channels through which a fluid can flow. The honeycomb body is formed from at least one metallic layer fastened at least at one fastening point to an outer casing tube. Each metallic layer has alternating substantially smooth and structured sections folded onto one another. A honeycomb body is also provided. The method and the honeycomb body advantageously permit an annular honeycomb body with low material expenditure and good durability to be produced.
US08075977B2 Tufted laminate web
A laminate web comprising a first and second precursor webs, at least the first precursor web being a nonwoven web, the laminate web having a first side, the first side comprising the second precursor web and at least one discrete tuft, each of the discrete tufts having a linear orientation defining a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of tufted fibers being integral extensions of the first precursor web and extending through the second precursor web; and a second side, the second side comprising the first precursor web.
US08075976B2 Optical recording medium, optical recording material and metal complex compound
An optical recording medium having excellent light resistance that includes a substrate; and a recording layer which is provided on the substrate directly or on another layer provided on the substrate, wherein the recording layer is capable of recording and/or reading information by irradiating light thereon, the recording layer includes a metal complex compound with an azo compound having a coupler component with indandione and a diazo component with a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic aromatic ring structure, and a nickel or cobalt ion coordinated to the azo compound.
US08075967B2 Gas permeable membrane
Disclosed is a blended composition comprising a humidity-dependent composition having a ratio of wet cup permeance to dry cup permeance greater than 10 and a crystallizable polymer sufficiently permeable to oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapor, exhibiting an increase in permeability to at least one of oxygen and carbon dioxide by a factor of at least 2.5 over a temperature range of 10° C. between 0° C. and 40° C. Also disclosed are packaging materials comprising the blended composition and methods for storing respiring materials using the packaging materials.
US08075966B2 Delamination-resistant multilayer container, preform, article and method with oxygen barrier formulations
A plastic preform, container or article includes a multilayer wall having at least one layer of a matrix resin, at least one layer of a barrier resin, an adhesion-promoting material blended with the barrier resin and/or matrix resin, and an active oxygen barrier composition blended with the barrier resin and/or matrix resin. The adhesion-promoting material promotes bonding between the barrier and matrix resin layers and includes an amine polymer, preferably an imine polymer having a number of available primary, secondary or tertiary amine groups. The matrix resin preferably is an ester-containing resin, such as PET. The barrier resin preferably is EVOH. The active oxygen barrier composition includes a metal with an additive compound, and may also include a host polymer.
US08075953B2 Thin organic alignment layers with a batch process for liquid crystal displays
A method to form alignment layers on a substrate of an LCD is disclosed. The substrate is placed in a vacuum chamber and undergoes a purging process. The purging process heats the substrates and removes water vapor from the vacuum chamber. Specifically, the vacuum chamber is evacuated to a low pressure and refilled with a preheated inert gas. Evacuation of the vacuum chamber and refilling of the vacuum chamber is repeated several times. The alignment layer is then deposited using vapor deposition. Alternatively, plasma enhanced vapor deposition can be used for depositing the alignment layer. Furthermore, plasma cleaning prior to the deposition of the alignment layer can used clean the substrate.
US08075952B2 Power loading substrates to reduce particle contamination
A method for preventing particle contamination within a processing chamber is disclosed. Preheating the substrate within the processing chamber may cause a thermophoresis effect so that particles within the chamber that are not adhered to a surface may not come to rest on the substrate. One method to increase the substrate temperature is to plasma load the substrate. Plasma loading comprises providing an inert gas plasma to the substrate to heat the substrate. Another method to increase the substrate temperature is high pressure loading the substrate. High pressure loading comprises heating the substrate while increasing the chamber pressure to between about 1 Torr and about 10 Torr. By rapidly increasing the substrate temperature within the processing chamber prior to substrate processing, particle contamination is less likely to occur.
US08075946B2 Discharge method, color filter manufacturing method, electro-optical apparatus, and electronic device
A discharge method is provided to discharge a liquid containing a functional material from a plurality of nozzles of a droplet discharge head to a plurality of film formation regions of a discharge medium in synchronization with a relative movement of the discharge medium and the droplet discharge head. The discharge method includes performing a first discharge step in which the liquid is discharged from a plurality of nozzles in a nozzle row so that the liquid is not discharged simultaneously from adjacent nozzles positioned over the film formation regions, and performing a second discharge step in which the liquid is discharged from a plurality of nozzles in the nozzle row in a different combination from the nozzles used in the first discharging step so that the liquid is not discharged simultaneously from adjacent nozzles positioned over the film formation regions.
US08075938B2 Dry psyllium husk incorporated dough products and method of preparation thereof
The present invention discloses dry psyllium husk incorporated dough products and method of preparation thereof. Up to 14% unpowdered psyllium husk-300 mesh sized psyllium husk powder (having 95% to 99.99% purity) of total amount flour is used for the preparation of dough products. Also 4.5 gm±20% water per 1 gm of psyllium is the right quantity of additional water to bind the dough having psyllium. The psyllium husk can be either whole, fragmented, slitted, normal, bleached, snow white or processed source of psyllium husk powder.
US08075936B2 Antimicrobial solutions and process related thereto
Disclosed are antimicrobial compositions for treating poultry, meat, and other surfaces to substantially eliminate bacteria and microorganism harmful to humans. The compositions include a combination of an aliphatic heteroaryl salt, trichloromelamine, and at least two ammonium salts comprising an aliphatic benzylalkyl ammonium salt, dialiphatic dialkyl ammonium salt, or a tetraalkyl ammonium salt.
US08075932B2 Fermented food and its preparation
A method of manufacturing yeast fermented food such as bread, noodle and pasta, comprises the steps of preparing a starting cooking composition contains as main component bran powder and/or soy bean protein powder, gluten powder for binding the main powder and milk or milk ingredient powder containing milk sugar and a molding agent for increasing viscosity of composition; subjecting a mixed cooking composition with yeast to a fermentation condition to make a wet dough composition containing substantially no glucide; and baking or dry-solidifying it.
US08075929B2 Grape extract, dietary supplement thereof, and processes therefor
The present invention relates to a novel grape extract, and processes for making such, that is useful for, inter alia, treating pre-hypertension, Metabolic Syndrome and/or the conditions that comprise Metabolic Syndrome. The processes of the present invention produce a highly concentrated polyphenol product by maximizing extraction of monomeric and oligomeric procyanidins and minimizing extraction of polymeric procyanidins. The grape extract of the present invention comprises between about 5-15% monomers, about 5-20% dimers, about 3-10% trimers, about 2-10% tetramers, and about 2-10% pentamers by weight. The grape extract of the present invention can be formulated into dietary supplements, including capsules, tablets, powders, solutions, gels, suspensions, creams, gels, and the like. These dietary supplements in, for instance, powder or solution form, may be added to nutraceuticals, foods and/or beverages to form functional nutraceutical, food, and/or beverage products.
US08075928B2 Method for fermentation and cultivation, fermented plant extract, fermented plant extract powder, and composition containing the extract of fermented plant
For the purpose of providing a method of safely and inexpensively producing a fermented plant extract containing an immunopotentiator at a high concentration, the method for fermentation and culture of the present invention ferments a plant component such as wheat flour using Pantoea agglomerans which is a gram negative bacterium which lives in a symbiotic relationship with a plant such as wheat and apple. It becomes possible to remarkably augment an immunopotentiation action which the plant has. In addition, these are not contaminated with impurities derived from animal components, and thus these are highly safe.
US08075926B2 Herbal compositions for the treatment of mucosal lesions
The present invention provides therapeutic compositions comprising extracts of the plant species Echinacea purpurea and Sambucus nigra and the extract(s) of at least one further plant selected from the group consisting of Hypericum perforatum, Commiphora molmol and Centella asiatica. The compositions of the invention are of particular utility in the management of inflammatory mucosal diseases of both viral and non-viral origin.
US08075920B2 Administration of cells and cellular extracts for rejuvenation
The invention describes methods and agents for improving cosmetic appearance, for promoting, improving or restoring health of cells and tissues, preferably skin, and more preferably, for restoring aged or damaged skin to a healthy appearance. In some embodiments, the invention relates to compositions of cells, eggs, cell extracts, egg extracts, and extract components such as purified nucleic acids, polypeptides, lipids, carbohydrates or other natural products.
US08075917B2 Composition for solubilization of paclitaxel and preparation method thereof
The present invention relates to a paclitaxel composition and the preparation methods thereof to solubilize paclitaxel wherein said composition comprises 4 to 90% by weight of at least one selected from the monoglycerides, 0.01 to 90% by weight of at least one oil and 0.01 to 20% by weight of paclitaxel. Also the present invention relates to a paclitaxel composition including emulsifiers and the preparation methods thereof to solubilize paclitaxel wherein said composition comprises 4 to 90% by weight of at least one selected from the monoglycerides, 0.01 to 90% by weight of at least one emulsifier and 0.01 to 20% by weight of paclitaxel. The composition of the present invention is an effective paclitaxel delivery system since the composition solubilizes paclitaxel, does not form aggregates after being dispersed in water, adsorbs well on the intestinal wall, and therefore has high bioavailability.
US08075906B2 Medical devices having polymeric regions with copolymers containing hydrocarbon and heteroatom-containing monomeric species
According to an aspect of the present invention, implantable or insertable medical devices are provided, which contain one or more polymeric regions. These polymeric regions, in turn, contain one or more polymers, at least one of which is a copolymer that includes the following: (a) one or more unsaturated hydrocarbon monomer species and (b) one or more heteroatom-containing monomer species.
US08075904B2 High aspect ratio template and method for producing same for central and peripheral nerve repair
Millimeter to nano-scale structures manufactured using a multi-component polymer fiber matrix are disclosed. The use of dissimilar polymers allows the selective dissolution of the polymers at various stages of the manufacturing process. In one application, biocompatible matrixes may be formed with long pore length and small pore size. The manufacturing process begins with a first polymer fiber arranged in a matrix formed by a second polymer fiber. End caps may be attached to provide structural support and the polymer fiber matrix selectively dissolved away leaving only the long polymer fibers. These may be exposed to another product, such as a biocompatible gel to form a biocompatible matrix. The polymer fibers may then be selectively dissolved leaving only a biocompatible gel scaffold with the pores formed by the dissolved polymer fibers. The scaffolds may be used in, among other applications, the repair of central and peripheral nerves. Scaffolds for the repair of peripheral nerves may include a reservoir for the sustained release of nerve growth factor. The scaffolds may also include a multifunctional polyelectrolyte layer for the sustained release of nerve growth factor and enhance biocompatibility.
US08075897B2 Allergen peptide fragments and use thereof
The present invention relates generally to in vivo methods and compositions designed for allergen specific immunotherapy. The compositions include contiguous overlapping peptide fragments which together form an entire amino acid sequence of an allergen.
US08075895B2 Identification of antigenic peptides from multiple myeloma cells
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal B cell malignancy and remains essentially incurable by conventional anti-tumor therapy. Patients with MM have a median survival of only three years. MM is characterized by proliferation and accumulation of mature plasma cells in the bone marrow (BM) leading to bone destruction, BM failure, anemia, and reduced immune function. The identification of MHC Class I, HLA-A2, associated peptides presented on multiple myeloma cells is an important step in developing immunotherapies for MM. Presented here are methods for creating activated T lymphocytes that are cytotoxic to both peptide loaded T2 target cells and multiple myeloma cell lines.
US08075894B2 Use of soluble CD164 in inflammatory and/or autoimmune disorders
The present invention relates to novel therapeutic uses of soluble proteins comprising the extracellular region of human CD164, in particular for treating inflammatory and/or autoimmune disorders.
US08075893B2 Pharmaceutical composition of F(ab′)2 antibody fragments and a process for the preparation thereof
The present invention is directed to a pharmaceutical composition comprising F(ab′)2 antibody fragments that are preferably free from albumin and of whole antibodies and also substantially free of pyrogens, and an effective amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. It is also directed to a method for the production of a pharmaceutical composition comprising F(ab′)2 antibody fragments using serum or blood plasma of a mammal that has been previously immunized as a source of antibodies. The serum or blood plasma is digested with an enzyme pepsin, followed by separation and purification until the pharmaceutical composition of F(ab′)2 fragments is free of albumin and complete antibodies, and substantially free of pyrogens.
US08075889B2 Antibody molecules having specificity for human IL-6
The invention relates to antibody molecules having specificity for antigenic determinants of IL-6, therapeutic uses of the antibody molecules and methods for producing said antibody molecules.
US08075887B2 High affinity human antibodies to human IL-4 receptor
The present invention provides methods for treating one or more diseases or disorders which are improved, inhibited or ameliorated by reducing interleukin-4 (IL-4) activity. The methods of the invention comprise administering to a patient an antibody, or antigen-binding fragment thereof, which specifically binds to a human IL-4 receptor.
US08075886B2 Method of treatment using an anti-IL-B50 antibody
Nucleic acids encoding mammalian cytokine receptor, e.g., for cytokine IL-B50, purified proteins and fragments thereof. Antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, are also provided. Methods of using the compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are described.
US08075875B2 Teeth whitening composition and methods
Disclosed herein are teeth whitening compositions generally including an oxidizing agent (e.g., a peroxide), and an activating agent that has an emission wavelength between about 400 nm and about 570 nm (e.g., Eosin B). Methods of employing these compositions to whiten teeth, methods of making these compositions and kits that include some or part of the composition ingredients, are also described.
US08075874B2 Methods for disinfecting and removing smear layer from tooth surfaces
Methods for disinfecting and removing smear layer from prepared tooth surfaces are provided. The methods involve irrigating the tooth surface with a disinfectant solution containing doxycycline or tetracycline, a surfactant such as polysorbate, and organic acid such as citric acid. The methods can be used in various dental treatments including, for example, endodontic and periodontic procedures as well as tooth restoration and reconstruction.
US08075873B2 Method of preparing dry powder inhalation compositions
The invention provides a method of preparing a dry powder inhalation composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable particulate carrier, a first particulate inhalant medicament and a second particulate inhalant medicament. Also provided are dry powder compositions and methods of using them with a dry powder inhalation device.
US08075865B2 Lithium argyrodite
The invention relates to lithium argyrodite of the general formula (I): Li+(12-n-x)Bn+X2−6-xY−x (I), where Bn+ is selected from the group consisting of P, As, Ge, Ga, Sb, Si, Sn, Al, In, Ti, V, Nb, and Ta; X2− is selected from the group consisting of S, Se, and Te; Y− is selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, I, F, CN, OCN, SCN, and N3; 0≦x≦2, and a method for the production thereof, and the use thereof as a lithium-ion electrolyte in primary and secondary electrochemical energy storage.
US08075860B2 Thermal spray powder and method for forming a thermal spray coating
A thermal spray powder includes granulated and sintered yttria particles obtained by granulating and sintering a raw material powder in air or oxygen. The primary particles constituting the granulated and sintered yttria particles have an average particle size between 0.5 and 1.5 μm inclusive, and 1.11 times or more as large as the raw material powder. Alternatively, the primary particles have an average particle size between 3 and 8 μm inclusive.
US08075857B2 Apparatus and method for making a peroxycarboxylic acid
The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for making a peroxycarboxylic acid. The apparatus includes a reaction catalyst and a guard column for pretreating one or more reagents, which can increase the life, activity, and/or safety of the reaction catalyst. The peroxycarboxylic acid compositions made by the method and apparatus can include one or more peroxycarboxylic acids.
US08075849B2 Medical instrument retainer assembly and method of making the retainer
A retainer assembly for retaining a medical device in a container having a perforated wall includes a retainer with a rigid support portion having at least one leg and a flexible, resilient instrument holding portion intimately bonded to the support portion so that the retainer is devoid of cracks and crevices between said portions. Each leg has a free end and an axial passage extending into the leg from that end so that the retainer may be positioned on the container wall with each opening in register with a perforation therein. A fastener extends into the passage of each leg and the underlying perforation from below the wall to anchor each leg to the wall under pressure thereby providing a seal between each leg and the wall. Various retainer embodiments and a method for making same are also disclosed.
US08075843B2 Exhaust gas treatment device
A flexible and substantially crack resistant intumescent, non-intumescent, or hybrid mounting mat material for use in mounting fragile structures includes at least one intumescent, non-intumescent or hybrid layer containing inorganic fibers and reinforcing layer applied to the layer. Also provided is an exhaust gas treatment device including a housing, a fragile catalyst support structure mounted within the housing, and the crack resistant mounting mat disposed in a gap between the housing and the fragile catalyst support structure. Also disclosed are methods of making a mounting mat for an exhaust gas treatment device and for making an exhaust gas treatment device incorporating the mounting mat.
US08075840B2 Automatic multi-purpose analyzer
An automatic multi-purpose analyzer performs qualitative and quantitative analysis of biological samples such as blood, urine, etc. and includes a plurality of analysis units connected in series through a transfer line for transferring the sample, wherein failure caused by incorrect surface detection is resolved. The plurality of analysis units are connected in series through a transfer line for transferring a sample, each analysis unit including a pipetting mechanism for pipetting the sample, and wherein each of the analysis units includes a transmission mechanism for transmitting information about the amount of sample, obtained upon sample pipetting by the pipetting mechanism of each analysis unit, to other analysis units.
US08075836B2 Steel-sheet continuous annealing equipment and method for operating steel-sheet continuous annealing equipment
Steel-sheet continuous annealing equipment includes, in sequence, a pre-heating zone, a heating zone, a soaking zone, a cooling zone, a reheating zone, an overaging zone, and a final cooling zone, and further includes a rapid heating region and a rapid cooling region that are provided within a range from the reheating zone to the final cooling zone (including the reheating zone and the final cooling zone), the rapid heating region allowing rapid heating of a steel sheet at a heating rate of 15° C./s or more and the rapid cooling region allowing rapid cooling, at a cooling rate of 10° C./s or more, of the steel sheet that has been rapidly heated in the rapid heating region. Various steel-sheet products ranging from mild steel sheets to ultrahigh-tensile steel sheets can be produced by performing a heat treatment with such steel-sheet continuous annealing equipment.
US08075835B2 Method of thermoforming using a syntactic foam plug
The present invention provides an improved syntactic foam plug for plug assist thermoforming wherein such plug is composed of a thermoplastic material having a relatively high melting and/or glass transition temperature. Accordingly, the subject invention encompasses diminishing or removing the undesirable characteristics of thermoset syntactic plugs while increasing the ease by which these articles may be constructed for a given use, by forming such plugs from syntactic foams containing thermoplastics.
US08075826B2 Microprotrusion arrays and methods for using same to deliver substances into tissue
Improved microprotrusion abrasion devices having fluid retaining or directing patterns, and specific design parameters and method for delivery of substances into the skin. Various configurations of such devices are disclosed, including domed, channeled, patterned and stepped.
US08075825B2 Split stator segment manufacturing method
A split stator is arranged such that a formed edgewise coil is mounted on a teeth of a split stator core through an insulator, and a resin molded portion is formed excepting long ends of the edgewise coil.
US08075816B2 Form station platen drive for a thermoforming machine and a method of leveling platens
A platen drive system and method of leveling platens in a forming station of a twin sheet thermoforming machine in which each platen is driven vertically by four independently operated drive units, each having an electric servo motor, the drive units arranged in two sub sets disposed on opposite sides of an associated platen. The platen is leveled during set up by individual operation of the servo motors.
US08075813B2 Tubing expansion
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.
US08075810B2 Process for producing microlens
In a microlens formation step, the portions of a lens material film (32) supported on elevations (BG) are melted by heat so that part of the lens material film (32) flows into trenches (DH); thus, the shape of the portions of the lens material film (32) supported on the elevations (BG) is so changed as to be formed into microlenses (MS).
US08075805B2 Method for producing conductive masterbatch
The present invention relates to a method for producing a conductive masterbatch containing a polyamide resin and a carbonaceous filler. The present invention provides a method for producing a conductive masterbatch which can suppress an increase in resin temperature during extrusion, formation of die drips, and strand breakage and can also significantly increase the output of extruding. The method is achieved by the steps of feeding the carbonaceous filler to a molten first polyamide to melt-knead them together and then feeding a second polyamide to the resulting melt-kneaded product to further melt-knead the second polyamide, the carbonaceous filler, and the first polyamide.
US08075804B2 Antioxidant compositions useful in biodiesel and other fatty acid and acid ester compositions
Compositions containing phenolic antioxidant solutions are provided. The invention further provides methods of making and using such compositions as well as compositions that contain both biodiesel and at least one antioxidant concentrate solutions and blended fuel compositions containing biodiesel blended with other fuels.
US08075791B2 Chemical treatment method
A chemical treatment apparatus and a method for performing a chemical treatment of a wafer, etc., by supplying a chemical via a cell. The apparatus includes a cylindrical inner cell and a cylindrical outer cell with open ends disposed at an outer circumference of the inner cell. The outer cell is axially movable to vary the width of a slit formed between a bottom end of the outer cell and a top surface of the substrate-holding means by the axial movement, thereby adjusting the discharge rate of the chemical and varying the pressure of the chemical.
US08075790B2 Film removal method and apparatus
A film removal method and apparatus for removing a film from a substrate are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of disposing a plasma generator and a sucking apparatus over the substrate, projecting a plasma beam from the plasma generator onto the film obliquely, disposing the sucking apparatus on a reflection path of plasma projected by the plasma generator, and sucking a by-product of an incomplete plasma reaction occurring to the film so as to keep a surface of the substrate clean, with a view to overcoming the drawbacks of deposition of the by-product which results from using the plasma as a surface cleansing means under atmospheric conditions.
US08075789B1 Remote plasma cleaning source having reduced reactivity with a substrate processing chamber
A method and apparatus for cleaning a chamber in a substrate processing system having less reactivity with the chamber walls and the components contained therein. The method includes mixing a diluent gas with a flow of radicals produced by a plasma remotely disposed with respect to the chamber, at a point located between a plasma applicator and the chamber. The apparatus includes a fluid manifold having multiple inlets and an outlet with the outlet being coupled to an intake port of the chamber. One of the inlets are in fluid communication with the plasma applicator, with the remaining inlets being in fluid communication with a supply of the diluent gas. In this fashion, the diluent gas flow and the flow of reactive radicals mix when traveling between the inlets and the outlet to form a gas-radical mixture egressing from the outlet and traversing through the intake port.
US08075787B2 Protective sleeve for intake rack bars
A protective sleeve for use with metal intake racks used for screening debris from water intakes and other similar structures. The proactive sleeve may be made from a plastic material, such as HDPE, using an extrusion process. The sleeve is designed to snap into place over the metal blades of a bar rack, and to provide a positive and secure fit when in place. The protective sleeve thus provides the benefits of non-metallic intake racks to existing and future metal rack systems, without requiring replacement of existing metal racks.
US08075776B2 Apparatus for withdrawing permeate using an immersed vertical skein of hollow fibre membranes
A filtration device is provided for withdrawing permeate essentially continuously from a multicomponent aqueous substrate containing growing microorganisms in a reservoir. A vertical skein of fiber is scrubbed with coarse bubbles which emanate from a conversion baffle positioned under the skein. The substrate is aerated with fine bubbles in a size range small enough to transfer oxygen to the substrate efficiently. The baffle traps the fine bubbles and converts them to coarse bubbles which are effective to scrub the fibers. In the most preferred embodiment, the finished headers of the skein are derived from composite headers comprising a fixing lamina of resin in which the fibers are potted near their terminal ends, and a fugitive lamina of fugitive powdery material in which the terminal ends of the fibers are potted. The fugitive lamina is removed, preferably by dissolving the powder, e.g. finely divided common salt in water.
US08075775B2 Leaf filter system and replaceable filter leaf apparatus
A filter and replaceable filter leaf apparatus are provided. The filter includes a housing defining a cavity having fluid inlet and outlet ports and a lid member with a manifold coupled to the outlet port and being adapted to conduct a fluid flow between the outlet port and a plurality of attachment areas. Replaceable filter leafs are selectively movable through an opening into the housing cavity and attachable with the manifold at the plurality of attachment areas. The replaceable filter leafs include a filter envelope consisting of a single substantially rectangular filter panel, a nozzle member on the filter panel and defining a passageway adjacent an opening in the filter envelope for conducting fluids therethrough, and a porous grid member contained within the filter envelope. The nozzle member is selectively attachable onto the manifold of the polishing filter apparatus at one of the plurality of attachment areas. In one form, the filter envelope includes a folded rectangular filter panel with the nozzle member disposed at an outer edge thereof. In another embodiment, the nozzle member is located at a crease line formed in the filter panel. In yet another, a pair of filter panels are connected at their edges with the nozzle member located along a selected edge as desired. The filter leaf apparatus are installed onto the manifold along attachment axes extending through the housing opening.
US08075763B2 Process for treating aged crude oil residue
The present invention provides a process for the treatment of crude oil or aged crude oil residue comprising the steps of (a) contacting the oil or residue with a phenol resin and with a diluent, to provide a diluted phenol resin treated oil or residue; and (b) optionally removing solid material from the diluted phenol resin treated oil or residue.
US08075753B2 Gas sensor
The gas sensor includes a sensor element, a heater for heating the sensor element, the heater having a roughly cylindrical shape, a housing into which the sensor element is inserted to be held therein, and a terminal unit disposed so as to cover a rear end portion of the heater on a rear end side of the housing. The terminal unit includes a pair of insulators, a pair of metal terminals each of which is located inside a corresponding one of the pair of the insulators and in contact with a corresponding one of a pair of electrode pads provided on a surface of the rear end portion of the heater, and a pressing member pressing the pair of the insulators in a direction that the pair of the insulators approach each other. The pair of the insulators are located out of contact with each other. The rear end portion of the heater is contact-supported at at least three contact points by the terminal unit.
US08075733B2 Plasma processing apparatus
A plasma processing apparatus includes: a decompression chamber of which the inside is depressed; a gas supply unit that supplies process gas into said chamber; a microwave supply unit that supplies a microwave into the chamber to generate plasma; an object-placing electrode where a processing material, is placed and which holds the processing material in the chamber; and a vacuuming unit that is connected to the chamber to discharge the gas in the chamber, in which the chamber, a part for providing gas into the chamber of the gas supply unit, a part for introducing a microwave into the chamber of the microwave supply unit, the object-placing electrode, and the vacuuming unit are disposed coaxially with the center axis of the chamber, and the part for introducing a microwave includes a microwave rotation generator that rotates a polarization plane of the input microwave and supplies the microwave to the chamber.
US08075732B2 EUV collector debris management
A method and apparatus that may comprise an EUV light producing mechanism utilizing an EUV plasma source material comprising a material that will form an etching compound, which plasma source material produces EUV light in a band around a selected center wavelength comprising: an EUV plasma generation chamber; an EUV light collector contained within the chamber having a reflective surface containing at least one layer comprising a material that does not form an etching compound and/or forms a compound layer that does not significantly reduce the reflectivity of the reflective surface in the band; an etchant source gas contained within the chamber comprising an etchant source material with which the plasma source material forms an etching compound, which etching compound has a vapor pressure that will allow etching of the etching compound from the reflective surface. The etchant source material may comprises a halogen or halogen compound. The etchant source material may be selected based upon the etching being stimulated in the presence of photons of EUV light and/or DUV light and/or any excited energetic photons with sufficient energy to stimulate the etching of the plasma source material. The apparatus may further comprise an etching stimulation plasma generator providing an etching stimulation plasma in the working vicinity of the reflective surface; and the etchant source material may be selected based upon the etching being stimulated by an etching stimulation plasma. There may also be an ion accelerator accelerating ions toward the reflective surface. The ions may comprise etchant source material. The apparatus and method may comprise a part of an EUV production subsystem with an optical element to be etched of plasma source material.
US08075727B2 Method for joining sections of thermoplastic continuous web material
A method for joining pieces of a thermoplastic web material in order to form an expandable cellular block, includes steps of positioning a new piece to be added to the cellular block in opposing face-to-face relation with a last piece most recently previously welded to the cellular block, positioning a heating device having a plurality of heating fingers between the last piece and the new piece and in contact with the opposing surfaces of the pieces, causing the heating fingers to heat the pieces at locations contacted by the heating fingers, and retracting the heating fingers from between the pieces and then pressing the new piece against the last piece such that the new piece is welded to the last piece at the locations heated by the fingers.
US08075720B2 Circumferentially pleated filter assembly and method of forming the same
A method of forming a filter element is disclosed comprising the steps of preparing a plurality of upstanding pleats each having first and second pleat legs, wherein the first pleat leg of one pleat is joined to the second pleat leg of a preceding pleat by a medial pleat section; moving the upstanding pleats into an overlapped condition wherein each medial pleat section becomes part of the second leg of a preceding pleat; and forming the overlapped pleats into a cylindrical configuration.
US08075719B2 Manufacture of complex composite parts
The present invention relates to an automated method for manufacturing layer by layer a composite part with rotational symmetry and complex cross-section, comprising the following stages: a) a reel or roll comprising a reinforcement is continuously unwound; b) as an option, the reinforcement is impregnated with a liquid resin by passing through a bath; c) the impregnated reinforcement is wound onto a rotating cylindrical mandrel; d) the impregnated reinforcement is completely or partially polymerised in order to obtain a composite material; e) a support and/or support material is deposited on both sides of the composite material forming the part being manufactured in such a way as to fill the gaps surrounding said part.
US08075705B2 Reaction vessel for an ozone cleaning system
A reaction vessel for entraining ozone gas in an aqueous ozone solution for an industrial cleaning system is described. The reaction vessel includes a conical-shaped surface having two or more edges. The conical-shaped surface defines a generally hollow interior, and the two or more edges are in contact with the generally hollow interior. An inlet port is in fluidic communication with a supply of an aqueous ozone solution to supply the aqueous ozone solution to the conical-shaped surface. Nozzles are in fluidic communication with a supply of water, and the nozzles direct the water under pressure at the conical-shaped surface, and the water mixes with the aqueous ozone solution from the inlet port. An outlet is in fluidic communication with the industrial cleaning system. The reaction vessel may receive the aqueous ozone solution from an injector. The reaction vessel reduces the bubbles of ozone gas in the aqueous ozone solution and entrains the bubbles of ozone gas in the aqueous ozone solution to increase the oxidation reduction potential of the aqueous ozone solution.
US08075702B2 Resist removing method and resist removing apparatus
In an inventive resist removing method, sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide water are supplied to a surface of a substrate to remove a resist from the substrate surface. Thereafter, hydrogen peroxide water is supplied to the substrate surface to remove the sulfuric acid from the substrate surface.
US08075697B2 Particle removal method and composition
A method and cleaning solution for cleaning electronic substrates, such as a semiconductor wafers, hard disks, photomasks or imprint molds. The method comprises the steps of contacting a surface of the substrate with a cleaning solution comprised of a polyphosphate, and then removing the cleaning solution from the surface. Additional optional steps include applying acoustic energy to the cleaning solution while the cleaning solution is in contact with the surface, and removing the cleaning solution from the surface by rinsing the surface with a rinsing solution with or without the application of acoustic energy. The cleaning solution comprises a polyphosphate, such as any of the water soluble polyphosphates. Depending on the application, the cleaning solution may also comprise a base and/or a quantity of suspended particles. Complexing agents, amines, biocides, surfactants and/or other substances, may also be added to the cleaning solution.
US08075692B2 Fluid bed reactor
Fluidized bed reactor systems for producing high purity silicon-coated particles are disclosed. A vessel has an outer wall, an insulation layer inwardly of the outer wall, at least one heater positioned inwardly of the insulation layer, a removable concentric liner inwardly of the heater, a central inlet nozzle, a plurality of fluidization nozzles, at least one cooling gas nozzle, and at least one product outlet. The system may include a removable concentric sleeve inwardly of the liner. In particular systems the central inlet nozzle is configured to produce a primary gas vertical plume centrally in the reactor chamber to minimize silicon deposition on reactor surfaces.
US08075691B2 Vacuum processing apparatus
Disclosed herein is a vacuum processing apparatus for performing a desired process for a substrate after establishing a vacuum atmosphere therein. More particularly, the vacuum processing apparatus includes a vacuum chamber, which is divided into a chamber body and an upper cover. The upper cover is configured to be easily opened away from and closed to the chamber body.
US08075668B2 Drainage system for compressor separators
A drainage system is for a compressor assembly that includes at least one separator with a chamber. The system includes a drain valve fluidly coupled with the separator chamber and adjustable between open and closed states. An actuator is operatively coupled with and adjusts the valve between the open and closed states or/and a sensor senses when the valve is open. A pressure sensor is configured to sense pressure within the chamber and a logic circuit is coupled with the pressure sensor and determines when the valve either has been or should have been adjusted to the open state. The logic circuit also generates an output signal or/and operates a device when the chamber pressure remains substantially constant or varies by less than a predetermined amount subsequent to the valve being opened and/or when the chamber pressure varies by at least the predetermined amount after the valve is opened.
US08075667B2 Fuel storage tank pressure management system and method employing a carbon canister
A carbon canister to adsorb hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon air mixture in a UST system to prevent fugitive emissions due to overpressurization. The carbon canister has an inlet port at one end coupled to the UST system. An outlet port on the opposite end of the canister is connected to a flow-limiting orifice with a known calibrated flow rate that vents in a controlled fashion to the atmosphere. When UST pressure rises slightly above ambient pressure, fuel vapors and air from the UST system enters, via the inlet port, into the canister, where hydrocarbons are adsorbed onto the surface of the activated carbon. The cleansed air vents through the controlled flow outlet port to atmosphere, thereby preventing excessive positive pressure from occurring in the UST system. The activated carbon is purged of hydrocarbons by means of reverse air flow caused by negative UST pressures that occur during periods of ORVR vehicle refueling.
US08075659B2 Preparations with improved urease-inhibiting effect and urea-containing fertilizers containing the latter
The invention relates to preparations with improved urease-inhibitory effect which comprise at least two different (thio)phosphoric triamides and to urea-comprising fertilizers which comprise these preparations. The invention furthermore relates to a method of preparing these preparations, to the use of these preparations in the fertilization with urea-comprising fertilizers, and to the use of urea-comprising fertilizers which comprise these preparations in agriculture or in horticulture.
US08075649B2 Vacuum bag and vacuum bag attachment assembly
A vacuum bag includes a container portion having at least one opening. A threaded fitting is disposed in communication with the at least one opening, and the threaded fitting is configured for attachment to a vacuum nozzle of a vacuum cleaner.
US08075644B2 Catalytic liquid fuel
A catalytic liquid fuel is described, including a liquid fuel added with at least one kind of catalytic ion or its salt to improve the oxidation activity thereof. The liquid fuel includes at least an organic liquid fuel or a reducing agent or their mixture. The oxidation activity of the fuel can be enhanced by adding an extremely low concentration of the catalytic ion or it salt. The catalytic liquid fuel also can overcome problems like low oxidation activity, surface poisoning and fading of catalysts.
US08075636B2 Method and device for the wet treatment of items to be washed
An inline washing system to be formed from a tunnel-type washing machine (10) which only washes the items of laundry is described. Rinsing and also water removal are then performed in the downstream water-removal press (18). It has been found that the rinsing performance is better and fresh water can be saved as a result of this. It is therefore also possible to wash relatively small amounts of laundry using a tunnel-type washing machine (10) in an economical manner because the tunnel-type washing machine (10) can be designed without a rinse zone.
US08075625B2 Orthopaedic device and procedure to realize such a device
An orthopaedic device (1) for the mobile connection of a first and a second bony segment (4, 5) of an organic device for cooperating with or substituting a natural articulation comprising a first working surface (9) related to the first cooperating segment (4) with a second working surface (10) related to the second bony segment (5) in order to constrain (guide) the relative motion between the said bony segments (4, 5); the first and the second working surface (9, 10) are respectively practically shaped as the axodes of the relative motion of a first and a second link of a linkage practically equivalent to the natural articulation; in particular the first and the second link are corresponding, in the linkage, to the first and the second bony segment (4, 5).
US08075617B2 Device for connection between a heart prosthesis and the natural auricles
A device for connection between a heart prosthesis and a person's natural auricles includes a structure for joining to the natural auricles with individual suture attachments mounted so as to be free in rotation and movable.
US08075612B2 Textile vascular prosthesis with a coating
Textile vascular prostheses having a coating include an absorbable polymer in the form of a three-armed polyester having terminal hydroxyl groups from hydroxy acids polymerized onto a central trifunctional hydroxy compound, the three arms being tetrapolymers of lactide, ε-caprolactone, trimethylene carbonate and glycolide. The polymer is composed of about 30 to about 45 mol % of lactide, about 20 to about 40 mol % of ε-caprolactone, about 10 to about 28 mol % of trimethylene carbonate and about 10 to about 25 mol % of glycolide.
US08075608B2 Medical device delivery system
A system for selectively deploying a medical device includes a cartridge that is engageable with a proximal end of a delivery catheter that is routed to a desired location in a patient's body. An advancement mechanism is provided for advancing the medical device out of the cartridge and into the delivery catheter for deploying the medical device at the desired location in the patient's body.
US08075601B2 Deformity correction using neural integrity monitoring
A method is provided for detecting neural interference between a bone anchor and a neural element during or subsequent to the application of force on the bone anchor to adjust the orientation of one or more vertebral bodies relative to the spinal column. The method includes engaging at least one bone anchor to the vertebral body and applying force to the bone anchor to adjust the positioning or orientation of the vertebral body. A nerve monitoring system provides an electrical signal and is operable to detect a neural element and its proximity to the bone anchor as a function of a characteristic of the electrical signal.
US08075599B2 Adjustable bone anchor assembly
A medical implant device has in one embodiment a receiver member for receiving an elongated member, a crown member, an anchor member and a retaining member. An embodiment of the receiver member has an axial opening, a transverse channel, a chamber including at least one substantially flat wall, and a groove. An embodiment of the crown member has at least one substantially flat side. An embodiment of the anchor member has a head with at least one substantially flat surface that may be parallel to the anchor member's longitudinal axis, and an anchoring portion. An embodiment of the retaining member is a substantially flat clip. The crown member and anchor member are inserted into the chamber, and the retaining member is inserted into the groove beneath them. The anchor member may be pivoted substantially in one plane with respect to the receiver member until locked.
US08075593B2 Interspinous implants and methods for implanting same
A spinal implant for treating lumbar spinal stenosis or as an adjunct to spinal fusion. The implant includes a body portion having an interior cavity. A plurality of locking wings are adapted and configured to move between a stowed position retracted within the interior cavity of the body portion and a deployed position extended from the interior cavity of the body portion. In the deployed position, the wings fix the implant in a selected interspinous space. A cable and wheel arrangement moves the plurality of locking wings from the stowed position to the deployed position and a ratchet/pawl assembly prevents backward movement of the wings.
US08075592B2 Spinal stabilization systems and methods
A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.
US08075590B2 Low profile spinal fixation system
A spinal fixation system is provided that, in one form, includes a coupling member having a cam lock member that is fixed against translation therealong as it is turned with turning of the cam lock member causing an elongate member such as a spinal rod to be pushed downward in the coupling member for fixing the rod therein. In another aspect, the rod is fixed against a low profile insert that seats in a recess formed in the head of an anchor member projecting from the coupling member. The insert has an upper surface against which the rod is fixed and that in one form is flat to provide for line contact against the rod so as to minimize damage thereto. In another form, the cam lock member cams against a clamping member driving it downward in the coupling member for fixing the rod therein.
US08075589B2 Vascular sealing device with high surface area sealing plug
An internal tissue puncture closure method and apparatus. The method and apparatus provide a folded sealing plug that provides more surface area than conventional plugs to more fully cover and seal an external situs of an internal tissue puncture. The folded sealing plug may have a weave pattern that tends to cause the sealing plug to corkscrew into the internal tissue puncture as it is compressed toward an anchor placed inside of the tissue puncture.
US08075584B2 Devices and methods for preventing distal embolization using flow reversal in arteries having collateral blood flow
The invention provides a medical device having a catheter and one or more expandable constricting/occluding members. The catheter is adapted for use with therapeutic or diagnostic devices, including an angioplasty/stent catheter and an atherectomy catheter. The constrictor/occluder is mounted at the distal end of the catheter. Manometers may be mounted distal to one or more constrictors for measuring pressure distal to the constrictor(s). Methods of using the devices are disclosed for preventing distal embolization during extracranial or intracranial carotid artery, vertebral artery, or coronary artery procedures, or procedures involving any vessel having collateral flow by reversing flow in the diseased vessel.
US08075576B2 Closure device, system, and method
The present disclosure relates generally to devices, systems and methods for use with cardiac defects. A closure device includes an elongate body with a first actuator segment and a second actuator segment associated with the elongate body that can be bent into a first predetermined position and then to a second predetermined position where the distal end and the proximal end are more closely positioned than when in the first predetermined position.
US08075571B2 Surgical clip applier methods
A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and an elongate shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween.
US08075567B2 Surgical tissue retrieval instrument
A surgical tissue retrieval instrument has a collapsible pouch at the distal end of an elongated pusher rod that is introduced into a patient's abdomen through a cannula. The instrument includes a two-jaw fork that forms a loop when in an unconstrained configuration and that supports the pouch. Deployment and operation of the fork and the pouch are controlled by a toggle means. The two jaws and the toggle means are slid in a hem surrounding the opening of the pouch when the device is assembled. An especially advantageous embodiment features two jaws of unequal length.
US08075566B2 Navigated lateral/medial femoral resection guide
A multi-piece knee resection instrument for use in forming an anterior cut, an anterior chamfer cut, a posterior cut and a posterior chamfer cut on a distal femur which has already had a distal surface thereof resected which cuts are for the mounting of a prosthetic implant, has a first resection guide for attachment to the medial or lateral side of the distal femur. The first resection guide has a first surface facing generally anteriorly when mounted and a second surface extending distally from the first surface and angled thereto and a third surface extending generally parallel to the resected distal surface of the femur. A second resection guide is mounted on the first and second surfaces of the first resection guide for performing the anterior and anterior chamfer cuts. A third resection guide is mounted on the third surface of the first resection guide and extends in a medial-lateral direction therefrom across at least part of the resected distal femoral surface.
US08075544B2 Containers and methods for manufacturing same
A container is provided comprising a body defined, at least in part, by a film, the body including at least one side seal, at least two chambers separated, at least in part, by a peelable seal, and the film including a sealant layer having a bimodal thermal behavior such that the side seal is a permanent seal and the peelable seal can, at least in part, be separated.
US08075543B2 Disposable diaper and process of producing the same
A disposable diaper 1 includes a topsheet 2, a backsheet 3, and an absorbent member 4 between the sheets 2 and 3. A pair of leg flaps 5 each having an elastic member is provided along the laterally opposite side edges of the absorbent member 4. Each of the leg flaps 5 is fixed at its front end portion 52 and rear end portion 53 to a portion C, one of longitudinally opposite end portions of the diaper, and to a portion B, the other end portion, in such a configuration that each of the leg flaps 5 may be folded back over the side of the backsheet 3 when the disposable diaper 1 is in a flat-out state with the elastic members stretched.
US08075542B2 Disposable absorbent articles having multiple absorbent core components including replaceable components
A disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso of a human body and having a chassis, a non-removable absorbent core component disposed in a crotch region of the chassis, and a replaceable absorbent core component disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted in place of the removed component without the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The replaceable absorbent core component may be disposed inside an openable chassis pocket, with access for its removal and replacement provided by an aperture in a backsheet, an openable end of an external pocket, or an openable end of an internal pocket formed at an area of a waist end edge where the backsheet and a topsheet may be separated. Additional replaceable absorbent core components may also be incorporated.
US08075541B2 Absorbent article including rear wing portions
An absorbent article includes an elongate absorbent body and a pair of left and right rear wing portions disposed at longitudinal opposite left and right sides of the absorbent body in a rear zone thereof. Each of the rear wing portions includes a liquid-retentive wing absorbent core. Furthermore, an absorbent article includes an elongate absorbent body and a pair of left and right wing portions disposed at longitudinal opposite left and right sides of the absorbent body. Each of the wing portions includes a laminated sheet formed by laminating at least two sheet materials and the two sheets of material are bonded to and along opposite side edges of the absorbent body with an adhesive agent except for non-coated linear areas of a predetermined width formed on the wing portions.
US08075539B2 Waste management system
A waste management system includes a waste transport device and a waste collection device. The waste transport device includes a collection member with a distal end opening having a first cross-sectional area and a proximal end opening having a second cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area, a retention cuff disposed about an outer surface of the collection member, a first section having a lumen in fluid communication with a lumen of the collection member, and a second section having a distal end connected to a proximal end of the first section, the second section including a flush lumen disposed along a length thereof.
US08075538B2 Urine receptacle and apparatus for automated disposal of urine
A disposable re-useable urine receptacle that, when used, provides comfortable, discrete, and safe urine collection and containment until the collected urine can be properly disposed of, either by the wearer or someone else. It achieves these goals by conforming to the wearer's body, expanding to a predetermined self-supported shape, and disallowing side wall-to-wall adherence between fillings. An apparatus for automated disposal of urine is also disclosed.
US08075537B2 Multiple cell therapeutic diffusion device
A diffusing device for treating tissue has multiple cells arranged in a cell layer, the cells filled with or charged with a therapeutic agent, an occlusive layer in direct communication with the cell layer, and a diffusion layer in direct communication with the cell layer. In use the diffusing device is sealed peripherally about an area of tissue and therapeutic agent is released from the cells through the diffusion layer based on the diffusion properties of the diffusion layer.
US08075530B2 Instrument seal with inverting shroud
A surgical access device comprising an instrument access channel extending through an instrument seal and a shroud comprising an inverting region disposed distally of the instrument seal exhibits improved tear-resistance of the instrument seal from instrument manipulation, for example, instrument withdrawals. Some embodiments of the inverting region invert through the instrument seal on instrument withdrawal. Some embodiments of the inverting region induce at least a portion of the instrument seal itself to invert on instrument withdrawal.
US08075524B2 Syringe set and heating device for same
A syringe set includes a syringe and a heating device. The heating device includes a heating module in thermal engagement with the syringe and a body supporting the heating module. The heating module includes a first electrode, a second electrode and a heating element. The heating element includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes forming at least one electrically conductive path. The first electrode and the second electrode electrically connect with the carbon nanotubes.
US08075522B2 Disposable double pointed injection needle, and an insulin injection system comprising a disposable double pointed injection needle
A disposable double pointed injection needle has a needle hub to which a thin needle cannula is permanently fasten and which needle hub can be mounted on to a syringe comprising a dose setting and injection mechanism and a cartridge containing a liquid medicine to be injected subcutaneously into a human body. The needle hub is provided with a safety shield guided on the outside surface of the needle hub. The safety shield is urged in a direction away from the needle hub by a spring located between the needle hub and the safety shield. The safety shield has a number of protrusions guided in guiding tracks on the outside surface of the needle hub. The guiding tracks are designed such that the safety shield during injection is moved towards the needle hub, and after injection is moved away from the needle hub by the spring and locked in an irreversible position where the safety shield covers the needle cannula and prevents accidental needle stick injuries.
US08075510B2 Systems and methods for removing undesirable material within a circulatory system
A system for removing undesirable material from vessels and from chambers within the heart is provided. The system includes a suction cannula for removing the undesirable material from a site of interest within a patient. A filter device may be provided for capturing the undesirable material and removing it from the fluid flow. The system also includes pump for generating the necessary suction force through the suction cannula to dislodge the undesirable material from the site of interest and for generating a sufficient driving force to direct the fluid flow downstream within the system. The system further includes a reinfusion cannula for introducing fluid removed from the site of interest back into a patient. A method for removing undesirable material from vessels and from heart chambers is also provided.
US08075509B2 Medical apparatus
A medical apparatus (1) comprises a user interface (30), a number of sensors (16,27,21,22,29) and a control system (18) programmed for displaying on the user interface screen (31) a number of indicia (37), each relating to a corresponding parameter and comprising an indicium border (45) delimiting an indicium selection area (45a); the control system allows selection of an indicium for identifying the parameter a user intends to modify, allows setting of a new set value for the selected parameter; the control system also receives from the sensors (29) a measure of the actual value for the parameter and displays on the indicium selection area (45a) of the indicium both the actual value and the set value for the same parameter. The programming software for the control system is also disclosed.
US08075508B2 Shoe releasing assembly for an orthosis
A shoe releasing assembly for use with an orthotic bar or splint is disclosed. The shoe releasing assembly comprises a bar attachment member securable to a bar or splint, a shoe attachment member securable to the sole of a shoe, and latching means to secure the bar and shoe members. The bar attachment member comprises a base, a wall section at least partially surrounding the base. The shoe attachment member comprises a shoe attachment base, a shoe attachment wall section at least partially surrounding the shoe attachment base. When one of the attachment members comprises a wall section defining a recess, the corresponding member comprises a wall section having a shape conforming to the recess for vertically inclined insertion. Latching means are provided for receiving, securing, and disengaging the shoe attachment member to the bar attachment member. Methods of treating foot disorders using the assembly are also disclosed.
US08075499B2 Abnormal motion detector and monitor
In an embodiment, a seizure monitor provides intelligent epilepsy seizure detection, monitoring, and alerting for epilepsy patients or people with seizures. In an embodiment, the seizure monitor may be a wearable, non-intrusive, passive monitoring device that does not require any insertion or ingestion into the human body. In an embodiment, the seizure monitor may include several output options for outputting the accelerometer/gyro or other motion sensor data and video data, so that the data may be immediately validated and/or remotely viewed. The device alerts and communicates to the outside care givers via wirelessly or wired medium. The device may also support recording of accelerometer or other motion sensor data and video data, which can be reviewed later for further analysis and/or diagnosis. The device and invention is also used and applicable for other body motion disorders or detection and diagnostics.
US08075498B2 Medical apparatus system having optical fiber load sensing capability
Apparatus is provided for diagnosing or treating an organ or vessel, wherein a device having at least two optical fiber sensors disposed in a distal extremity thereof is coupled to processing logic programmed to compute a multi-dimensional force vector responsive to detected changes in the optical characteristics of the optical fiber sensors arising from deflection of the distal extremity resulting from contact with the tissue of the wall of the organ or vessel. The force vector may be used to facilitate manipulation of the catheter either directly or automatically using a robotic system.
US08075485B2 Gain setting in doppler haemodynamic monitors
This invention relates to a method of automatically setting the gain of an echo signal in a Doppler ultrasound haemodynamic monitor. In essence the invention comprises monitoring the strength of velocity components measured by the apparatus, and identifying a group of such components occupying a particular band within the overall velocity spectrum. The signal gain is then adjusted so that the perceived width of the band falls within predetermined limits. The monitoring or assessment of the velocity components is preferably undertaken when the overall flow velocity is high e.g. during systole.
US08075478B2 System, apparatus, and method for viewing a visually obscured portion of a cavity
A system, apparatus, and method for viewing a visually obscured portion of a body cavity. The system includes an endoscopic-type instrument, an imaging apparatus, and a human interface apparatus. The endoscopic-type instrument includes a face tip assembly connected to a shaft assembly, the shaft assembly being connected to a handle and viewing assembly. The face tip assembly includes a plurality of input/output ports and a working channel extension to protect an optical image collector. The shaft assembly includes an actively flexible shaft segment and a passively flexible shaft. The method for viewing a visually obscured portion of a cavity includes the steps of providing an instrument having an actively flexible shaft segment and manipulating the actively flexible shaft segment to a desired angular deflection.
US08075475B2 Endoscope system and medical instrument
According to the present invention, there is provided an endoscope system including: an endoscope having an elongated insertion portion; a medical instrument configured to be inserted in a channel of the insertion portion of the endoscope and to have an elongated flexible sheath; and an advancing and retracting apparatus configured to advance and retract the sheath of the medical instrument in the channel with two rollers, wherein the sheath of the medical instrument is configured to have an outer diameter larger than the distance between the roller surfaces of the two rollers, and to have a frictional resistance increasing unit for increasing frictional resistance between the respective roller surfaces and the outer peripheral surface of the sheath in contact with the respective roller surfaces in a state where the sheath is inserted between the two rollers.
US08075473B2 Extension device for permanent penis enlargement and straightening
Disclosed is an extension apparatus for enlarging and straightening a penis. The extension apparatus includes a fastening device (1) that is mounted on the penis, and a tension device (8) which is connected to the fastening device (1). The fastening device is provided with a dimensionally stable receiving member (2) which positively accommodates the entire area of the glans penis and whose inner contour essentially matches the shape of the glans penis. The fastening device can be connected to a device for supplying and sucking air and adjoins an elastic tubular seal (15) at the opening (3) provided for introducing the glans penis. The simple apparatus, which is suitable also for short penis lengths, can be put on quickly and in an uncomplicated manner, provides a high degree of comfort during wearing and optimum tensile strength, resulting in a gentle extension treatment that has no major side effects for the user.
US08075470B2 Therapeutic device for local area stimulation
A therapeutic device and process utilizes an array of members in which each member is both magnetically coupled to a magnetic source and electrically coupled to a source of electrical signals. In the preferred embodiment, the members include both ferromagnetic members and diamagnetic members. The members are controlled to enable variations of electromagnetic stimuli by selectively adjusting applied electrical signals to the two types of members. The ferromagnetic members and the diamagnetic members may be placed in alternating rows. The rows may be individually controlled with respect to applying alternative electrical signals, as well as with respect to enablement and disablement. A thermal module may be included in order to also apply thermal stimulus. Some embodiments include the capability to monitor effects of the stimuli to the skin of the person.
US08075465B2 Roller assembly with an eccentric expandable cover retaining ring and a method of manufacturing the roller assembly
A roller assembly for a production machine having an inner wheel base capable of attachment to the driving axle of a production machine and an expandable outer ring which is cooperatively connectable to the inner wheel base is disclosed. The circumference of the expandable outer ring is adjustable. An outer roller cover mounts circumferentially around the adjustable expandable outer ring.
US08075464B2 Portable abdominal exercise mat
A portable abdominal exercise mat apparatus is disclosed comprising, in one embodiment, an elongate, flexible mat having a relatively rigid elongate handle portion engaged at one end of the mat, the apparatus being sized and configured for providing adequate support for a user's back, neck and head while the user performs a wide range of abdominal exercises. In further embodiments, the handle portion is configured for removably accepting a variety of attachment accessories, some of which are designed to allow the user to selectively add resistance to their abdominal exercises. Other attachment accessories allow the user to perform various non-abdominal exercises using the apparatus. When the apparatus is not being used, it can be easily rolled up or laid flat for storage or transport with very little space or weight requirements.
US08075462B1 Elastic member exercise device
An exemplary exercise device includes a foot cuff and a hand grip separated by an elastic member. Rigid and flexible foot cuff sections define a foot passage for a foot. A foot cuff body passage in the rigid foot cuff section receives a foot cuff pivot having an enlarged portion and a plug. The plug is inserted in an elastic member socket, and is able to point in different directions as the enlarged portion pivots within the foot cuff body passage. The hand grip includes a hand grip channel for replaceably receiving the elastic member, which is removably secured to the hand grip using an impinger or by being wrapped about the hand grip and inserted in a groove. A user can insert a foot through the foot passage and grip the hand grip, stretching the elastic member between the foot and hand while walking, performing calisthenics, etc.
US08075461B2 Reinforced cord well lifting bar assembly
An exercise bar cord impingement assembly permits exercise in two modes, defined in terms of how cord anchoring is arranged. It also permits exercise to be conducted either with a stretchable cord and handgrip together connected to the bar's body or just the stretchable cord itself so connected. In either case, there are slots in the bar's body to slide the cord through. Specially shaped wells or nests accommodate impingement of the elastic cord and firm handgrip emplacement. The ends of the bar's body are preferably shaped into pipe bowl configuration disposed to insure a good fit and avoid torque.
US08075460B2 Barbell holder
A weightlifting barbell holder assembly is especially useful for mounting a weightlifting barbell in a generally horizontal position on a horizontal metal beam, typically an I-beam or U-beam. Preferably, the barbell is at least partially within a horizontal channel defined by the beam when mounted thereon.
US08075453B1 Total body exercise machine
An exercise apparatus comprising a lower body exercise machine, at least one upper body exercise module positioned for engagement by a user of the machine, each module adapted to provide resistance to the user's full natural arm swing. Each module comprises an elongated connector, a user engagement connected to one end of the elongated connector for engaging or being engaged by a body appendage of a user, and a resistance mechanism for resisting a tensile force applied to the end of the elongated connector. The lower body exercise machine includes an exercise bicycle adapted for use with the upper body exercise module. The resistance mechanism includes a reel through which the elongated connector is wound and the reel containing a means of providing resistance against the action of the user.
US08075448B2 Oil pressure control apparatus for automatic transmission
An oil pressure control apparatus for an automatic transmission configured with an oil pressure servo that engages and disengages a friction engagement element. The friction element is engaged by first and second hydraulic oil chambers that individually provide low torque, and can provide a higher torque when working in combination. A failure solenoid valve outputs a signal when a failure occurs to stop oil pressure to an oil pressure servo. Valves are configured to determine whether oil pressure is supplied to or discharged from the first and second hydraulic oil chambers. A switching valve is switched on the basis of the failure signal, and an oil pressure can be individually supplied to and discharged from the first and second hydraulic oil chambers based on the status of the switching solenoid valve and the signal from the failure solenoid valve.
US08075447B2 Vehicle control system and method
A vehicle control system including a range selector having a shift lever operated by a driver of a vehicle, a shift control device for controlling the switching of a shift range of an automatic transmission of the vehicle in accordance with the range selecting operation of the shift lever, and an engine control device for controlling the switching of ON/OFF of an internal combustion engine of the vehicle in accordance with an engine switch operation of the shift lever.
US08075445B2 Driving force control apparatus and driving force control method
In a driving force control apparatus and a driving force control method, a curve ahead of a vehicle is detected; a target vehicle speed is set to pass the curve; a starting-point shift speed is set to pass the starting point of the curve; and an end-point shift speed is set to pass the end point of the curve. After a shift speed is changed to the starting-point shift speed, it is determined whether an additional engine brake is required at the starting-point shift speed. If it is determined that the engine brake is not required, the shift speed is changed to the end-point shift speed. Alternatively, if a vehicle speed is lower than or equal to a value corresponding to the target vehicle speed after the shift speed is changed to the starting-point shift speed, the shift speed is changed to the end-point shift speed.
US08075441B2 Automatic transmission gear and clutch arrangement
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque-transmitting devices. Further, a hydraulic fluid control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of the plurality of torque-transmitting devices. The hydraulic fluid control circuit receives pressurized hydraulic fluid from an off-axis hydraulic fluid pump and has a plurality of fluid passages disposed in the transmission house, input shaft, output shaft and other coupling members.
US08075433B2 Belt tensioner with damping member
A tensioner for tensioning a belt includes a support housing at least in part defining a spring cavity. A damping member having a first friction bearing surface is at least partially disposed in the spring cavity. An arm pivotally attached to the support housing has a second friction bearing surface. A spring is located in the spring cavity and operatively connected to the arm and damping member to pivot the damping member about a pivot location such that the first friction bearing surface of the damping member is biased against the second friction bearing surface of the arm to dampen relative movement between the arm and the support housing.
US08075430B1 Arrow transmitter
An arrow transmitter comprises a head assembly having an arrow having a tip. Extending from the arrow is a shaft having a neck that terminates at a threaded portion. A tubular shaft assembly defines a first shaft cavity with a first exterior wall and first and second ends. The tubular shaft assembly also comprises fletching that is fixedly mounted onto the first exterior wall and a nock mounted onto the first end. A plugged housing assembly is housed within the tubular shaft assembly. A transmitter assembly is housed within the housing assembly. A global positioning system tracking unit determines a precise location of hunted game once struck and after the transmitter assembly is activated when a force overcomes the spring force of the spring member. Thus, causing the actuator pin to make contact with the first protrusion to activate the switch that activates the transmitter assembly.
US08075426B1 Power pivot
A baseball swing training apparatus comprised of upper and lower platform members that are rotatably secured to one another by means of a bearing plate assembly. The platform members have a generally rectangular body with at least one side of each platform member formed as an extending finger portion. The extending finger portion of the upper platform member receives thereon a spring loaded foot mechanism. The spring loaded foot mechanism is comprised of a continuous cylindrical member having upper and lower U-shaped ends, the upper and lower ends being orthogonal to one another and forming an L-shaped continuous cylindrical member. A coiled spring member is secured to the upper platform member and to the upper U-shaped end by a hook shaped element. The coiled spring member is secured to the upper platform member by an elongated rod, the ends of which are received within apertures defined by the coiled spring. The ends of the rod are in turn received within an eye portion of spaced apart eyebolts.
US08075423B2 Multi-layer core golf ball
Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a layer formed from a highly neutralized polymer composition, a layer formed from an additional thermoplastic composition, and an outermost layer formed from a thermoset rubber.
US08075414B2 Cue stick and cue stick handle with rigid forearm and method of making the same
A cue stick handle includes: an exterior casing of conical members; a rigid inner core, which includes linearly interlocked and glued components, including (a) a rigid tube composed of a hard, tensile material that provides steel-like characteristics, including rigidity and stiffness and (b) a pin holder composed of a strong composite or plastic material, having a high tensile and high bending strength, and adhesively coupled to the tube. The first end of a joint pin is securely inserted within the pin holder and a second end of the joint pin extends in an axial direction away from the tube. The tube is filled with a vibration-dampening, foam-like material. The rigid inner core may include a wood core securely mated to an end of the rigid tube. A pair of collars is coupled to each end of the rigid inner core to secure the rigid inner core inside the exterior casing.
US08075412B2 Displacement unit
A displacement unit comprising two shaft-shaped drive components which are displaceable in one another and each have a plurality of roller body raceways facing one another with roller bodies arranged between them. To both save weight and facilitate proper positioning of the components, a profile groove is provided between two adjacent roller body raceways of at least one drive component, the profile groove having a profile depth which is smaller than the profile depth of one of the adjacent roller body raceways.
US08075407B2 Ranking determination system and program, and recording medium storing the program
A ranking determination system is provided which can make all the game participants ranking-conscious and eager to play again, even if it is a widely popular game played by a large number of people. In the system wherein results of a game played in multiple game machines are collected through a communication network for ranking purposes, the ranking chart has several levels, each level consisting of one or more groups having a preset number of teams, each team being allocated a region for storing one or more sets of player information. The system is configured such that respective teams of players are ranked based on the game results of their member players.
US08075405B2 Network game system and network game program
A host terminal, to which a client terminal is connected, transmits a connection request to another host terminal to which another client terminal is connected. When the connection request is accepted, the host terminal, which is a source of the connection request, disconnects a connection between the host terminal and the client terminal, and then the host terminal is connected, as a client terminal, to said another host terminal which is a destination of the connection request. This prevents users from waiting for a long time, and allows a peer-to-peer network to be efficiently established.
US08075402B2 Multigame selection
A gaming system (100) comprises a gaming server (system controller) (54), a plurality of gaming machines (10), and a communications system (63) connecting each of the plurality of gaming machines (10) to the gaming server (53). The gaming machines (10) each have a display (14), player controls (22), a player tracking device, such as a card reader (24.3) for reading player tracking cards (27), and a game processor (34) which displays sequential game images of a game being played on the respective display (14). Each game processor (34) plays a game initiated by the player, where the game is one of a plurality of games available on the gaming machine (10) and selectable by the player. Each gaming machine (10) includes game selection means (16) which displays a selection of games (211-216 & 311-316) available on the machine for the player to play. The games (211-216 & 311-316) offered for selection are ordered according to a ranking determined as a function of the player's past history of playing games and a history of games played by other players.
US08075399B2 Handheld game console having assembled and disassembled modes
A game console includes a console main body and at least one game controlling device for inputting commands to the console main body. The at least one game controlling device is configured for selectively operating in an assembled mode where the at least one game controlling device is mechanically and communicatively coupled to the console main body, or in a dissembled mode where the at least one game controlling device is detached from the console main body and is communicatively coupled to the console main body.
US08075396B2 Bonus game and game bonusing system
A gaming system is configured to present a bonus event at one or more gaming machines. The gaming machines may be configured to present base wagering games. A bonus server may monitor play at the gaming machines and trigger a bonus event. The bonus event server may be configured to dynamically modify the bonus event trigger based upon the number of gaming machines in play to keep the odds of triggering the bonus event relatively constant. The bonus event may comprise a timed bonus event, such as a tournament in which players of active gaming machines have the opportunity to play one or more free games.
US08075394B2 Gaming machine and game system
A gaming machine has a receiving unit which externally receives game rate data and setting unit which sets a game rate based on the game rate data received by the receiving unit. In the gaming machine, processing relating to a game is performed based on the game rate set by the setting unit.
US08075392B2 Slot machine game having rotation of symbol area
A game system and method includes a symbol area having a plurality of symbols in a first orientation. The symbols in one or more pay lines may be compared to predefined payout patterns to determine a first payout. The symbols area and corresponding plurality of symbols may then be rotated to a second orientation or configuration. In the second orientation/configuration, the symbols in the one or more pay lines may be compared again to the predefined payout patterns to determine a second payout. Alternatively or additionally, a pay line and/or a payout pattern may change in response to the rotation. Rotation might only be activated if a rotation symbol is included in the plurality of symbols in the symbol area and/or in particular position in the symbol area. A player might also be permitted to pay for the ability to rotate the symbol area.
US08075390B2 Method and apparatus for setting game parameters
The present invention allows gaming devices to set or modify game parameters through the use of random events such as spinning slot machine reels or random number generators. In some embodiments, game parameters may be established with various initial values, and then, by spinning the gaming devices' reels, for example, random reel values lining up on the payline may be used as new game parameter values. Parameter values may be used to control or initialize almost any aspect of the gaming device play experience, ranging from the types of symbols seen on the reels, to the appearance or behavior of game characters, to the rate at which “complementary” points are awarded.
US08075380B2 Roulette apparatus and roulette gaming machine
A roulette apparatus includes: a roulette wheel having a rolling region where a ball rolls; and a ball reception member provided contiguously to the rolling region to receive the ball. The ball reception member includes: a plurality of reception portions that receives the ball in one of the reception portions; and a plurality of separation walls that separates the reception portions from one another, wherein the ball reception member is formed separately from the roulette wheel and removably attached to the roulette wheel.
US08075371B1 Centerless grinder with servo motor
Apparatus and method for converting a convention centerless grinding machine to a centerless grinding machine having a servo motor mounted inside the top slide using an internal servo motor bracket. The servo motor bracket is bolted to the spindle head assembly housing and is cantilevered into the top slide to allow required tilt adjustment of the regulating wheel with respect to the top slide while maintaining correct alignment of the servo motor with the regulating wheel spindle. The bracket includes slots allowing a servo motor belt tension to be adjusted. The tension adjustments are conveniently made through an existing opening in the top slide. Locating the servo motor inside the top slide using the internal servo motor bracket of the present invention significantly reduces conversion costs and servo motor maintenance otherwise required by the environment the centerless grinder is operated in, for example, oils and the presence of metal grindings.
US08075366B1 Modular garment kit
A modular garment kit including a brassiere and a plurality of garment members that are interchangeably attached with snaps or hook and loop fastening to the brassiere. The garment members include at least one back section, at least one sleeve section, at least one chest section and, optionally, a midsection garment member. The back section and the chest section are garment collar backs and fronts, respectively. The garment members are provided in a wide variety of styles, types, and lengths. The brassiere is provided in a variety of types, sizes, and colors.
US08075364B2 Storage housing for a remote controlled toy
A storage housing is provided for stowing a remote control toy. The housing comprises a substantially box shaped body with an interior compartment. The compartment has a platform for movement between two positions, and a door for moving between an open and closed position. There is a remote controller for operating the platform and door in a selected manner and also for operating the remote controlled toy. The housing can additionally be part of a vehicle and have wheels.
US08075359B2 Phosphorus-doped diamond film allowing significantly reduced electron emission voltage, method for producing the same, and electron source using the same
A phosphorus-doped diamond film, which contains phosphorus at a concentration of 1015 cm−3 or more, has a resistivity of 107 Ωcm or less, and allows the voltage for initiation of electron emission to be 30V or less. A method for producing the phosphorus-doped diamond film by growing a diamond film on a diamond substrate by chemical vapor deposition method in an atmosphere containing methane and hydrogen gases and phosphorus with the use of tertiary butyl phosphorus as a source of addition of phosphorus. A diamond electron source having an electrode and a substrate which contains the phosphorous-doped diamond film and emitting electron beams from the phosphorous-doped diamond film when voltage is applied between the electrode and the substrate.
US08075340B2 Connector and display apparatus having the same
A connector includes female and male connectors. The female connector includes a housing having a groove recessed from a front surface of the housing, a signal terminal including a signal contact section provided at a first wall of the groove and an external connection section connected with the signal contact section and protruding out of the housing through a rear surface of the housing, and a grounding terminal including a grounding contact section provided at an opposing wall facing the first wall of the groove and a grounding connection section connected with the grounding contact section, the grounding connection section extending out of the groove at the front surface of the housing. A display apparatus includes the female connector receiving an external signal, a printed circuit board provided on which with the female connector is mounted and including a driving circuit, and a display panel displaying an image according to a driving signal from the driving circuit.
US08075339B2 Bulge-type coaxial cable connector with plastic sleeve
A cable termination assembly is made up of one of a plurality of connector bodies each having a thin-walled outer sleeve which may be composed of metal or plastic, the outer sleeve having a raised external wall surface portion which may be of convex or truncated convex configuration with or without depressions or interruptions in its external surface; and, depending on the pull out force required, utilization of a plastic sleeve enabling the use of a crimping ring consisting entirely of a metal ring of substantially uniform diameter with notch portions to engage external protuberances on the outer sleeve of the connector body.
US08075337B2 Cable connector
A cable connector configured to couple a cable to another connector or piece of video or audio equipment may include a connector body, a nut, an annular post and a biasing element. The connector body may include a forward end and a rearward end, where the forward end is configured to connect to the second connector and the rearward end is configured to receive a coaxial cable. The nut may be rotatably coupled to the forward end of the connector body and the annular post may be disposed within the connector body. The annular post may also include an annular notch located at the forward end of the connector body. The biasing element may be located in the annular notch.
US08075329B1 Method and system for preventing disengagement between an electrical plug and a charge port on an electric vehicle
A system and method is provided for preventing disengagement between an electrical plug and a charge port on an electric vehicle. One or more projections are disposed on the electric vehicle. The projection has an extended locked position and a retracted unlocked position. An actuator selectively extends and retracts the projection between the locked and unlocked positions. When the projection is in the locked position, the projection engages the plug and prevents disengagement of the plug and the port.
US08075323B2 Connector having a plug arranged above a plate-like terminal
A connector includes first and second connector parts to be connected to each other. A plate-like terminal provided in the first connector part is maintained at a power supply voltage or a ground potential. A plug connected to a signal line is supported by a first insulation part provided on the plate like terminal. The plug includes a protrusion part protruding from the first insulation part. A first terminal is configured by a plate spring supported by a second insulation part provided in the second connector part. The first terminal has an extreme end part to be engaged with a side surface of the protrusion part when the first and second connector parts are connected to each other. A second terminal for power supply or ground is supported by the second insulation part to contact with the plate-like terminal when the first and second connector parts are connected to each other.
US08075312B2 Dental implant with improved osseointegration features
Dental implants made at least in part of a highly porous biomaterial such as porous tantalum for enhancing the osseointegration of the dental implant into surrounding bone. For example, there is provided a dental implant which includes a core formed of with a head portion having an abutment interface and a stem portion extending from the head portion. A porous tantalum sleeve is disposed about the stem portion and occupies a substantial portion of the implant/bone interface of the implant. After implantation of the implant, bone tissue may osseointegrate into the porous tantalum sleeve to anchor the implant in position within the surrounding bone. Other embodiments of implants are provided, each implant including at least a portion thereof formed of porous tantalum for improved osseointegration.
US08075311B2 Removably fixing a dental instrument with a retractable catch relative to a drive shaft axis
A head assembly for attaching to a dental instrument has a body, a rotary shaft with a pinion thereon, at least one retractable catch latching lever and a retractable catch. The rotary shaft has a central bore suitable for receiving a shank of the dental instrument therein. The latching lever has a peg engageable with an annular latching groove of the shank of the dental instrument. The catch has a positioning plane coinciding with the drive flat of the instrument. The body has a circular opening closed off by a push button cooperative with the rotary shaft so as to release the shank of the dental instrument.
US08075302B1 Apparatus for optimally mixing and injecting a two part urethane foam
An apparatus and method for optimally mixing and injecting a two part urethane foam which utilizes a unique mixing head having needle type valves which are specially sealed and positioned, able to provide precisely controlled amounts of constituent mixing compounds, and are further able to resist clogging. The apparatus further includes an electric-pneumatic actuation system, an unmixed compound recirculation system, and a cleaning solvent injection system which are functional while the apparatus is in use. The apparatus and method precisely controls the temperature, pressure, and delivery rates for optimum urethane mixture, viscosity, delivery, reaction time, and reliability.
US08075298B2 Flexible nano-imprint stamp
The present invention relates to a nano-imprinting stamp for imprinting nanometer-sized to mm-sized structures, the stamp (1) having a base part and a first and a second imprinting section (2,3), the first and second imprinting sections having a lithographic pattern (7) intended for imprinting in a receiving substrate. In a first aspect, the first and the second imprinting sections (2,3) are independently displaceable in a direction substantially parallel to an imprinting direction of the imprinting stamp. In a second aspect, the first and the second imprinting sections (2,3) are mechanically weakly coupled in a direction substantially parallel to an imprinting direction of the imprinting stamp. The stamp limits the effect of imperfections in or on the substrate to be imprinted with a lithographic pattern (7) and imperfections in or on the stamp and any combinations of such imperfections by localising the bending of the stamp to the base part (5) in-between the imprinting sections (2,3).
US08075275B2 Wind turbine spars with jointed shear webs
A spar for a wind turbine blade includes at least one shear web extending between pressure and suction sides of the blade; and a joint, arranged substantially midway between ends of the shear web, for sizing the shear web. The joint may include a resilient and/or expandable spacer.
US08075266B2 Method and apparatus for rotating a component of a wind energy plant
The invention is related to a method for rotating a component of a wind energy plant by traversing an adjustment device, wherein the adjustment device comprises at least two adjustment drives, each one thereof having at least one electric motor, for traversing the adjustment device, and wherein during the traversing of the adjustment device, the electric motor of at least one of the at least two adjustment drives is operated at another rotational speed than the electric motor of at least one other of the at least two adjustment drives. Furthermore, the invention is related to a corresponding device.
US08075263B2 Fan motor assembly and air guide apparatus thereof
An air guide apparatus includes a body installed at a discharge side of a rotary fan for sucking air, a plurality of first vanes arranged at one surface of the body to guide air sucked by the rotary fan toward the outer circumferential surface of the body, and a plurality of second vanes arranged on the other side of the body to guide air which has been guided by the first vanes from the outer circumferential surface of the body toward a central portion, formed in a spiral shape from the central portion of the body toward the outer circumferential surface of the body, and having disconnected portions formed at middle portions thereof.
US08075259B2 Turbine vane airfoil with turning flow and axial/circumferential trailing edge configuration
An airfoil with turning flow comprises a first surface, a second surface, a leading edge and a trailing edge. The first and second surfaces extend from the leading edge to a trailing edge. A chord extends from a midpoint of the leading edge to a midpoint of the trailing edge, defining a duct angle of at least fifteen degrees with respect to a turbine axis. An axial length of the chord defines an aspect ratio of at most one with respect to an average radial span of the leading and trailing edges. In a region of the trailing edge, an axial angle is at most four degrees and a circumferential angle is at most ten degrees, where the circumferential angle is defined in a direction opposite the turning flow.
US08075255B2 Reducing inter-seal gap in gas turbine
A device for reducing inter-seal gap in gas turbines. Embodiments of a gas turbine with a first arcuate component adjacent to a second arcuate component; a first slot and a connected second slot on an end of the first arcuate component; a first seal disposed into the first slot and a first adjacent slot on the second arcuate component; a second seal disposed into the second slot and a second adjacent slot on the second arcuate component, leaving a gap between the first seal and the second seal; and a connector coupled to the first seal and the second seal and substantially covering the gap between the first seal and the second seal.
US08075246B2 Relief device for a turbojet and a turbojet comprising same
The relief device is designed to divert a portion of a main flow toward a by-pass flow in a turbojet that includes a main flow stream, a by-pass flow stream and an intermediate casing. The relief device includes inner openings of the inner shroud, outer openings of the outer shroud, a relief circuit connecting the inner openings to the outer openings, and a blanking device capable of opening and closing the relief circuit. The relief circuit includes upstream holes of the intermediate casing, downstream holes of the intermediate casing, and an annular channel defined between the intermediate casing, the outer shroud and a connecting partition. The connecting partition rests on the intermediate casing so as to encompass the downstream holes of the intermediate casing in the annular channel and resting on the outer shroud so as to encompass the outer openings of the outer shroud in the annular channel.
US08075244B2 Pallet jack system and method for the transportation of stackable packaged goods pallets
A motorized pallet jack comprises one or more motors that can propel the pallet jack and lift each of the tines. The pallet jack has three tines, and the center tine can be about 2 times the width of each of the left and right tines, though other widths of the center tine can also be implemented. Because the center tine is about twice the width of the left and right tines, two pallets, side-by-side, can be carried simultaneously with only three tines. A portion of the center tine (a right-most portion) and the right tine can have raised areas that enable an operator of the pallet jack to lift a right pallet that sits on the raised areas higher than the left pallet. The left pallet sits on the left tine and center tine without the raised areas (at a lower height). The operator of the pallet jack can place the left pallet in a first location without disengaging the tines from the right pallet, or without lowering the right pallet all the way to the ground (or a first location surface). Alternatively, the raised areas can be located on the left tine and the left-most portion of the center tine, in which case, the operator of the pallet jack can place the right pallet in a first location without disengaging the tines from the left pallet, or without lowering the left pallet all the way to the ground (or a first location surface).
US08075242B2 Working machine with structure for assembling boom thereof
Bosses extending in the boom width direction are provided in a front end part of a main boom body rotated upward, and hooks opening downward are provided in a base end part of an extension boom body rotated downward. The above hooks and the bosses are arranged so as to satisfy a condition that at the time of second relative rotation by a two-step pin hole matching method of matching pin holes in order from the upper side and with a different center, the hooks and the bosses are moved away from each other while lower pin holes are matched with each other.
US08075238B2 Device and method for running a warehouse
The invention relates to a device and method for running a warehouse in which objects are stored in a number of stacks in a storage area. The device comprises a collecting device (101) with an intermediate storage (102) and a gripping device (103), which can be displaced as desired over the storage area. The intermediate storage (102) can, in separate receiving steps, be successfully filled from different stacks. The gripping device (103) is formed by two vertically displaceable bars (104, 105) that are situated opposite one another and serves to lift one or more objects from one of the stacks. An improved utilization of the available storage space results by virtue of the fact that only the bars (104, 105) are displaced into the stack space.
US08075236B2 Method for binding a quire and device applied thereby
Method for binding a quire formed of folded sheets slipped into each other, characterized in that it consists in providing at least one cut through the sheets of the quire as of a short distance from the folding edge of the quire, whereby every cut through a sheet of the quire defines a lip extending mainly crosswise to the above-mentioned folding edge of the quire and which is connected to the quire with its far end turned towards the folding edge, and whereby said lip has a widening.
US08075235B2 Clamping part and retention device having a clamping part of this type
A retaining device for attachment to a screw contains a hollow base element for receiving a clamping part. The hollow base element has a floor having a hole, and an inner surface of the base element on the floor area of the retaining device is implemented as conical to contact the outer surface of the conical body of the clamping part. The clamping part can be moved downward in the direction of the floor by rotating the retaining device around its own axis and biting into a screw which is inserted through the hole and runs through the opening of the clamping part.
US08075230B2 Plant and stem design and method of making
A lifelike carving product and a method of producing the same is provided. The product may be utilized as an onlay or integral part of architectural elements to show designs of plant, fruit, and/or vegetable. The product includes at least one plant body, at least one stem, and a realistic fruit-stem/vegetable-stem interface. The plant body may include a flattened area, a stem receptacle whereat a plant end of the stem converges to the plant body, and an arcuate rim that at least partially surrounds the plant end in the stem receptacle. The realistic fruit-stem/vegetable-stem interface may be formed with the stem converging to the plant body perpendicularly with respect to a tangent line, or with a stem centerline of the stem aligning with a stem plane.
US08075227B2 Device to transfer catalyst from a low pressure vessel to a high pressure vessel and purge the transferred catalyst
An apparatus for the transfer of solid particulate matter from a low pressure system to a high pressure system is presented. The apparatus simplifies the particle transfer process, and is useful for systems where solid catalyst particles are cycled through a reactor and a regenerator.
US08075223B2 Deployment system for fiber-optic line sensors
A system for deploying a fiber optic line sensor is provided that includes a launch vehicle to which three sections are attached. The first section is a buoy antenna section. The second section is an electronics canister section having control electronics. These sections are releasably attached to the launch vehicle. The electronics canister section is in contact with the antenna section and secured to the antenna section by a spring band. A communications cable is attached between the antenna and the control electronics. The third section is a spool section containing a spool of a fiber optic line sensor. This third section is attached to the launch vehicle by a rigid mount and is in contact with the electronics canister section. The fiber optic line sensor extends from the spool section into the electronics canister section to the control electronics.
US08075221B2 Paver assembly
A paver assembly includes a substrate member having a bottom wall adapted to support the paver assembly above a roof surface, a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom wall, and at least one engagement member extending above the bottom wall, and an over-molded paver member having a bottom surface, a plurality of side surfaces, and a top surface adapted to support a person thereon, wherein the bottom surface is molded about the at least one engagement member, thereby securing the paver member to the substrate member.
US08075212B2 Tape printing apparatus
In the tape printing apparatus 1, in the state that the back cover 11 is not attached to the apparatus body 2, the coil spring member 22 urges the stopper member 15 so as to rotate and the cutter lever 5 becomes inoperable based on that the engagement portion 15A of the stopper member 15 is engaged with the difference portion 19 of the cutter lever 5, and in the state that the back cover 11 is attached to the apparatus body 2, the stopper member 5 is rotated against the urging force of the coil spring member 22 based on that the engagement lib 14 of the back cover 11 is engaged with the engagement portion 15B of the stopper member 15 and the cutter lever 5 becomes operable based on that the engagement portion 15A of the stopper member 15 is released from the difference portion 19 of the cutter lever 5.
US08075206B2 Lens barrel, camera, portable data terminal equipment, image input equipment, and cylinder for lens barrel
A lens barrel includes a fixed cylinder, a first rotating cylinder, a linear movement cylinder which moves integrally in an axis direction with the first rotating cylinder, and a second rotating cylinder. The linear movement cylinder has equal to or more than three projections in an outer circumferential surface. The first rotating cylinder has equal to or more than three cutouts corresponding to each projection of the linear movement cylinder in an inner circumferential surface, and each cutout has a shape corresponding to a shape of each projection. Each cutout is formed in parallel with an axis of the first rotating cylinder, and in which each projections of the linear movement cylinder is inserted. An end of each cutout extends to a groove in a circumferential direction, each projection is guided in the groove, and the first rotating cylinder and the linear movement cylinder is connected. The linear movement cylinder has a through-hole corresponding to a pin provided in the second rotating cylinder, and at least two of the equal to or more than three projections are provided in an area in a circumferential wall of the linear movement cylinder where the through-hole is not formed in the circumferential direction.
US08075203B2 Panoramic camera mount
A panoramic device includes a base member having a flat lower surface suitable to be supported by a tripod. A clamp member has a flat upper surface rotatably interconnected within a single plane of rotation with the base that includes a first rotatable knob to selectively inhibit the rotation of the clamp member with respect to the base. The flat upper surface includes a central region that is at a different elevation than another portion of the flat upper surface. The clamp includes a pair of opposed surfaces suitable to detachably secure a camera thereto. The one of the opposed surfaces is maintained in a fixed relationship with respect to the clamp member. The other one of the opposed surfaces is in a movable relationship with respect to the clamp member using a second rotatable knob. The first knob and the second knob are rotatably connected with respect to one another. The panoramic device includes a level bubble visible on an upper surface at a location exterior to the central region of the clamp.
US08075201B2 Movable lens systems and associated methods
Techniques in both still photography and moving picture photography can be enhanced with a lens system that includes a movable or flexible lens body carrying a lens. The lens body and lens can be moved to multiple user selected positions. The system further includes a retention device that is configured to retain the flexible lens body in the various user selected positions. In selected embodiments, the system includes an actuator for tilting the lens relative to a camera and/or for focusing the camera lens system.
US08075190B1 Spherical plain bearing pocket arrangement and wind turbine having such a spherical plain bearing
A plain bearing assembly for a wind turbine includes a bearing housing having a passageway configured to receive a shaft and a bearing surface defining the passageway and having a generally spherical configuration. The bearing surface includes lower and upper portions defined relative to a first midline plane and first and second sides defined relative to a second midline plane. A plurality of fluid cavities is in the bearing surface including a first group of fluid cavities located at a first longitudinal position and a second group of fluid cavities located at a second longitudinal position. The first group of fluid cavities defines a cavity pattern that is different than the cavity pattern defined by the second group of fluid cavities. A wind turbine having such a plain bearing assembly is also disclosed.
US08075186B2 Closure device providing visual confirmation of occlusion
A closure device providing a visual confirmation of occlusion. The closure device includes a first and a second interlocking fastening strips which are arranged to be interlocked over a predetermined length, at least one of the fastening strips having a surface alteration providing visual confirmation of occlusion of the closure device. The surface alteration may be a slit which opens or closes upon occlusion of said closure device. In one embodiment, the surface alteration may extend into a coextruded portion. The color of the coextruded portion is exposed when the surface alteration is open and hidden when the surface alteration is substantially closed.
US08075184B2 X-ray calibration
Methods, devices, and kits for determining the magnification of an x-ray image of an object, or a portion of an object are described. An exemplary method comprises the steps of providing an object to be x-rayed, providing a first posterior x-ray marker having a pre-determined dimension, providing anteriorly to the object to be x-rayed, a second x-ray marker having predetermined dimensions, recording an x-ray image of the object, the first posterior x-ray marker, and second x-ray markers, and comparing a dimension of the first posterior x-ray marker recorded on the x-ray image, and a dimension of the second x-ray marker recorded on the image to a pre-determined value for the object x-rayed, to estimate a magnification of the x-ray image of the object.
US08075177B2 Mechanism to avoid rate variations due to gravitation in a sprung balance regulating organ, and timepiece provided with such a mechanism
The mechanism avoids the rate variations due to the effect of gravitation on a regulating organ of a timepiece whose regulating organ includes a sprung balance and an escape wheel mounted onto a platform. The platform includes a counterweight and is mounted so as to freely rotate about at least a first axis relative to a plate of the movement so that this platform will rotate about the first axis under the effect of terrestrial gravitation. This mechanism includes a wheelwork with a driving kinematical chain linking the escape wheel to a barrel system of the timepiece, and a corrective kinematical chain compensating the movements and speed of the platform relative to the plate, so that these movements of the platform will not perturb the chronometry of the timepiece.
US08075174B2 Light guide plate microstructure
A light guide plate microstructure is provided. The light guide plate microstructure is located on at least one surface of the light guide plate and has a plurality of groove units. Each groove unit has multiple V-shaped grooves, and each V-shaped groove has an apex angle within a range of about 80°-160°. Furthermore, at least two of the V-shaped grooves of a groove unit have different apex angles.
US08075168B1 Bicycle safety lights for day and night
Conspicuous, informative lights make bicycling on roads safer and more comfortable, day and night. Pairs of bright, non-flashing, non-glare lights are positioned so motorists can easily detect and recognize the bicycle, then easily determine its space requirements and motion. They also light the road ahead at night. In one embodiment, thin clusters of LED's shine white ahead and amber rear, giving the bicycle a wide presence on the road. This keeps motor vehicles at a safe distance and decreases motorist impatience.
US08075164B2 LED lamp
An LED lamp includes a housing, an LED module, a fixing bracket and a power driver source. The housing includes a base plate and first and second sidewalls extending downwardly from two opposite edges of the base plate, respectively. A light emitting window is defined between free, bottom ends of the first and the second sidewalls and located under the base plate. The base plate has a heat absorbing surface facing the light emitting window and a heat dissipating surface opposite to the heat absorbing surface. A plurality of fins are provided on the heat dissipating surface of the base plate. The LED module, which is received in the housing and mounted on the heat absorbing surface of the base plate, faces the light emitting window. The fixing bracket is mounted on the housing and located above the base plate of the housing.
US08075162B2 Zoom luminaire with compact non-imaging lens-mirror optics
A zoomable luminaire has a source of light, a primary reflector with entry and exit apertures, and at least one secondary reflector with entry and exit apertures. The source delivers light into the entry aperture of the primary reflector, and the primary reflector delivers the light at the exit aperture of the primary reflector. The luminaire has a retracted position for producing a beam of a first beam angle, where the primary reflector is nested within the secondary reflector and the secondary reflector does not substantially affect the distribution of the light. The luminaire has at least one extended position for producing a beam of a second width, where the exit aperture of the primary reflector is contiguous with the entry aperture of a secondary reflector so that the light is delivered at the exit aperture of a secondary reflector.
US08075160B1 Product display system
A product display system is disclosed. The product display system provides various means for illuminating products displayed. External and internal illumination means are disclosed, as well as internal and external power sources. In some embodiments, the displayed product switches from an external power source to an internal power source when the product is removed, allowing the product to remain illuminated for a considerable length of time.
US08075151B2 Surface light source device and image display device
A surface light source device includes a diffusing member which diffuses light, a reflective member which reflects light, plural light sources provided aligned in a flat manner between the diffusing member and the reflective member, and a light control member provided between the plural light sources and the reflective member as well as arranged in a state that a gap is imposed between the reflective member and the light control member, which has a light-guiding function of guiding part of light emitted from respective light sources in an alignment direction of the light sources, in which the light control member has a rugged structure portion in which geometric shapes in cross section are continuously formed on at least one surface.
US08075147B2 Optical device for LED-based lamp
An optical device for coupling the luminous output of a light-emitting diode (LED) to a predominantly spherical pattern comprises a transfer section that receives the LED's light within it and an ejector positioned adjacent the transfer section to receive light from the transfer section and spread the light generally spherically. A base of the transfer section is optically aligned and/or coupled to the LED so that the LED's light enters the transfer section. The transfer section can comprises a compound elliptic concentrator operating via total internal reflection. The ejector section can have a variety of shapes, and can have diffusive features on its surface as well, including a phosphor coating. The transfer section can in some implementations be polygonal, V-grooved, faceted and other configurations.
US08075142B2 Projection-type image display apparatus
A projection-type image display apparatus includes an enlarging projection optical unit which is configured to project an image displayed on an image display element enlargedly upon a display portion, a display controller portion which is configured to move a position of the image within a display surface of the image display element. The enlarging projection optical unit has a lens group for projecting the image enlargedly, wherein the display controller portion moves the image so as to display the image within the display surface of the image display element by projecting a portion selectively fitted to the display portion when displaying on the display portion through the enlarging projection optical unit.
US08075141B2 Projector, multi-screen system, projector control method, computer program product, and information storage medium
In at least one embodiment, a projector comprises a projection unit configured to project a video based on a video signal. An image pickup unit is configured to pick up an image of a projection video projected by the projection unit and output the picked-up image. A control unit is configured to determine a projection video projected by an other projector based on the picked-up image received from the image pickup unit. A keystone correction unit is configured to carry out keystone correction of the video signal so that the projection video projected by the projection unit is aligned with the projection video projected by the other projector.
US08075132B2 Multiple layer multifocal composite lens
Aspects of the present invention provide multiple-layer (multi-layer) composite lenses comprising two or more materials and methods for making the same. A multi-layer composite lens of the present invention can use multiple surfaces (internal or external) to form optical elements that can contribute to a total desired add power. The multiple contributing optical elements can be aligned so as to be in optical communication to form multiple stable vision zones to enhance optical performance and the vision experience of the wearer. Distributing the total desired add power across multiple appropriately aligned optical elements that are in optical communication with one another can reduce the total distortion of the lens, minimize the number of optical discontinuities introduced, can reduce optical power jump as experienced by the wearer's eye when traversing any discontinuity, and can reduce the visibility of any introduced optical discontinuity as perceived by an observer looking at the wearer.
US08075131B2 Viewing device for simulating impairment and reducing peripheral vision
A peripheral vision reducing apparatus for simulating a visual effect of intoxication is disclosed. The apparatus has at least one aperture configured to be disposed in the middle of a wearer's visual field. The aperture is also configured to permit a first amount of light to pass therethrough. The apparatus further comprises at least one filter surrounding the at least one aperture. The at least one filter is configured to be disposed at the periphery of a wearer's visual field. The at least one filter is also configured to permit a second amount of light to pass therethrough, and the second amount of light is less than the first amount of light.
US08075130B2 Work device and image recording apparatus equipped with the work device
A work device, including: a reciprocable movable member; a lengthy member connected to the movable member at its first-end-side portion, so as to extend in a first direction, and is elastically curved toward a second direction different from the first direction so that its second-end-side portion is fixed at a prescribed position, the lengthy member being operable to follow a reciprocating movement of the movable member; and a guide member having a first guide surface extending along the second direction, a second guide surface extending in a third direction intersecting the second direction, and a third guide surface contiguous to the first and second guide surfaces, wherein the third guide surface is configured such that a boundary point in the lengthy member transits on the third guide surface from the first guide surface toward the second guide surface when the lengthy member contacting the first guide surface moves so as to come into contact with the second guide surface following the movable member, the boundary point defining a boundary between a region of the lengthy member that is in contact with the third guide surface and a region of the lengthy member that is not in contact with the third guide surface.
US08075127B2 Printing apparatus, program, storage medium, method, and ink
A printing apparatus having an ink-jet head which discharges an ink toward a medium, a UV light source, a movement mechanism which moves the medium, and a controller. When the printing mode is selected, the controller controls the ink-jet head to discharge the ink toward the medium, and the controller controls the UV light source to radiate a small amount of the ultraviolet light to cure the ink. When the erasing mode is selected, the controller controls the UV light source to radiate a large amount of the ultraviolet light toward the medium to decolorize the ink. Accordingly, the medium, on which the printing has been once performed, can be reused quickly and reliably. Further, the printing can be performed on a variety of media.
US08075118B2 Segmented ink stick
A method facilitates insertion of a segmented ink stick into an ink feed system of a phase change ink jet printer. The method includes bending of a flexible strand between ink stick segments during insertion of the ink stick segments and then straightening the flexible strand to orient the ink stick segments in the ink feed system.
US08075115B2 Mountable apparatus and board having an installation status notifier
A mountable apparatus, which is adapted for installation in a liquid jetting device when delivering a liquid contained in a liquid container that contains a liquid to the liquid jetting device via a liquid delivery tube connected to the liquid container, includes an installation status notifier portion. In an installed state wherein the mountable apparatus is installed in the liquid jetting device, the installation status notifier portion is able to make the liquid jetting device determine that there exists the installed state, and alternatively to make the liquid jetting device determine, even in the installed state, that there exists a non-installed state wherein the mountable apparatus is not installed in the liquid jetting device.
US08075110B2 Refill unit for an ink storage compartment connected to a printhead through an outlet valve
A refill unit for refilling an ink storage compartment for a printhead assembly. The ink storage compartment is fluidically connected to the printhead assembly via an outlet valve. The refill unit a variable volume container for holding a quantity of ink and a valve actuator for closing the outlet valve as the refill unit engages the ink storage compartment.
US08075107B2 Liquid ejection head
Provided is a liquid ejection head having a structure in which an organic resinous member is formed in contact with a substrate. The substrate includes heat generators for generating heat energy used to eject ink, when being energized, and a metallic line portion for energizing the heat generators. The organic resinous member is provided with ejection openings corresponding to the heat generators. In the liquid ejection head, the substrate and the organic resinous member have an improved adhesion therebetween, and are prevented from being separated from each other. To improve the adhesion, the metallic line portion is cut so that no line portion exists under an end part of the organic resinous member (nozzle formation member). Then, two members of the line portion thus cut are connected to each other through a roundabout line formed under an insulating layer which has a good adhesion to the organic resin.
US08075104B2 Printhead nozzle having heater of higher resistance than contacts
A printhead nozzle is provided having a plurality of electrodes, a heater having contacts abutting the electrodes, a heater element for heating a quantity of fluid and sloped side portions extending between the heater element and the contacts, and a nozzle spaced from the heater such that the heated fluid is ejected through the nozzle. The heater element has higher electrical resistance than the contacts and the sloped side portions.
US08075100B2 Liquid transporting apparatus
A head includes a common ink chamber, a plurality of individual electrodes which communicate with the common ink chamber, and a plurality of ink channels through which, an ink supplied from the common ink chamber flows. Each ink channel is provided with a first electrode which is common for the individual electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes corresponding to the individual electrodes respectively, and an insulating layer which covers the first electrode and the second electrodes. Furthermore, the individual electrode of each ink channel is associated with an individual electrode of another ink channel, and the corresponding second electrodes are in electrical conduction. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a cost of an electrical system by reducing the number of wirings which are connected to electrodes provided to each of the liquid channels.
US08075087B2 Liquid ejection method and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejection method of ejecting liquid from a movable ejection head onto a medium comprises the steps of: detecting a position of an end of the medium; and changing, according to a feed amount of the medium fed after the position of the end of the medium has been detected, at least either a starting position or a terminating position for ejecting the liquid from the ejection head being moved.
US08075085B2 Printing apparatus and printing method
A correction of density is effectively performed. The printing method includes the following steps. A step of performing correction of density for only a predetermined color, among a plurality of colors, for each dot row region so as to suppress the unevenness in density between rows of dots on a medium formed with the rows of dots arranged along a movement direction by each of the nozzles, when a plurality of the nozzles, that ejects a plurality of colors of different ink and that are arranged along a predetermined direction for each color of ink, ejects ink while being moved in a movement direction that intersects a predetermined direction. A step of printing by ejecting ink while a plurality the nozzles are moved.
US08075083B2 Ink jet printer and a method of computing conveyance amount of a conveyance roller of the ink jet printer
A method of computing a conveyance variance from a difference of two adjustment patterns in order to measure a variance in a conveyance amount occurring while a sheet is conveyed. By using this method, the variance that occurs during one rotation of the roller occurring because of the roller accuracy, deflection of the roller, and the attachment of a roller supporting member can be alleviated. Thus, the unevenness occurring synchronously to one rotation of the roller can be alleviated, and as a result, an ink jet printer that is capable of printing with high quality can be provided.
US08075082B2 Liquid droplet ejection apparatus, method for manufacturing electro-optical apparatus, electro-optical apparatus, and electronic apparatus
A liquid droplet ejection apparatus includes a writing device, a weight measuring device disposed adjacent to the writing device, and a controlling device. The writing device performs writing on a workpiece by ejecting functional liquid from at least one ink jet functional liquid droplet ejection head while moving the functional liquid droplet ejection head relative to the workpiece. The weight measuring device measures an amount of ejected droplets from a weight of the functional liquid ejected from the functional liquid droplet ejection head. The controlling device controls a driving power for the functional liquid droplet ejection head on the basis of a measurement result input from the weight measuring device.
US08075081B2 Adjusting method for use in recording apparatus, recording apparatus
This invention provides an adjusting method for use in a recording apparatus having a configuration where head units, in each of which a plurality of recording heads are arranged in a direction (main scanning direction) orthogonal to a moving direction (sub-scanning direction) of a recording medium relative to the recording heads so that ends of recordable regions of the recording heads partially overlap or contact when viewed in a conveyance direction of the recording medium, are arranged by a number equal to the number of recording colors in parallel in the sub-scanning direction, comprising adjusting quality of an image recorded on the recording medium by changing a positional relationship of a predetermined recording pattern, which is recorded on the recording medium with each of the recording heads, within each of the head units and/or among the plurality of head units.
US08075068B2 Track roller assembly and machine using same
A track roller assembly for a track-type machine such as an excavator or a tractor includes an outer surface with no fluid ports and an inner surface free from any fluids. The track roller includes a shaft resting on self-lubricated bushings, which include a substrate that has lubricating properties, such as a substrate that carries a solid lubricant. The track roller assembly also includes a collar on either side of the shaft, with a retention pin passing through the shaft and connecting the two collars.
US08075049B2 Stiffening device for a motor vehicle
A stiffening device for a motor vehicle body with a U-shaped central tunnel. The stiffening device includes a tunnel bridge with at least two transverse beams and, connected thereto, longitudinal beams. The transverse beams extend underneath the central tunnel and can be fastened with a free end in each case to the vehicle body by connecting devices.
US08075042B2 Folding top for a passenger vehicle
A frame assembly of a folding top for a vehicle includes a front roof bow, a front support having a rear control arm, and a middle support having a front control arm. The rear end of the front support and the front end of the middle support face one another. The front roof bow and the front end of the front support are connected together through a first bolt connection. The rear end of the front support and the rear control arm are connected together through a second bolt connection. The front control arm and the front end of the middle support are connected together through a third bolt connection. The rear control arm and the front control arm are connected together at a joint such that the front support and the middle support are connected together.
US08075039B2 System comprising a motor vehicle seat runner and body destined to be fixed thereto, and method for making same
The invention concerns a rail comprising a fixed profiled section and a mobile profiled section sliding relative to the fixed profiled section. The body has a linking portion wherein the body is shaped like a plate having first and second opposite lateral surfaces, and an edge linking said first and second surfaces. A first profiled section comprises a groove. The linking portion is tightly fitted in the groove. The plate is attached to the first profiled section.
US08075031B2 HVAC filter changing system
An air conditioner filter removing system for air filters located in elevated return-air vents, such as return-air vent mounted in a ceiling or upper wall. The device consists of a filter-grabbing mechanism that can be mounted to an extension pole. The filter-grabbing mechanism has teeth protruding from it to grab an air filter and a holding plate where the filter is balanced once engaged by the teeth. In its preferred embodiment, the system has one or more magnets for holding the return-air vent door closed so the filter-grabbing mechanism can easily pull the vent open. Further, the preferred embodiment also has kicker plates that help removal of the teeth out of the grill louvers they are inserted into, on the vent door.
US08075029B2 Vehicular front bumper structure
In a vehicular front bumper structure having the function of detecting the collision of an object against the front bumper of a vehicle in the vehicle, the length of a front bumper area in widthwise directions of the vehicle, in which area a load applied to the front bumper is detected with a collision detection sensor (104), is more than or equal to a maximum distance in the widthwise directions of the vehicle between the right and left front pillars (A pillars; 107) of the vehicle, the collision detection sensor being provided to extend along a bumper reinforce (103) between the bumper reinforce and a shock absorber (105), the bumper reinforce and the shock absorber forming the front bumper; and the collision detection sensor has an interface part (106) provided at one of the ends of the collision detection sensor in the widthwise directions of the vehicle which one is on the side opposite to a walkway (a right front end in left-hand traffic/a left front end in right-hand traffic).
US08075027B2 Latch assembly with selectively assembled components
A latch assembly combination having: a) a first plate assembly; b) first and second axles extending from the first plate assembly; c) a rotor mounted to one of the first and second axles for guided pivoting movement between latched and released positions; d) a catch mounted to the other of the first and second axles for guided pivoting movement between: i) an engaged position wherein the catch blocks the rotor in the latched position; and ii) a disengaged position wherein the rotor is allowed to reposition; e) a biasing assembly for urging the rotor toward the released position; and f) at least one of: i) a second plate assembly that can be selectively operatively joined to the first plate assembly in first and second different manners; and ii) third and fourth plate assemblies of different configuration that can be selectively operatively joined to the first plate assembly.
US08075023B2 Coupling for drilling-with-casing operations
A threaded casing connection for use in drilling-with-casing operations includes an integral, sacrificial wear sleeve on the downhole end of the coupling which has additional wear protection on portions of its outer wall and leading face.
US08075021B2 Oil cooler mounting unit for automatic transmission
A mounting unit connects a coolant pipe within a radiator tank to a coolant supply pipe or a coolant return pipe outside the radiator tank. The mounting unit includes an engaging structure on the coolant pipe and an engaging flange on the coolant supply pipe or the coolant return pipe. The engaging structure includes a boss, a flange, a connecting hole, and an engaging bolt. The boss is configured to be inserted through a mounting hole of the radiator tank. The engaging flange includes a recess configured for the engaging structure to be inserted therein, a bolt hole configured for the engaging bolt to be inserted therein, and a connecting nipple configured to fluidly communicate with the connecting hole.
US08075019B2 Device for restraining a vehicle occupant
A kit for a device for restraining a vehicle occupant includes a prefabricated seat belt retractor (1) that has a winding shaft (2) mounted in a rotatable manner in a retractor frame (4) to wind up and unwind the seat belt. The kit further includes a similarly prefabricated drive module (30) having an electric motor (32), the drive module being connectable to the retractor frame (4) in a rotationally fixed manner. Force-transmission elements are provided on the drive module (30) and on the seat belt retractor (1) that are to be connected to each other to transmit the torque from the electric motor (32) to the winding shaft (2) when the seat belt retractor (1) and drive module (30) are assembled. An assembled device for restraining a vehicle occupant and having the components of the kit is also disclosed. Further disclosed is a set of electrical components that when assembled with the seat belt retractor provide a signal indicating the state of locking device that can lock the winding shaft from unwinding a seat belt.
US08075013B2 Mounting apparatus
Described are embodiments directed to an apparatus that is adapted to be mounted on a vehicle with a fifth wheel. The apparatus allows a towing hitch to be attached to the vehicle which allows the vehicle to tow other vehicles. The apparatus includes an elongated beam with a forward portion, middle portion, and rearward portion and a kingpin connected to the middle portion of the beam and adapted to engage a fifth wheel. A mounting pin with a first end and a second end is connected to the rearward portion of the beam and is substantially perpendicular to the elongated beam. The apparatus further includes strut braces connected to either end of the mounting pin and that extend at an angle away from the mounting pin. The strut braces are also connected to leveling assemblies which are adapted to connect to a frame of the vehicle and are adapted to change the vertical position of the rearward portion of the beam.
US08075003B2 Boot for use with a gliding board
Gliding board equipment systems and individual components are disclosed herein. A gliding board equipment system of one embodiment includes a boot having an upper cuff and a lower boot. The upper cuff of the boot defines opposed slots, and a respective pin passes through each slot to couple the upper cuff to the lower boot and allow the upper cuff to move laterally relative to the lower boot. Means are included for selectively covering at least one portion of each slot to restrict movement of the upper cuff relative to the lower boot.
US08074992B1 Bad beat blackjack
A side wager for blackjack that allows the player to win when the player loses a hand that the player would have expected to win. If the player is initially dealt a good hand, e.g., 20, and the player still loses, then the player can be rewarded by collecting a “bad beat” award.
US08074989B1 Puzzle for the physically or visually impaired
A puzzle, including a closed perimeter including a plurality of segments, wherein each segment includes on a segment upper surface raised indicia different than the raised indicia present on any other segment, and a plurality of uniquely shaped game pieces. The game pieces include: segment intersection pieces each including on an intersection piece upper surface the raised indicia of two segments against which the segment intersection piece rests; edge pieces each including on an edge piece upper surface the raised indicia of a segment against which each edge piece rests; and inner pieces including an inner piece indicator to indicate an upright orientation. The uniquely shaped game pieces assemble together in only one way to form an assembled puzzle.
US08074958B1 Lintel form for concrete and block constructions
A concrete lintel form includes a pair of elongate side members for installation in opposing face-to-face relation spanning a structure opening, such as a window or door opening, for fabrication of concrete beams or composite concrete masonry beams. Each form member comprises a generally vertical sidewall having inwardly projecting top and bottom legs running the substantially the entire length of the member. The top legs function to support masonry block stacked on top of the form to allow for the construction of a composite cast in place beam. The bottom legs function to support a bottom form that may be inserted after masonry has been stacked and secured with mortar, thereby allowing the workers to leave an opening that allows mortar droppings to fall through and not collect in the form. Each form member includes at least one outwardly projecting stiffener running substantially the entire length of the member between the top and bottom. The stiffener functions to resist outward expansion of the form as concrete is placed therein thereby minimizing bracing requirements.
US08074957B2 Formliner and method of use
A formliner and method of use are provided in order to minimize and/or eliminate visible seaming between interconnected formliners. In some embodiments, the formliner can comprise raised sections that define interrelated inner and outer dimensions. Thus, a plurality of formliners can be interconnected by overlaying raised sections thereof. Further, the formliner can comprise one or more detents and one or more protrusions to enable engagement between interconnected formliners without requiring adhesives. In this manner, formliners can be interconnected in a nested manner such that visible seaming between the interconnected formliners is reduced and/or eliminated.
US08074952B2 Truncated pyramid shaped shipping base
A shipping base shaped like a square, truncated pyramid for use with a washing machine of the type having an undercarriage suspended below the wash tub. The shipping base has an opening in the top of the truncated pyramid into which the washing machine undercarriage is lowered until the undercarriage is suspended within the space defined by base, and an integrally formed frame-like pallet for supporting the washing machine. The opening is only slightly larger than the dimensions of the undercarriage so that the shipping base prevents any significant lateral movement of the undercarriage or the washing machine tub.
US08074949B2 Extension arm with cable management
The present invention pertains to extension arm apparatuses that are adapted to support user devices throughout a range of positions. A given apparatus may include one or more arms that position the user device remotely from a support position. An extension and retraction device such as a gas cylinder is received within each arm, and provides a force to support the user device as the arm is placed into a given position. A variable force clevis is connected to the extension/retraction device within the arm. The variable force clevis is connected to a pair of locations in the arm as well. As the arm moves, for instance up or down, the variable force clevis rotates within the arm and dynamically adjusts the force provided by the extension/retraction device. Thus, the arm may be positioned as desired, as such force adjustment stabilizes the arm.
US08074940B2 Control stick adapted for use in a fly-by-wire flight control system, and linkage for use therein
This invention provides an improvement in a control stick (e.g., joystick, side-stick, etc.) (20) adapted to control the movement of an object (e.g., an airfoil surface). The improvement includes: a support (21); an intermediately-pivoted upper member (23) mounted on the support, the upper member having an upper portion (24), and lower portion (25); an intermediate member (26) having an upper portion pivotally connected to the upper member lower portion, and having a lower portion; and a lower member (29) having a lower portion pivotally mounted on the support, and having an upper portion; and wherein the intermediate member lower portion is movably mounted on the lower member upper portion such that pivotal movement of the upper member upper portion relative to the support will produce pivotal movement of the intermediate and lower members relative to the support; and a resilient member (31) arranged to bias the direction of relative movement between the intermediate and lower members. The various pivotal connections may be provided by gimbals such that the various members arc mounted for compound pivotal movement about two mutually-perpendicular axes.
US08074935B2 Satellite refuelling system and method
The present invention provides a method, system and apparatus for robotic refueling of satellites. The system may include a dedicated refueling satellite launched directly from either earth, or alternatively it could be launched from another larger mother spacecraft or space station in which the refueling satellite is ferried into space in the case of the larger space craft or it may be stored on the space station until needed from which it can be launched. The system includes a robotic arm, suitable tools which can be affixed to the end effector of the robotic arm required for accessing, opening and closing the fuel fill valve on the satellite being serviced, storage and retrieval stations on a tool caddy on which the tools and various fuel fill valve caps are stored. The system is under teleoperation by a remotely located operator, for example located on earth, in the mother station or in the space station. Cameras are included focussed on the robotic arm and end effector and images are transmitted to the operator to allow the operator to direct and control the refueling procedure. The system may also be configured to be operated autonomously under computer control.
US08074928B2 Floor system for a fuselage airframe of an aircraft
A floor system for a fuselage section of an aircraft is provided. The floor system has an essentially self-supporting design and is substantially mechanically separate from the fuselage section as primary structure. Consequent to the free or self-supporting design of the floor system in the fuselage cell, the layout of the floor system along an aircraft axis can be matched to customer specifications in a simple manner without reference to structural boundary conditions of the fuselage structure. A floor surface for the floor system is formed from a number of floor elements which can be fitted with functional elements, wherein filling of empty spaces or cavities can be achieved with a number of floor equalization elements. As the floor elements have a relatively large support or fixing surface the loads induced by the functional elements are introduced into the floor system distributed over a large area such that the structural components thereof can be of a structurally lighter and thus weight-saving size.
US08074927B2 System for improving air quality in an aircraft pressure cabin
A system for improving the air quality in a pressure cabin of an aircraft includes a recirculation air circuit in which a portion of the cabin air, referred to as recirculation air, is withdrawn from the pressure cabin, filtered and then recirculated into the pressure cabin. To increase the oxygen partial pressure of the air fed back into the pressure cabin, the quantity of recirculation air is passed wholly or partially through a nitrogen generator which generates nitrogen and an oxygen-containing waste gas from the recirculation air supplied. The oxygen-containing waste gas of the nitrogen generator, together with any remaining quantity of recirculation air untreated by the nitrogen generator, is recirculated into the pressure cabin. The nitrogen generator, to which only recirculation air is supplied, utilizes a pressure gradient existing in flight between the pressure cabin and the outside of the aircraft for nitrogen generation.
US08074926B2 Structural dynamic stability for an aircraft
An improvement and method for improved structural dynamic stability for 20 and 30 Series Learjets are disclosed. The improvement includes a redistribution of the elevator mass balance to uncouple the elevator rotational motion from the stabilizer translation motion for the higher order horizontal frequencies having node lines in the proximity of the mass outboard counterbalance weights. The original tail section includes a rudder, and a horizontal stabilizer supporting an elevator mounted adjacent the rudder. The elevator includes a proximal end adjacent the rudder and a distal end that includes a counterbalance portion. The improvement includes replacement of an original mass counterbalance weight from within the counterbalance portion with a new mass counterbalance weight of less mass, and the inclusion of additional mass counterbalance weights disposed within the elevator and interposed between the proximal end and the counterbalance portion.
US08074924B2 Low-noise aircraft, particularly at take-off and landing
An aircraft includes a rear vertical tail unit having two tail fins forming, with the rear part of a fuselage, a channel on the back of the fuselage. A turbine engine is arranged on the back of the fuselage so that gas streams generated by the turbine engine penetrate into the channel. The main landing gear of the aircraft is arranged integrally beneath the fuselage. The wings of the aircraft have a slight sweep angle and a large fineness ratio.
US08074922B2 Discoidal flying craft
A flying craft has an aerodynamic aircraft fuselage structure preferably disc shaped. A pair of coaxial electrokinetic motor-generators are mounted concentrically, and preferably centered within the disc shaped structure of the craft. Each of the motors is toroidal in configuration, providing a ring-shaped stator and rotor portions. The rotor portions of the motors drive counter rotating fans which are electro-magnetically levitated. The structure is open to the fans so that air may be drawn into the structure and expelled downward providing vertical lift to the aircraft. By use of auxiliary air braking flaps and electrokinetic thrusters, the craft may be tilted so as to develop a desired horizontal thrust. By impulse breaking one of the fans through tracking solenoids at different points around the stator, the aircraft may be made to rotate about its own vertical axis for changing direction. By a series of sudden braking of the motors the craft may be made to move by inertial reaction.
US08074918B1 Unmanned aerial system launch from water
An unmanned aerial system (UAS) is described that is operable on or in water, in addition to being able to fly in the air. The UAS can float in a body of water, or submerge itself underneath the water, and then later launch from the water without human intervention to perform a flying mission. The UAS can then return back to the water. The UAS incorporates an electric ducted fan acting as the propulsion engine for the UAS in the water as well as in the air.
US08074914B2 Crushing bucket
The invention relates to a crushing bucket, which has been designed as an excavator or loader bucket. It comprises a bottom plate (1), side walls (2), and working drums (6) at a rear part of the bucket, which are rotatable about a shaft (6) thereof and crush, while rotating, a bucket-held material and at the same time deliver crushed material out of the bucket between or through the working drums (6). It also comprises enclosures (4) for the power transmission and bearing assemblies of the working drums (3), said enclosures being delimited by frame panels (4b) to which the working drums' (6) bearing cups are attachable. The working drum (6) is provided with at least one crushing tool (7), which is a continuous component extending substantially all the way along the length of a shaft (6a).
US08074899B2 Airbrush makeup application system and methods of use
Make-up application systems are provided that comprise an air compressor unit, an airbrush connected to the air compressor unit, the airbrush having a gravity feed cup, and a tube connecting the air compressor unit to the airbrush. A cosmetic formulation comprising at least one mineral and water may be introduced into the gravity feed cup, which may then be aspirated into the airbrush and dispersed in a fine mist or atomized spray for delivery on a surface such as a person's skin. The system permits a more flawless make-up application finish for the face, neck and chest, and body, permitting feathering and blending not capable with traditional brush or sponge make-up application systems. Advantages are numerous and include, a more desirable appearance, longer lasting and quicker drying make-up, avoidance of harmful toxins and skin irritants, and enhanced hygienic application. Additionally, certain embodiments enjoy a quiet compressor operation through the use of isolation devices, certain materials of construction, and/or cushioning sponges.
US08074897B2 Sprinkler with variable arc and flow rate
A variable arc sprinkler may be set to numerous positions along a continuum to adjust the arcuate span of the sprinkler. The sprinkler includes a nozzle body and a valve sleeve that helically engage each other to define an arcuate slot that may be adjusted at the top of the sprinkler to a desired arcuate span. The sprinkler may include a flow rate adjustment device that may be adjusted by actuation or rotation of an outer wall portion of the sprinkler. Rotation of the outer wall portion may cause a throttle control member to move axially to or away from an inlet, or may cause one or more restrictor elements to open or close, to control the flow rate of the sprinkler.
US08074886B2 Systems and methods for preserving and maintaining document integrity
Systems and methods consistent with embodiments of the present invention provide for a method for preserving and maintaining document integrity. In some methods for preserving and maintaining document integrity, the contents of a document, or contents of a document layer may be encoded into a machine-readable form. In some embodiments, the encoded information may be represented using a 2-dimensional bar code. In some methods for preserving and maintaining document integrity, the machine-readable code is printed along with contents of the document based on space available in the document. In some embodiments, a printed document containing the machine-readable code may be scanned and digitized, and content extracted from the scanned data. In some embodiments, the machine-readable code printed on the document is used to recreate layer data from the printed document.
US08074877B2 Systems and methods for programmable payment cards and devices with loyalty-based payment applications
A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) or other device (e.g., mobile telephone) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable to communicate data to a magnetic stripe read-head. Data may include the type of reward that a user would like to earn as a result of making a purchase or the type of reward that a user would like to utilize to at least partially pay for a purchase.
US08074852B2 Detachable collapsible bicycle basket
A collapsible detachable bicycle basket is constructed so as to be easily and readily mountable upon a luggage rack of a bicycle without the use of any threaded fasteners. To facilitate such mounting, the collapsible basket has a pair of spaced hooks attached to the top edge of one side of the basket and a resilient flexible connector in the form of a loop of bungee cord attached near the bottom of the same side of the basket. The hooks of the basket are receivable over a portion of the deck of the luggage rack and the loop of the bungee cord is attachable to a lower portion of the luggage rack to secure the basket to the luggage rack.
US08074846B2 Dispenser or vial pump and a tube and valve assembly used in such
Dispenser or vial pump, including a valve assembly (3) and a tube (4) that is fixed with one extremity to a nipple (6) of the valve assembly (3). The nipple (6) and tube (4) are in contact with each other with their respective contact surfaces (7, 8), at least one of the contact surfaces (7, 8) is provided with a roughness (9) in order to decrease the friction between the nipple (6) and the tube (4) during assembly.
US08074835B2 Dispensing small quantities of particles
An apparatus for dispensing small quantities of particles, the apparatus comprising a hopper (20) provided with a sieve at a bottom portion thereof, the hopper defining a powder-containing zone above the sieve which in use contains powder to be dispensed therefrom through the sieve, a support (25) for the hopper, the support holding a portion of the hopper so that the hopper can in use be held above a container into which the dispensed powder is to be received, at least one actuator (30) for delivering impact energy to the hopper for causing powder to be dispensed through the sieve when the hopper receives the impact energy, and an element which is adapted to permit controlled vertical movement of the hopper relative to the support.
US08074832B2 Hinge structure for a console box lid
A hinge structure for a lid of an in-vehicle console box includes a storage box having an opening, a lid having a front end and a rear end, and a hinge member having a rotation axis. The hinge member is disposed between the storage box and the lid so the lid rotates around the rotation axis to open and close the opening. A slide mechanism is located between the lid and the hinge member so the lid can move in the directions of the front end and the rear end in relation to the hinge member when opening and closing the lid. A converting mechanism converts a turning force for rotating the lid around the rotation axis to a linear force for sliding the lid in the directions of the front end and rear end so the lid moves in the direction of the rear end when being opened, and in the direction of the front end when being closed.
US08074828B2 Bulk container corner sling adapter
A bulk container for storing materials comprises a tank having a peripheral side wall connected to a generally rectangular top wall. A lifting lug is secured to the tank at each corner of the top wall. Each lifting lug comprises a generally L-shaped metal plate having first and second legs. A corner sling adapter is mounted at each lifting lug. Each corner sling adapter includes a stiffener plate having a base connected to upturn sides and a padeye comprising a planar body with a through opening. The padeye planar body is secured to and extends upwardly from the base. Each corner sling adapter is fastened to one of the corner lifting lugs whereby the padeye planar body at each corner of the top wall is substantially in-line with the padeye planar body at an opposite corner of the top wall.
US08074825B1 Dispensing closure for selectively dispensing material from a multi-chambered container
A container assembly with a closure and the structure of the closure. The container has multiple compartments for holding different materials. The container has a closure with a fitment that attaches to the container. The fitment has separate bottom receptacle areas on one side and a top receptacle on the other. The separate receptacle areas are each exposed to different compartments within the container. The top receptacle area is connected to each of the separate receptacle areas by conduits. A selection head is provided having a pour spout and a plurality of baffle chambers. The pour spout has an open central conduit, wherein only some of the baffle chambers are open to that central conduit. The baffle chambers are received within the top receptacle area of the fitment. Different combinations of the baffle chambers selectively align with different conduits as the selection head rotates within the fitment.
US08074813B2 Dish rack with adjustable spout and removable drip tray
A dish rack has a wireframe, a drip tray having a base and a dish-receiving region provided on the base, and a drain channel that is removably coupled to the bottom of the base at the location of the dish-receiving region.
US08074811B2 Desktop organizer
An organizer for a desk or other surface. In one aspect, the invention can be an organizer comprising: a rack assembly comprising a pair of spaced-apart vertical supports and a plurality of horizontal rods extending between and supported by the pair of vertical supports, the plurality of horizontal rods arranged in a spaced-apart manner; an organization accessory having a rear side having a width that is greater than a distance between the vertical supports, the organization accessory having a pair of hook members extending from the rear side of the organization accessory; and the organization accessory mounted to the rack assembly so that the hook members engage one of the horizontal rods and the rear side of the organization accessory rests against the pair of vertical supports.
US08074810B2 Methods of and sludge collector with adjacent opposed oppositely-moving blades for moving sludge in a basin
Apparatus and methods provide individual blades driven by drives configured to reduce a tendency of sludge to be moved in an undesired return direction. Drive configurations apply “pull” and “pull” forces that only pull on tensile structures, avoiding a need in actual commercial practice for use of extra structural drive members having high resistance to both tension and compressive forces exerted parallel to a sludge movement direction. Each of two separate tensile structures carries one blade, or a separate set of blades, with blade(s) of one structure adjacent to, and alternating with, blade(s) of the other structure. Embodiments move sludge from a corner of a basin and across a floor of the basin. The reduced tendency of sludge movement in the return direction results from moving one tensile structure and blade(s) in the sludge movement direction as the other tensile structure and adjacent opposed blade(s) move in the return direction.
US08074808B2 Automated shell separator
An automated device that separates out desired shells from a batch of mixed shells. The device allows an operator to gather all spent shells from a shooting range, for example, where many different caliber bullets have been fired, and have all the shells separated by size, or caliber. The preferred embodiment provides for includes a container with adjustable slots in four of the container's sides. An electric motor is also provided that is used to rotated the slotted container. The selected shells fall through the slots into a shell catcher. The sides can be removed and replaced, to adjust the slot size, or container sides with adjustable slots can be provided.
US08074801B2 Modular package for feminine hygiene articles
A package having a three dimensional shape and a plurality of modules each being adapted to contain a plurality of feminine hygiene articles. The plurality of modules can include a first end module, a second end module, and one or more middle modules. The first end module and the second end module each can have a free edge and a linked edge, and the one or more middle modules can have a first linked edge and a second linked edge. The linked edge of the first end module can be connected to the first linked edge of a middle module, the one or more middle modules can be connected together at the first and second linked edges, and the linked edge of the second end module can be connected to the second linked edge of a middle module to form a chain of modules. The plurality of modules can be arranged to form the package three dimensional shape.
US08074799B2 Holding tray
For easy washing and sterilizing of a holding tray for drill bits used in a dental implant operation, a holding tray X includes a tray main body 1 made of a hard material capable of autoclave sterilizing and holding members 2 made of an elastic material capable of autoclave sterilizing, the tray main body 1 includes holding plates 1b and holding member supporting plates 1c on a back surface of a substrate part 1a having rows of linearly aligned through holes 1aa for drill bits, the holding plates 1b include half circular cylindrical recessed parts 1ba at portions corresponding to the through holes 1aa, the supporting plates 1c have a fixed interval to a plane 1bb along the recessed part 1ba, and the holding members 2 are detachably held between the holding plates 1b and the supporting plates 1c to hold the drill bits together with the recessed parts 1ba.
US08074795B2 Multiple size strap and tie down container
The container of this invention may have a plurality of slots formed proximate an upper perimeter of the container such that a lower portion of the slots is exposed when a lid is secured over the upper perimeter. Optionally a plurality of notches may be formed in the container below the slots. Hooks of tie down straps engage the slots and are held in place therein by the lid. When the slots are present hooks of tie down straps are secured in the slots. Another embodiment includes a hanger having a handle and an optional L-piece, the handle having apertures or notches, which can be, for example oval or rectangular, for securing both hooks of a tie down strap, the L-piece either attachable, or permanently attached, to the handle for further securing the hooks disposed in the apertures. Yet another embodiment includes a receptacle having an attachable or permanently attached bracket or plurality of brackets, each bracket having slots, each slot for storing both hooks of a tie down strap. Each receptacle may have optional slots for storing elastic straps.
US08074794B2 Chemicals mixing container with offset communicating holes
A chemicals mixing container (1), which allows two kinds of chemicals, a liquid material (2) and a powder material (4), to be stored therein in isolation from each other and which allows the liquid material (2) and the powder material (4) to be mixed together. The mixing container includes: a first cylinder (6); a first piston (7) which is fitted in the first cylinder (6) to define a first internal space (3); a second cylinder (8) which is connected to the first cylinder (6) or the first piston (7) so as to be rotationally slidable thereon; and a second piston (9) which is fitted in the second cylinder to define a second internal space (5). The second cylinder (8) and the first cylinder (6) or the first piston (7) to which the second cylinder (8) is connected have communicating holes (13, 14) formed in their mutual sliding surfaces at positions, respectively, eccentric relative to a rotation axis X. The first internal space (3) and the second internal space (5) are communicated with or isolated from each other depending on a rotational sliding angle between the second cylinder (8) and the first cylinder (6) or the first piston (7) to which the second cylinder (8) is connected.
US08074775B2 Wheel immobilizer apparatus and associated method
Embodiments of the present invention provide a wheel immobilizer apparatus and method for immobilizing a wheel of a vehicle. For example, a wheel immobilizer apparatus may include a plurality of chocks and an adjustment member secured to each of the chocks and configured to adjust a relative distance between a pair of the plurality of chocks. The apparatus may also include a flexible member comprising a pair of free ends each secured to a respective one of the pair of chocks and configured to secure the chocks to a wheel.
US08074770B2 Portable hunting tree stand
A portable tree stand comprising a seat having a bottom surface, the bottom surface having a first sidewall and a second sidewall at least partially defining a cavity, a mount extending from the cavity for engagement with a tree, and wherein the mount is contained completely within the cavity when not in use.
US08074769B2 Ladder accessory
A device is provided for aiding a user in transporting a load up and down a ladder assembly. The ladder assembly includes a fly ladder having slidably connected to a base ladder. Each ladder includes first and second spaced rails interconnected by a plurality of spaced rungs. The device has a frame assembly including a first subframe positionable adjacent the first rail of the base ladder and a second subframe positionable adjacent the second rail of the base ladder. First and second base ladder guides are operatively connected to each subframe and define tracks for receiving the rails of the base ladder therebetween. First and second fly ladder guides are operatively connected to the subframes and defines tracks for receiving the rails of the fly ladder therebetween.
US08074768B2 Powered operator access system
An access ladder configurable from an extended position for providing access to a structure and a stowed position. The access ladder comprises an elongated first member having a first step extending laterally therefrom. An elongated second member is associated with the first member and configured for translational movement relative thereto and has a second step extending laterally therefrom. A link extends between the second member and the structure such that rotation of the first member moves the second member translationally relative to the first member, thereby moving said at least one second step towards said at least one first step.
US08074763B2 Power assist steering system
The present invention provides a power assist steering system for use with a motor vehicle utilizing a torque sensor and an electronically controlled hydraulic valve used to supply or meter hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic cylinder that provides power assist to the steering system. The torque sensor measures driver input and provides a signal to the controller that controls an electrically actuated hydraulic valve. Additionally, steering wheel rotational speed and position are also input to the controller wherein the controller generates a steering assist command that minimizes the magnitude of difference, or error, between the steering torque reference value determined from the steering wheel speed and position and the measured torque. By doing so, the invention controls steering wheel feel, as opposed to the conventional practice of controlling the steering assist boost curve.
US08074754B2 Power generator using traction drive electronics of a vehicle
A system and for generating power associated with a hybrid vehicle or electrically propelled vehicle comprises a mode selector for selecting at least one of an operational mode and a power generation mode. A controller activates one or more switches to disconnect an inverter output from a drive electrical path to a drive motor and to connect the inverter output to a power generation path if the vehicle is in the power generation mode. An inverter inverts a direct voltage signal to an alternating current signal with a desired frequency in the power generation path. A transformer increases a voltage level of the alternating current signal to a desired voltage level.
US08074752B2 Mobile robotic vehicle
A mobile robot includes a robot chassis having a forward end, a rearward end and a center of gravity. The robot includes a driven support surface to propel the robot and first articulated arm rotatable about an axis located rearward of the center of gravity of the robot chassis. The arm is pivotable to trail the robot, rotate in a first direction to raise the rearward end of the robot chassis while the driven support surface propels the chassis forward in surmounting an obstacle, and to rotate in a second opposite direction to extend forward beyond the center of gravity of the robot chassis to raise the forward end of the robot chassis and invert the robot endwise.
US08074751B2 Steering system for an adaptable vehicle
The powered hybrid vehicle is capable of being operative in either one of first and second distinct driving modes each including corresponding first and second directional systems. The hybrid vehicle has a control shaft operatively coupled to a steering device, a first steering member operatively coupled to the first directional system, a second steering member operatively coupled to the second directional system and a shaft coupler capable of selectively coupling the control shaft to either one of the first and second steering members. The hybrid vehicle may be steered by controlling the steering device notwithstanding which one of the first and second driving mode it is in.
US08074750B2 Earth-boring tools comprising silicon carbide composite materials, and methods of forming same
Earth-boring tools for drilling subterranean formations include a particle-matrix composite material comprising a plurality of silicon carbide particles dispersed throughout a matrix material, such as, for example, an aluminum or aluminum-based alloy. In some embodiments, the silicon carbide particles comprise an ABC-SiC material. Methods of manufacturing such tools include providing a plurality of silicon carbide particles within a matrix material. Optionally, the silicon carbide particles may comprise ABC-SiC material, and the ABC-SiC material may be toughened to increase a fracture toughness exhibited by the ABC-SiC material. In some methods, at least one of an infiltration process and a powder compaction and consolidation process may be employed.
US08074744B2 Horizontal waterjet drilling method
A method and apparatus for completing a lateral channel in a subterranean formation using a flexible hose with a waterjet that may be directed down a well casing and into a waterjet guide. The waterjet guide has a diverter assembly configured to receive and divert the flexible hose in a shortened radius. The diverter assembly includes an inlet curvature and a pivot curvature, where the pivot curvature pivots between stowed and deployed configurations in response to forces provided through a mandrel assembly communicably coupled thereto.
US08074738B2 Offshore thermal treatment of drill cuttings fed from a bulk transfer system
A system for offshore treatment of drill cuttings that includes a first pressurized vessel configured to receive contaminated drill cuttings and adapted to allow a compressed gas be introduced therein as the sole means for inducing movement of said contaminated drill cuttings in the first pressurized vessel, whereby at least a portion of the contaminated drill cuttings is discharged from the first pressurized vessel; and a reactor unit in fluid connection with the first pressurized vessel for separating the contaminated drill cuttings into drill cuttings and contaminants, wherein the reactor unit includes a processing chamber having at least one inlet and outlet; and a rotor mounted in the processing chamber, the rotor including a shaft; and a plurality of fixed rotor arms extending radially from the shaft is disclosed.
US08074737B2 Wireless perforating gun initiation
A perforating system and method for wellbore perforating. The system comprises a perforating string having a perforating gun with shaped charges, a communication module for receiving detonation signals, and a controller associated with each perforating gun. The module receives surface signals for gun detonation and wirelessly transmits the signals to selected guns via the associated controllers.
US08074734B2 Powered hammer with a vibration dampening mechanism
A powered hammer is described comprising a housing, a tool holder mounted on the housing, a percussion mechanism arranged within the housing which mechanism includes a ram reciprocating in a longitudinal direction and being adapted to apply impacts on a tool bit supported in the tool holder, a dampening mass which is slidably mounted in the longitudinal direction within the housing, wherein the dampening mass is biased towards a neutral position by a biasing element and wherein the dampening mass may be deflected from the neutral position against the biasing force of the biasing element. The dampening mass is formed of a ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material or comprises a permanent magnet and a solenoid is arranged within housing adjacent to the dampening mass such that the solenoid applies a force in the longitudinal direction on the dampening mass when being in the neutral position if a current is flowing through the solenoid.
US08074733B2 Three-stage valve switch structure
Disclosed is a three-stage valve switch structure, having a specifically designed main switch and an auxiliary switch, and is operated in cooperation with a forward rotation air passageway, and a reverse rotation air passageway, so that air of an air pump enters into a pneumatic device from said air passageway in driving an oil piston into forward rotation, pulling action, and reverse rotation; and said auxiliary switch is utilized in a condition that, in case that retrieving from a rivet nut done by a pneumatic machine tool is not complete, then said auxiliary switch can be pressed down for driving said pneumatic device into rotating its blades in a reverse manner, hereby reversely rotating said oil piston to make said retrieval from rivet nut more complete. The application of the present invention is not restricted to rivet-nut-riveter, it can also be utilized in pneumatic machine tools requiring forward rotation, pulling action, and reverse rotation functions.
US08074725B2 Residential pendent fire sprinkler
A pendent type residential fire sprinkler is described. The residential fire sprinkler has a body with a K-factor of at least 6 passage coupled to a deflector assembly that distributes fluid flowing through the passage over a coverage area to perform in accordance with Underwriters Laboratory Standard 1626 (October 2003) for listing by Underwriters Laboratory Incorporated so that the body and a heat responsive trigger disposed between the passage and the deflector assembly of the sprinkler can be installed in accordance with the 2002 Edition of National Fire Protection Association Standards 13, 13D, and 13R. Various aspects of the residential fire sprinkler, including a method of protecting a residential dwelling unit are described.
US08074724B2 Bit-run nominal seat protector and method of operating same
A drilling system employs a set of bushings that protect seats used for casing hangers. The system includes one or more seat protectors that attach to a running tool. The running tool is lowered down the wellbore with the seat protectors attached and deposits a bushing at each surface to be protected. The running tool may retrieve the bushings as the running tool is withdrawn from the wellbore.
US08074718B2 Ball seat sub
A downhole tool for providing a pressure differential between sub-assemblies, the downhole tool including an elongated body, a tubular assembly disposed within the elongated body, the tubular assembly including a central flowbore with an inner diameter and a central longitudinal axis, a camming device, an actuator member located below the tubular assembly, having a dual-bore configuration, the actuator member including a first bore, a second bore, and a concave seating surface formed within the second bore for receiving a obstructing device, wherein the first bore and the second bore are oriented 90 degrees to one another so that fluid may flow through the actuator while it is in either a first or a second position, and a stationary sleeve concentrically disposed between the actuator member and the elongated body is disclosed.
US08074707B2 Method for processing hydrocarbon pyrolysis effluent
A method is provided for treating the effluent from a hydrocarbon pyrolysis unit processing heavier than naphtha feeds to recover heat and remove tar therefrom. The method comprises passing the gaseous effluent to at least one primary transfer line heat exchanger, thereby cooling the gaseous effluent and generating superheated steam. Thereafter, the gaseous effluent is passed through at least one secondary transfer line heat exchanger having a heat exchange surface with a liquid coating on said surface, thereby further cooling the remainder of the gaseous effluent to a temperature at which tar, formed by the pyrolysis process, condenses. The condensed tar is then removed from the gaseous effluent in at least one knock-out drum. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.
US08074704B2 Method and apparatus for semi-continuous casting of hollow ingots and products resulting therefrom
Methods and associated apparatus for semi-continuous casting of hollow ingots are described. In one embodiment a method for the semi-continuous casting of a metallic hollow ingot is provided. The method includes providing a mold that includes a mold center having an inner pipe and an outer pipe arranged to form an annular space for a cooling media and an outer mold, circulating a cooling media in the annular space, feeding a source material to the mold, heating the source material to produce a molten material, moving the mold center progressively downward relative to the outer mold, and solidifying the molten material to form a hollow ingot. Embodiments relating to an apparatus for semi-continuous casting of hollow ingots, and products resulting from the semi-continuous casting of hollow ingots are also described.
US08074703B2 Oscillating table
Oscillating table for blooms or billets production plants, comprising pairs of bars, lying on at least one horizontal plane, which constitute the elastic support elements of the mold, thus permitting an optimal guidance of the oscillation thereof exclusively in the casting direction, said pairs of bars constituting a tie rod-strut system working in bending that confers to the table very high torsional and lateral stiffness. It allows a high precision in guiding mold thus consenting it wide oscillations in the axial casting direction only.
US08074702B2 Cooling system for forming mold and method of cooling forming mold
In a forming mold equipped with a cooling channel for circulation of a refrigerant composed of a cooling gas and a atomized cooling liquid, any increase of back pressure attributed to evaporation of the refrigerant fed to the cooling channel is inhibited to thereby attain cooling acceleration, and further any occurrence of rust or scale by the refrigerant circulated through the cooling channel is prevented. Accordingly, a channel for supply of the refrigerant to the cooling channel of the forming mold is provided with air pressure source for trapping of air in the supply channel and pressure feeding of the same; oxygen separation means for separation removal of oxygen from the pressure fed air to thereby lower the oxygen concentration of the air; and atomizing means for spraying of the cooling liquid into the air with oxygen concentration lowered. The oxygen separated from the air by the oxygen separation means is returned to the refrigerant forcedly emitted from the cooling channel by means of forced exhaust means.
US08074694B2 Stringer transition method
A stringer comprises a base portion and first and second webs extending outwardly from the base portion. The orientation of at least one of the first and second webs may transition from a first angle to a second angle within an angle transition zone.
US08074690B2 Decoupling groove for pneumatic tire tread
A pneumatic radial ply truck tire for use on medium truck trailers includes a tread, a casing with two sidewalls, one or more radial plies extending from, and wrapped about, two annular beads, and a belt reinforcement structure located radially between the tread and the one or more radial plies. The tread includes a plurality of circumferentially extending tread grooves, a pair of circumferentially extending shoulder ribs, a pair of radially recessed ribs being radially recessed and non-road contacting under static load disposed at a lateral edge of the shoulder ribs, and a pair of circumferentially extending decoupling grooves. Each decoupling groove defines a transition between a corresponding shoulder rib and a corresponding recessed rib. A lateral edge of one of the shoulder ribs has a first radius of curvature forming a transition from a radially outer surface of the shoulder rib to a first side surface of the corresponding decoupling groove. A base surface of the decoupling groove has a second radius of curvature forming a transition from the first side surface to a second side surface of the decoupling groove. A radially outer surface of the corresponding recessed rib has a third radius of curvature forming a continuous transition from the second side surface to a third outer side surface of the shoulder portion of the tread.
US08074687B2 Cryogenic transfer hose
A flexible cryogenic transfer hose for connecting two cryogenic facilities, has a length of at least 20 m, and: an inner flexible hose with at least two segments, interconnected via at least two transverse inner connecting members, an outer hose surrounding the inner hose and including a watertight elastomeric or composite material, the outer hose having at least two segments mutually connected via two outer connecting members, the outer hose having a wall thickness of at least 2 cm, a bend radius of at least 2 m, and an internal diameter of at least 20 cm, the inner hose being kept at a distance from the outer hose via spacer elements bridging a distance between the outer wall of the inner hose and an inner wall of the outer hose, which distance is between 0.1 and 0.8 times the internal diameter dio of the inner hose.
US08074685B2 One-way valve with flapper for vacuum bag
A one-way valve allows air to be drawn from a collapsible, flexible, airtight bag using a vacuum source. When the vacuum source is removed, the one-way valve prevents air from re-entering the bag. The valve assembly comprises a valve base attached to a bag wall and having an opening, a cap base coupled to the valve base, a flapper held in place by the valve base and cap base, and a cap connected to the cap base by a living hinge. When the cap is snapped onto the cap base after bag evacuation, the cap maintains the flapper in a position so that the opening in the valve base stays closed, preventing the admission of ambient air into the evacuated bag.
US08074681B2 Swivel and rotator mechanism for fluid controlled machines
A swivel for use in a rotator is disclosed. The swivel includes an inner member having a cylindrical portion and an annular outer member arranged around the inner member and rotatably connected thereto via a bearing. At least one of the inner member and the outer member is provided with an annular fluid channel, one of the members having a fastening flange with an upper and a lower flange surface. The flange includes attachment structure configured to fix the flange to a support structure. A first fluid path extends through the flange from a first opening in a circumferential face of the fastening flange, to the fluid channel. A second fluid path at least partially extends through the inner member in a substantially axial direction from the fluid channel to a second opening.
US08074679B2 Y-type fluid end with replaceable suction module
A fluid end assembly for a high pressure pump receives a fluid from a fluid supply manifold and supplies the fluid to an outlet manifold. The assembly includes a housing with a removable suction module. The housing has a plunger bore to receive a reciprocating plunger, a suction passage intersects said plunger bore, and a discharge passage intersects both said plunger bore and said suction passage. The removable suction module has an inlet passage.
US08074671B2 Self-cleaning valves for use in vacuum cleaners and other self-cleaning valves
A self-cleaning valve assembly is provided, such as for use in a vacuum cleaner such as a particularly advantageous vacuum cleaner system that has at least two filters and self-cleans its filters via back-flushing, without needing to stop normal operation to self-clean. Also, a vacuum cleaner is provided that uses permanent, self-cleaning filters, and does not need disposable filters or filter bags, and advantageously can use inexpensive plastic bags. In another vacuum cleaner system, waste is collected in an ordinary plastic bag without any special preparation or modification of the bag being needed. Further, an inventive self-cleaning X-valve assembly cleans itself and is useable in the vacuum cleaner system.
US08074668B2 Pressure washer with diagnostic indicators
An electrical pressure washer includes a diagnostic circuit for detecting operation conditions that may affect the normal operation of the pressure washer, and a plurality of indicators indicating the detected operation conditions, such as ground fault, low pressure, overheating, etc. A voltage drop across the power cord of the pressure washer is monitored and used to identify several of the operating conditions. A way of connecting and controlling light-emitting diodes used as indicator lights is provided to allow energy-efficient operation of the indicator lights.
US08074666B2 Brushes with interchangeable heads
One embodiment of a head-switchable brush, comprises a brush head, a ferrule, and a brush handle. The ferrule has the head at one end and the handle at the other end. There is a piece of magnet attached to the brush handle and ferrule respectively where the two parts connect. The brush head can be switched and assembled with the handle easily whenever needed. The ferrule can be kept firmly on the handle by the action of the magnet inside. The head-switchable function of this brush kit can greatly enlarge the brush applying space and also avoid the material wasting since this brush kit has one handle only but with various brush head.
US08074659B2 Method and apparatus for protecting teeth, preventing the effects of bruxism and protecting oral structures from sports injuries
A comfortable multiple layer mouth protector is provided for strength and ease of fit to minimize if not completely and gradually eliminate bruxism, with spring biasing keeping the maxillary and mandibular mouth protector arches in place and apart, eliminating snoring and permitting easy breathing. In addition, this Mouth protector protects oral structures from sports injuries.
US08074658B2 Composite performance enhancing tethered mouthguard
A performance enhancing and force absorbing mouthguard adapted to fit the upper teeth of the mouth of an athlete wherein the mouthguard is unobstructably tethered and of a composite material. The first internal layer is a nonsoftenable flexible framework which will permit the mouthguard to hold its shape during fitting as well as to absorb and dissipate significant impact conveyed to the upper teeth. A hard, durable bite plate wedge lowers the condyle from the temporomandibular joint in a fulcrum action to place the lower jaw in an optimum condition preventing impingement upon the nerves and arteries as well as spacing the upper and lower teeth apart. Elastomeric traction pads are on the bottom of the mouthguard and are grippingly engaged by the posterior teeth of the lower jaw. While the framework, wedge and traction pads are mechanically interlocked, a softenable material is placed over the mouthguard excepting the contact portions of the traction pads to encapsulate the mouthguard and to permit custom fitting. An anterior tab supports a transverse external bumper having left and right ports to unobstructively tether the mouthguard.
US08074653B2 Combination condom and personal lubricant container
The present invention comprises articles of manufacture including a disposable condom and personal container 10 comprising a condom compartment 20 enclosing one or more condoms immersed in either a personal lubricant or sexually stimulating lubricant removably adjoined to at least one lubricant compartment 30. The compartments are constructed of a packaging material comprising properties that conduct heat and hermetically sealed. The condom compartment 20 comprises a seal 25, 28, 29 positioned on the top wall 21 that is removed or opened for the purpose of gaining access to the contents. The seal 28, 29 may be reattached or closed. The personal lubricant compartment 30 comprises a discharge element 43 through which the contents of the compartment are discharged by activating a removable dispenser that fits within the element 43. Prior to discharging the contents, a protective seal 45 enclosed within the element 43 is ruptured. The contents of the compartments 20, 30 may be heated by a device in which the compartments are seated. The temperature of the contents may be monitored with the aid of a temperature sensing aid 14. The container 10 comprises perforations 12 used to detach the compartments. The primary object of the invention is to encourage the use of condoms in sexual activities thereby reducing the spread of disease, including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which may result in AIDS, and reducing the risk of pregnancy.
US08074650B2 Tracheostomy tube holder
A tube holder is provided for securing a medical tube to a patient. In one illustrative embodiment, the tube holder includes a band to secure a medical tube to a patient, and first and second tabs attached at first and second ends of the band to secure the medical tube. Each of the first and second tabs include a hook surface and a loop surface, the hook surface and loop surface to mate with one another to secure the medical tube. The first and second tabs include moisture resistant material located on a surface contacting the patient's skin.
US08074643B2 Dispensing device
A medicament dispensing device for dispensing metered dosages of a medicament includes an actuator housing having a longitudinally extending cavity and a container disposed in the cavity and having a cylinder with a first outer diameter. The cylinder is adapted to hold the medicament. The container is reciprocally movable relative to the actuator housing along a longitudinal axis. An indicating device includes an indicator housing having a tubular portion connected to said container, with the indicating device being reciprocally movable with the container relative to the actuator housing. The tubular portion has a second outer diameter that is of substantially the same diameter as the first outer diameter. A longitudinally extending side wall has a viewing window formed therein. An indicator is rotatably mounted in the indicator housing, with a surface thereof having indicia visible through the viewing window.
US08074629B2 Cylinder charge temperature control for an internal combustion engine
A method of operating an engine is provided. The engine includes operating a cylinder with net exhaust flow from the exhaust manifold, through the cylinder, to the intake manifold. Concurrently, another cylinder may operate to carry out combustion with net flow from the intake to the exhaust. In this way, exhaust in the intake manifold may be adjusted by varying valve operation of the first cylinder.
US08074622B2 Control and interconnection system for an apparatus
Many devices, such as a turbocharger, use an apparatus to control their functions. For example, pneumatic and electric actuators are used to provide positional control of a mechanism on the turbocharger. The actuator must connect to the vehicles electrical system to provide suitable communication and control of the actuator. They must also have internal control and interconnection of devices such as sensors, electronic control unit, external electrical connector, and internal electrical connections. The electrical connections, placement of sensor, and placement of the controller are critical to the performance, reliability, and cost of the actuator. The control and interconnection system will provide the aforementioned requirements including a “quick connect” capability for electrical connections and ease of assembly.
US08074611B2 Thermostat assembly having integral cylinder head and thermostat housing
A thermostat assembly for a combustion engine having at least one cylinder is disclosed. The assembly has a cylinder head configured to cap off the at least one cylinder, the cylinder head having a recess fluidly connected to a coolant passage of the combustion engine. The assembly also has a thermostat located completely within the recess.
US08074610B2 Mutually convertible boiler between normal type and condensing type
A boiler includes a combustion chamber, a heat exchange section, and an outer housing. Coupling holes are formed in the outer housing, a circulation chamber is formed at a lower portion of the outer housing, and a burner is provided at an upper portion of the combustion chamber so as to generate heat in a downward direction thereof. The combustion chamber is vertically installed in one of the coupling holes, and a lower portion of the combustion chamber is communicated with the circulation chamber. The heat exchange section includes first and second heat exchangers and is vertically installed in the outer housing adjacent to the combustion chamber. An upper portion of the heat exchange section is coupled to one of the coupling holes and a lower portion of the heat exchange section is communicated with the circulation chamber.
US08074609B2 Rawhide edible chew with pizzle inner member and method for making the same
A rawhide chew with a pizzle inner member is described. The rawhide chew includes a rawhide outer layer formed of a rawhide sheet. The rawhide outer layer comprises a hole cut therethrough to form a cut-out window. Pizzle positioned within the rawhide outer layer such that the pizzle is externally viewable through the cut-out window. Further, the pizzle is rolled within the rawhide outer layer such that no edges of the pizzle protrude through the cut-out window.
US08074603B2 Animal waste disposal system
A waste disposal system includes a basin having a bottom and at least one side. A retainer is disposed in the basin. A plurality of flexible nets are disposed in the basin. A securing rim is in abutting contact over the at least one side edge of the basin. The plurality of nets have at least one edge disposed between the securing rim and the basin.
US08074600B2 Rotary parlour for automatic milking of animals
A rotary parlor for automatic milking of animals includes an annular rotary platform (2) adapted to form a support surface for the animals (1), driving element (9) for supplying a rotary motion to the platform (2), positioning element for arranging the animals in predetermined milking positions (3) on the platform, in which an longitudinal axis (1a) of the animals forms an angle to the direction of motion (1b) of the animals standing on the rotary platform (2), and a robot arm (13) adapted to attach teat cups (7a) to the teats of an animal (1) which has entered a milking position (3) on the platform (2). The entire robot arm (13) is located in a working position vertically above or on the platform (2) when it attaches the teat cups to the teats of the animals (1).
US08074599B2 Plasma uniformity control by gas diffuser curvature
Embodiments of a gas distribution plate for distributing gas in a processing chamber are provided. In one embodiment, a gas distribution assembly for a plasma processing chamber comprises a diffuser plate with gas passages passing between its upstream and downstream sides and hollow cathode cavities at the downstream side of the gas passages. The downstream side of the diffuser plate has a curvature to improve the thickness uniformity and film property uniformity of thin films deposited by PECVD, particularly SiN and amorphous silicon films. The curvature is preferably described by an arc of a circle or ellipse, the apex thereof located at the center point of the diffuser plate. In one aspect, the hollow cathode cavity volume density, surface area density, or the cavity density of the diffuser increases from the center of the diffuser to the outer edge. Methods for manufacturing such a diffuser plate are also provided.
US08074598B2 Fluid management system and method for fluid dispensing and coating
A system and method are provided including a coating method and apparatus using a dielectrophoretic fluid movement system to coat with a non-conducting fluid along a surface that includes a non-conducting surface to receive the non-conducting fluid and a first and second array of one or more substantially parallel microelectrodes positioned on the surface, said first array having microelectrode(s) positioned between, and alternating with, the microelectrode(s) of the second array, forming an interleaved pattern as well as an electric power source in communication with the first array and second array so that the first array and second array interact to create a non-uniform electric field such that the non-conducting fluid moves parallel to the microelectrodes in response to the applied non-uniform electric field.
US08074595B2 Machine for making an anti-static tire tread
A method of providing an extruded tire tread (T) with anti-static properties. In this method, a pin (10) is coated with an electrically conductive material (M). The coated pin (10) pierces the tire tread (T) to form an opening (12) of the desired depth and then is withdrawn. During withdrawal of the pin (10), the material (M) remains in the pierced opening (12) so that a conductive body (14) is formed in the tire tread (T). The pin (10) can then be re-coated with the material (M) and the cycle repeated to produce a plurality of conductive bodies (14) in the tire tread (T).
US08074593B2 Watercraft attachment device
The present invention relates to a watercraft attachment device for joining two watercrafts comprising: a pair of parallel tubes, where said parallel tubes are substantially parallel to the watercrafts; a pair of perpendicular tubes, where said perpendicular tubes are substantially perpendicular to the two parallel tubes and adjoin the parallel tubes; four abutting corners, where the four abutting corners are formed by the intersecting tubes; a plurality of hook attachments extending from the each corner, where said hook attachments extend over a lip of each cockpit within the watercrafts to connect the watercrafts to the watercraft attachment device; and at least one tension cord extending from each corner, where said tensioning cords tighten the hook attachments to secure the watercraft attachment device in place.
US08074590B2 Method and system for freehand and realtime quilting with a computer-controlled quilting machine
A computer-controlled quilting machine uses a hand held stylus to create the patterns which are sewn into a quilt. The machine can quilt in real time, following the movement of the stylus as a user traces any desired object or design. The machine allows a user to easily sew a desired pattern into a quilt, and also provides greater access to quilting to those persons who are unable to operate other types of quilting machines, while retaining much of the appeal of hand quilting.
US08074584B2 Water heater stand and assembly thereof
A stand suitable for elevated support of water heaters and similar objects is disclosed. The stand includes a planar, rectangular tabletop formed and stamped from sheet-like material, and being further formed with downwardly bent marginal side flanges. The tabletop is supported by two pairs of oppositely disposed leg members, which are also stamped from sheet-like material. Each leg member is formed with a longitudinally extending flat central portion and oppositely positioned coextensive angularly bent flange portions. The surface of each leg flange mates with an adjacent facing surface of a respective surface of a respective one of the downwardly depending tabletop flanges. The stand further includes a cruciform arrangement of overlapping crossbars.
US08074583B2 Shelf attached to post by connector with rotatable latch and method of assembly
A shelving system includes one or more shelving units. Each shelving unit has posts each post having one or more indents, connectors with slots for mounting the post and one or more shelves. Each shelf has protrusions on a periphery to insert into one of the connector slots. Each shelving unit and shelving system can be assembled, disassembled, and adjusted without the use of tools or other components. The shelving units can be assembled together to create a multiple shelving unit system without the use of tools or other components.
US08074576B2 Commuter train ferry system for commuters and their vehicles
A commuter train ferry system includes a train engine. A plurality of boxcars is joinable to each other and to the train engine to form the commuter train ferry. Each of the boxcars includes a plurality of decks for transporting a plurality of vehicles and their occupants during a commuter trip. At least one ramp includes a plurality of driving surfaces for accessing the plurality of decks for loading and unloading the vehicles and their occupants from the boxcars where the occupants of the vehicles load and unload the vehicles from the boxcars and remain within the vehicles for at least a part of the commuter trip.
US08074573B1 Impact release stun gun dart
A stun-gun dart has a bullet shaped body that defines both a cavity and a front aperture. A spear is disposed within the cavity, is aligned to the aperture and has a sharp, barbed front tip and a rear mass-piece that is wider than the aperture, to prevent the spear from entirely passing through the aperture. Also, a spring has a first end attached to the body and a second end attached to the rear mass-piece of the spear, and is properly tensioned to entirely retain the spear within cavity until the dart undergoes rapid deceleration. But when the dart, after being fired into air and hitting a target, undergoes rapid deceleration, the spring permits the tip of the spear to protrude from the aperture to engage with and barb to flesh.
US08074569B2 Roller pad printer and method for printing
A roller pad printer for printing on an associated object includes a frame, a flat cliché operably mounted to the frame for receiving and a resilient roller pad operably mount to the frame for rolling contact, at a first location and in a first direction along the cliché, to receive ink transferred from the cliché. The roller pad is adapted for rolling contact with the object, at a second location and in a second direction, to transfer the ink from the roller pad to the object.
US08074568B2 Foil stamping machine
A hot stamping machine including a stamping member which presses a stamping foil against a peripheral surface of articles which are successively positioned in a stamping position and wherein stamping foil is removed from an unwinding mechanism for each stamping sequence and passes in succession into a suction box, along a braking surface and opposite the stamping member that urges the foil against an article, and wherein a reserve of foil is available in the suction box between the unwinding means and the braking surface, while the foil is tensioned between the stamping member and the article, during stamping of the article, and between the braking surface and a rewinding mechanism.
US08074566B1 Cell assembly for use in a high-pressure cubic press
In an embodiment, a cell assembly for use in a high-pressure cubic press comprises a substantially tubular heating element including a proximal end region having a proximal mouth, a distal end region having a distal mouth spaced from the proximal mouth, and a passageway extending between the proximal mouth and the distal mouth configured to receive at least partially receive at least one can assembly therein. The at least one can assembly may hold a plurality of diamond particles positioned adjacent to a substrate. A pressure transmitting medium extends about at least the substantially tubular heating element. A proximal electrical contact electrically contacts the substantially tubular heating element at the proximal end region thereof and does not extend over the proximal mouth thereof. A distal electrical contact electrically contacts the substantially tubular heating element at the distal end region thereof and does not extend over the distal mouth thereof. A gasket medium defines a receiving space that receives at least the substantially tubular heating element and the pressure transmitting medium.
US08074565B2 Systems for manufacturing noodle casings
A system for manufacturing noodle casings includes a take-out device disposed between two conveyers. One of the conveyers serves to transfer a noodle sheet that has been punched to form noodle casings. The other of the conveyers serves to transfer a remaining noodle sheet. The take-out device is operable between a first position at the transfer level of the conveyers and a second position for permitting the noodle casings to fall onto another conveyer.
US08074563B2 Griddle with a heat spreader
A griddle for a cooking appliance is disclosed. The griddle includes a griddle plate of a first material having a first thermal conductivity; a heat spreading plate of a second material having a second thermal conductivity which is greater than the first thermal conductivity; and at least one clamping member for clamping the griddle plate and the heat spreading plate together.
US08074559B2 Dynamic support apparatus and system
A dynamic support apparatus having a frame, a dynamic interface, a temperature control mechanism, and a control system. The dynamic interface is capable of changing its geometry and is disposed on the top surface of the frame. The control system is operably connected to the dynamic interface and controls the changing geometry of the dynamic interface. There is also a temperature control mechanism disposed on the top surface of the frame for maintaining a comfortable temperature and moisture environment between the apparatus and the user's body.
US08074554B1 Active armor systems
An improvement in an electric armor system designed to prevent, among other things, a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) from penetrating the hull of a fighting vehicle. The system includes a self-clearing electrode that will make the system less vulnerable to non-plasma objects that might otherwise short out the active armor electrodes. It optionally further allows for the early initiation of current flow at the point of penetration making it even easier to defeat incoming threats by allowing more time to break-up an incoming plasma jet.
US08074552B1 Flyer plate armor systems and methods
In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a protective armor system may include a first armor layer. The protective armor system may also include a plate that is detachably coupled to the first armor layer. The protective armor system may also have a second armor layer that is separated from the plate by a gap. When the plate is struck by a projectile, it may be operable to increase the surface area of the tip of the projectile as the projectile accelerates the plate through the gap.
US08074531B2 Electric power steering apparatus
An electric power steering apparatus comprises a transmission mechanism having a drive gear and a driven gear. One end of the drive gear is supported by a bearing hole in a housing through a bearing and a curved plate spring. The curved plate spring comprises a main body surrounding the bearing and at least one crank-shaped elastic tongue supported by at least one of ends of the main body. A recess formed on an inner peripheral surface of the bearing hole has a bottom and a pair of inner wall surfaces opposed to each other in the circumferential direction of the bearing hole. A relief portion for avoiding contact with a connection portion of the elastic tongue is formed between at least one of the inner wall surfaces and the inner peripheral surface of the bearing hole. A boundary between the relief portion and the inner peripheral surface of the bearing hole is engaged with the main body of the curved plate spring, to restrict the movement of the main body in the circumferential direction.
US08074529B2 Arrangement for reducing rattling in a transmission
An arrangement for reducing rattling in a transmission of counter shaft design having first countershafts (3, 4) and a load-equalizing main shaft (7) in which each transmission ratio step comprises a loose wheel (6), arranged on the main shaft (7), and a respective fixed wheel (5) arranged on each of the first and second countershafts (3, 4) which are in active engagement with one another. Activation of the transmission ratios occurs by actuating a shift element (8) such that the respective loose wheel can be connected, in a rotationally fixed manner, to the main shaft (7). In this arrangement the oil pump (13) of the transmission is mounted on the main shaft (7).
US08074522B2 Transmitter for controlling industrial processes
Transmitter for sensing a physical variable relative to a process fluid of an industrial plant, characterized in that it comprises at least a hollow main body for housing a sensor, and a body for direct or indirect interface with a process fluid of which a physical variable requires to be sensed, said interface body being connected to the main body and having an integral structure shaped so that it has at least one internal housing for receiving a separator body and at least one end flange suitable to be operatively coupled, at an external surface thereof, to a fluid container, said external surface being positioned at a distance from and in communication with said internal housing by means of a connection channel.
US08074520B2 Ultrasonic inspection method utilizing resonant phenomena
A transmission probe and a reception probe for transmitting and receiving a wideband ultrasonic wave are provided. Each time when the locations of the probes and are moved, a received wave Gj(t) is obtained. Based on a spectrum Fj(f) corresponding to the received wave Gj(t), a narrowband spectrum FAj(f) is extracted. A component wave GAj(t) corresponding to the narrowband spectrum FAj(f) is found by inverse Fourier transformation. A longitudinal wave primary resonance frequency f1 having a relationship with a thickness W (mm) of an inspection target and a primary resonance frequency fS1 of a transverse wave generated by mode conversion are calculated. A comparative display of the component waves GAj(t) is presented using f1, fS1 and sizing coefficients ns1, ns2, ns3 and ns4 for high precision inspection. Based on the measurement point which shows a wave generation in the comparative screen of the component waves GAj(t), it is determined that there is a flaw Z at a certain position inside the inspection target immediately below a line segment connecting the transmission probe and the reception probe.
US08074512B2 Partial stroke testing system coupled with fuel control valve
A system for on-line testing of an emergency shut-off valve includes a first emergency shut-off valve and a control for initiating a test on the first emergency shut-off valve. The system also includes a fluid actuator for opening and closing the first emergency shut-off valve. A subsystem is also provided for testing the first emergency shut-off valve without fully closing the shut-off valve in response to a signal from the control. In this system, a second solenoid valve bleeds off pressurized fluid to move the emergency shut-off valve from a fully opened to a partially closed position functions as a second emergency shut-off valve. A second emergency shut-off valve is also provided in series with the first emergency shut-off valve and a bypass around the second emergency shut-off valve allows the second emergency shut-off valve to be tested by being fully closed without shutting down the process. The use of the two emergency shut-off valves in series wherein either valve can shut down the process raises the safety integrity level to level 3.
US08074509B2 Wellbore monitor
A system for determining produced drill solids volume including a receiving vessel for receiving drill solids and a pressure vessel coupled to the receiving vessel. The receiving vessel has an isolation valve system to control the flow of drill solids between the receiving vessel and the pressure vessel, and the pressure vessel is adapted to allow a compressed gas to convey drill solids from the pressure vessel to a discharge line. The system also includes a skid having a plurality of weight sensors for weighing the drill solids in the pressure vessel, wherein the pressure vessel is disposed on the plurality of weight sensors and a programmable logic controller operatively couples to at least the plurality of weight sensors for calculating the weight of the drill solids in the pressure vessel.
US08074503B2 Fuel property sensing device
A control unit executes sensing of a fuel property of fuel based on a physical value, which is related to a combustion state of the fuel in an internal combustion engine, when it is determined that a predetermined prerequisite operational condition for the sensing of the fuel property is satisfied upon occurrence of at least one of consumption of a predetermined amount of fuel, traveling of a vehicle through a predetermined travel distance, and execution of a predetermined number of operation cycle(s). The predetermined prerequisite operational condition may be satisfied when an operational state of the internal combustion engine is a deceleration fuel cut-off state or an idle state.
US08074498B2 System and method of assessing thermal energy levels of a gas turbine engine component
An example method of assessing a component of a gas turbine engine includes monitoring debris in at least a portion of an engine and establishing an estimated thermal energy level for a component of the engine based on the monitoring. The method may use gas path parameters to establish the estimated thermal energy level. An example gas turbine engine component assessment system includes a debris monitoring system configured to monitor debris moving through a portion of an engine and a controller programmed to execute an engine deterioration model that assesses a thermal energy level of at least one component of the engine based on information from the debris monitoring system.
US08074497B2 Indentation testing instrument and indentation testing method
An indentation testing instrument including: a loading lever supported pivotally; an indenter provided on the loading lever; a displacement sensor movable section; a loading lever driving section; a reference lever supported pivotally having a same shaft center as the loading lever; a contactor provided on the reference lever as a positional reference of a tip portion of the indenter; a displacement sensor fixing section; a reference lever driving section; a stopper to stop the reference lever; a specimen surface reference measurement member to turn the loading lever from a state that the contactor touches the specimen surface, and to measure a first indentation depth amount; and a machine frame reference measurement member to turn the loading lever from a state that the reference lever touches the stopper and the contactor is spaced apart from the specimen surface, and to measure a second indentation depth amount.
US08074494B2 Plugged flow 2D chromatography
The invention provided is a split-free nano-liter flow liquid chromatography system comprising at least a first and a second chromatographic column connected in series, wherein an autosampler is provided and programmed to inject samples and eluent solutions of increasing eluent concentration for gradually eluting analytes from the first column into the second column (without adversely affecting separation in the second column), said solutions segmented from the mobile phase of the liquid chromatography system by air plugs.
US08074491B2 Monitoring gas leakage rates from hermetically sealed devices
A method for monitoring a gas leakage rate from a hermetically sealed device, such as a hermetically sealed data storage device with an interior helium atmosphere. In some embodiments, a diffusion rate of inert gas from a hermetically sealed first device is monitored until steady state diffusion is reached, and a standard time constant for the first device is identified. Next, the diffusion rate is monitored for a second sealed device for a portion of the time required for the first device to achieve steady state diffusion, and the time required for the second device to reach steady state diffusion using the standard time constant is calculated.
US08074480B2 Rekeyable lock cylinder with fool-proof function
A rekeyable lock cylinder with fool-proof function at least comprises a cylinder body, a plug, a limit member, a sliding block and a drive member. The plug disposed within the cylinder body has a trench, a plurality of first rack component runners communicating with the trench and a first through hole also communicating with the trench. The limit member is disposed within the first through hole and the sliding block is disposed within the trench. The sliding block has a plurality of second rack component runners respectively corresponding to each of the first rack component runners, a keyhole communicating with the second rack component runners and a second through hole communicating with the keyhole. The second through hole corresponds to the first through hole of the plug. The drive member is disposed within the second through hole and one end of the limit member contacts against the drive member.
US08074477B1 Firearm storage device
The present invention relates generally to a firearm storage device adapted to store at least one object, including but not limited to a firearm. A housing of the present invention attaches to a support arm located upon a lower support surface. The housing includes a mounting shell wall and a locking shell wall that pivots away from the mounting shell wall to allow access to the contents of the housing. Inside the housing, a support finger engages the interior of the barrel of a firearm to orient the firearm in a manner that provides a user with access to the grip of the firearm. The housing also locks to prevent unauthorized users from accessing the contents of the housing. The housing also releases from the support arm to allow a user to utilize the housing as a secure device to transport an object.
US08074471B2 Refrigeration cycle apparatus and fluid machine used for the same
A refrigeration cycle apparatus 1 includes a refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant circulates. The refrigerant circuit is formed by connecting in sequence a compressor 2 for compressing the refrigerant, a radiator 3 for allowing the refrigerant compressed by compressor 2 to radiate heat, a fluid pressure motor 4 as a power recovery means, and an evaporator 5 for allowing the refrigerant discharged by the fluid pressure motor 4 to evaporate. The fluid pressure motor 4 performs a process for drawing the refrigerant and a process for discharging the refrigerant. These processes are performed substantially continuously.
US08074463B2 Outside air prevention for a refrigerator evaporator
The present invention relates to a blocking element which prevent outside air from introducing into an evaporator while operating a refrigerator, wherein defrost water is prevented from freezing at a connection between a drain pan and a drain hose, as outside air is introduced into the evaporator.
US08074453B2 Combustion chamber lining
A combustion chamber for a gas turbine has a metallic supporting structure 6 and several circumferentially distributed ceramic bodies 2 attached to the supporting structure 6. The ceramic bodies 2 each have a straight hollow tubular profile and are arranged as individual segments At least one hollow metallic body 1 having air-passage holes 5 for the passage of cooling air is provided in each ceramic body 2.
US08074446B2 Exhaust gas purification system for internal combustion engine
The task for the present invention is to reduce more of an oxide that is stored in a NOx storage reduction catalyst, even in a case where a clogging has occurred in a reducing agent adding valve that is provided in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine. The present invention is provided with rich spike control performing means that, when an oxide that is stored in the NOx storage reduction catalyst is reduced, performs a rich spike control and that, when lowering the air-fuel ratio in the exhaust gas, performs addition of a reducing agent by the reducing agent adding valve multiple times, which is performed when a crank angle of the internal combustion engine is in a specified range. When the clogging has occurred in the reducing agent adding valve, the number of times the air-fuel ratio in the exhaust gas is lowered while the rich spike control is being performed by the rich spike control performing means is increased.
US08074436B2 Cut, oil and flame resistant glove and a method therefor
A flexible cut resistant hydrocarbon flash fire resistant latex glove article is provided, having a flame resistant cut resistant liner and a flame resistant oil resistant polychloroprene polymeric latex coating. The knitted cut resistant fire resistant liner has is made from a composite yarn having a fiberglass core and optionally including a steel fiber. The core has a cushioning core sheath formed by ring-spinning of microdenier staple cut resistant fibers of, for example, para-aramid. and Staple modacrylic fibers can be included with the staple para-aramid fibers. Two wraps of continuous yarns of polyester, para-aramid, or both at a wrap density such that the wraps do not cover the core sheath in its entirety. In the absence of steel fiber, the cut resistant hydrocarbon flash fire resistant glove exhibits good electrical insulation characteristics even with sweat generated from hand preventing short circuit of electrical circuits. The glove is flexible due to the low denier of the composite yarn and is highly breathable especially when only the palm and fingers are coated with polychloroprene polymer.
US08074435B1 Grass cutting device
A grass cutting device operable to sever at least a portion of a blade of grass wherein the grass cutting device utilizes stationary blades and is slidably traversed across a lawn. The grass cutting device further includes a bin having a plurality of walls configured to receive and store grass clippings therein. Operably coupled to the bin proximate the front wall is a clipping guide member. The clipping guide member functions to transfer grass clippings from the blade assembly into the bin. The blade assembly is mounted to the clipping guide member distal to the bin. The blade assembly further includes a plurality of triangular shaped blades with alternately intermediate dividers. The dividers function to partition a section of grass of a lawn into a smaller portion as the section of grass enters the blade assembly in order to facilitate severing of at least a portion of the blades of grass when contacted by the plurality of blades.
US08074421B2 Disposable structure of mesh construction for making foundations, plinths and construction elements in general
A disposable structure for making foundations, plinths and construction elements in general wherein there is provided an iron reinforcement (12, 13) arranged in at least one containment element (14) for receiving concrete (16), wherein the at least one containment element (14) comprises a metal sheet exhibiting a series of main V-shaped ribs (19), interspaced from one another and connected by a mesh construction (20), which realizes a beehive structure, and by further secondary ribs (21), also shaped as a V, in a central zone of the mesh construction, the series of main V-shaped ribs (19) being arranged against the iron reinforcement (12, 13) and having a height (h) between 1.5 and 3.0 cm.Such type of structure can be entirely made at the factory and installed in position at the yard.
US08074418B2 Apparatus for connecting panels
Disclosed herein are connectors for panels. In one embodiment a panel connector comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area. In another embodiment, a panel assembly is disclosed. The panel assembly comprises, a connector comprising a rib-hinging geometry, wherein the rib-hinging geometry comprises living hinges, a socket comprising an internal geometry, wherein the connector can be assembled to the internal geometry, and wherein the rib-hinging geometry is capable of expanding in area.
US08074416B2 Structural members with gripping features and joining arrangements therefor
A joining arrangement is provided for use in the construction of stud frame which includes a releasable attachment/detachment feature. The first member (plate) includes in at least one side wall a formation which, when members are joined, engages a corresponding formation in at least one wall of the second member (stud). The formation, such as a V-shaped protrusion, is/are disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the member and the formation on the second member is disposed generally parallel to its longitudinal axis such that upon engagement of the first and second members, the respective formations in the first and second members engage such that they are in alignment, thereby, securing the first member to the second. Additionally, a plurality of protrusions, which provide a gripping feature, may be formed on the upper surface of web for inhibiting the stud from sliding, slipping, moving and/or migrating within the plate.
US08074414B2 Precast wall panels and method of erecting a high-rise building using the panels
A precast wall system and a method for constructing a high-rise building using the precast wall system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of interconnected precast panels. Each precast panel has a top end plate, a bottom end plate, a plurality of vertical bars disposed between and attached to the end plates and a cementitious material encasing the vertical bars and defining a plurality of sides of the respective panel. A first group of the interconnected precast panels are arranged vertically on a second group of the interconnected precast panels and the top end plate of each panel corresponding the first group is connected to the bottom end plate of a respective one of the panels corresponding to the second group. Methods for horizontally and vertically connecting the precast panels to each other are also disclosed.
US08074411B1 Fabric wall panel and track
A fabric wall panel includes a number of frame members for attachment to a wall to form a frame. Each frame member has a stationary jaw for attachment to the wall and a movable jaw pivotally attached to the stationary jaw by a flexible and stretchable hinge for rotation between an open position and a close position. Each frame member has an opening lock that locks the movable jaw in the open position to facilitate the insertion of fabric between the movable jaw and the stationary jaw. Each frame member also has one or more closing locks that connect the movable jaw to the stationary jaw to thereby hold the movable jaw in the closed position.