Document Document Title
US08134321B2 Motor control system for achieving peak torque
In a motor controller, a modified interpolation technique uses an extrapolated torque command for the upper table to improve torque linearity under certain conditions. When the torque command input is greater than the max torque limit of a first look-up table, but less than the maximum torque limit of a second, adjacent look-up table, the desired current command is computed by interpolating between the maximum torque limit of the first table and a revised torque value for the second look-up table, wherein the revised torque value is determined by extrapolating from the maximum torque limit of the first look-up table through a torque value based on the torque command input.
US08134312B2 Motor control circuit and power window device
A motor control circuit includes a manipulation unit, a control unit that drives a motor in a normal rotation direction or a reverse rotation direction, a catch detecting unit that detects a foreign substance caught in the opening and closing body, a first relay circuit that connects one of terminals of the motor to a power supply when the motor is driven in the normal rotation direction, a second relay circuit that connects the other terminal of the motor to the power supply when the motor is driven in the reverse rotation direction, a switch element that cuts off connection to the power supply when the normal rotation command is fed into the control unit from the manipulation unit, a detection circuit, and a feed circuit.
US08134302B2 Offline LED driving circuits
An offline LED driving circuit includes a controller, a shunt regulator, an opto-coupler, and a dimming circuit. The controller generates a switching signal to switch a transformer for providing an output voltage and an output current. The shunt regulator is coupled to an output terminal of the LED driving circuit for providing a feedback signal to the controller via the opto-coupler. The dimming circuit coupled to the shunt regulator modulates the feedback signal at a first feedback level and a second feedback level in response to a dimming signal. The output voltage is respectively regulated at a first output level and a second output level in response to the first feedback level and the second feedback level of the feedback signal. The duty cycle of the switching signal will be varied in a soft-start manner when the feedback signal changes from the second feedback level to the first feedback level.
US08134298B2 Decorative light string device
The present invention discloses a decorative light string device, which comprises: a power plug receiving AC power, a tail socket coupled to the power plug, and a LED string with one end thereof coupled to the power plug and the other end thereof coupled to the tail socket, wherein each of the power plug and tail socket has a diode and a capacitor coupled to the diode, whereby a DC voltage, which is twice the peak voltage of the AC power, is output to the LED string.
US08134287B1 Low voltage closed drift anode layer ion source
An ion source includes a pair of pole elements, at least one shunt element, and at least one magnetic field producing element that produces a magnetic field. A gap is defined between the pole elements of the pair of pole elements. The at least one magnetic field producing element and the at least one shunt element cooperate to define at least a part of a magnetic field conducting circuit that conducts the magnetic field between the pole elements of the pair of pole elements. The pair of pole elements and the at least one shunt element are formed from a material that consists essentially of ferrous metal having an overall carbon content of less than 0.08 percent.
US08134280B2 Ultrasonic probe
An electronic radial ultrasonic probe comprising an electronic radial array which comprises a plurality of ultrasonic transducers being continuously arrayed circularly around an insertion axis as center and also for which a transmission/reception of an ultrasonic wave is controlled by electronically selecting the plurality of ultrasonic transducer, comprises: a support member equipped on the electronic radial array; a lock member featured with a cavity in which the support member is inserted and with a lock groove for locking a balloon which is mounted in a manner to cover the electronic radial array and in which an ultrasonic medium is filled; and a filler member which is constituted by an adhesive material converting from a fluid state to a solid state, and is filled in the cavity.
US08134273B2 Electrical machine with skew-running magnet pole boundaries
According to the invention, the torque ripple of electrical machines is supposed to be further reduced. For this purpose, it is provided to dispose the magnetic poles, for example, on the surface of a rotor in a plurality of sections (A1, A2) at different angles. The result are helix angles (β1, β2), which have different amounts. Also more than two different helix angles, up to a continuous course of the boundary lines (G4) between the poles, can be implemented.
US08134265B2 Magnetic generator
A magnetic generator, or a so-called inner-rotor generator, provided with a rotor on the inside of a stator. The rotor has a ring-shaped yoke and a magnet integrally mounted in advance to the outer circumferential surface of the yoke. The rotor is mounted to a hub spindle of a rotating body.
US08134263B2 Bearing unit, motor using the bearing unit, and electronic equipment using the motor
Disclosed herein is a bearing unit including a shaft; a radial bearing for supporting the outer circumferential surface of the shaft; a housing for accommodating the radial bearing, the housing having an open end from which the shaft is inserted and a closed end opposite to the open end in the axial direction of the shaft; a lubricating oil filled in the housing to reduce rotational friction of the shaft; a holding member provided at the open end of the housing for holding the lubricating oil; and a sealing member for closing the open end of the housing to prevent the leakage of the lubricating oil; wherein the sealing member having a side wall portion interposed between the holding member and the shaft and opposed to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft.
US08134256B2 Power receiving control device, power receiving device, and electronic apparatus
A power receiving control device provided to a power receiving device in a contactless power transmission system that transmits power from a power transmission device by electromagnetically coupling primary and secondary coils to feed electric power to a load. The power receiving control device includes a power receiving side control circuit. The power receiving side control circuit turns on a switch circuit provided between input and output nodes of a regulator in the power receiving device based on detecting lowering power feeding capability. The power receiving side control circuit turns off the switch circuit when power feeding is temporarily stopped in a period when the regulator is bypassed when voltage of a power supply control signal output terminal switches levels or before the power feeding is temporarily stopped. The power receiving side control circuit turns on the switch circuit after releasing the temporary stop of power feeding.
US08134255B2 Noise cancellation circuit, analog signal processing circuit, and electronic instrument
A cancellation signal generation section generates a cancellation signal which cancels an alternating-current component of a power supply terminal voltage of a digital signal processing circuit section, and a synthesis section synthesizes the generated cancellation signal and a power supply voltage of an analog signal processing circuit section to cancel noise superimposed on the power supply voltage.
US08134251B2 Wind turbine
The wind turbine 20 has sail wings 92 that catch the wind and rotate the turbine wheel 22. The sail wings may be twisted about their longitudinal axis 94 to form pitch and twist in the said wings. A generator is movably positioned in an arc of movement of the turbine wheel and adjusts to the lateral movement of the turbine wheel. Air and liquid cooling is provided to the coils of the rotor and stator of the generator.
US08134234B2 Application of Mn for damage restoration after etchback
Back end of line interconnect structures and methods of making a back end of line interconnect structure are provided. The back end of line interconnect structure contains a first interconnect layer containing a first conductive feature and a first dielectric layer; a first cap layer over the first interconnect layer, and a second interconnect layer over the first cap layer. The second interconnect layer contains a second conductive feature, a second dielectric layer, and two or more barrier layers therebetween. The two or more barrier layers contain a first barrier layer over the second dielectric layer and a MnOx-containing barrier layer over the first barrier layer. Containing the MnOx-containing barrier layer, the back end of line interconnect structure can prevent and/or mitigate diffusion of conductive material of the second conductive feature therethrough.
US08134231B2 Semiconductor chip and semiconductor device
A semiconductor chip, including: a substrate including an front surface; an integrated circuit formed on the front surface and including a plurality of semiconductor elements; and a heat-radiating plug formed in a region of the substrate corresponding to at least one of the semiconductor elements. The heat-radiating plug is made of a material having a thermal conductivity greater than that of the substrate formed in a non-penetrating hole having its opening on a reverse surface of the substrate.
US08134230B2 Sealed joint structure of device and process using the same
A sealed joint structure of device includes a buffer bump layer, conductive joint portions and a sealed joint portion. The buffer bump layer disposed between a device and a substrate includes first parts and a second part surrounding the first parts. Each of the conductive joint portions includes a first electrode covering each of the first parts and a second electrode on the substrate, and each of the first electrodes is electrically connected to the second electrode. The sealed joint portion includes a joint ring located on the substrate and is jointed with the second part to form a hermetic space between the device and the substrate.
US08134226B2 Processing apparatus with memories coupled to respective processors
In a processing apparatus, a plurality of processors which perform different kinds of processing is integrated on a first semiconductor substrate. A plurality of memories to be managed by the plurality of processors integrated on the first semiconductor substrate is integrated on a second semiconductor substrate. The plurality of processors integrated on the first semiconductor substrate includes respective separate memory controllers which control the memories to be managed that are integrated on the second semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrates are manufactured using different semiconductor manufacturing processes, and micro bumps are formed on their respective surfaces. The semiconductor substrates are stacked together in the thickness direction, and are connected to each other through the micro bumps.
US08134214B2 Electronic device, system, and method comprising differential sensor MEMS devices and drilled substrates
Electronic device which comprises a substrate provided with at least one passing opening, a MEMS device with function of differential sensor provided with a first and a second surface and of the type comprising at least one portion sensitive to chemical and/or physical variations of fluids present in correspondence with a first and a second opposed active surface thereof, the first surface of the MEMS device leaving the first active surface exposed and the second surface being provided with a further opening which exposes said second opposed active surface, the electronic device being characterized in that the first surface of the MEMS device faces the substrate and is spaced therefrom by a predetermined distance, the sensitive portion being aligned to the passing opening of the substrate, and in that it also comprises a protective package, which incorporates at least partially the MEMS device and the substrate so as to leave the first and second opposed active surfaces exposed respectively through the passing opening of the substrate and the further opening of the second surface.
US08134212B2 Implanted well breakdown in high voltage devices
An n-type isolation structure is disclosed which includes an n-type BISO layer in combination with a shallow n-well, in an IC. The n-type BISO layer is formed by implanting n-type dopants into a p-type IC substrate in addition to a conventional n-type buried layer (NBL), prior to growth of a p-type epitaxial layer. The n-type dopants in the BISO implanted layer diffuse upward from the p-type substrate to between one-third and two-thirds of the thickness of the p-type epitaxial layer. The shallow n-type well extends from a top surface of the p-type epitaxial layer to the n-type BISO layer, forming a continuous n-type isolation structure from the top surface of the p-type epitaxial layer to the p-type substrate. The width of the n-type BISO layer may be less than the thickness of the epitaxial layer, and may be used alone or with the NBL to isolate components in the IC.
US08134205B2 Layout structure of power MOS transistor
The present invention discloses a layout structure of a transistor unit of a power MOS transistor, wherein the layout structure comprises a drain area, a plurality of body areas, a plurality of source areas and a gate area. The plurality of body areas surround the drain area. The plurality of source areas extend from the perimeters of the plurality of body areas in an anisotropic manner. The gate area is disposed between the drain area and the plurality of source areas. The contacts of the drain area, the plurality of body areas and the plurality of source areas are all disposed on the same side of the layout structure.
US08134204B2 DEMOS transistors with STI and compensated well in drain
A drain extended MOS (DEMOS) transistor with an element of field oxide separating the drain contact from the gate, and a compensation region of opposite polarity in the drain under the gate, is disclosed. The inventive DEMOS may be fabricated in a CMOS IC without adding any process steps. Both n-channel and p-channel versions may be fabricated in CMOS ICs with an n-type buried layer. Furthermore, the inventive transistor may be fabricated in an IC built in an SOI wafer. The width of the compensation region may be varied across multiple instances of the inventive DEMOS transistor to provide a capability for handling multiple signals with different voltage levels in the same IC without adding fabrication steps. The compensation region may be biased by a control voltage to modulate the depletion of the drain extension and provide a capability for handling multiple signal voltage levels in a single transistor.
US08134203B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
In a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device provided with memory cell transistors arranged in a direction and a select transistor to select the memory cell transistors, each of the memory cell transistors of a charge trap type are at least composed of a first insulating layer and a first gate electrode respectively, and the select transistor is at least composed of a second insulating layer and a second gate electrode. The first gate electrode is provided with a first silicide layer of a first width formed on the first insulating layer. The second gate electrode is provided with an impurity-doped silicon layer formed on the second insulating layer and with a second silicide layer of a second width formed on the impurity-doped silicon layer. The second silicide has the same composition as the first silicide. The second width is larger than the first width.
US08134200B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory including a gate insulating film and an inter-gate insulating film
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory of an aspect of the present invention includes a memory cell including, a charge storage layer on a gate insulating film, a multilayer insulator on the charge storage layer, and a control gate electrode on the multilayer insulator, the gate insulating film including a first tunnel film, a first high-dielectric-constant film on the first tunnel film and offering a greater dielectric constant than the first tunnel film, and a second tunnel film on the first high-dielectric-constant film and having the same configuration as that of the first tunnel film, the multilayer insulator including a first insulating film, a second high-dielectric-constant film on the first insulating film and offering a greater dielectric constant than the first insulating film, and a second insulating film on the second high-dielectric-constant film and having the same configuration as that of the first insulating film.
US08134195B2 Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
A semiconductor device, and a method of fabricating the semiconductor device, which is able to prevent a leaning phenomenon from occurring between the adjacent storage nodes. The method includes forming a plurality of multi-layered pillar type storage nodes each of which is buried in a plurality of mold layers, wherein the uppermost layers of the multi-layered pillar type storage nodes are fixed by a support layer, etching a portion of the support layer to form an opening, and supplying an etch solution through the opening to remove the multiple mold layers. A process of depositing and etching the mold layer by performing the process 2 or more times to form the multi-layered pillar type storage node. Thus, the desired capacitance is sufficiently secured and the leaning phenomenon is avoided between adjacent storage nodes.
US08134176B2 Light-emitting diode and light-emitting diode lamp
The present invention provides a light-emitting diode (10) including a substrate (101) made of a first conductive type silicon (Si) single crystal, a pn junction structured light-emitting section (40) composed of a III-group nitride semiconductor on the substrate, a first polarity ohmic electrode (107a) for the first conductive type semiconductor provided on the light-emitting section (40) and a second polarity ohmic electrode (108) for a second conductive type semiconductor on the same side as the light-emitting section (40) with respect to the substrate (101), wherein a second pn junction structure (30) is provided which is made up of a pn junction between the first conductive type semiconductor layer (102) and the second conductive type semiconductor layer (103) which is different from the pn junction structure of the light-emitting section (10).
US08134173B2 Lighting device having light emitting element mounted in glass substrate
A lighting device has a glass substrate and a lead frame embedded in the glass substrate. The glass substrate has a front surface, a side surface and a rear surface, the front surface having a recess portion with a bottom surface. The lead frame has a portion exposed on the side surface of the glass substrate and a portion exposed on the bottom surface of the recess portion. A line width of a region of the portion of the lead frame exposed on the bottom surface of the recess portion is narrower than a line width of a region of the portion of the lead frame exposed on the side surface of the glass substrate. A light emitting element is mounted in the recess portion of the glass substrate and is electrically connected with the portion of the lead frame exposed on the bottom surface of the recess portion. A sealing material covers the light emitting element.
US08134167B2 Light emitting device and manufacturing method of the same
A light emitting device is provided. In the light emitting device, a multi-layer for intercepting a reverse voltage applied to an active layer is formed between the active layer and a GaN layer. Accordingly, the reliability and operational characteristic of the light emitting device can be improved.
US08134159B2 Semiconductor device including a p-type transistor having extension regions in sours and drain regions and method of fabricating the same
A semiconductor device according to one embodiment includes: a semiconductor layer formed on a semiconductor substrate; a gate electrode formed on the semiconductor layer via a gate insulating film; an impurity diffusion suppression layer formed between the semiconductor substrate and the semiconductor layer and including a C-containing Si-based crystal containing a first impurity, the C-containing Si-based crystal being configured to suppress diffusion of a second impurity having a p-type conductivity type, and the C-containing Si-based crystal with the first impurity having a function of suppressing generation of fixed charge in the C-containing Si-based crystal; and p-type source/drain regions formed in the semiconductor substrate, the impurity diffusion suppression layer and the semiconductor layer in sides of the gate electrode, the p-type source/drain region having an extension region in the semiconductor layer and containing the second impurity.
US08134145B2 Organic electronic device
Disclosed is an organic electronic device, in which a semiconductor layer and source/drain electrodes may be formed from materials of the same type, suitable for a room-temperature wet process, and thus have surface properties similar to each other, thereby decreasing contact resistance between the semiconductor layer and the source/drain electrodes. The materials for formation of the semiconductor layer and source/drain electrodes may be organic semiconductor type materials obtained by adding carbon-based nanoparticles to organic semiconductor materials in predetermined or given amounts. As such, the conductivity of a semiconductor or conductor may vary depending on the amount of carbon-based nanoparticles.
US08134127B2 Compact handheld non-laser detector for greenhouse gasses
Techniques are disclosed relating to gas leak detection. The techniques can be deployed, for example, in compact, handheld portable devices usable for detecting leaks in space-confined applications. The devices generally include a non-laser light source and thermal imaging camera that allow for detection of a target gas (or gasses) that absorbs at least some of the light source's wavelengths of operation. The light source can be implemented, for example, with an incoherent infrared (IR) light source, such as a resonance lamp configured with a gas cell containing a volume of a gas that, when excited by electric discharge, emits a wavelength that is absorbed by the target gas.
US08134122B2 Multi-modal particle detector
Systems, methods and computer program products for the multi-modal detection of particles are described herein. An embodiment of the present invention is a particle detector that includes a first chamber wherein analyte particles are subjected to a first particle detection mechanism, and a second chamber coupled to the first chamber, wherein the analyte particles are subjected to a second particle detection mechanism, and wherein the detection characteristics of second particle detection mechanism are orthogonal to detection characteristics of the first particle detection mechanism. According to another embodiment, the present invention is a particle detection method including the steps of detecting presence of at least one predetermined particle type in an analyte particle sample using a first particle detection mechanism, and confirming the presence of the predetermined particle type in the analyte particle sample using a second particle detection mechanism, wherein detection characteristics of the second particle detection mechanism are orthogonal to detection characteristics of the first detection mechanism.
US08134121B2 Chromatographic mass spectrometer
A chromatographic mass spectrometer 100, 150 is provided with a measuring portion 21 for measuring n-alkane of a number of different carbon numbers, and characterized by further having: a mass number storing portion 31 for storing the mass number for each n-alkane; and a mass chromatogram preparing portion 22 for preparing a mass chromatogram for each mass number by focusing on the mass number on the basis of the mass spectrum.
US08134117B2 Vehicular having a camera, a rain sensor and a single-ball interior electrochromic mirror assembly attached at an attachment element
A vehicular interior rearview mirror system includes an attachment element attached at an in-cabin surface of a vehicle windshield and an interior rearview mirror assembly that includes a mount for attaching the mirror assembly to the attachment element, a housing, a single ball and socket pivot joint, and an interior rearview mirror head adjustable by a driver of the vehicle about the single pivot joint to adjust a rearward field of view. The housing houses a forwardly-viewing camera and, with the interior rearview mirror assembly attached at the attachment element, the forwardly-viewing camera views through the vehicle windshield. The attachment element is a mirror mounting button and a rain sensor is disposed at an inner open central portion of the mirror mounting button and views, via the inner open central portion of the mirror mounting button, through the vehicle windshield.
US08134114B2 Direct attach optical receiver module and method of testing
A direct attach optical receiver module and a system and method for testing the direct attach optical receiver module are provided. An optical receiver module may include an optical detector and an integrated circuit with an integrated amplifier circuit and at least one integrated capacitor. In one example, the optical detector may be physically attached to the integrated circuit and the output port of the optical detector may be electrically coupled to the input port of the integrated circuit. In another example, a redistribution layer that includes a tuning inductor may be being physically attached between the optical detector and the integrated circuit.
US08134111B2 Reverse bias processing apparatus and reverse bias processing method for photoelectric conversion devices
When reverse bias processing is performed on a plurality of photoelectric conversion devices connected in series, different potentials are applied to electrodes of three or more photoelectric conversion devices to simultaneously perform reverse bias processing on two or more reverse photoelectric conversion devices. Thereby, time taken to perform reverse bias processing on the photoelectric conversion devices can be reduced.
US08134103B2 Burnout time estimation and early thrust termination determination for a boosting target
A system senses the presence of a boosting missile or target and processes the information by comparison of the data with a plurality of predetermined templates of nominal missile characteristics, in order to determine the state of the missile. The processing includes estimation of burnout time and of early thrust termination. Both are determined by generating current stage state estimates including position, velocity, time index error into the thrust template, and motor scale factor error. The change in motor scale factor is compared with a threshold to determine if early thrust termination has occurred. The estimated burnout time of the current stage is calculated from the burnout times of the current and the previous stage processed with the estimated motor scale factor and with state estimates from a filter.
US08134098B2 Laser machining apparatus using laser beam introduced into jet liquid column
A laser machining apparatus comprises a nozzle for ejecting a jet liquid to a workpiece and a liquid supply unit for supplying the jet liquid to the nozzle, while a laser beam is introduced into a jet liquid column ejected from the nozzle. The laser machining apparatus further comprises a laminar flow forming channel for supplying the jet liquid to the nozzle in a laminar state. The laminar flow forming channel includes a distribution channel formed by a cavity for annually distributing the jet liquid, which is supplied from the liquid supply unit, around an axis of the nozzle, an interconnecting channel disposed to be communicated with the distribution channel at the downstream side thereof in an axial direction of the nozzle and formed by an annular cavity around the axis of the nozzle to provide a narrower flow passage than the distribution channel, and a liquid reservoir chamber adjacently disposed upstream of the nozzle in the axial direction thereof and storing the jet liquid to be supplied to the nozzle. The liquid reservoir chamber has an outer peripheral edge being communicated with the interconnecting channel over an entire circumference of the annular shape thereof.
US08134091B2 Electronic manually controllable adjustment device
An electronic manually controllable adjustment device for adjusting electric power provided to an electric load connectable to the device is described. The device comprises first switching elements, a tilting control button which may interact with the first switching elements, and first hinge elements for defining a first hinge axis allowing rotation of the control button around the first axis between a first operating position and a second operating position. The control button can interact with the first switching elements when reaching the first and second operating position. The device further comprises second switching elements and second hinge elements. The second hinge elements can define a second hinge axis perpendicular to the first hinge axis and allow rotation of the control button around the second hinge axis for actuation of the second switching elements.
US08134086B2 Electrical isolating structure for conductors in a substrate
A substrate has a first dielectric layer; a first conductive layer on the first dielectric layer; a second dielectric layer on the first conductive layer; an elongated signal conductor embedded within the second dielectric layer; a second conductive layer on the second dielectric layer; a first conductive groove and second conductive groove through the second conductive layer, the second dielectric layer, the first conductive layer and into the first dielectric layer and extending continuously along the length of and on opposing sides of the signal conductor, the grooves having conductive side walls providing an electrical connection between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer; first and second conductive end walls joining the first groove and second groove; and at least one insulating area through at least one of the first and second conductive layers to provide conductor access.
US08134082B2 Solid printed circuit board and method of manufacturing the same
A solid printed circuit board is manufactured by bonding upper and lower printed circuit boards having different shapes and provided with wirings formed on surfaces thereof. A bonding layer is made of insulating material containing thermosetting resin and inorganic filler dispersed therein, and has a via-conductor made of conductive paste filling a through-hole perforated in a predetermined position of the bonding layer. This circuit board provides a packaging configuration achieving small size and thickness and three-dimensional mounting suitable for semiconductors of high performance and multiple-pin structure.
US08134081B2 Three-dimensional circuit board and its manufacturing method
A three-dimensional circuit board is formed by comprising a board, a first wiring-electrode group provided on a plurality of steps above the board, and a second wiring-electrode connected to the first wiring-electrode group at least in an altitude direction, in which at least a connecting portion between the first wiring-electrode group and the second wiring-electrode is integrated in a continuously identical shape.
US08134073B2 Method and system for composite bond wires
Bond wires for integrated circuits are implemented using a variety of methods. Using one such method, a composite bond wire is produced for use in an integrated circuit. A conductive material is melted and mixed with a material of particles less than 100 micrometers in size to create a mixture. The mixture is used to create the composite bond wire. A composite wire having an inner core and an outer layer having a higher conductivity than the inner core is also provided. The outer layer is designed to be thicker than the skin depth at the operating frequency for carrying AC signals.
US08134072B2 System having a superconductive cable
A superconductive cable includes a superconductive conductor (2), a dielectric (3) enclosing the latter and a superconductive screen (4) arranged over the dielectric acting as a spacer. The cable is enclosed with the inclusion of an air gap by a cryostat (7) which consists of a metal inner tube (8), a metal outer tube (9) and super insulation (10) arranged between them. An intermediate metal tube (5), which is closed all around over its entire length, is arranged over the screen (4) while leaving a gap (6) from the cryostat (7). A medium which is fluid at room temperature, and to which a constant pressure is applied, is introduced as an impregnating medium for the dielectric (3) into the space between the conductor (2) and the intermediate tube (5), and at least one refrigeration unit for supplying a liquid refrigerant is connected to the gap (6) between the cryostat (7) and the intermediate tube (5).
US08134069B2 Method and apparatus for controllable sodium delivery for thin film photovoltaic materials
A solar cell includes a substrate, a first electrode located over the substrate, where the first electrode comprises a first transition metal layer, at least one p-type semiconductor absorber layer located over the first electrode, an n-type semiconductor layer located over the p-type semiconductor absorber layer, and a second electrode located over the n-type semiconductor layer. The first transition metal layer contains (i) an alkali element or an alkali compound and (ii) a lattice distortion element or a lattice distortion compound. The p-type semiconductor absorber layer includes a copper indium selenide (CIS) based alloy material.
US08134059B2 Credit card guitar pick holder
The present invention relates to an apparatus for storing and dispensing guitar picks. More particularly, the present invention relates to a credit card shaped housing apparatus that holds and dispenses about 1-5 guitar picks. The credit card guitar pick apparatus is able to be stored in a wallet providing a convenient, quickly available, organized supply of guitar picks to a musician.
US08134048B2 Soybean cultivar 6114011
A soybean cultivar designated 6114011 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 6114011, to the plants of soybean 6114011, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 6114011 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 6114011 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 6114011, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 6114011 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 6114011 with another soybean cultivar.
US08134038B2 Oligomerisation of olefinic compounds in the presence of an oligomerisation catalyst, and a catalyst activator including a halogenated organic group
According to the present invention there is provided a process for producing an oligomeric product by the oligomerisation of at least one olefiπic compound, by contacting the at least one olefinic compound with the combination of an oligomerisation catalyst and a catalyst activator. The catalyst activator is a compound which includes at least one halogenated organic group which is bound to one or more binding atoms selected from the group consisting of a group 5A atom and a group 6A atom, which one or more binding atoms are in turn bound to a central atom selected from the group consisting of a group 3A atom, and a group 3B to 7B transition metal atom. The oligomerisation catalyst includes the combination of i) a source of a transition metal; and ii) a ligating compound of the formula (R1)mX1(Y)X2(R2)n The invention also relates to a combination of an aligomerisation catalyst and a catalyst activator as set out above and to the use of such a combination in an oligomerisation process.
US08134036B2 Process for liquid phase alkylation
A method for the liquid-phase alkylation of an aromatic substrate is disclosed. A reaction zone has at least one catalyst bed containing a first catalyst modified by the inclusion of a rare earth metal ion.
US08134032B2 Crystalline modifications of (1R,2R)-3-(3-dimethylamino-1-ethyl-2-methyl-propyl)-phenol
Crystalline modifications of (1R,2R)-3-(3-dimethylamino-1-ethyl-2-methyl-propyl)-phenol, pharmaceutical compositions which contain these modifications, and the use thereof to treat pain or other conditions.
US08134013B2 Amide compound and thrombopoietin receptor activator
The present invention provides compounds useful for prevention, treatment or alleviation of diseases against which activation of the thrombopoietin receptor is effective.A compound represented by the formula (1): wherein A, B, R1, L1, R2, L2, L3, Y, L4, R3 and X are the same as defined in the description, a tautomer, prodrug or pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound or a solvate thereof.
US08134009B2 Process for the oxidation of secondary amines into the corresponding nitroxides
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of secondary nitroxide radicals from their corresponding secondary amines by oxidation with an organic peracid, comprising the steps a) adding to a reaction vessel a secondary amine, optionally together with an organic solvent and in one batch a base selected from the group consisting of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or ammonium bicarbonates and alkaline earth metal or ammonium carbonates or mixtures thereof in the form of a solid together with water or as an aqueous slurry; b) dosing a peracid under stirring to the reaction mixture in an amount of 1.0 to 2.5 mol per mol of secondary amine; and c) isolating the organic phase.
US08134006B2 Dialkylphenyl compounds having β2 adrenergic receptor agonist and muscarinic receptor antagonist activity
This invention relates to compounds of formula I: wherein R1 and R2 are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate or stereoisomer thereof. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions and combinations comprising such compounds, processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds, and methods of using such compound to, for example, treat pulmonary disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.
US08134002B2 Process for preparing oxymorphone
Methods are provided which include converting oripavine to other opiates, including converting oripavine to 14-hydroxymorphinone and/or converting 14-hydroxymorphinone to oxymorphone. Purification and salt formation are optionally included.
US08133999B2 Process for preparation of 6, 7-bis(2-methoxyethoxy) quinazolin-4-one
6,7-Bis(2-methoxyethoxy)quinazolin-4-one of formula (5) useful in synthesis of an anti-cancer drug can be prepared by a reaction of ethyl 2-amino-4,5-bis(2-methoxyethoxy)benzoate of formula (4) with an orthoformic acid in the presence of an ammonium acetate:
US08133998B2 Bicyclic pyrimidine derivatives as calcium channel blockers
Methods and compounds effective in ameliorating conditions characterized by unwanted calcium channel activity, particularly unwanted T-type calcium channel activity are disclosed. Specifically, a series of compounds containing thienopyrimidine or oxoquinazoline derivatives are disclosed of the general formula (1) or formula (2) where X is a linker and Y is an aromatic moiety or N(R5)(R6).
US08133996B2 Process for the preparation of ethyl-N-(2,3-dichloro-6-nitrobenzyl)glycine hydrochloride
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of anagrelide, and for the preparation of intermediates for use in preparing anagrelide. The invention also relates to the intermediates per se, in particular compounds of Formula (V): where R constitutes a suitable leaving group, which may not be hydrogen. The R group may be selected from: (i) —SiR13, (ii) —CH2Ar, (iii) —COOR2, and (iv) sulfonates such as —SO2R3.
US08133993B1 Hydrogenolytic denitration of polynitro compounds: pentanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane
A method for synthesizing pentanitrohexaazaisowurtzintane under neutral reaction conditions. Which synthesis involves treating a solution of hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane in ethyl acetate in the presence of a catalytic quantity of palladium on a carbon substrate, until a heterogeneous mixture is formed. This heterogeneous mixture is hydrogenated under a balloon atmosphere until the starting hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane is substantially reacted. The resulting pentanitrohexaazaisowurzitane mixture is filtered, dried and recovered from the dried residue through a Si-gel column.
US08133991B2 Allergen inactivating agent
An allergen inactivating agent is provided which has no adverse effects on the human body and which does not cause problems such as color development.An allergen inactivating agent containing a polysaccharide derivative as its effective component, wherein said polysaccharide derivative has a cellulose ether or a starch ether as its backbone, and some or all of hydrogen atoms in the hydroxy group of the polysaccharide derivative are substituted by a group represented by the following general formula (1): -E1-(OA)n-E2-R  (1) wherein E1 represents an alkylene containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms optionally substituted with hydroxy group or oxo group; n represents a number of 0 to 50; A independently represents an alkylene containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, the number of A being n; E2 represents ether bond or oxycarbonyl group; R represents an alkyl group containing 4 to 30 carbon atoms optionally substituted with hydroxy group, a sulfoalkyl group containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms optionally substituted with hydroxy group, or a salt thereof.
US08133976B2 Methods of use of the TACI/TACI-L interaction
The invention discloses a novel interaction between a TNF receptor (TACI) and its interacting ligand (TACI-L). Also disclosed are methods of screening candidate molecules to determine potential antagonists and agonists of the TACI/TACI-L interaction. The use of the antagonists and agonists as therapeutics to treat autoimmune diseases, inflammation, and to inhibit graft vs. host rejections is further disclosed.
US08133974B2 Ferroportin1 nucleic acids, proteins, antibodies and methods
Positional cloning has been carried out to identify the gene responsible for the hypochromic anemia of the zebrafish mutant weissherbst. The gene, ferroportin1, encodes a novel multiple-transmembrane domain protein, expressed in the yolk sac. Zebrafish ferroportin1 is required for the transport of iron from maternally-derived yolk stores to the circulation, and functions as an iron exporter when expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Human and mouse homologs of the ferroportin1 gene have been identified. The invention includes isolated polynucleotides, vectors and host cells comprising nucleotide sequences encoding Ferroportin1 proteins and variants thereof, including those having iron transport function. The invention also includes polypeptides encoded by ferroportin1 genes and variants of such polypeptides, and fusion polypeptides comprising a Ferroportin1 or a portion thereof. Methods to produce a Ferroportin1, methods to produce antibodies to a Ferroportin1 and methods to identify agents binding to a Ferroportin1, which can be inhibitors or enhancers of Ferroportin1 iron transport activity, are also described. Inhibitors of Ferroportin1 activity can be used in a therapy for hemochromatosis.
US08133973B2 Immunogenic compositions for Chlamydia trachomatis
The present invention provides variant LcrE sequences and/or combinations of variant LcrE sequences across the Chlamydia trachomatis serovars. Such changes in LcrE genotypes across the Chlamydia trachomatis serovars are likely to correspond with changes in LcrE phenotypes, in particular, with changes in immunogenicity. The present invention also provides peptides surrounding or associated with the amino acid substitutions, in particular, peptides surrounding or associated with high frequency mutated amino acid positions or hypervariable regions, which are likely to be B and/or T cell epitopic regions capable of eliciting Chlamydia specific cell mediated immune responses. The variant LcrE sequences and/or combinations of the variant LcrE sequences and/or epitope regions associated with the variant LcrE sequences are useful as immunogens and/or in the preparation of immunogenic compositions for preventing and/or treating and/or, diagnosing Chlamydia infections.
US08133971B2 Polypeptide specifically bound to phosphatidylserine and the use thereof
The present invention relates to a polypeptide specifically bound to phosphatidylserine and use thereof, and more particularly to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence designated as sequence number 1 and specifically bound to phosphatidylserine, a phosphatidylserine detecting composition containing the polypeptide as an active ingredient, a detecting method of phosphatidylserine by using polypeptide, a apoptotic cell detecting containing the polypeptide as an active ingredient, a drug delivery composition containing the polypeptide as an active ingredient, a composition for treatment and prevention of a tumorous disease, and a composition for visualization of a tumorous region. A polypeptide having an amino acid sequence designated sequence number 1 is specifically bound to phosphatidylserine. Therefore, the polypeptide of the present invention is useful for detecting phosphatidylserine, furthermore detecting apoptotic cells expressing phosphatidylserine on the surface of the cell and tumor cells, and also useful for visualization of apoptotic cells or tumor cells.
US08133962B2 Ink composition for color filter and color filter
A heat-curable ink composition and a color filter produced using the ink composition are provided. The ink composition and the color filter are highly resistant to heat and chemicals due to the use of a polyester resin prepared by polycondensation. In addition, unreacted anhydride groups are removed using a monohydric alcohol in the preparation of the ink composition to make the ink composition and the color filter very stable during storage.
US08133955B2 Aromatic polyester resin composition and process for production thereof
An aromatic polyester resin composition, comprising: a melt-kneaded product of 99-70 weight parts of an aromatic polyester resin and 1-30 wt. parts (providing a total of 100 wt. parts together with the aromatic polyester resin) of a polyglycolic acid resin, wherein the composition is characterized by a transesterification rate CTE (%) of 20-60% determined by formula (1) below based on a peak integration ratio of methylene group in polyglycolic acid appearing at σ4.87 ppm with reference to tetramethylsilane according to 1H-NMR measurement: CTE (%)=(1−I(B)/I(A))×100  (1), wherein I (A): a peak integration ratio of the methylene group of the polyglycolic acid main chain with respect to the alkylene group of the aromatic polyester main chain calculated from the components weight ratio; and I (B): a peak integration ratio of the methylene group of polyglycolic acid main chain to the alkylene group of the aromatic polyester main chain in the resin composition. As a result, the aromatic polyester resin composition obtained by adding a relatively small amount of polyglycolic acid resin is provided with a good harmony of gas-barrier property and transparency.
US08133952B2 Poly (vinyl alcohol)—based formaldehyde-free curable aqueous composition
A formaldehyde-free curable aqueous composition containing polyvinyl alcohol, a multi-functional crosslinking agent, and, optionally, a catalyst. The composition may be used as a binder for non-woven products such as fiberglass insulation. The non-woven products are formed by contacting the formaldehyde-free curable aqueous composition with fibrous components and the mixture is cured to form a rigid thermoset polymer providing excellent strength and water resistance of the cured nonwoven product.
US08133949B2 Separator and separator seal for polymer electrolyte fuel cells
Disclosed is a rubber composition for separator seal, comprising (A) a mixture of two or more alkenyl-containing liquid organopolysiloxanes having different weight average molecular weights, (B) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane, (C) fumed silica having a BET specific surface area of 50-400 m2/g, (D) carbon black having a BET specific surface area of 30 to 120 m2/g, an iodine adsorption value of 30 to 120 mg/g, and a DBP absorption value of 100 to 200 ml/100 g, and (E) an addition reaction catalyst cures into a product which is useful as a separator seal in PEFCs.
US08133947B2 Golf ball material and method of preparing the same
The invention provides a golf ball material made of a resin composition composed of (a-I) an olefin-acrylic acid copolymer having a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of from about 150,000 to about 200,000 and a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) to number-average molecular weight (Mn) ratio of from about 3.0 to about 7.0, or a metal neutralization production thereof; (a-II) an olefin-methacrylic acid-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymer having a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of from about 120,000 to about 200,000 and a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) to number-average molecular weight (Mn) ratio of from about 3.0 to about 7.0, or a metal neutralization production thereof; (b) an organic acid or a metal salt thereof; and (c) a basic inorganic metal compound which is capable of neutralizing acid groups in the composition. The golf ball material of the invention enables a highly neutralized ionomer having good flow properties and moldability to be achieved. Golf balls in which an injection molding of the golf ball material is used as the cover material have an excellent rebound while retaining a good durability.
US08133937B2 Printing ink
This invention relates to an ink-jet ink comprising at least one monofunctional (meth)acrylate monomer; at least one monofunctional N-vinyl amide monomer; at least one radical photoinitiator; and at least one coloring agent. The ink has a viscosity of less than 100 mPas at 25° C., and the molar ratio of the at least one monofunctional (meth)acrylate monomer to the at least one monofunctional N-vinyl amide monomer is from 1.0 to 6.0.
US08133936B2 Printing ink
This invention relates to an ink-jet ink substantially free of water and volatile organic solvents comprising at least one monofunctional (meth)acrylate monomer, including phenoxyethyl acrylate; at least one monofunctional N-vinyl amide monomer, including N-vinyl caprolactam; at least one radical photoinitiator; and at least one coloring agent. The ink has a viscosity of less than 100 mPas at 25° C., and the molar ratio of the at least one monofunctional (meth)acrylate monomer to the at least one monofunctional N-vinyl amide monomer is from 1.0 to 6.0.
US08133932B2 Method for producing metal particles, metal particles produced thereby, and the use thereof
Process for producing metal particle sols having a metal particle content of ≧1 g/l, comprising the steps of a) reacting a metal salt solution with a solution containing hydroxide ions b) reacting the solution obtained from step a) with a reducing agent, wherein at least one of the solutions in step a) comprises a dispersing assistant, metal particles produced by the process and the use thereof.
US08133930B2 Polyurethane foams made from hydroxymethyl-containing polyester polyols
Flexible polyurethane foams are prepared by reacting a polyisocyanate with a high equivalent weight polyol. At least a portion of the high equivalent weight polyol is a polyester containing hydroxymethyl groups. The polyester is prepared in a multi-step process from animal or vegetable fats, by recovering the constitutent fatty acids, hydroformylating carbon-carbon double bonds in the fatty acids and reducing to form hydroxymethyl groups, and then forming a polyester by reaction with an initiator compound.
US08133918B2 Aqueous pharmaceutical compositions of 2,6-diisopropylphenol (propofol) and their uses
The present invention provides aqueous pharmaceutical compositions containing a lipophilic therapeutic agent. In particular, the invention provides aqueous pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound 2,6-diisopropylphenol (propofol). Preferred compositions of the invention contain propofol in the presence of at least one block copolymer (for example, P188 or another poloxamer) and a polyethylene glycol (PEG). Compositions of the invention are preferably sterile or are readily sterilized (e.g., by autoclaving) and are suitable for parenteral administration to any animal, including humans. The compositions are also chemically and physically stable over a wide range of environmental conditions and for extended periods of time.
US08133917B2 Pterostilbene as an agonist for the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha isoform
Resveratrol, a stilbenoid antioxidant found in grapes, wine, peanuts and other berries, has been reported to have hypolipidemic properties. Resveratrol and its three analogs (pterostilbene, piceatannol and resveratrol trimethyl ether) were evaluated for their effects on the activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) isoforms, a receptor shown to mediate the activity of lipid-lowering drugs such as the fibrates. The four stilbenes and ciprofibrate (positive control) were evaluated for the activation of endogenous PPARα in H4IIEC3 cells. Pterostilbene demonstrated the highest induction of PPARα demonstrating increases of 7- and 9-14 fold relative to control. The maximal responses to pterostilbene are similar to those obtained with the hypolipidemic drug, ciprofibrate; that is, pterostilbene acts as a PPARα agonist, like that of the fibrate class, and is a more effective hypolipidemic agent than resveratrol.
US08133906B2 Method of treating amblyopia
The present invention relates to a method of treating or alleviating the symptoms of amblyopia. It is based on the discovery that repeated administration of a specific drug, which is known to be clinically active to treat depression in humans, results in improved vision of the amblyopic eye.
US08133905B2 Biphenyl compounds useful as muscarinic receptor antagonists
The invention provides compounds of formula I: wherein a, b, c, m, n, q, r, W, Z1, Ar1, Z2, Y, R1, R2, and R3 are as defined in the specification. The compounds of formula I are muscarinic receptor antagonists. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat pulmonary disorders.
US08133901B2 3-heteroaryl (amino or amido)-1-(biphenyl or phenylthiazolyl) carbonylpiperidine derivatives as orexin receptor inhibitors
The invention relates to piperidine compounds of formula (I): wherein X—R1 represents —N(H)-pyrimidinyl, wherein said pyrimidinyl is unsubstituted or mono-substituted wherein the substituent is selected from (C1-4)alkyl or halogen, or X—R1 represents —NH—C(O)-heterocyclyl, wherein the heterocyclyl is selected from benzofuranyl and imidazo[2,1-b]-thiazolyl, wherein said heterocyclyl is unsubstituted or independently mono-, di- or tri-substituted wherein the substituents are independently selected from (C1-4)alkyl; A represents a phenyl- or thiazolyl-group, wherein the phenyl or thiazolyl is unsubstituted or mono-substituted with (C1-4)alkyl; B represents a phenyl-group, wherein the phenyl is unsubstituted or mono-, or di- substituted, wherein the substituents are independently selected from the group consisting of (C1-4)alkyl, (C1-4)alkoxy, trifluoromethyl, cyano and halogen; to pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and to the use of such compounds use as medicaments, especially as orexin receptor antagonists.
US08133889B2 Dihydroindolone compounds, a process for their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions containing them
Compounds of formula (I): wherein: m and n represent 1 or 2, A represents a pyrrolyl group, X represents a C(O), S(O) or SO2 group, R1 and R2 represent an alkyl group or, together with the nitrogen atom carrying them, form a heterocyclic group, R3 and R4, together with the atoms carrying them, form a heterocyclic group, R5 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, R6 represents a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom. Medicinal products containing the same which are useful in treating cancer.
US08133886B2 Heterobicyclic carboxamides as inhibitors for kinases
The invention relates to novel compounds of formula (I) and their use in the treatment of the animal or human body, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formula (I) and to the use of a compound of formula (I) for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for use in the treatment of protein kinase dependent diseases, especially of proliferative diseases, such as in particular tumor diseases.
US08133883B2 Compositions containing piperacillin and tazobactam useful for injection
An aminocarboxylic acid chelating agent, preferably EDTA, or a salt thereof has been found to be useful for inhibiting particulate formation in piperacillin/tazobactam parenteral combinations. The composition may also contain a buffer, preferably citrate, and optionally an aminoglycoside. The product may be in the form of a frozen composition that can be thawed for use. The product may also be in the form of a cryodesiccated powder that can be reconstituted by addition of an aqueous vehicle to reform a solution.
US08133866B2 Method for inhibiting new tissue growth in blood vessels in a patient subjected to blood vessel injury
This invention provides for a method for inhibiting new tissue growth in blood vessels in a subject, wherein the subject experienced blood vessel injury, which comprises administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of an inhibitor of receptor for advanced glycation endproduct (RAGE) so as to inhibit new tissue growth in the subject's blood vessels. The invention also provides for method for inhibiting neointimal formation in blood vessels in a subject, wherein the subject experienced blood vessel injury, which comprises administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of an inhibitor of receptor for advanced glycation endproduct (RAGE) so as to inhibit neointimal formation in the subject's blood vessels. The invention also provides a method for preventing exaggerated restenosis in a diabetic subject which comprises administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of an inhibitor of receptor for advanced glycation endproduct (RAGE) so as to prevent exaggerated restenosis in the subject.
US08133858B2 AXMI-008, a delta-endotoxin gene and methods for its use
Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a delta-endotoxin and delta-endotoxin-associated polypeptides are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated delta-endotoxin and delta-endotoxin-associated nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOS:3, 5, and 7, and the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, 2, 4, and 6, as well as variants and fragments thereof.
US08133856B2 Cis-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl esters
The present invention concerns mixtures with cis-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl esters and trans-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl esters, the use of cis-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl esters as fragrance substances and individual cis-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl esters and their uses.
US08133848B2 Glyphosate composition and method of controlling weeds
A herbicidal composition comprising glyphosate in the form of a mixture of the potassium and ammonium salts.
US08133844B2 Heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet
A heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet having a heat insulation layer containing hollow polymer particles, and at least two layers of receptor layers, coated in this order on one surface of a support, the receptor layer nearest from the support containing hollow polymer particles and a latex polymer, and the receptor layer furthest from the support containing no hollow polymer particles but a latex polymer.
US08133833B2 Slurry for production of denitration catalyst, process for producing the slurry, process for producing denitration catalyst using the slurry, and denitration catalyst produced by the process
Disclosed are a slurry for the production of a denitration catalyst, which allows a catalytically active component to be present in the inner region of a ceramic fiber sheet so as to achieve extension of the catalyst life and also allows the production process to be shortened so as to reduce the production cost; a process for producing the slurry; a process for producing a denitration catalyst using the slurry; and a denitration catalyst produced by the process. The slurry of the invention for producing a denitration catalyst comprises a silica sol, titania particles, metavanadic acid particles supported on the titania particles, metatungstic acid particles, and an organic acid ammonium salt.
US08133832B2 Catalyst system for polymerization of olefinic monomers, process for preparing polymers, and polymers prepared by the process
The present invention relates to new catalyst supports comprising nanofibers, a catalyst system comprising these supports as well as a process for preparing nanocomposites and the nanocomposites prepared. The invention especially concerns a supported catalyst system for polymerization of olefins, comprising a support made of fibers or a fleece of fibers, wherein the mean fiber diameter is less than 1000 nm, preferably less than 500 nm and the mean fiber length is more than 200,000 nm, preferably more than 500,000 nm and especially preferred more than 1,000,000 nm as well as a process for polymerizing olefinic systems in the presence of these catalyst systems and the resulting nanocomposites.
US08133831B2 Slip for the preparation of dental ceramics by a hot-melt inkjet printing process
Slip for use in a hot-melt inkjet printing process which contains (A) ceramic particles, (B) wax and (C) at least one radically polymerizable monomer, and use of the slip to prepare dental restorations. Furthermore, a process for the preparation of a green compact is described, in which the slip is molded in layers to the geometrical shape of the green compact and subjected to a radical polymerization in order to obtain a cured green compact.
US08133830B2 Silicon nitride sintered compact and sliding member using the same
A silicon nitride sintered compact contains silicon nitride grains, and a sintering aid component in a range of 2 to 15 mass %. The silicon nitride grains include needle crystal grains each having a long diameter L of 10 μm or less and a ratio (L/S) of the long diameter L to a short diameter S of 5 or more, by 50% or more in area ratio in a crystalline structure of the silicon nitride sintered compact. The silicon nitride sintered compact is used as a sliding member like a bearing ball (2).
US08133825B2 Dispersible wet wipes
A wet wipe comprises a nonwoven material. The nonwoven material comprises a fibrous material and a binder composition. The binder composition includes a cationic ion-sensitive emulsion polymer, which can comprise the emulsion polymerization product of at least one hydrophobic monomer which has been stabilized by a solution-polymerization-derived cationic ion-sensitive polymer stabilizer. In some aspects, a solution-polymerization-derived cationic ion-sensitive polymer binder can be solution blended with the already-formed cationic ion-sensitive emulsion polymer to provide additional benefits. In other aspects, the solution-polymerization-derived cationic ion-sensitive polymer binder is the same as the s-solution-polymerization-derived cationic ion-sensitive polymer stabilizer.
US08133817B2 Shallow trench isolation etch process
Methods for fabricating one or more shallow trench isolation (STI) structures are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method for fabricating one or more shallow trench isolation (STI) structures may include providing a substrate having a patterned mask layer disposed thereon to define one or more STI structures. The substrate may be etched using a plasma formed from a process gas mixture to form one or more STI structures on the substrate, wherein the process gas mixture comprises a fluorine-containing gas and either a fluorocarbon-containing gas or a hydrofluorocarbon-containing gas.
US08133814B1 Etch methods for semiconductor device fabrication
Methods are provided for fabricating a semiconductor device. One embodiment includes forming an insulator layer overlying a semiconductor substrate and depositing a layer of polycrystalline silicon overlying the insulator layer. Conductivity determining impurity ions are implanted into at least an upper portion of the layer of polycrystalline silicon. At least the upper portion of the layer of polycrystalline silicon is etched using a first anisotropic etch chemistry to expose an edge portion of the upper portion. An oxide barrier is formed on the edge portion and a further portion of the layer of polycrystalline silicon is etched using the first anisotropic etch chemistry. Then a final portion of the layer of polycrystalline silicon is etched using a second anisotropic etch chemistry.
US08133783B2 Semiconductor device having different structures formed simultaneously
In various embodiments, semiconductor structures and methods to manufacture these structures are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes forming a portion of the unidirectional transistor and a portion of a bidirectional transistor in or over a semiconductor material simultaneously. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08133776B2 Semiconductor device and fabrication method for the same
A semiconductor device includes a substrate; a nitride based compound semiconductor layer placed on the substrate; an active area which is placed on the nitride based compound semiconductor layer, and is composed of an aluminum gallium nitride layer (AlxGa1-xN) (where 0.1<=x<=1); an isolation region which performs isolation of the active area mutually; a gate electrode, a source electrode, and a drain electrode which have been placed on the active area surrounded by the isolation region; and a trench region formed by etching for a part of the active area under the gate electrode. The semiconductor device is highly reliable, high performance and high power and a fabrication method for the same is also provided.
US08133773B2 Apparatus and method for reducing photo leakage current for TFT LCD
In one aspect of the invention, the method of forming a TFT array panel includes forming a patterned first conductive layer on a substrate, forming a gate insulating layer on the patterned first conductive layer and the substrate, forming a patterned semiconductor layer on the gate insulating layer, forming a patterned second conductive layer, forming a patterned passivation layer on the patterned second conductive layer and the substrate, and forming a patterned transparent conductive layer on the patterned passivation layer.
US08133769B1 Methods for gettering in semiconductor substrate
A method for forming gettering sites and gettering impurities in a substrate layer includes producing a first masking layer over the substrate layer and patterning the masking layer to define openings at locations where trenches will be formed in the substrate layer at a later time. Ions are then implanted into the substrate layer to produce gettering sites. The gettering sites are disposed at a depth in the substrate layer such that the sites are removed when the trenches are formed. The first masking layer is removed and impurities driven to the gettering sites by thermally processing the substrate layer. A second masking layer is then produced over the substrate layer and patterned to define openings at locations where the trenches will be formed. The substrate layer is etched to produce the trenches. The gettering sites and gettered impurities are removed when the trenches are etched into the substrate layer.
US08133765B2 Integrated RF ESD protection for high frequency circuits
The invention relates to a high-frequency integrated circuit requiring ESD protection for a circuit node. One or more metallic layer is deposited within the integrated circuit and patterned to form a transmission line. The metallic layers are generally already present in the integrated circuit for signal routing. The transmission line is coupled between the circuit node and a terminal of an ESD protection device, with a transmission line return conductor coupled to a high-frequency ground. The transmission line is formed with an electrical length that transforms the impedance of the ESD protection device substantially into an open circuit at the circuit node at an operational frequency of the integrated circuit. The other terminal of the ESD protection device is coupled to the high-frequency ground.
US08133763B2 Method for semiconductor leadframes in low volume and rapid turnaround
A method for fabricating a leadframe for a QFN/SON semiconductor device by selecting (301) a strip of a first metal as the leadframe core, then plating (302) a layer of a second metal over both surfaces of the strip, then cutting (304) a pattern from the pre-plated strip and further removing (304) portions of the second metal layer over a surface to expose the underlying core first metal. The exposed core first metal oxidized (305) before using (306) the leadframe for assembling the semiconductor device. The steps of cutting and removing are performed programmable machining techniques such as computer numerical controlled tools (CNC), electrical discharge machining (EDM), laser cutting, and water jet cutting.
US08133762B2 Semiconductor device and method of providing z-interconnect conductive pillars with inner polymer core
A semiconductor device is made by providing a sacrificial substrate and depositing an adhesive layer over the sacrificial substrate. A first conductive layer is formed over the adhesive layer. A polymer pillar is formed over the first conductive layer. A second conductive layer is formed over the polymer pillar to create a conductive pillar with inner polymer core. A semiconductor die or component is mounted over the substrate. An encapsulant is deposited over the semiconductor die or component and around the conductive pillar. A first interconnect structure is formed over a first side of the encapsulant. The first interconnect structure is electrically connected to the conductive pillar. The sacrificial substrate and adhesive layers are removed. A second interconnect structure is formed over a second side of the encapsulant opposite the first interconnect structure. The second interconnect structure is electrically connected to the conductive pillar.
US08133758B2 Method of fabricating phase-change memory device having TiC layer
Provided is a method of fabricating a phase-change memory device. The phase-change memory device includes a memory cell having a switching device and a phase change pattern. The method includes; forming a TiC layer on a contact electrically connecting the switching device using a plasma enhanced cyclic chemical vapor deposition (PE-cyclic CVD) process, patterning the TiC layer to form a lower electrode on the contact, and forming the phase-change pattern on the lower electrode.
US08133755B2 Avalanche photodiode having controlled breakdown voltage
Avalanche photodiodes and methods for forming them are disclosed. The breakdown voltage of an avalanche photodiode is controlled through the inclusion of a diffusion sink that is formed at the same time as the device region of the photodiode. The device region and diffusion sink are formed by diffusing a dopant into a semiconductor to form a p-n junction in the device region. The dopant is diffused through a first diffusion window to form the device region and a second diffusion window to form the diffusion sink. The depth of the p-n junction is based on an attribute of the second diffusion window.
US08133750B2 Method for forming extended gate field effect transistor (EGFET) based sensor and the sensor therefrom
The invention provides a method for forming an extended gate field effect transistor (EGFET) based sensor, including: (a) providing a substrate; (b) forming a sensing film including titanium dioxide, ruthenium doped titanium dioxide or ruthenium oxide on the substrate; and (c) forming a conductive wire extended from the sensing film for external contact.
US08133742B2 Method for measuring immunochromato test piece
After dropping a sample onto an immunochromatographic test strip, a change of absorbance at a first position on the immunochromatographic test strip is sensed by detecting reflected light while illuminating a measurement light on the first position, a change of absorbance at a second position at a downstream side of the first position on the immunochromatographic test strip is sensed by detecting reflected light while illuminating measurement light on the second position, and a coloration degree is corrected based on an elapsed time from the change of absorbance at the first position to the change of absorbance at the second position.
US08133740B1 Colorimetric detection of uranium in water
Disclosed are methods, materials and systems that can be used to determine qualitatively or quantitatively the level of uranium contamination in water samples. Beneficially, disclosed systems are relatively simple and cost-effective. For example, disclosed systems can be utilized by consumers having little or no training in chemical analysis techniques. Methods generally include a concentration step and a complexation step. Uranium concentration can be carried out according to an extraction chromatographic process and complexation can chemically bind uranium with a detectable substance such that the formed substance is visually detectable. Methods can detect uranium contamination down to levels even below the MCL as established by the EPA.
US08133733B2 Nonviral vectors for delivering polynucleotides to target tissues
Methods and compositions for delivering polynucleotides are provided. One embodiment provides a non-viral vector comprising a recombinant polynucleotide-binding protein comprising a protein transduction domain operably linked to a targeting signal.
US08133724B2 Human androgen receptor alternative splice variants as biomarkers and therapeutic targets
The present invention relates to novel androgen receptor splice variants (AR3, AR4, AR4b, AR5 and AR8) and variants and fragments thereof which have a role in the progression of androgen independent prostate cancer. The invention further relates to compositions and methods which can be used to identify and treat prostate cancer based on these novel androgen receptor splice variants, as well as methods for screening agents which modulate the activity and/or expression of the androgen receptor splice variants. Vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same and transgenic animals are also provided.
US08133714B2 Process for the fermentative preparation of organic chemical compounds using coryneform bacteria in which the SugR gene is present in attenuated form
The invention relates to a recombinant coryneform bacterium which secretes an organic chemical compound and in which the sugR gene which codes for a polypeptide having the activity of an SugR regulator has been attenuated. The invention further relates to a processes for using this bacterium for the fermentative preparation of organic chemical compounds.
US08133713B2 Compound WS 727713
The present invention relates to a new compound useful as a modulator of melanocortin receptors. In particular, the present invention relates to a compound WS727713, a process for production of the compound by culturing, in a culture medium, a WS727713-producing strain belonging to Pseudonocardia and recovering the compound from a culture broth, a pharmaceutical composition containing the compound, a use of the compound for manufacture of a medicament or a cosmetic for melanocortin receptor modulation, a use of the compound for manufacture of a medicament or a cosmetic for treating or preventing ishemia/reperfusion injury, brain and renal inflammatory diseases, hepatitis, sepsis/septic shock, hypoxic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), rheumatic arthritis (RA), gouty arthritis, aortic regurgitation (AR), juvenile chronic arthritis, osteoarthritis, nephritis, induction of tolerance, contact hypersensitivity, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), sexual dysfuntion, transplantation, pain, disease progression of HIV, postinflammatory hypopigmentation, tinea versicolor, idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, fever, functional bowel disease, obesity, satiety effect, diabetes mellitus, modulation of dermal exocrine function, canities (canities circumscripta), gray hair, pancreatitis, fibrotic disorders (hypertrophic scars, keloids, localized scleroderma, systematic sclerosis, sclerodermic graft versus host disease of the skin, cirrhosis of the liver, idiopathic and bleomycin induced lung fibrosis, cyclosporin induced nephropathy), uveitis (especially in Behçet's syndrome and sarcoidosis), vasculitis, microbial infections, celiac disease, vulvar vestibulitis syndrome, melonozna invasion, anorexia or the like.
US08133707B2 Methods of preparing activated polymers having alpha nitrogen groups
Methods for preparing substantially non-antigenic polymers having lone electron pair-containing moieties in high purity are disclosed. The polymers are useful as intermediates for synthesis of amine-based polymers and in the formation of activated polymers for conjugation with nucleophiles. Conjugates and methods of preparation and treatment with the conjugates are also disclosed. The resultant polymer-amines are of sufficient purity so that expensive and time consuming purification steps required for pharmaceutical grade polymers are avoided.
US08133706B2 Enhanced production of lipids containing polyenoic fatty acid by very high density cultures of eukaryotic microbes in fermentors
The present invention provides a process for growing eukaryotic microorganisms which are capable of producing lipids, in particular lipids containing polyenoic fatty acids. The present invention also provides a process for producing eukaryotic microbial lipids.
US08133702B2 Engineered fluorescent dye labeled nucleotide analogs for DNA sequencing
Engineered nucleotide compositions, having polymerase interacting components that improve the interactivity of the polymerase and the nucleotide, particularly for nucleic acid sequencing applications. Compositions include the interactive polymerases along with the nucleotide analogs. Kits, methods and systems are provided for analysis of nucleic acid synthesis reactions.
US08133701B2 Detection and quantification of biomolecules using mass spectrometry
The present invention is directed in part to a method for detecting a target nucleic acid using detector oligonucleotides detectable by mass spectrometry. This method uses the 5′ to 3′ nuclease activity of a nucleic acid polymerase to cleave annealed oligonucleotide probes from hybridized duplexes and release labels for detection by mass spectrometry. This process is easily incorporated into a PCR amplification assay. The method also includes embodiments directed to quantitative analysis of target nucleic acids.
US08133700B2 Latent phase viral interleukin-10-(VII-10) and uses thereof
The present invention relates to a purified nucleic acid sequence encoding a homologue of human interleukin 10 (IL-10), wherein said IL-10 homologue is expressed during the latent phase of infection by a virus of the herpesvirideae group. The present invention also relates to uses of this polypeptide, in particular for diagnosing disease states and screening for modulator and inhibitor compounds of such polypeptides and in turn the virus itself, screening for infection in vertebrates and biological tissue, cleansing of infected biological tissues, and in the treatment and/or prophylaxis and/or diagnosis of disease caused by a virus of the herpesvirideae group.
US08133698B2 Sensors for detecting substances indicative of stroke, ischemia, infection or inflammation
A system is disclosed that extracts bodily fluid to a reaction chamber for monitoring a substance or property of the patient fluid. In one embodiment, a pump is used to advance the sample of bodily fluid through a filter to produce a filtrate. Another pump advances filtrate into the reaction chamber, while another pump advances reactant into the reaction chamber. A sensor in communication with the reaction chamber determines a concentration of nitric oxide or one of its metabolic products. Methods are also disclosed.
US08133694B2 Functional vitamin D derivatives and method of determining 25-hydroxy- and 1α, 25-dihydroxy vitamin D
The preparation of vitamin D compounds of formula (I) with a label attached to a spacer group in the 3 position is disclosed. In the above formula (I), O represents the oxygen atom of an ether group; Y represents hydrogen or hydroxy; A represents a label such as biotin, digoxigenin, or another vitamin D group; R represents a substituted hydrocarbon side-group of vitamin D or a vitamin D metabolite. Also disclosed is a method of measuring 25-hydroxy vitamin D metabolite and a 1α,25-dihydroxy vitamin D metabolite in a sample.
US08133689B2 Members of the capsaicin/vanilloid receptor family of proteins and uses thereof
The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated hVR-1, hVR-2, and rVR-2 nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel members of the Capsaicin/Vanilloid receptor family. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing hVR-1, hVR-2, and rVR-2 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which an hVR-1, hVR-2, and rVR-2 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated hVR-1, hVR-2, and rVR-2 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-hVR-1, anti-hVR-2, and anti-rVR-2 antibodies. Diagnostic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.
US08133686B2 IL-8 as a biomarker for sunitinib resistance
A method of determining whether a tumor will be non-responsive to sunitinib therapy including detecting whether IL-8 or MMP12 expression levels in the tumor are elevated as compared to a control, that is, a tumor having elevated IL-8 or MMP12 levels will be non-responsive to sunitinib. Also, a method for inhibiting the proliferation or causing the death of a sunitinib-resistant tumor cell by contacting the cell with an agent that inhibits IL-8 or MMP12 activity and with sunitinib, whereby proliferation of the tumor cell is inhibited or the tumor cell dies. Further, the invention includes compositions and kits that include an IL-8 inhibitor or an MMP12 inhibitor and sunitinib, and related methods of treatment.
US08133682B2 Cancer vaccine
The invention relates generally to the field of cancer diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and prevention. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods of diagnosing, treating and preventing lung cancer. In particular, aspects of the invention are directed to methods of diagnosing, treating and preventing small cell lung cancers. Methods of using a nucleic acid and/or a protein, which are differentially expressed in tumor cells, and antibodies immunospecific for the protein, to treat, diagnose and/or prevent said cancers, are provided for by the present invention.
US08133681B2 Chemo-immunotherapy method
A method of treating or preventing disease, said method comprising administering to a subject, simultaneously, sequentially or separately, an antigen and a chemotherapeutic agent or agents comprising the steps of: administering the chemotherapeutic agent or agents, and administering an antigen up to 6 weeks after the chemotherapeutic agent.
US08133674B2 Method of profiling gene expression in a subject having diabetes
The present invention is directed to detection and measurement of gene transcripts in blood. Specifically provided is a RT-PCR analysis performed on a drop of blood for detecting, diagnosing and monitoring diseases using tissue-specific primers. The present invention also describes methods by which delineation of the sequence and/or quantitation of the expression levels of disease-associated genes allows for an immediate and accurate diagnostic/prognostic test for disease or to assess the effect of a particular treatment regimen.
US08133669B2 Chemically modified nucleoside 5′-triphosphates for thermally initiated amplification of nucleic acid
Provided herein are methods and compositions for nucleic acid replication. These methods involve the use of 3′-substituted nucleoside 5′-triphosphates or 3′-substituted terminated primers in nucleic acid replication reactions. In certain aspects, the methods are accomplished by use of 3′-substituted NTPs and/or 3′-substituted terminated primers which provide utility in nucleic acid replication. In preferred embodiments, the NTPs and/or primers are substituted at the 3′-position with particular heat labile chemical groups such as ethers, esters or carbonate esters.
US08133668B2 Probe, probe set, probe-immobilized carrier, and genetic testing method
A nucleic acid probe for classification of pathogenic bacterial species is capable of collectively detecting bacterial strains of the same species and differentially detecting them from other bacterial species. Any one of the base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 65 to 67 or a combination of at least two of them is used for detecting the gene of an infectious disease pathogenic bacterium.
US08133661B2 Superimpose photomask and method of patterning
Provided is a photomask that includes a substrate having a first region and a second region, a first pattern disposed in the first region of the substrate, and a second pattern disposed in the second region of the substrate. The first and second patterns are a decomposition of a design pattern to be transferred onto a wafer in a lithography process.
US08133660B2 Method of manufacturing a coordinate detector
A method of manufacturing a coordinate detector having a resistive film and a common electrode for applying a voltage to the resistive film is disclosed that includes the steps of (a) applying a photoresist onto the resistive film formed on a substrate formed of an insulator; (b) forming a resist pattern on the resistive film by exposing the applied photoresist to light through a predetermined mask and subsequently developing the applied photoresist; (c) forming a resistive film removal region by removing a portion of the resistive film without the resist pattern; (d) removing the resist pattern after step (c); and (e) forming the common electrode over the resistive film removal region after step (d).
US08133658B2 Non-chemical development of printing plates
A solvent-soluble, radiation-polymerizable, oleophilic resin coating non-ionically adhered on a hydrophilic substrate can be imagewise exposed to polymerizing radiation and then directly processed by the application of disruptive mechanical forces such as compression or tension to remove the unimaged areas as undissolved particles, using pressurized water and brushing pre-press, or the tack of the ink on-press.
US08133649B2 Toner compositions
Toner particles are provided which may, in embodiments, include a high molecular weight branched or cross-linked polyester to decrease image gloss and to increase toner elasticity to prevent surface additives impaction. In embodiments, the toner particles may have a core-shell configuration, with the high molecular weight polyester in the core, the shell, or both.
US08133646B2 Toner
It is to provide a toner which can form an image of high image quality exhibiting high resolution wherein a final visible image exhibits high image density and high thin-line reproducibility even in long-term use. In a toner incorporating at least a colored particle containing a binder resin composed of a polyester resin and a colorant, and external additive particles, the toner has a degree of average circularity of 0.950-0.990, a volume based median diameter of 4.5-8.0 μm, a volume based particle diameter dispersibility (CVVOL value) of 15-25; a metal selected from titanium, germanium, and aluminum is incorporated at a ratio of 10-1500 ppm; the above external additive particles is composed of a composite oxide incorporating a silicon atom and at least either of a titanium atom and an aluminum atom; and the existence ratio of silicon atoms in the surface thereof is higher than the existence ratio of silicon atoms in the entire part thereof.
US08133645B2 Method of manufacturing electrophotographic photoreceptor, electrophotographic photoreceptor, image-forming apparatus, and process cartridge
An aspect of the present invention provides a method of manufacturing an electrophotographic photoreceptor. The method includes forming at least one layer selected from the group consisting of an undercoat layer, a photosensitive layer, and a protective layer, by jetting by an inkjet method a first coating liquid and a second coating liquid from liquid drop discharging heads which are different from each other, and mixing the first coating liquid and the second coating liquid on a conductive substrate. The first coating liquid and the second coating liquid react with each other when they are mixed.
US08133640B2 Apparatus and method for mounting pellicle
An apparatus and a method for mounting a pellicle includes a pellicle compression plate formed to apply a plurality of particular pressures to a plurality of points or areas of a region of the reticle where a pellicle frame of the pellicle contacts a reticle.
US08133633B2 Structure of cathode electrode for fuel cell
A structure of a cathode electrode for a fuel cell includes a catalyst layer formed by mixing a carbon material with a catalyst material and a hydrophilic ion conductive material. The hydrophilic ion conductive material is embedded on the catalyst layer and contacts an electrolyte membrane and a diffusion layer to provide a migration path for water and hydrogen ions.
US08133631B2 Control apparatus for starting fuel cell vehicle
A control device for starting a fuel cell is provided which is capable of preventing an excessive reduction of the terminal voltage of the fuel cell. A primary precharge portion, provided with a high voltage switch and a current limiter, is disposed at the output portion of a power storage unit, and a secondary precharge portion, provided with a DC-DC chopper and a control portion, is disposed at the output side of a fuel cell. The primary precharge portion controls the output current to flow in a path via a resistor having a predetermined resistance. The secondary precharge portion controls an output current of the fuel cell based on a current command value IFCCMD for the fuel cell.
US08133623B2 Fuel cell
A fuel cell including a fuel cell stack having a fuel cell unit provided with, in order to enable appropriate control of a wet state before power generation efficiency of the fuel cell is reduced, a polymer electrolyte membrane having one surface thereof provided with an oxidizer electrode and another surface thereof provided with a fuel electrode. The fuel cell unit includes plural power generation cell units and a pair of wet state detection cell units.
US08133619B2 Nonaqueous electrolyte battery, battery pack and vehicle
A nonaqueous electrolyte battery includes a negative electrode including a current collector and a negative electrode active material having a Li ion insertion potential not lower than 0.4V (vs. Li/Li+). The negative electrode has a porous structure. A pore diameter distribution of the negative electrode as determined by a mercury porosimetry, which includes a first peak having a mode diameter of 0.01 to 0.2 μm, and a second peak having a mode diameter of 0.003 to 0.02 μm. A volume of pores having a diameter of 0.01 to 0.2 μm as determined by the mercury porosimetry is 0.05 to 0.5 mL per gram of the negative electrode excluding the weight of the current collector. A volume of pores having a diameter of 0.003 to 0.02 μm as determined by the mercury porosimetry is 0.0001 to 0.02 mL per gram of the negative electrode excluding the weight of the current collector.
US08133616B2 Lithium manganese phosphate positive material for lithium secondary battery
A process for the production of nano-structured olivine lithium manganese phosphate (LiMnPO4) electrode material comprising of the following steps: sol gel preparation in a chelating environment; preparation of lithium manganese phosphate/carbon composite by ball-milling; and electrode preparation.
US08133612B2 Negative electrodes for rechargeable batteries
This invention relates to a negative electrode of a rechargeable battery. In particular, the active material for the negative electrode is a mixture of two types of graphite, graphite A and graphite B. Graphite A are of graphite granules having an average granule diameter between 10 and 40 μm, and a crystallite interlayer spacing, d002, between 0.335 and 0.342 nm. Graphite B are graphite granules with an average granule diameter between 5 and 30 μm and a crystallite interlayer spacing, d002, between 0.336 and 0.360 nm. The ratio of the weight of the graphite A and graphite B is between 25:75 to 80:20. To fabricate said negative electrode, take said mixture of graphite A and graphite B, add binder, dispersant, and solvent. Then stir to mix, coating the resultant mixture on a foil, heat to dry, and compress to form the negative electrode. A lithium ion rechargeable battery made with said negative electrode has high discharge capacity, long cycle life, excellent high current and safety characteristics. The manufacturing process for this negative electrode is simple and cheap and therefore, it is easy to implement for mass production.
US08133601B2 Magnetic recording medium and magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus
A magnetic recording medium is provided which can record and reproduce high-density information by maintaining perpendicular orientation of a magnetic recording layer even with a decrease in thickness of nonmagnetic layers from an intermediate layer to a seed layer while decreasing the grain size of magnetic crystal grains to be consistent with an increase in recording density. A manufacturing method thereof and a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus are also provided. The magnetic recording medium is a perpendicular magnetic recording medium including at least an underlying layer, an orientation control layer, a magnetic recording layer, and a protective layer formed on a nonmagnetic substrate. Here, the orientation control layer includes two or more layers of a seed layer and an intermediate layer from the substrate side. Materials of the seed layer and the intermediate layer are selected so that a contact angle of the intermediate layer material with respect to the seed layer material, which is amorphous, is in the range of 10 to 100 degrees.
US08133599B2 Undercoating layers providing improved photoactive topcoat functionality
A coated article includes a substrate and a first coating formed over at least a portion of the substrate. The first coating includes a mixture of oxides including oxides of at least two of P, Si, Ti, Al and Zr. A photoactive functional coating is formed over at least a portion of the first coating. In one embodiment, the functional coating includes titania.
US08133582B2 Adhesive composition and articles made therefrom
An adhesive composition comprising from about 2 to about 10 wt. % multifunctional ethylenically unsaturated siloxane polymer, from about 2 to about 10 wt. % monofunctional ethylenically unsaturated siloxane macromer, and from about 85 to about 96 wt. % vinyl monomer is described. The adhesive composition is used to make adhesive articles that, when applied to a substrate, remain removable or repositionable, even after long periods of time. The adhesive composition may be used in transfer adhesive films, and in laminated articles suitable for use in optical applications.
US08133579B2 Ultra-hard composite layers on metal surfaces and method for producing the same
The invention relates to a metal substrate comprising an ultra-hard composite layer consisting of an inorganic, vitreous matrix containing one or more abrasive fillers. According to the invention, the diameter of the filler particles or, if the filler particles have a platelet-type form, the thickness of the filler particles is less than the layer thickness of the composite layer.
US08133578B2 Microstructure and method of manufacturing the same
A microstructure that comprises an insulating base material having through micropores filled with metal at a high filling ratio and that can be used as an anisotropically conductive member is provided. The microstructure comprises an insulating base material having through micropores with a pore size of from 10 to 500 nm at a density of from 1×106 to 1×1010 pores/mm2, a metal being filled into the through micropores at a filling ratio of at least 80%.
US08133577B2 Silicon-nitrogen compound film, and gas-barrier film and thin-film device using the silicon-nitrogen compound film
A silicon-nitrogen compound film according to the first aspect of the present invention is made of a material expressed by a compositional formula Si3NxOyHz, where 10≦(3x+2y)≦12, 3.4≦x≦4.0, 0≦y, 0≦z<2.0, the peak-area ratio of a first area of a first peak appearing near a wave number of 2150 cm−1 in a Fourier-transform infrared absorption spectrum of the material and corresponding to a Si—H stretching vibration to a second area of a second peak appearing near a wave number of 810 cm−1 in the Fourier-transform infrared absorption spectrum and corresponding to a Si—N stretching vibration is smaller than 0.2, and the silicon-nitrogen compound film has a thickness t (in nanometers) and a density d (g/cm3) which satisfy the inequalities, 1.9≦d≦2.5, and −700d+1930≦6t≦−700d+2530.
US08133570B2 Sheet material excelling in cushion and nonslip properties
The present invention provides a sheet material exhibiting an appearance excellent in three dimensional feel in combination with sufficient abrasion strength of the surface, cushioning property and non-slipping property and advantageously used as the surface material of balls for basketball and the like. The sheet material has a base fabric and a coating layer of a polymer covering the surface of the base fabric, where the coating layer has substantially continuous protrusions and hemispherical depressions formed adjoining the protrusions on a surface, the depressions have a color tone different from a color tone of the protrusion and a gloss brighter than a gloss of the protrusion, a vertical projected area of the depression is 3 to 30 mm2, an average distance between the depressions is 0.5 to 3 mm, and a height difference between the protrusion and the depression is 50 to 1,000 μm.
US08133565B2 Recording medium
Provided is an optical recording medium comprising a substrate and a reflective layer, a first dielectric layer, a recording layer, a second dielectric layer and a light-transmission layer formed in this order on the substrate. The recording layer is decomposable by heat at a time of recording to achieve recording of the optical recording medium, and the optical recording medium further comprises a third dielectric layer between the second dielectric layer and the light-transmission layer.
US08133561B2 Multi-layer composite comprising an EVOH layer and a protective layer
A multilayer composite which comprises the following layers: I. an interior layer I selected from among a fluoropolymer molding composition and a polyolefin molding composition; II. a bonding agent layer II which has the following composition: a) from 0 to 80 parts by weight of a polyamine-polyamide graft copolymer, b) from 0 to 85 parts by weight of polyamide, c) from 0 to 85 parts by weight of a polymer selected from among fluoropolymers and polyolefins; with the sum of the parts by weight of a), b) and c) being 100; and, in addition, the sum of the components a) and b) comprising at least 20 parts by weight of monomer units derived from caprolactam and/or the combination hexamethylenediamine/adipic acid, hexamethylenediamine/suberic acid, hexamethylenediamine/sebacic acid, hexamethylenediamine/dodecanedioic acid, hexamethylenediamine/isophthalic acid or hexamethylenediamine/terephthalic acid and d) not more than 50 parts by weight of additives selected from among impact-modifying rubber and customary auxiliaries and additives; III. a layer III comprising an EVOH molding composition, has improved adhesion of the layers.
US08133553B2 Process for forming a ceramic layer
A process for forming a ceramic layer comprising a compound of a metal on a deposition surface of a workpiece comprises providing a reactive gas, selecting the amounts of a vapor of the metal and ions of the metal relative to each other, generating the metal vapor, and projecting an ion beam of the metal ions. The metal vapor, the metal ions, and the reactive gas form the ceramic layer with a desired structure. The process may include the step of controlling a deposition surface temperature. In one embodiment, the metal vapor comprises zirconium vapor and the ion beam comprises zirconium ions. The relative amounts of the zirconium vapor and the zirconium ions are selected to form a zirconia ceramic layer on the deposition surface. The zirconia may have multiple crystal phases that are formed according to a predetermined ratio.
US08133552B2 Primer composition for cured silicon-containing surface and its uses
A primer composition for a cured silicon-containing surface and its uses are provided. The composition comprises a polar organic solvent, an acrylic monomer, and an amino-containing silane having a formula of (R1O)x(R2)ySiR3NHR4, wherein each R1 independently represents H, C1-C12 hydrocarbonyl, or aryl, each R2 independently represents H, O, C1-C12 hydrocarbonyl, or aryl, R3 represents divalent C1-C6 hydrocarbonyl being substituted or unsubstituted with one or more aryl rings and the carbon atom chain of the hydrocarbonyl can be inserted with one or more aryl rings, R4 represents H, C1-C12 hydrocarbonyl, amino-C1-C12 hydrocarbonyl, or phenylamino, and x is 0, 1, 2 or 3, y is 0, 1 or 2, and the sum of x and y is 3. The amount of the acrylic monomer ranges from about 0.01 wt % to about 25 wt %, while the amount of the amino-containing silane ranges from about 1 wt % to about 35 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition.
US08133545B2 Apparatus and method for coating of elongate flimsy members
A coating apparatus and method for flimsy elongate members has at least one elongate funnel tube with an inlet, an outlet, and an intermediate portion, the inlet in a basin, a fluid circulating system suitable connecting the outlet to provide flow into the inlet. Each inlet receives an elongate flimsy component and utilizes the circulating fluid to pull the flimsy elongate member into the funnel tube whereby the coating of the flimsy elongate member is accomplished. The invention also includes the method for coating such a flimsy elongate member utilizing the coating apparatus.
US08133529B2 Method of forming a micromagnetic device
A method of forming a micromagnetic device including providing a substrate and forming a magnetic core layer over the substrate from a magnetic alloy. The magnetic alloy includes iron, cobalt and phosphorous. A content of the cobalt is in a range of 1.8 to 4.5 atomic percent. A content of the phosphorus is in a range of 20.1 to 30 atomic percent. A content of the iron is substantially a remaining proportion of the magnetic alloy.
US08133528B2 Electron gun evaporation apparatus and film formation method using the electron gun evaporation apparatus
An electron gun evaporation apparatus capable of efficiently using an evaporation source includes an electron beam position controller which determines, as an applicable range, a range within which the distribution of the film thickness growth rate is almost constant in each scanning direction of an electron beam to be applied to an evaporation source in a crucible for the irradiation position of the electron beam, on the basis of information pertaining to the electron beam irradiation position and the film thickness growth rate in the electron beam irradiation position.
US08133518B2 Edible plant oils from which saturated fatty acids were removed and manufacturing process thereof
The present invention is concerned with an edible plant oils from which saturated fatty acids were removed and manufacturing process thereof. In order to remove saturated fatty acids from the edible plant oils; 1) Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids bound on same triglyceride molecules of edible plant oils were segregated each other as alkylesters of fatty acids by conventional transesterification reaction in which edible plant oils were treated with large excess of absolute C1˜C8 alkanol under the presence of catalytic amount of alkali- or alkali-earth metal-C1˜C8 alkoxide. 2) The alkyl-esters of mixed fatty acids were treated with C1˜C8 alkanol solution of urea to remove the alkylester of saturated fatty acids by conventional fractional crystallization as urea complexes of saturated fatty acid-alkylesters. 3) Finally the resulting alkylesters of unsaturated fatty acids, obtained by removal of saturated fatty acids by urea complexation procedure, was converted to reconstructed triglyceride oil to give edible plant oils completely devoid of saturated fatty acids. This new manufacturing process could be successfully applied to following 22 kinds of edible plant; 1) corn oil, 2) soybean oil, 3) rapeseed oil, 4) grape seed oil, 5) flaxseed oil, 6) sesame oil, 7) olive oil, 8) perilla oil 9) wall nut oil, 10) pine-nut oil, 11) peanuts oil, 12) sunflower oil, 13) safflower oil, 14) cotton seed oil, 15) palm oil, 16) hot pepper oil, 17) rice bran oil, 18) pumpkin oil, 19) green tea seed oil, 20) almond oil, 21) evening primrose oil and 22) hazelnut oil.
US08133513B2 Solid preparation having improved solubility
A preparation which can improve the dissolution property of a poorly water soluble drug even when the drug is contained in the preparation at a high content is provided.When an addition amount of nicotinic acid amide and/or urea is 0.1 to 10% by weight in a solid preparation containing a poorly water soluble drug, and a water-soluble polymer, even a poorly water soluble drug, particularly a drug having a high content can be dissolved out from the preparation by an almost all amount.
US08133508B2 Fluorescent cosmetic composition
The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition containing, in a physiologically acceptable medium, fluorescent particles comprising molecules of at least one fluorescent organic compound trapped inside a matrix at least partially formed by at least one metal oxide, said composition comprising less than 100 mg/l of said fluorescent organic compound or compounds dissolved in a liquid phase of the medium.
US08133504B2 Tissue-adhesive materials
This invention related to a tissue-adhesive sheet comprising a homogeneous, preformed and cross-linked matrix formed from one or more polymers, and having at least one surface that, in use, is exposed, at least one of said one or more polymers being a synthetic polymer and having appendant functional groups of a first form, cross-linking of said matrix being via a proportion of said functional groups of the first form, and the remainder of said functional groups of the first form being free. The sheet is particularly useful as a tissue adhesive and sealant, and is intended for topical application to internal and external surfaces of the body for therapeutic reasons. The invention further relates to sheets comprising a scaffold material, three-dimensional articles formed from similar material to that of the sheet and to implantable medical devices coated with such material.
US08133499B2 Liquid termiticide compositions of pyrethroids and neonicitinoids
The present invention relates to liquid termiticide compositions comprising a pyrethroid and a neonicotinoid selected from the group consisting of imidacloprid, nithiazine, thiamethoxam, dinotefuran, nitenpyram, thiacloprid and clothianadin, these compositions result in an increase in termite mortality at low application rates and a continuous chemical barrier of a termiticide in soil surrounding and beneath a structure in a locus where termites are suspected or known to exist.
US08133493B2 Regulated attenuation of live vaccines to enhance cross-protective immunogenicity
A live attenuated derivative of a pathogenic bacterium intended for use as a vaccine.
US08133491B1 Compositions and methods for treatment of hyperplastic disorders
A method for treating a subject includes injecting a therapeutic amount of a composition derived from a cobra toxin into a tissue of the subject in an amount sufficient to diminish at least one symptom of a hyperplastic disorder.
US08133488B2 Methods and compositions for targeting polyubiquitin
Anti-K63-linked polyubiquitin monoclonal antibodies, and methods for using the antibodies, are provided.
US08133487B2 Soluble heterodimeric cytokine receptor
The present invention provides methods of treating psoriasis in a subject (i.e., psoriasis associated with a joint disease), by administering to the subject an effective dose of a composition comprising a soluble IL-22R/IL-20RB heterodimeric polypeptide, wherein the heterodimeric polypeptide comprises an IL-22R extracellular domain covalently linked to an IL-20RB extracellular domain.
US08133483B2 Method of treating or preventing a disease or condition mediated by pathogenic IgG antibodies
The invention provides use of an IdeS polypeptide, or a polynucleotide encoding an IdeS polypeptide, in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of a disease or condition mediated by IgG antibodies.
US08133480B2 Cysteine variants of interleukin-11
Disclosed are cysteine variants of interleukin-11 (IL-11) and methods of making and using such proteins in therapeutic applications.
US08133479B2 Hair restorer
The object of the present invention is to provide a hair restorer which exhibits a stimulatory effect on hair restoration against hair loss, hair thinning, split ends, hair graying, etc., with higher stability and safety than those of known hair restorers containing 5-aminolevulinic acids as active components. By using 5-aminolevulinic acid or its salt or its derivative, and a composition containing iron sodium diethylenetriaminepentaacetate or iron ammonium diethylenetriaminepentaacetate as active components, a hair restorer and a method for restoring hair which are excellent in hair growth promotion, and stability and safety, are provided.
US08133475B2 Calcium phosphate complex in acid containing chewing gum
The present invention relates to chewing gum and confectionery compositions for improving the dental health of mammals, particularly humans. In particular, the compositions may include a gum base or carrier, sweetening agents, casein phosphopeptide-calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and food-grade acids. The compositions may be employed to remineralize the tooth surfaces of mammals, as well as impart acid resistance thereto.
US08133473B2 Chlorin and bacteriochlorin-based difunctional aminophenyl DTPA and N2S2 conjugates for MR contrast media and radiopharmaceuticals
A compound comprising a chemical combination of a photodynamic tetra-pyrrolic compound with a plurality of radionuclide element atoms such that the compound may be used to enhance MR imaging and also be used as a photodynamic compound for use in photodynamic therapy to treat hyperproliferative tissue. The preferred compounds have the structural formula: where R1, R2, R2a R3, R3a R4, R5, R5a R6, R7, R7a, and R8 cumulatively contain at least two functional groups that will complex or combine with an MR imaging enhancing element or ion. The compound is intended to include such complexes and combinations and includes the use of such compounds for MR imaging and photodynamic therapy treatment of tumors and other hyperproliferative tissue.
US08133466B2 Method for exfoliating carbonization catalyst from graphene sheet, method for transferring graphene sheet from which carbonization catalyst is exfoliated to device, graphene sheet and device using the graphene sheet
A carbonization catalyst for forming graphene may be exfoliated from a graphene sheet by etching. A binder layer may be formed on the graphene sheet on which a carbonization catalyst is formed, to support and fix all or part of the graphene sheet. Further, the graphene sheet from which the carbonization catalyst is exfoliated may be transferred to a device. When exfoliating the carbonization catalyst from the graphene sheet, an acid may be used together with a wetting agent.
US08133462B2 Method of modifying a lithium-based oxide comprising at least one transition metal, positive electrode comprising this oxide, and lithium secondary battery
The present invention relates to a method of chemically modifying a lithium-based oxide comprising at least one transition metal, which comprises, in succession: a step of bringing said oxide into contact with an aqueous solution comprising phosphate ions; a step of separating said oxide from the aqueous solution; and a step of drying said oxide. Use of the modified lithium transition metal oxide as active positive electrode material for a lithium secondary battery.
US08133455B2 Micro-fabricated stamp array for depositing biologic diagnostic testing samples on bio-bindable surface
The present invention discloses micro-stamp array supported on a substrate comprising a plurality of micro-stamp sticks. Each of the micro-stamp sticks includes a micro-stamp-stick head having a channel opened through a central portion in each of the micro-stamp sticks. Each of the micro-stamp-stick heads is attached to a tapered guide tube surrounded by tapered guide-tube walls wherein the tapered guide tube is in hydraulic communication with the micro-stamp-head channel. The micro-stamp array further includes a filler chip that includes a filler reservoirs disposing on top of the tapered guide tubes, each of the filler reservoirs having a refill channel opened to the tapered guide tube for refilling the tapered guide tube and the channels.
US08133454B2 Biological material fixed region enclosing tip, biological material fixed region treatment apparatus, and treatment method thereof
A biological material fixed region enclosing tip, a biological material fixed region treatment apparatus, and a treatment method thereof. An object is to enable processing to be performed while a fixing region is enclosed in an immovable state with respect to the tip form vessel, and to execute processing of high reliability with a simple apparatus. The biological material fixed region enclosing tip comprises: a tip form vessel having an installation opening part that is installable to a nozzle that performs suction and discharge of gas, and an opening through which inflow and outflow of fluid is possible by means of the suction and discharge of gas; a fixing region provided in the tip form vessel, in which a predetermined biological material is fixed or fixable in a plurality of different positions that are determined beforehand that are distinguishable from the exterior; and an enclosing section that encloses the fixing region within the tip form vessel such that the fixing region is able to make contact in an immovable state with the fluid that has flown into the tip form vessel from the opening.
US08133453B2 Plunger stroke pipette
A plunger stroke pipette for replaceable pipette points with a seat for the detachable mounting of a pipette point, a plunger, a cylinder in which the plunger is movably arranged, a connection channel connecting the cylinder with an opening in the seat, a driving equipment, coupled to the plunger for displacing the plunger in the cylinder, an upper stopper and a lower stopper and at least one counter-stopper of the driving equipment and/or the plunger for limiting the stroke of the plunger, a holder, holding the lower stopper, an overstroke spring between the upper stopper and the holder, an adjustment equipment for adjusting the position of the holder with respect to the cylinder, and an indicating equipment for indicating the position of the holder.
US08133443B2 Pollution control device and inorganic fiber sheet material with a fused edge
Inorganic fiber mounting and insulating sheet materials for use in pollution control devices with at least one edge of the inorganic fiber sheet material having at least one group of two or more fibers fused together. A pollution control device comprising such a sheet material. A process for cutting at least one section from a sheet containing inorganic fiber material, where the sheet material is suitable for use in a pollution control device. The fibrous sheet material is cut so that the cut edge has at least one group of two or more fibers fused together. A laser beam can be used to cut the desired section out of the inorganic fiber sheet material.
US08133434B2 Air treatment device utilizing a sensor for activation and operation
In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention includes at least one reservoir with a delivery mechanism in communication therewith. The delivery mechanism draws an air treatment material from the reservoir and provides the air treatment material in response to a decreased level of active air treatment material or the detection of a malodor. Additionally, the delivery mechanism includes a control system and a detection system. The control system activates the detection system at a timed interval or in response to a change in one or more ambient conditions (e.g., motion, temperature, light, humidity, etc.). Once activated, the detection system samples the environment for either the level of active air treatment material or the quality of the environment.
US08133421B2 Methods of making shaped load-bearing osteoimplant
A load-bearing osteoimplant which comprises a shaped, coherent aggregate of bone particles.
US08133415B2 Ink composition for manufacturing color filter
Provided is an ink composition for manufacturing color filters. The ink composition includes an acrylic binder resin obtained by polymerizing the group of monomers containing a compound represented by Formula 1. The ink composition has good chemical resistance and adhesive properties and is used for manufacturing color filters exhibiting a high contrast ratio: (where Ra is —H, or —CH3, and Rb is an alkyl group having 6-30 carbon atoms).
US08133391B2 Method of ecological restoration of water bodies containing excess nutrient
A method of ecological restoration of water bodies containing excess nutrient includes steps of: (a) taming Daphnia magna to be able to eat blue-green algae as an algae eating plankton with a taming composition fermented from spirulina powder, active yeast, and saccharide, so as to digest blue-green algae in the water bodies, and (b) putting the algae eating plankton in the water body polluted by the blue-green algae, wherein the algae eating plankton eats the blue-green algae, so that an eco-system of the water body containing excess nutrient can be restored. The method according to a preferred embodiment further includes a step of: (c) planting submerged plant in the water, wherein the submerged plant includes submerged forest and submerged turf.
US08133385B2 Grey water treatment system
A grey water treatment system for use in conjunction with a water softener, including a grey water holding tank including a first inlet configured to receive grey water and a second inlet configured to receive spent brine from the water softener. The spent brine is mixed with the grey water in the holding tank to flocculate suspended solids in the grey water for subsequent removal.
US08133381B2 Cased pipe internal cathodic protection apparatus and method
A method and system for protecting underground gas carrier pipes housed within an outer casing pipe in which a gas carrier pipe section disposed within an outer casing pipe section and having opposed ends is electrically isolated from a remaining gas carrier pipe section proximate each of the ends. An annular space between the gas carrier pipe section and the outer casing pipe section is filled with an electrolyte. At least one anode electrode is inserted into the annular space distal from each of the gas carrier pipe section and the outer casing pipe section and connected with a positive voltage lead of a cathodic protection rectifier. A negative voltage lead of the cathodic protection rectifier is connected to the gas carrier pipe section.
US08133376B2 Substrate holder, plating apparatus, and plating method
A plating method and a plating apparatus, which has a plurality of plating units, for plating a substrate. Each of the plating units includes a plating tank for containing a plating solution therein, a water cleaning tank, disposed adjacent to said plating tank for cleaning the substrate with water, a substrate holder for holding the substrate in a vertical orientation, a vertical displacing mechanism for vertically dipping the substrate holder and a substrate held thereby in the plating solution in the plating tank, and a lateral displacing mechanism or a back-and-forth displacing mechanism for moving the substrate holder while holding the substrate in a vertical orientation between the plating tank and the water cleaning tank. The plating unit also includes a loading/unloading station for loading and unloading the substrate, and a transfer device for transferring the substrate between the plating unit and the loading/unloading station.
US08133374B2 Method and apparatus for manufacturing negative electrode for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery
A method for manufacturing a negative electrode for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery is provided. A negative electrode precursor of the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery is allowed to absorb lithium ions, the negative electrode precursor includes a current collector and an active material layer formed on the current collector. The precursor is provided with an exposed portion of the current collector. In this method, a negative electrode active material layer is allowed to absorb lithium ions by electrolysis in the non-aqueous electrolyte solution. At this time, by measuring a potential of a portion immersed in the non-aqueous electrolyte solution, the exposed portion is detected and an electric current of the electrolysis is controlled. Thereby, the deposition of lithium metal on the exposed portion is suppressed.
US08133373B2 Electrochemically driven pump
A continuous electrochemical pump comprising a water generator compartment, an anode compartment on one side of said generator compartment, a cation exchange barrier, separating the generator compartment from the anode compartment, a first electrode in electrical communication with the anode compartment, a cathode compartment adjacent the generator chamber, an anion exchange barrier, separating the generation compartment from the cathode compartment, and a second electrode in electrical communication with the cathode compartment. Use of the pump as a sample concentrator. A feedback loop for the pump. A reservoir, with or without an intermediate piston, on the output side of the pump.
US08133370B2 Gas sensor
A gas sensor for sensing the gas concentration in a measured gas mixture, particularly of a nitrogen compound, having a solid electrolyte which connects a first and a second electrode in an ion-conducting manner, the first electrode having a high activity with respect to oxidation or reduction of the gas component that is to be sensed, and the second electrode having a slight activity in this regard. The influence on the activity with regard to oxidation or reduction of the gas component to be determined, due to free oxygen present in the measured gas mixture, is approximately equally strongly pronounced at both electrodes.
US08133361B2 Thin film coating system and method
A method and system for depositing a thin film on a substrate. In the system a target material is deposited and reacted on a substrate surface to form a substantially non-absorbing thin film. The volume of non-absorbing thin film formed per unit of time may be increased by increasing the area of the surface by a factor of “x” and increasing the rate of deposition of the target material by a factor greater than the inverse of the factor “x” to thereby increase the rate of formation of the volume of non-absorbing thin film per unit of time.
US08133360B2 Prediction and compensation of erosion in a magnetron sputtering target
When a magnetron is scanned about the back of a target in a selected complex path having radial components, the erosion profile has a form depending upon the selection of paths. A radial erosion rate profile for a given magnetron is measured. Periodically during scanning, an erosion profile is calculated from the measured erosion rate profile, the time the magnetron spends at different radii, and the target power. The calculated erosion profile may be used to indicate when erosion has become excessive at any location prompting target replacement or to adjust the height of the magnetron above the target for repeated scans. In another aspect of the invention, the magnetron height is dynamically adjusted during a scan to compensate for erosion. The compensation may be based on the calculated erosion profile or on feedback control of the present value of the target voltage for a constant-power target supply.
US08133355B2 Method for use in the wet end of a paper machine, cardboard machine or an equivalent web forming machine
The invention relates to a method in the wet end of a web forming process. In the method, at least one electrode pair (102, 103) is placed in the wet end. The electrode pair (102, 103) is supplied with a current/voltage from a power source (100), so that an electric field is set up between the electrode pair (102, 103), causing the material particles in the pulp suspension in the wet end to be electrically charged in a desired manner and to move in a desired manner in the pulp suspension in the wet end. The current/voltage of the power source (100) is controlled by means of a measuring and control unit (101) so as to cause the material particles in the pulp suspension to be electrically charged and to move in a desired manner, thus allowing the retention, formation and orientation of the material particles in the pulp suspension to be substantially improved.
US08133351B2 Deinking a cellulosic substrate using magnesium hydroxide
A composition and method for deinking is disclosed. The composition and method contain an activated magnesium hydroxide or a magnesium hydroxide.
US08133345B2 Method and apparatus for lining process tanks
A method and apparatus for lining process tanks. The method comprises lining a tank with a plurality of sheets, wherein the tank has walls and a bottom that intersect at a corner of the tank. The method comprises bonding a bottom sheet of the plurality of sheets to the bottom of the tank. Next, a pair of sheets of the plurality of sheets are bonded to adjacent walls of the tank and above the bottom sheet, each sheet of the pair of sheets having a first edge and a second edge such that the first edges of the pair of sheets are positioned at the intersection of adjacent walls of the tank to position an interface between the pair of sheets. The method also comprises extrusion welding the pair of sheets together by infusing a molten thermoplastic material along the pair of sheets and within the interface of the pair of sheets. Additionally, the method comprises extrusion welding the pair of sheets to the bottom sheet by infusing the molten thermoplastic material along and between the pair of sheets and the bottom sheet wherein the infused thermoplastic material seals the pair of sheets and bottom sheet to isolate the tank from contents that contact the pair of sheets and bottom sheet.
US08133328B2 Rotary apparatus and method for cleaning liquid storage tanks
A rotary apparatus and method is provided for cleaning liquid storage tanks, particularly above ground tanks. The rotary cleaning apparatus includes a Tee housing that is rotated around a vertical axis and a nozzle housing mounted to the Tee housing for rotation around a horizontal axis, resulting in a 360° spherical spray pattern. A set of downspray nozzles is mounted to the Tee housing at an angle to the vertical axis to rotate with the housing and generate a conical spray pattern. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus draws liquid stored in the tank through a filter and pumps the filtered liquid through the rotary cleaning apparatus.
US08133327B2 Substrate processing method, storage medium and substrate processing apparatus
Provided is a substrate processing method that prevents generation of watermarks on a substrate and can be performed at a low cost. The method controls the ambient humidity around the substrate depending on the kind of the chemical liquid, when the substrate is processed with the chemical liquid. The control of the humidity is performed at least in a drying step that dries the substrate W. In one embodiment, the ambient humidity around the substrate is controlled when a fluid containing IPA as a drying fluid is supplied to the substrate W after processing the substrate W with the chemical liquid.
US08133326B2 Endotracheal tube cleaning devices and methods of removing mucus accumulations from endotracheal tubes
An endotracheal tube cleaning device may comprise an elongated member, a cleaning member at a first end of the elongated member, and a collection member. The cleaning member may include a shaving region about a periphery thereof. The elongated member may extend through the collection member, and the elongated member and cleaning member may be slidable relative to the collection member.
US08133322B2 Apparatus for inverted multi-wafer MOCVD fabrication
A semiconductor fabrication reactor according to the invention comprises a rotatable susceptor mounted to the top of a reactor chamber. One or more wafers are mounted to a surface of the susceptor and the rotation of the susceptor causes the wafers to rotate within the chamber. A heater heats the susceptor and a chamber gas inlet allows semiconductor growth gasses into the reactor chamber to deposit semiconductor material on said wafers. A chamber gas outlet is included to allow growth gasses to exit the chamber. In a preferred embodiment, the inlet is at or below the level of said wafers and the outlet is preferably at or above the level of the wafers. A semiconductor fabrication system according to the invention comprises a source of gasses for forming epitaxial layers on wafers and a source of gasses for dopants in said epitaxial layers. A gas line carries the dopant and epitaxial source gasses to a reactor for growing semiconductor devices on wafers, and the source gasses in the gas line are injected into the reactor chamber through a reactor inlet. The reactor comprises an inverted susceptor mounted in a reactor chamber that is capable of rotating. One or more wafers are mounted to a surface of the susceptor, the rotation of the susceptor causing the wafers to rotate within the chamber. A heater heats the susceptor and the source gasses deposit semiconductor material on the wafers.
US08133321B2 Process for producing silicon carbide single crystal
A process for producing a silicon carbide single crystal in which a silicon carbide single crystal layer is homo-epitaxially or hetero-epitaxially grown on a surface of a single crystal substrate, wherein a plurality of substantially parallel undulation ridges that extend in a first direction on the single crystal substrate surface is formed on said single crystal substrate surface; each of the undulation ridges on said single crystal substrate surface has a height that undulates as each of the undulation ridges extends in the first direction; and the undulation ridges are disposed so that planar defects composed of anti-phase boundaries and/or twin bands that propagate together with the epitaxial growth of the silicon carbide single crystal merge with each other.
US08133315B2 Consolidating agent and use thereof for the production of hydrolysis-stable molded members and coatings
Described is a consolidant comprising a hydrolyzate or precondensate of at least one organosilane and at least one metal compound, where the molar ratio of silicon compounds to metal compounds is in the range of from 10 000:1 to 10:1.The consolidant can be used for the hydrolysis-stable consolidation of porous or particulate materials to form moldings. The consolidant can be used for the hydrolysis-stable coating of substrates.
US08133311B2 Pigment dipsersions comprising functionalized non-polymeric dispersants
The present invention relates to pigment dispersions comprising a liquid vehicle, a pigment, and a non-polymeric dispersant comprising at least one functional groups. Various embodiments of the functional group are disclosed. For each of these embodiments, preferably the functional group has a defined calcium index value. Also disclosed are various uses for these dispersions, including inkjet ink compositions.
US08133300B1 Systems and methods for oil/gas separation
In some embodiments, a chamber may be configured to separate oil and gas. For example, the oil and gas may be separated as they exit a compressor, an oil storage tank, etc. In some embodiments, the gas may be a heavy gas and the oil may be compressor oil. One or more heated baffles may interact with the oil and gas to increase the velocity of the gas flow to inhibit the gas from absorbing into the oil. In some embodiments, when the compressor feeding the chamber is operating at a decreased compression rate, the chamber may continue to heat the oil to vaporize impurities out of the oil. The impurities may then be vented out of the chamber through the bleed valve to a gas inlet scrubber.
US08133299B2 Multiple hearth furnace for reducing iron oxide
A multiple moving hearth furnace (10) having a furnace housing (11) with at least two moving hearths (20) positioned laterally within the furnace housing, the hearths moving in opposite directions and each moving hearth (20) capable of being charged with at least one layer of iron oxide and carbon bearing material at one end, and being capable of discharging reduced material at the other end. A heat insulating partition (92) is positioned between adjacent moving hearths of at least portions of the conversion zones (13), and is capable of communicating gases between the atmospheres of the conversion zones of adjacent moving hearths. A drying/preheat zone (12), a conversion zone (13), and optionally a cooling zone (15) are sequentially positioned along each moving hearth (30) in the furnace housing (11).
US08133289B2 Method for the synthesis of 5-alkoxymethyl furfural ethers and their use
Method for the manufacture of 5-alkoxymethylfurfural derivatives by reacting a fructose and/or glucose-containing starting material with an alcohol in the presence of a catalytic or sub-stoechiometric amount of solid (“heterogeneous”) acid catalyst. The catalysts may be employed in a continuous flow fixed bed or catalytic distillation reactor. The ethers can be applied as a fuel or fuel additive.
US08133287B2 Method of controlled cell-level fusing within a battery pack
A method is provided that achieves improved battery pack performance, system reliability and system safety while impacting only a small region of the battery pack/battery module, and thus having only a minor impact on battery pack cost, complexity, weight and size. The battery pack/battery module is designed such that the fusible interconnects associated with a single battery, or a specific fusible interconnect associated with a single battery, will be the last interconnect(s) to fuse during a short circuit event. The risk of sustained arcing for the predetermined interconnect(s) is minimized through the use of rapid clearing interconnects. As a result, the risk of damage and excessive heating is also minimized.
US08133285B2 Personal care compositions for coloring hair
Described are hair colorant compositions comprising an aqueous dispersion comprising an ethylene acrylic acid copolymer, and optionally a metallocene catalyzed polyolefin. an aqueous dispersion comprising a metallocene catalyzed polyolefin and an ethylene acrylic acid copolymer, and methods of reducing hair damage from hair colorants, comprising including an aqueous dispersion comprising a metallocene catalyzed polyolefin and an ethylene acrylic acid copolymer in the hair colorant.
US08133284B2 Hip prosthesis with monoblock ceramic acetabular cup
An improved hip prosthesis includes an acetabular cup bearing component constructed from a relatively hard and high strength ceramic material for articulation with a ball-shaped femoral head component which may be constructed from a compatible ceramic or metal material. In one form, the acetabular cup further includes a ceramic porous bone ingrowth surface adhered thereto for secure ingrowth attachment to natural patient bone.
US08133278B2 Medical devices having electrodeposited conductive polymer coatings
According to one aspect, the present invention provides implantable or insertable medical devices that comprise a substrate and a coating over the substrate that comprises at least one type of conductive polymer and at least one type of additional polymer.
US08133260B1 Chiropractic table apparatus and method of use
A chiropractic table has a base, a table support member connected to the base and extending upward from the base, an axial-lateral-tilt mechanism laterally connected to table support member, a cephalad section connected transversely to and being supported by the table support member above the base, a head section connected to and extending longitudinally from a first cephalad section end of the cephalad section, and a caudal section interconnected with the axial-lateral-tilt mechanism and the table support member and being positioned longitudinally adjacent a second cephalad section end of the cephalad section where the axial-lateral-tilt mechanism has an axial pivot mechanism configured to axially pivot the caudal section through a predefined arc around a longitudinal pivot axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chiropractic table, the longitudinal pivot axis being located a predefined distance above the top surface of the chiropractic table.
US08133258B2 Method and apparatus for attaching connective tissues to bone using a knotless suture anchoring device
An innovative bone anchor and methods for securing soft tissue, such as tendons, to bone are described herein Such devices and methods permit a suture attachment that lies beneath the cortical bone surface and does not require tying of knots in the suture.
US08133233B2 Bone protector, kit and method
A surgical kit includes an orthopaedic implant, an orthopaedic trial and a bone protector. All three components have bone-contacting surfaces sized and shaped to be placed against a resected bone surface. The orthopaedic implant and trial are thicker than the bone protector. The bone protector has a flat bearing surface while the implant and trial have curved articulating surfaces. In use, the bone protector is temporarily mounted on the resected bone surface to cover and protect the resected bone surface while other bones of the joint are resected. A retractor can be placed against the bone protector and used as a lever to move other bones of the joint for greater access during surgery. The bone protector serves as the fulcrum of the lever and protects the resected bone from damage. The kit, bone protector and method should be useful in minimally invasive total joint arthroplasty.
US08133227B2 Sternum closure device
In a sternum closure device for fixing two sternum portions to be connected to one another, comprising an inner contact element for abutment on the inner surface of the sternum, at least one clamping element fixed to this contact element and projecting transversely from it and at least one outer contact element for abutment on the outer side of the sternum which can be clamped against the inner contact element by means of the clamping element guided through the intermediate space between the sternum portions, it is suggested in order to hinder the separation of the sternum as little as possible during any renewed operation that the inner contact element consist of two parts which are separate from one another and each of which is designed to abut on one of the two sternum portions and that connecting means be provided for the releasable connection of the two parts arranged next to one another.
US08133224B2 Medical instrument
A medical tubular shaft instrument for gripping and cutting tissue which provides a safe mode of operation. The instrument includes electrodes by which a mechanical contact between a blade and an associated cutting surface can be electrically determined. This determination allows the operating physician to be provided with sufficient information to determine whether the tissue that is to be severed has been successfully severed.
US08133223B2 Automatically retracting needle-tip electrocautery device
Medical devices that useful during electrocauterization procedures. The present invention encompasses a needle-tipped electrocautery device in which the needle tip is housed within the body of the device when the device is not in use. When an extension mechanism on the electrocautery stylus is activated, the tip is exposed and may be used for surgical procedures. The mechanism may be either mechanically driven or electronically driven. The present invention thereby dramatically reduces the risk of injury or infection by inadvertent pricks from an electrocautery tool.
US08133222B2 Tissue ablation apparatus and method using ultrasonic imaging
A coaxial cable apparatus which transmits radio frequency (RF) energy for the ablation of biological tissues has inner and outer coaxial conductors extending from a proximal portion to a distal portion. An RF antenna is disposed at the distal portion of the cable and transmits RF energy for ablation of a tissue region to be treated. At least one ultrasonic transducer is also disposed at the distal portion of the cable to direct ultrasonic frequency energy to a tissue region. The ultrasonic transducer detects reflected ultrasonic signals from the tissue region and provides a signal output which varies dependent on the density of tissue over the monitored tissue region. The reflected ultrasonic signal can be monitored before, during, and after ablation treatment.
US08133216B2 Methods and devices for treating tissue
The invention provides a system and method for achieving the cosmetically beneficial effects of shrinking collagen tissue in the dermis or other areas of tissue in an effective, non-invasive manner using an array of electrodes. Systems described herein allow for improved treatment of tissue. Additional variations of the system include array of electrodes configured to minimize the energy required to produce the desired effect.
US08133207B2 Passive activated safety blood collection set
A shieldable needle device including a needle cannula, a hub, a pair of wings extending laterally from opposing sides of the hub, a tip guard axially movable along the needle cannula from a proximal position substantially adjacent the hub to a distal position, and a drive member is disclosed. The drive member includes a first end connected to the hub and a second end connected to the tip guard and is extendable between a folded biased position and an extended position for moving the tip guard from the proximal position to the distal position. The pair of wings, when in a dorsal position, retain the drive member in the folded biased position maintaining the tip guard in a proximal position. Upon release of the wings, the drive member unfolds, extending the tip guard from the proximal position toward the distal position.
US08133202B2 Disposable needle and hub assembly
A needle assembly including a cover, an inner shield, a needle and a hub assembly is provided. After use, the cover is placed over the distal (patient) end of the needle and the inner shield can be used to cover the proximal (non-patient) end of the needle. The inner shield comprises flexible extensions above its open end to secure the inner shield over the proximal end of a needle in the needle assembly. A needle hub is also provided that eliminates adhesive bumps at the base of the needle and further distributes needle angular bending along an irregular surface, which facilitates proper insertion technique and effective needle length. The hub further includes stanchions or castellations on its edge such that when the patient uses proper injection techniques, the edges of the hub leave a distinctive impression in the skin of a user for a short period of time.
US08133197B2 Display for pump
This document discusses, among other things, an apparatus comprising a pump configured to deliver insulin, a processor, and a user interface including a bistable display. A display element of the bistable display is placed in one of two stable orientations upon application of a biasing voltage and stays in the stable orientation when the biasing voltage is removed. The processor includes a display module configured to display a non-blank reversion display screen on the bistable display when no input is received at the user interface after a specified time duration, and to recurrently change the reversion display screen until input is received at the user interface.
US08133193B2 Method for treatment of skin diseases and the like
A disposable swab tipped medication applicator containing one or more pharmacologically active agents in an anhydrous crystalline or powdered form at the swab. A method for use of the swab tipped applicator provides for delivery the pharmacological agent(s) to an area of the skin, such as the external auditory canal, preferably after showering or bathing, so that the dry agent is dampened so as to treat conditions of the skin. A package of the prepared applicators is provided in one embodiment, while in another embodiment applicators having two different medicaments are provided in a single package for treatment of a condition.
US08133189B2 System, device and method for assessing tactile sensory deficit
Various device embodiments comprise a substrate with a smooth surface, and a plurality of objects on the smooth surface. Each of the plurality of objects have a predetermined dimension capable of being sensed by a healthy person with a normal tactile sensory ability. Each of the plurality of objects have a different, predetermined dimension corresponding to distinct levels of tactile sensory ability.
US08133181B2 Device, system and method to measure abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter
Systems, methods, and ultrasound transceivers equipped and configured to execute analysis and extract ultrasound information related to an abdominal aortic aneurysm of a subject are described. The methods utilize algorithms to establish improved targeting of the abdominal aortic aneurysm within a region-of-interest. The targeting algorithms may be optimally applied to provide the user with real-time feedback and orientation guidance for positioning the transceiver. Additional methods utilize diameter conversion algorithms to establish the diameter of the abdominal aortic aneurysm based on conversion of the volume measurement and limited segmentation within a targeted region-of-interest of the aorta.
US08133171B2 Wire spring guide for flexible endoscope
A medical device having a flexible shaft is provided, the flexible shaft including an active deflection section. The medical device also includes at least one control wire passing through at least a portion of the flexible shaft such that actuation of the at least one control wire causes deflection of the active deflection section of the flexible shaft. At least one control wire guide is provided which surrounds the at least one control wire along at least a portion of a length thereof. The at least one control wire guide is formed from a superelastic metal alloy and is configured as a helical spring.
US08133170B2 Endoscope
An insertion instrument which is connected to a manipulating head grip is composed of an elongated flexible tube section, an articular section and a rigid tip end section in series from a proximal end which is connected to the manipulating head grip. The articular section can be flexed in an arbitrary direction by way of a flexion control means which is provided on the manipulating head grip. A flexible tube straightening means is provided internally of the flexible tube section to straighten the same into a rectilinear form. The flexible tube straightening means is activated into a straightening action in interlinked relation with a flexing operation of the flexion control means.
US08133164B2 Transportable systems for treating drilling fluid
A system for well fluid treatment, the system being transportable, the system including a base, a support structure on the base, a brace apparatus connected to the base and to the support structure for bracing the support structure during movement of the system, the brace apparatus releasably secured to the support structure and releasably secured to the base, at least one holding tank on the base for holding well fluid to be treated, from an active rig well fluid system and the well fluid to be treated including solids, centrifuge apparatus for centrifuging a mixture of well fluid and solids from the at least one holding tank, producing reusable fluid, a first pump apparatus for pumping well fluid and solids from the at least one holding tank to the centrifuge apparatus, and a centrifuge support on the base for supporting the centrifuge apparatus.
US08133159B2 Free track elliptical exercise apparatus
The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates walking and jogging with arm exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet where the pedal stride length is determined by the movements of an operator. Adjustable tracks are provided to vary the orientation of the pedal path for different intensity exercise. Further, the exercise apparatus is less complex than previous user defined motion elliptical apparatus.
US08133155B2 Multi-ratio rotorcraft drive system and a method of changing gear ratios thereof
A multi-ratio rotorcraft drive system and a method of changing gear ratios thereof are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the multi-ratio rotorcraft drive system comprises a rotor system comprising one or more rotors and one or more engines. Each engine of the one or more engines is coupled to the rotor system through a multi-ratio transmission. The multi-ratio transmission comprises an output shaft coupled to the rotor system, an input shaft coupled to a respective engine of the one or more engines, a high speed clutch integrated into a high speed gear train, and a low speed clutch integrated into a low speed gear train. The high speed clutch and the low speed clutch are freewheeling clutches without a friction plate and are capable of disconnecting the output shaft and the input shaft in an overrunning condition when the output shaft spins faster than the input shaft. The multi-ratio transmission shifts between the high speed gear train and the low speed gear train by engaging or disengaging the high speed clutch and modulating speed of the coupled engine.
US08133153B2 Transmission scheduling for multi-stroke engine
A multi-mode internal combustion engine is described. As one example, the engine may be transitioned between a two stroke mode and a four stroke mode in coordination with a transmission shift by adjusting a number of strokes performed by the engine per combustion cycle while shifting the transmission between different gear ratios.
US08133152B2 Control device for power transmission device for vehicles
A power transmission device for a vehicle having a clutch 3 between an engine 1 and a transmission 4, preventing variation in the engine torque and shift shock when the engine control mode returns from an engine control at the time of shifting back to an accelerator pedal follow-up control for normal traveling. Timer means 62 is provided for a clutch control device 6 that executes the control for disengaging the clutch 3 at the time of shifting and engaging it after the completion of the shifting. The timer means 62 controls a moment for starting the clutch engagement control depending on the engine conditions, etc. The state of increasing the amount of clutch engagement varies and the state of engine rotational speed varies, too. When the engine control at the time of shifting is returned back to the accelerator pedal follow-up control at the time of normal traveling, therefore, the engine can be placed in a condition where the engine torque does not vary despite the control mode is changed over.
US08133151B2 System constraints method of controlling operation of an electro-mechanical transmission with an additional constraint
Operation of an electro-mechanical transmission includes determining motor torque constraints and battery power constraints. An additional constraint on the electro-mechanical transmission is determined. A preferred output torque is determined that is achievable within the motor torque constraints and based upon the additional constraint and the battery power constraints.
US08133146B2 Gear train with split torque
A gear train is provided that includes at least one side gear comprising a helical face gear and a plurality of helical pinions in meshing engagement with the helical face gear. The gear train may further include an absorber configured to provide an axial force on at least one of the plurality of helical pinions. A differential may also be provided including a differential case and a gear train disposed in the differential case. The gear train includes at least one side gear comprising a helical face gear and a plurality of helical pinions in meshing engagement with the helical face gear. The gear train in the differential may further include a means for providing an axial force on at least one of the plurality of helical pinions.
US08133145B2 Transmission
In a transmission including a multiple planetary mechanism into which power from a driving source is inputted through an input shaft, clutches are provided respectively for three components among a plurality of components included in the multiple planetary mechanism and are respectively disposed and capable of switching between connection and disconnection of transmission of power between the input shaft and the three components. Brakes are respectively provided between a transmission case and components among the plurality of components. The brakes are configured to make the components stationary relative to the transmission case. Two transmission mechanisms different from each other in speed reduction ratio are provided between an output shaft, which is parallel with the input shaft, and two components among the plurality of components. The two transmission mechanisms are provided in such a manner as to be capable of selectively switching transmission of the power to the output shaft side. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a transmission whose controllability of transmission is enhanced, and whose efficiency is improved by reducing the friction.
US08133133B2 Forged iron-type golf clubs
Forged cavity back iron-type clubs and oversize clubs are disclosed. These forged clubs have thin, durable hitting face and relatively large cavity volumes. These clubs have high rotational moments of inertia to minimize distance and accuracy penalties associated with off-center hits. Long irons with hitting face of about 0.100 inch thick are achievable by the present invention. Also disclosed are forged irons made from stainless steels and annealed to achieve the desired hardness and ductility. Further, an interchangeable pin suitable for use in the manufacture of any of a set of iron-type clubs without re-tooling is disclosed. The pin is sized and configured to fit within a through-bore such that an adhesive such as a flexible epoxy may be placed within the gaps to provide a vibration dampening effect.
US08133127B1 Sports training device and methods of use
The various embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, sports training devices that are beneficial for training in activities requiring swinging motions (e.g., the game of golf). The device may be used without hindering any portions of a natural swing. The invention also contemplates continuous tactile feedback to the user, and is both foldable and transportable, while also being economical.
US08133119B2 Adaptation for alternate gaming input devices
Mechanisms for adjusting signals between gaming controllers and gaming consoles are disclosed. In an embodiment, the output signals of a mouse control a gaming console which is normally controlled by an analog thumbstick. The output signals of mouse are adjusted to compensate for the analog thumbstick controller assist techniques employed by the gaming console. The adjusted signals are sent to the gaming console. The result is that the user is able to control the game using the mouse and have the same feel as if the user was using the analog thumbstick controller.
US08133118B2 Combined musical instrument and gaming device
One or more gaming machines are associated with a musical instrument. The musical instrument has a housing and one or more elements for generating sound. The musical instrument may comprise a piano having keys located at one end and housing a plurality of strings. Each gaming machine is configured to display gaming information via a display. In one embodiment, each gaming machine has a housing which is housed at least partially within the housing of the musical instrument. The gaming machines may comprise terminals or stations associated with a roulette wheel for presenting a roulette game.
US08133115B2 System and method for recording and displaying a graphical path in a video game
A system and method for recording and displaying a graphical path in a video game is provided. Upon initiation of a time-trial run, the player views a color-coded previous game path that dynamically changes color based upon a current elapsed time associated with the time-trial run, elapsed times associated with the previous game path, and character states associated with the previous game path. The previous game path may include, but is not limited to, a “best time” path, a “worst time” path, and an “average time” path. In one embodiment of the invention, the player may gauge game progress as measured against the “best time” path as displayed via a series of path markers, and subsequently varies player character input controls to optimize performance against a player character associated with the “best time” path.
US08133113B2 Class II/Class III hybrid gaming machine, system and methods
The present invention provides a gaming machine that can play both Class II and Class III games. Some implementations provide a gaming machine that has certain features (e.g., a true random number generator or “RNG”) enabled for Class III play and disabled for Class II play. Some aspects of the invention provide methods for determining when a Class III game is available. Other aspects of the invention allow a player to “line up” for a desired Class III game while playing another game, such as a Class II game or another Class III game, on the same gaming machine until the desired Class III game is available. Some such implementations grant higher priority to certain players according to their gaming history, e.g., as indicated by player tracking/player loyalty data. Alternative aspects of the invention allocate available Class III games in other ways, e.g., by playing a Class II game for a chance to play a Class III game, by lottery, or otherwise. Player tracking information may be shared and/or combined for Class II and Class III game play and may be used to determine gaming history.
US08133100B2 Combine harvester processing system having adjustable concaves on a suspension system
A combine harvester where opposing concaves on either side of a rotor of a processing system substantially simultaneously travel symmetrical paths. The concaves of the processing system may be supported on a suspension system such that the concaves are pivotally supported from a common axial location at one end and translationally adjusted at another end to move the concaves generally radially toward or away from the rotor.
US08133097B2 Polishing apparatus
A chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) device for processing a wafer is provided which includes a plate for supporting the wafer to be processed in a face-up orientation, a polishing head opposing the plate, wherein the polishing head includes a rotatable polishing pad operable to contact the wafer while the polishing pad is rotating, and a slurry coating system providing a slurry to the polishing pad for polishing the wafer.
US08133093B2 Grinding apparatus having an extendable wheel mount
A grinding machine wherein coarse and fine grind wheels are mounted to a single rotating spindle. A multiple grind wheel mount is attached to the lower portion of the rotating spindle, the coarse and fine wheels being supported by the wheel mount, the wheel mount containing the mechanism for moving the inner coarse wheel down relative to the stationary outer fine wheel.
US08133092B2 System and method for improved hand tool operation
Systems and methods for improved operation of hand tools are disclosed. Sensors may be configured to monitor one or more operational parameters of a hand tool and collected data may be communicated to the hand tool operator. The data may be compared to predetermined limits for an operational parameter to enable real-time operational diagnostics and quantitative control. Data can be collected across a manufacturing facility and analyzed to help account for variations in technique and skill among operators. An understanding of relationships between monitored operational parameters can lead to improved consistency among finished products and reduction in manufacturing costs. Data may also be stored for future recall and analysis.
US08133089B2 Modular toy aircraft with capacitor power sources
Toy aircraft, modular toy aircraft, capacitor-based modular power systems, and toy aircraft kits are disclosed. Toy aircraft may include a self-contained power system and an airframe. The self-contained power system may include at least one propulsion unit operable to propel the toy aircraft and a power unit. The power unit may include a capacitor that is electrically connected to the at least one propulsion unit. The capacitor may be configured to provide power to the at least one propulsion unit to propel the toy aircraft. The airframe may include a wing, a first mount configured to removably retain the at least one propulsion unit, and a second mount configured to removably retain the power unit.
US08133069B2 Electrical connector
An electrical connector for transmitting data signals between the insulated conductors of a first data cable and corresponding insulated conductors of a second data cable, including a socket shaped to at least partially receive a plug of said first data cable; a plurality of insulation displacement contact slots shaped to receive end sections of the conductors of the second data cable; a plurality of electrically conductive contacts including resiliently compressible spring finger contacts extending into the socket for electrical connection with corresponding conductors of the first cable; insulation displacement contacts seated in corresponding insulation displacement contact slots for effecting electrical connection with corresponding conductors of the second data cable; and mid sections extending therebetween; and a plurality of capacitive plates coupled to respective ones of said mid sections of the contacts by electrically conductive stems, wherein the capacitive plates are arranged side by side and extend in a substantially common direction.
US08133065B2 Lever-type connector
A lever-type connector has a device-side housing (11) and a wire-side housing (41) to be connected with the device-side housing (11). Cam pins (15) project from the wire-side housing (11). Levers (60) are supported rotatably on the wire-side housing (41) and include cam grooves (62) engageable with the cam pins (15). A holder (70) is held on the wire-side housing (41) slidably in a connecting direction and an opposite direction thereof and includes coupling grooves (74) engageable with coupling pins (63) on the lever (60). The holder (70) can be moved in the connecting direction to move the lever ((60) and pull the housings (11, 41) together. The holder (70) has resilient pieces (75) with engaging surfaces (75B) and the levers (60) have engaging claws (66) for engaging the engaging surfaces (75B) to prevent rotation of the levers (60).
US08133043B2 Suction duct and scroll compressor incorporating same
A scroll compressor and assembly includes a suction duct to direct refrigerant from the housing inlet to a location upstream of a motor. Additionally, the suction duct includes drain ports that act to drain oil received in the suction duct into the oil sump. This can be used for filling and charging the oil sump with oil initially by using the common refrigerant inlet port through the housing and also acts to collect coalesced oil from oil mist generated by operation of the scroll compressor in a refrigeration system and likewise drain the lubricant oil into the lubricant sump.
US08133039B2 Mount for a compression control unit
A compression control unit for a compression device includes a mount on the back of a housing for mounting the compression control unit on a bed unit. The mount includes a securing portion spaced from a back of the housing and lying in a plane generally opposing the back of the housing. The securing portion partially defines a channel for receiving a part of the bed unit to secure the compression control unit to the bed unit. Spaced apart wing portions extend generally upward and laterally outward relative to the securing portion. The wing portions are configured so that fluid tubing secured to an outlet of the compression control unit can be wrapped around the wing portions when the compression control unit is mounted on the bed unit.
US08133034B2 Controller for a motor and a method of controlling the motor
A method of controlling a motor operating a pumping apparatus of a fluid-pumping application. The pumping apparatus includes a pump having an inlet to receive a fluid and an outlet to exhaust the fluid, and the motor coupled to the pump to operate the pump. The method includes the acts of controlling the motor to operate the pump and monitoring the operation of the pump. The monitoring act includes monitoring a power of the motor, and determining whether the monitored power indicates an undesired flow of fluid through the pump. The method further includes the act of controlling the motor to cease operation of the pump when the determination indicates an undesired flow of fluid through the pump and zero or more other conditions exist.
US08133026B2 Fixed horizontal axis-mounted wind turbine blade with an independently rotating pressure cambered fin
A fixed horizontal axis-mounted wind turbine blade impelled by an independently rotating, pressure cambered fin includes a wind turbine blade comprised of a solid, rigid leading edge and trailing edges. The blade is triangular in shape, the base of the triangular blade is attached to a center, longitudinally fixed, horizontal, primary rotating axis and the point opposite the base is most distant from the horizontal rotating axis. The wind turbine blade base and length are aligned mutually perpendicular to the primary horizontal axis of rotation. A triangular fin is attached to the trailing edge of the blade end most distant from the base. The base of the attached fin is coincident to a secondary axis of rotation. The secondary axis of rotation allows the fin to rotate past either side of the plane of primary blade revolution in response to wind pressure.
US08133022B2 Axial fan and frame thereof
An axial fan includes a motor section, an impeller, a housing, and a plurality of supporting ribs. The motor section and the impeller are disposed on the inside of the housing. In a connecting region between an inner end portion of the supporting rib and the base section, a first corner portion and a second corner portion are formed on the side of a rotational direction of the impeller and on the side opposite to the rotational direction, respectively. A curvature radius of the first corner portion is larger than a curvature radius of the second corner portion.
US08133019B2 Discrete load fins for individual stator vanes
An exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to a turbine engine having a circumferential casing with a circumferentially extending slot formed in an inner wall. A radially inwardly facing fin-ring is disposed in the slot and has a radially inwardly projecting fin extending axially there across. A radially inwardly extending stator blade has a base and an airfoil. The base is disposed in the casing slot, radially inwardly of the fin-ring. A complementary base slot is disposed in the stator blade base and is configured to receive the fin therein for the transfer of a circumferential force, applied to the stator blade, to the fin-ring.
US08133012B2 Transonic airfoil and axial flow rotary machine
Sectional profiles close to a tip 124 and a part between a midportion 125 and a hub 123 are shifted to the upstream of an operating fluid flow in a sweep direction. Accordingly, an S shape is formed in which the tip 124 and the part between the midportion 125 and the hub 123 protrude. As a result, it is possible reduce various losses due to shook, waves, thereby forming a transonic airfoil having an excellent aerodynamic characteristic.
US08133003B2 Magnetic adjustment of turbomachinery components
Disclosed is a seal for a turbomachine including at least one fixed component located proximate to a rotating component of the turbomachine defining a clearance therebetween. At least one magnet is located at the at least one fixed component. The at least one magnet is, when activated, capable of moving the at least one fixed component thereby adjusting the clearance between the fixed component and the rotating component. Further disclosed is a turbomachine utilizing the seal and a method for adjusting a position of at least one fixed component of a turbomachine.
US08132998B2 Trailer ramp system
A ramp member is pivotally supported at the rear of a flat bed trailer for pivotal movement between a loading position extending from the flat bed to the ground and a storage position supported on the trailer bed, through an intermediate position between the loading position and the storage position. First and second torsion members are arranged such that at least one of the torsion members biases the ramp member from each of the loading and storage positions towards the intermediate position. The torsion members permit substantially a full weight of the ramp member to be counter-balanced through its full range of motion so that a single ramp member spanning a full width of a rear end of the trailer in the lateral direction can be manually displaced by a single operator.
US08132997B2 Lift apparatus mountable on a vehicle
An apparatus mountable on a vehicle and having a mounting section and a lift section. The lift section is moveably coupled to the mounting section. A drive chain having a plurality of articulating links and defining opposite first and second ends is operably coupled with a drive gear. At least one of the drive gear and the first and second ends of the drive chain is coupled to the mounting section and at least another one of these items is coupled to the lift section. The rotation of the drive gear movingly drives the chain and thereby moves the lift section relative to the mounting section. In some embodiments, the ends of the drive chain are coupled to one of the mounting section and the lift section and the drive gear is mounted on the other one of the mounting section and the lift section.
US08132993B2 Screw connection for a fixed connection of two assemblies
Screw connection for a fixed connection of two assemblies which are mounted to each other in a variable position, using a connecting member penetrated by a screw. The connecting member is mounted between the assemblies by means of a self-cutting screw penetrating the connecting member and one of the assemblies, which screw is grooving its thread into both parts in such a way that, starting from a stable end position of the one assembly and the connecting member, the screw is adapted to be screwed into the connecting member as well as into the one assembly by means of thread grooves such that, by means of the self-cutting thread of the screw, the connecting member and the one assembly are held in a fixed position with respect to each other, and the other assembly is fastened directly to the connecting member.
US08132990B2 Bit holding apparatus for use with a power tool
An apparatus includes a rotatable device, which may be a keyless chuck, a keyless chuck adapter, a collet chuck, a collet adapter, a set screw bit retaining chuck, or a set screw bit retaining adapter. The rotatable device is configured to be mounted to a power tool for rotational driving of the rotatable device. The rotatable device is configured to receive a first bit device detachably mounted in the rotatable device for powering rotational movement of the first bit device. A mounting section having at least one flat secant side is defined on the rotatable device, which is capable of being rotatably driven by the power tool. The mounting section includes at least one locking mechanism on it. The generally cylindrical mounting section is adapted for insertion in and engagement with a bit holding attachment.
US08132981B2 Artificial flagstone for providing a surface with a natural random look
An artificial flagstone for use in combination with other similar flagstones for covering a surface with a natural random look, the flagstone having a generally hexagonal body comprising a first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth consecutive vertices; a first pair of generally congruent irregularly-shaped first and second sides extending radially from the first vertex and being rotationally spaced from each other by an angle α of approximately 120°; a second pair of generally congruent irregularly shaped third and fourth sides extending radially from the third vertex and being rotationally spaced from each other by an angle β of approximately 120°; a third pair of generally congruent irregularly shaped fifth and sixth sides extending radially from the fifth vertex and being rotationally spaced from each other by an angle ω of approximately 120°; wherein the sides of each of the first, second and third pair of sides have at least one split deviation along their length and are respectively rotational images of each other, whereby in use in combination with other flagstones, each one of the sides is matingly engageable with the sides of an equivalent pair of sides of a neighboring flagstone.
US08132973B2 Camera shutter
A camera shutter comprising a shutter driving means which does not immediately start an operation to provide stable movement even though an operation signal is output. A camera shutter comprises a base plate having a shutter opening; a shutter blade for opening and closing the shutter opening; and a driving means for driving the shutter blade, wherein the driving means comprising a swingably journaled swinging lever having an arm portion connected to the shutter blade, a permanent magnet provided on the arm portion, restraining members comprising a magnetic material that face each other at least at one of both end positions of an operating range of the swinging lever and a magnet coil fixed so as to face the permanent magnet; the swinging lever is operated by attractive force toward or repelling force against the permanent magnet that is generated by conduction of electricity to the magnet coil to drive the shutter blade; and an operation of the swinging lever is restricted by the restraining member at an operation stop position and/or a fully open position of the shutter blade under the magnetic force of the permanent magnet.
US08132972B2 Optical connector for contactless communication, optical adapter for contactless communication, and method of manufacturing electronic appliance using the same
An optical connector for contactless communication is provided. The optical connector includes an optical output part through which an optical signal is output; a first housing which is attached to a board of an electronic appliance and supports the optical output part so that the optical output part protrudes from the first housing to perform contactless communication; and a second housing which is removably attached to the first housing to surround the optical output part.
US08132971B2 Methods for centering optical fibers inside a connector ferrule and optical fiber connector
Methods for centering at least one optical fiber (10) having a centerline (16) in a connector ferrule (100) having at least one bore (120) with a central axis (AC) is disclosed. One method includes inserting a bare-fiber portion (13) into a ferrule bore so that at least a section (10S) of the bare-fiber portion extends beyond the ferrule front end (106). The method also includes selectively applying an amount of energy to the bare-fiber section to form a locally deformable region (19), and forming at a bulge (250) in the locally deformable region. The method also includes causing the bulge to form a force-fit with the bore at the ferrule front end, thereby substantially centering the optical fiber centerline along the bore central axis. Methods of centering nano-engineered optical fibers are also disclosed, wherein the optical fiber end is processed so that a substantially void-free fiber end (14) is made to substantially coincide with the ferrule front end. Methods directed to multiple optical fibers and multifiber ferrules are also disclosed.
US08132970B2 Optical fiber connector
An optical fiber connector in accordance with the present invention prevents moisture from entering the optical fiber connector and comprises a core tube, a tightening assembly, a connecting ring, a water-resistant ring, a compressing tube, a water-resistant tube and an end tube. The tightening assembly is mounted tightly on the core tube and comprises a first tightening component and a second tightening component. The connecting ring is mounted on the second tightening component. The annular gasket is mounted on the first tightening component and in the connecting ring. The compressing tube is mounted on the second tightening component. The water-resistant tube is mounted on the compressing tube and the second tightening component. The end tube is mounted on the water-resistant tube.
US08132967B2 Wheel bearing apparatus incorporated with a wheel speed detecting apparatus
A wheel bearing apparatus with an incorporated wheel speed detecting apparatus has an outer member with double row outer raceway surfaces formed on its inner circumferential surface. An inner member includes a wheel hub with an integrally formed wheel mounting flange at one end. A cylindrical portion axially extends from the wheel mounting flange. An inner ring is fit onto the cylindrical portion of the wheel hub. Double row inner raceway surfaces, opposite to the double row outer raceway surfaces, are formed on the outer circumferential surfaces of the wheel hub and inner ring, respectively. Double row rolling elements are arranged between the outer and inner raceway surfaces. An encoder is mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the inner ring. An annular sensor holder is arranged on the end of the outer member opposite to the encoder. A wheel rotation speed detecting sensor is integrally molded with the sensor holder and arranged opposite to the encoder, via a predetermined radial gap. The encoder has an annular ring configuration with its characteristics alternately and equidistantly varying along its circumferential direction. A seal is arranged at the inboard side of the encoder via the sensor holder. The seal includes a first annular sealing plate and a second annular sealing plate. The first and second annular plates are mounted on the sensor holder and the inner ring, respectively, and opposite toward each other.
US08132952B2 Backlight panel employing white light emitting diode having red phosphor and green phosphor
Disclosed is a backlight panel employing a white light emitting diode. The white light emitting diode includes a blue light emitting diode chip and red and green phosphors positioned over the blue light emitting diode chip. Accordingly, since the backlighting can be performed using white light with distinct red, green and blue wavelengths, the color reproducibility can be enhanced. Further, since the white light can be implemented with a single light emitting diode, the manufacturing costs and thickness of the backlight panel can also be reduced.
US08132949B2 Film illumination system
An illuminator film system may include one or more pre-cut sections of optical film applied to a waveguide to allow light to exit the waveguide through the film in a predetermined manner. The one or more pre-cut sections may be removed and reapplied during a procedure to redirect the light. A laminated illuminator film may be provided that uses a laminated optical film structure to direct light from a fiber optic input. Such a laminated illuminator film may be very low profile, low cost and easy to apply to a retractor for providing illumination during a surgical procedure.
US08132947B2 Vehicle head light device
A vehicle head light device includes an inner housing attached to front of an outer housing and having an upper casing and a lower casing located within the outer housing, and the casings each include a reflective member, two circuit boards are attached to the casings and each include one or more light members directed toward the reflective members for generating lights toward the reflective members which reflect the lights to form a high beam and a low beam respectively, a control device is disposed in the outer housing and electrically coupled to the circuit boards for controlling the light member to generate the lights toward the reflective members of the casings respectively.
US08132940B2 Lamp unit, illumination device, and display apparatus
In a lamp unit (1), a conductive section (2) is formed by directly extending a layer structure of a reflective member (42) from (i) one end of a square U-shape of a part of the reflective member (42) that is closest to a power feeding section for feeding power to the lamp unit (1) toward (ii) a light emission side of the lamp unit (1) and further folding back the extended portion 180 degrees in a direction opposite to the direction that it extends from the reflective member (42). The conductive section (2) is provided with a screw hole (2a) through which the reflective member is connected to another object. This achieves a lamp unit in which, even if a reflective member is fixed to another object with a screw for conduction with an external conductor, a reflective layer is less likely to peel off.
US08132930B2 Display device for a tuning apparatus
A plurality of LEDs are arranged continuously in a row and a transparent LED cover is disposed over the front surface of the LEDs. The LED cover extends in the longitudinal direction of the arrangement of LEDs and is curved in an arc shape that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of arrangement of LEDs. The cover does not contain light diffusion material, but has a corrugated surface around the arc shape. The corrugated surface extends in the longitudinal direction of the arrangement of LEDs.
US08132927B2 Display device with homogenising attentuating filter
A display device includes a display arrangement and an optical attenuator arrangement. The display arrangement has inherent non-uniformity of an output intensity across the display area. The optical attenuator arrangement is positioned in front of the display arrangement and in registration with the display area. The optical attenuator arrangement has a light attenuation characteristic that varies across the display area and is adapted to optically reduce the inherent non-uniformity of the output intensity.
US08132913B2 Adaptive optics apparatus and imaging apparatus including the same
An adaptive optics apparatus includes a first conversion unit configured to convert a polarization direction of one of two polarization components of light to a polarization direction of the other of the polarization components, the light being emitted by a light source; a light modulation unit configured to modulate the two polarization components of light converted by the first conversion unit in the polarization directions that have been converted; a second conversion unit configured to convert directions of polarization components of the light modulated by the light modulation unit to directions that intersect with each other; and an irradiation unit configured to irradiate the object with the light that is converted by the light modulation unit.
US08132900B2 Inkjet recording head cartridge
An inkjet recording head cartridge includes a container body configured to accommodate a plural colors of ink. The container body has a first side surface and also has a projecting part. The inkjet recording head cartridge includes a recording head unit configured to have ink supply port arrays. The recording head unit also has discharge port arrays which discharge the plural colors of ink. The container body has a first partitioning wall and second partitioning walls. The first partitioning wall is configured to partition the inside of the container body to intersect with the ink supply port arrays, to form a first ink accommodating unit which has the first side surface, and to form a space which does not have the first side surface. The second partitioning walls are in contact with the first partitioning wall and divide the space into a plurality of ink accommodating units.
US08132897B2 Liquid-droplet jetting apparatus and liquid-droplet jetting head
A piezoelectric actuator includes first active portions corresponding to center portions in a row direction of pressure chambers and second active portions corresponding to left and right portions on outer peripheral sides which are more outside than the center portions of the pressure chambers. When applying voltage to the first active portions, the first active portions deform to project toward pressure chambers. At this time, the second active portions do not deform and the influence of deformation of the first active portions does not reach the adjacent pressure chambers. Accordingly, effect of suppressing crosstalk is exhibited.
US08132895B2 Printhead substrate, printhead, head cartridge, and printing apparatus
This invention is directed to a head substrate capable of high-quality printing even when the environmental temperature, print duty, and printhead itself change, a printhead, a head cartridge, and a printing apparatus using the printhead. The head substrate includes a plurality of heaters, a constant electric current source which generates a constant electric current used to drive the heaters, and a reference current generation circuit which generates a reference current for generating the constant electric current. The head substrate also includes a MOSFET which drives the heaters by the constant electric current obtained by driving the constant electric current source in accordance with the reference current, and a switch which determines the time for which the reference current is generated. The open-close time of the switch can be externally controlled.
US08132893B2 Printhead assembly with molded ink manifold having polymer coating
A printhead assembly includes: a molded ink manifold having a plurality of ink outlets defined in a manifold bonding surface; and printhead integrated circuits bonded to the manifold bonding surface. The manifold bonding surface includes a polymer coating, which plugs fissures in the molded ink manifold.
US08132889B2 Method for detecting purging ink flow through printhead heater chip nozzles by thermal analysis
A method for detecting ink flow through a printhead, due to a successful purging of the nozzles of a heater chip of the printhead, includes moving the printhead to a location in preparation for a purging operation such that a purge pump is connected in flow communication with heater chip nozzles, setting the manner in which the purge pump operates to suction ink through nozzles of the heater chip from a source of ink, performing a thermal analysis on the heater chip concurrently as the purge pump operates to determine whether ink is flowing through the heater chip nozzles and whether the purge pump should continue to operate, and adjusting the manner in which the purge pump continues to operate in response to the thermal analysis.
US08132881B2 Printing apparatus, and method and program for controlling printing apparatus
A printing apparatus that measures a consumption of a colorant during printing, includes a shade level measuring unit that measures a print shade level on a print sheet, a range segment counting unit that counts the number of print sheets falling within each of a plurality of print shade range segments based on the measurement results of the shade level measuring unit, and an output unit that outputs the count results of the range segment counting unit on a per print shade range segment basis.
US08132880B2 Liquid ejecting device and method of controlling liquid ejecting device
A liquid ejecting device includes a nozzle group formed by aligning nozzles that eject a liquid, and a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquids from the nozzles based on ejection serial data that represents ejection or non-ejection of each nozzle of the nozzle group. The liquid ejecting head ejects a liquid to a landing target while the liquid ejecting head and the landing target are relatively moved in a second direction that is perpendicular to a first direction in which the nozzles are aligned. The liquid ejecting device further includes a meandering correction pattern forming unit that forms a meandering correction pattern along the second direction in a margin outside the regulated landing area of the landing target and a meandering correction pattern detecting unit that detects the meandering correction pattern formed in the landing target by the meandering correction pattern forming unit.
US08132871B1 Storage system
The disclosed invention provides an improved means of storing and retrieving bottles of wine, other bottles of fluid, or other items. The invention provides for the labels of the bottles/items to be easily viewed. Additionally, the invention yields a format that allows the bottles/items to be stored in the limited depth afforded in cabinets normally used above kitchen counters. Another aspect of this invention is directed at, but not limited to, the use a refrigeration system to keep these items at the proper storage temperature. And so this invention relates to both an isolated storage system, and to that would be used in conjunction with a cooling/environmental chamber. So this invention presents a new method for the storage, display, and retrieval of bottles/items that is suitable for use at a plurality of heights, and additionally may either be a freestanding system or used within another structure such as a home cabinet, refrigerated or not.
US08132870B2 Shelf assembly
The disclosed invention relates to a bidirectional shelf assembly which may be used in a single door or double door cabinet. The cabinet may comprise the decontamination chamber of a decontamination unit. The cabinet may comprise a sterilizer and/or washer.
US08132861B2 Adjustable sliding armrest
An adjustable sliding armrest that may be extendable in length and varied in rotational position is provided. The armrest generally includes a support member, a slide member, a locking mechanism, and a tilt adjusting mechanism. The support member and slide member are in slidable communication with one another, and the locking mechanism may serve to lock the position of the slide member with respect to the support member. Moreover, the tilt adjusting mechanism may be utilized to selectively increase or decrease the tilt angle of the armrest. Such features allow users of various arm lengths to adjust the armrest to their comfort.
US08132860B2 Armrest for a chair
An armrest for a chair is provided which has an improved anti-rotation and mechanical connection between an armrest body and a frame tube of the chair. The end of the frame tube is mechanically deformed or is shaped so as to have a non-circular profile with a central opening defined by inwardly projecting arcuate surfaces of the frame tube. The armrest includes a cooperating, non-circular socket which fits onto the frame tube wherein a suitable fastener is threaded downwardly into direct, self-threading engagement with an upper opening formed in the end of the frame tube.
US08132850B2 Motor vehicle rear end and associated rear light
A motor vehicle rear end is delimited by a rear bulkhead, side wall regions, and a rear cover. An air separation edge extends on the rear cover in the width direction of the motor vehicle. Lateral rear lights are integrated into the motor vehicle rear end, and include means, which are arranged in the side wall regions, for release of the side wall flow, and which extend at a distance below the air separation edge over a height region of the associated rear light (20) and at a distance from the rear bulkhead. At least one opening, through which air flows, is provided in a covering element arranged at the end of an air duct as a means for release of the side wall flow in both side wall regions.
US08132846B2 Slide hatch assembly
A slide hatch assembly for selectively closing a rear cargo opening on a vehicle includes a hatch frame slidably mounted to a vehicle body of the vehicle. The hatch assembly further includes at least one front rail mounted to the vehicle body and at least one rear rail mounted to the vehicle body. At least one front roller assembly slidably connects the hatch frame to the at least one front rail and at least one rear roller assembly slidably connects the hatch frame to the at least one rear rail.
US08132840B2 Center driven tonneau system
A motor vehicle with a center drive tonneau cover assembly for covering a convertible top in a stored configuration is provided. The assembly has a tonneau cover with a linkage system that pivotally couples the cover to the vehicle. The linkage system can have a center link that is located generally along a longitudinal center portion of the vehicle body. The linkage system is operable to move the tonneau cover between a closed position and the open position in which the center link occupies free space between the tonneau cover and the convertible top in the stored configuration within the storage compartment. In addition, with the center link provides free space between a side portion of the tonneau cover and an adjacent portion of a side body panel of the vehicle body.
US08132838B2 Soldier support system in a vehicle
A soldier restraint system and method secure a soldier in a vehicle. In one embodiment, the soldier restraint system is secured in a military vehicle. The soldier restraint system includes a seat assembly comprising a seat and straps. The soldier restraint system also includes a restraint harness belt. The restraint harness belt is secured to the seat assembly. In addition, the soldier restraint system includes mounting assemblies. The straps attach the seat to the mounting assemblies. The mounting assemblies are securable in the vehicle. Attachment of at least one of the straps to the seat is releasable by a release assembly.
US08132833B2 Use of an intumescent material and device having a material of this type
The invention relates to the use of an intumescent material as a sensor, actuator, or fixing means for movable elements in the field of fire and smoke protection.
US08132832B2 Door jamb reinforcing system
A door jamb reinforcing system comprising a first reinforcing member, wherein the first reinforcing member comprises a plurality of first screw receiving openings for receiving mounting screws, a latch bolt receiving aperture, and at least one deadbolt latch bolt receiving aperture; a strike plate; and a second reinforcing member, wherein the second reinforcing member has a substantially L-shaped cross section and comprises a plurality of corresponding second screw receiving openings for receiving mounting screws, a strike plate receiving aperture, and at least one deadbolt latch bolt receiving aperture, wherein the deadbolt latch bolt receiving aperture is formed to correspond to the deadbolt latch bolt receiving aperture; wherein when the first reinforcing member and the second reinforcing member are attachable to a door frame in overlying contacting abutting relation with each other and with the door jamb with mounting screws.
US08132827B2 Vehicle
A utility vehicle with ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features is disclosed. The ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features enhance the utility of the vehicle.
US08132826B2 Airbag
An airbag is disclosed that comprises a first fabric layer, a second fabric layer, and an adhesive. The first and second fabric layers are coated with silicone elastomer coatings. The adhesive is a heat-cured silicone adhesive, and forms a seam-bond between the first and second layers such that a bag-like structure is created.
US08132817B2 Air suspension control apparatus
An air suspension control apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a charge tank maintained at a first air pressure such that selective filling of the charge tank with compressed air is permitted. The arrangement is such that, in a first disposition of the tank air valve, the charge tank is maintained at a second air pressure which is less than the first air pressure. When the tank air valve is in a second disposition thereof, the charge tank is maintained at the first air pressure. In a third mode of operation of the air suspension control apparatus, the tank air valve is in the first disposition thereof and a ride height air valve is in the first setting thereof. The arrangement is such that the first pressure within the charge tank rapidly inflates the air spring from the third pressure to the second pressure so that driving of the vehicle is permitted.
US08132814B1 Sudoku solving apparatus
An apparatus to solve Sudoku puzzles, wherein each one of the 81 single-squares has nine sub-area squares, each having one of the 1 through 9 digits, with all digits set to ‘at-display’ at start, and by selectively setting to ‘no-display’ 8 digits at each one of the initially given number's single-square location of a given puzzle so as to set up the puzzle, followed by logically setting other digits to ‘no-display’ at other single-squares needing solutions, the process of ‘no-display’ setting can be continued until all the single-squares have for each one only one digit ‘at-display’ as per Sudoku rules.
US08132804B2 Sheet processing apparatus
In a sheet processing apparatus that performs processing for sheets after image formation such as sorting or stapling of the sheets, sheets conveyed into a waiting tray are temporarily stopped while being kept clamped by a driving roller and a pinch roller in the waiting tray and the clamping is once released. A waiting tray unit on a left side is shifted to a right side by a predetermined amount, whereby an end of the stacked sheets is pushed and shifted by a lateral wall on the left side. Thereafter, the sheets are clamped again by the roller pair and discharged.
US08132798B2 Pin clamp
A pin clamp assembly is provided which includes a housing, a locating pin, a body, a twist pin, and a cam pin. The locating pin extends from the body. Both the body and the locating pin include longitudinally extending cavities contiguously disposed therein. The body also includes a longitudinally extending slot. At least a portion of the locating pin and the body is located in a bore disposed through the housing. The twist pin is disposed in the longitudinally extending cavities of the locating pin and body. The twist pin includes a longitudinally extending arcuate slot. The cam pin is coupled to the housing. The cam pin engages the slot. An electrical driven actuator includes an electric motor that rotates to move the locating pin linearly to rotate the twist pin.
US08132781B2 Interlock system for valve coupling
A fluid coupling includes a body defining a passageway, a valve member that is selectively movable between a closed position and an open position, and an interface at which the body is connectable to a complementary coupling. An interlock system is configured to permit movement of the valve member from the closed position to the open position when the complementary coupling is connected to the body at the interface, and to prevent movement of the valve member from the closed position to the open position when the complementary coupling is not connected to the body at the interface.
US08132773B1 Passive thermal control of negative-stiffness vibration isolators
A passive thermally responsive element (TRE) is used to eliminate or substantially reduce the sensitivity of the axial (vertical) position and axial (vertical) natural frequency of a negative-stiffness vibration isolator to changes in temperature. The TRE will compensate for the inherent thermal sensitivity of the isolator without this added element. The TRE can be a thermally responsive spring that produces forces in response to temperature changes to keep the isolator at or near its ideal equilibrium operating position in order to control the equilibrium position and also to maintain the low natural frequency characteristic of the negative-stiffness vibration isolator.
US08132772B1 Linear and/or curvilinear rail mount system
One or more linear and/or curvilinear mounting rails are coupled to a structure. Each mounting rail defines a channel and at least one cartridge assembly is engaged in the channel. Each cartridge assembly includes a housing that slides within the channel. The housing defines a curvilinearly-shaped recess longitudinally aligned with the channel when the housing is in engagement therewith. The cartridge assembly also includes a cleat fitted in the recess for sliding engagement therealong. The cleat can be coupled to a fastener that passes through the mounting rail and the housing when the housing is so-engaged in the channel. The cleat is positioned in the recess by a position of the fastener.
US08132761B2 Robust capacitive distance sensor
The invention refers to a docking device for the docking of a maintenance device to a nozzle of a satellite, including a distance sensor for determining the distance between the maintenance device and the nozzle of the satellite. Further, a locking device is provided for connecting the docking device with the nozzle of the satellite.
US08132758B2 Environmental control system pack pallets
An Environmental Control System (ECS) includes a pallet which supports at least one ECS component. The pallet defines a pallet surface that matches an aircraft outer mold line.
US08132756B2 Device with plane jets for reducing the noise generated by an aircraft engine
An aircraft engine having a longitudinal axis, including a wall surrounding a gas stream that is ejected at a downstream end of the wall along the longitudinal axis, wherein a plurality of conduits distributed at the periphery of the downstream end of the wall are each capable of ejecting, via an outlet orifice, a fluid jet in the form of a sheet, in such a way that the jets thus ejected each form a fluid perturbation around the ejected gas stream.
US08132753B2 Filament spool and filament spool container, and methods of use thereof
A filament spool for use in a filament spool container, where the filament spool comprises a first rim and a second rim offset by an axial shaft, and a series of grooves extending along a first portion of the first rim and configured to receive a filament of a material while the filament is wound around the axial shaft in a first rotational direction.
US08132747B2 Method of making hydrophilic fluoropolymer material
A fluoropolymer material exhibiting an increased hydrophilicity prepared by processing the material in a jet mill.
US08132746B2 Low-temperature method of producing nano-scaled graphene platelets and their nanocomposites
A method of exfoliating a layered material to produce separated nano-scaled platelets having a thickness smaller than 100 nm. The method comprises: (a) providing a graphite intercalation compound comprising a layered graphite containing expandable species residing in an interlayer space of the layered graphite; (b) exposing the graphite intercalation compound to an exfoliation temperature lower than 650° C. for a duration of time sufficient to at least partially exfoliate the layered graphite without incurring a significant level of oxidation; and (c) subjecting the at least partially exfoliated graphite to a mechanical shearing treatment to produce separated platelets. The method can further include a step of dispersing the platelets in a polymer or monomer solution or suspension as a precursor step to nanocomposite fabrication.
US08132744B2 Miniature aerosol jet and aerosol jet array
A miniaturized aerosol jet, or an array of miniaturized aerosol jets for direct printing of various aerosolized materials. In the most commonly used embodiment, an aerosol stream is focused and deposited onto a planar or non-planar target, forming a pattern that is thermally or photochemically processed to achieve physical, optical, and/or electrical properties near that of the corresponding bulk material. The apparatus uses an aerosol jet deposition head to form an annularly propagating jet composed of an outer sheath flow and an inner aerosol-laden carrier flow. Miniaturization of the deposition head facilitates the fabrication and operation of arrayed deposition heads, enabling construction and operation of arrays of aerosol jets capable of independent motion and deposition. Arrayed aerosol jets provide an increased deposition rate, arrayed deposition, and multi-material deposition.
US08132740B2 Gas dynamic spray gun
A portable gas dynamic cold spray gun eliminates many of the inherent limitations of the prior art by minimizing a scatter of operating parameters and improving its efficiency. According to one feature of the present invention, the powder flow rate is continuously measured so that the powder flow rate and/or the flow rate of the pressurized gas can be adjusted accordingly in order to control the deposition efficiency of the spray gun.
US08132737B2 Aircraft air-conditioning system for an aircraft cabin having a plurality of zones
An air-conditioning system and associated method for air-conditioning an aircraft cabin including a first zone and a second zone of variable length and at least one intermediate zone is provided. The intermediate zone is selectively associated with the first zone or the second zone. Air at a first set temperature is supplied to the first zone, and air at a second set temperature is supplied to the second zone. Likewise, air at a third set temperature is supplied to the intermediate zone. A regulating device regulates the third set temperature such that if the intermediate zone is associated with the first zone, the third set temperature corresponds substantially to the first set temperature; but if the intermediate zone is associated with the second zone, the third set temperature.
US08132732B2 Cordless hand scanner with improved user feedback
Increased confidence in, and acceptance of, cordless hand-held scanners may be obtained through a cordless hand-held scanner with improved user feedback. In an illustrative embodiment, the state of one or more indicators is changed as a result of feedback from a coupled host processor. The indicators are set to a first (or pending) state when a scan is performed, and remain in the first state up until the time the host feedback is received. The indicators are set to a second (or successful) state if the feedback indicates the host successfully received the scan data. The indicators are set to a third (or failure) state if the feedback indicates the host failed to properly receive the scan data. Obtaining timely confirmation that the host processor has received the scan successfully leads to increased confidence in, and acceptance of, the cordless hand-held scanner.
US08132727B2 Card reader
A carrying roller for a card reader including: a rubber outer peripheral member, which is roughly cylindrical, and forms the outer peripheral side of the carrying roller; and a retention member, which has an outer peripheral surface that abuts the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral member and retains the outer peripheral member on the inner peripheral side of the outer peripheral member. The inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral member has a plurality of protuberances that protrude inward in the radial direction. The outer peripheral surface of the retaining member has a plurality of grooves recessed in the radial direction and engaging with the projections. The height of the projections in the radial direction is no more than 1/3.5 of the radial thickness of the outer peripheral member in sections without projections.
US08132721B2 Device for checking the regularity of the operation of automatic payment terminals
There is described a device for the control and surveillance to check the regularity of the operation of automatic payment terminals, specifically automatic terminals employing payment card readers of the contact-type.
US08132710B2 Deconstructable assembly and method
An assembly (10) that can be both joined and parted by temperature processing. A parting member (20) captured between two members of the assembly exhibits a state change as a function of temperature such that the two members can be joined with a meltable joining material (18) at a joining temperature, operated at an operating temperature lower than the joining temperature, and then separated at a parting temperature higher or lower than the operating and joining temperatures as a result of a parting force caused by the state change of the parting member. In one embodiment, the parting member has a coefficient of thermal expansion higher than a coefficient of thermal expansion of the assembly members such that differential thermal expansion causes the parting member to expand across the interface (16) between the members to generate the parting force.
US08132703B2 Surgical instrument with indicator
A surgical stapling instrument including a handle assembly, an elongated body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, and a head portion. The handle assembly includes a firing trigger and a firing indicator. The firing trigger is movable between a first non-actuated position and a second actuated position. The head portion is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the elongated body portion and includes an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The anvil assembly is movable in relation to the shell assembly between spaced and approximated positions. Engagement structure of the firing trigger moves the firing indicator from a first position to a second position when the firing trigger is moved from its first non-actuated position toward its second actuated position.
US08132699B2 Shoulder strap for bag
The invention relates to an improved shoulder strap for use in combination with any type of bag that is designed for carrying over a shoulder of a user. The shoulder strap includes: first and second half-straps each having a first end and a second end, the second end having a connector adapted for coupling to a bag; a pad; and at least one elastic member held on one side of the pad and being extendable independently of the pad, the at least one elastic member coupling the first end of the first half strap to the pad and the first end of the second half strap to the pad.
US08132690B2 Universal box top lid
A universal box top lid is adapted to be attached to the opened top of a variety of different sizes of food packaging boxes. The lid is designed to fit over the opened box top with an opened bag containing the food product inside the box being held open by an apron formed on an inner wall of the lid. The lid is provided with a cap closure that can be opened when it is desired to dispense the food product contained in the packaging box and bag, and can be closed to preserve the food product.
US08132682B1 Absorbent device for an infant feeding bottle
An attachable absorbent cloth cover for an infant feeding bottle is herein disclosed, comprising a rectangular shape approximately ten (10) inches in length. The middle portion of the cloth body is fitted with an elastic band. The cloth cover is slipped over a bottle such that the elastic band firmly grips the lid of the bottle at the base of the nipple. As such, it is not necessary for the infant to wear a bib, as any spilled liquid is immediately absorbed since the cloth is right below the infant's lower lip and chin. The cloth cover is envisioned to be made of soft, absorbent material similar to that used for re-usable diapers and is provided with an internal wire frame to support a desired position while in use and external raised graphic designs to sooth the baby. When finished, the cloth cover is simply lifted off and machine washed, thus ready for use again.
US08132667B2 Fluid enclosure and methods related thereto
Embodiments of the invention relate to a fluid enclosure including a structural filler and an outer enclosure wall conformably coupled to the structural filler. Embodiments of the present invention further relate to a method of manufacturing a fluid enclosure. The method includes conformably coupling an outer enclosure wall to a structural filler.
US08132662B1 Conveyor
A conveyor includes a support base, a linear driving mechanism mounted on the support base, a carrier, and a linkage bar mechanism pivotally connecting the carrier and the linear driving mechanism. The linear driving mechanism includes two substantially parallel threaded rods, two threaded members respectively engaging the two threaded rods, two actuators respectively rotating the two threaded rods, and two slide members slidable relative to the support base and respectively secured to the two threaded members. The linkage bar mechanism includes a first, second, and third bars pivotally connected to the slide member and the carrier, respectively. The first bar, the third bar, the slide member carrying the first bar, and the carrier cooperatively form a parallel four-bar mechanism. The first bar, the second bar, the slide member carrying the second bar, and the carrier cooperatively form a trapezoidal four-bar mechanism.
US08132660B2 System for handling semiconductor module
Provided is a system for handling a semiconductor module, the system may include a rotor, a rotational driving device, at least one insertion portion, and at least one extraction portion. The rotor may be configured to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise around a rotation axis. The rotational driving device may be configured to rotate the rotor. The at least one insertion portion may be connected to the rotor and may be configured to insert a semiconductor module into a socket. The at least one extraction portion may be connected to the rotor and may be configured to extract the semiconductor module from the socket.
US08132655B2 Multi function torque converter with axially stacked clutches and method of controlling hydraulic pressure and flow
A torque converter including an impeller clutch connected to an impeller; a torque converter clutch connected to an output hub for the torque converter; and a same plate included in the impeller clutch and in the torque converter clutch and at least indirectly connected to a cover for the torque converter. The impeller clutch includes a first portion exclusive of the same plate, the torque converter clutch includes a second portion exclusive of the same plate, and in some aspects, the same plate is axially disposed between the first and second portions. In some aspects, the torque converter includes a damper assembly rotationally connected to the same plate and the cover. In torque converter mode, an impeller clutch release chamber and the torus are hydraulically isolated.
US08132648B2 Adjustable tree stand
An adjustable tree stand includes a support unit that includes a support platform having two lateral parts, and that further includes first and second mounting structures, each mounted to a corresponding one of the lateral parts of the support platform. The adjustable tree stand further includes a cable unit that includes a cable, a first attachment member connected to one end of the cable, and a second attachment member connected to the other end of the cable for releasably coupling with the second mounting structure.The adjustable tree stand also includes a control unit including a threaded rod mounted non-rotatably to the first mounting structure, and a slide seat connected to the first attachment member of the cable unit and coupled movably to the first mounting structure for sliding movement therealong.
US08132646B2 Exhaust gas muffler
An exhaust gas muffler for an internal combustion engine, especially the engine of a manually-guided implement such as a power saw, a cut-off machine, or the like. The muffler has a housing having an inlet for exhaust gases and an outlet out of the housing. The housing has an outer wall over which the exhaust gases from the outlet flow. To achieve an adequate cooling of the exhaust gas muffler and the discharging exhaust gases, the exhaust gases out of the outlet draw in atmospheric air between the exhaust gases and the outer wall of the housing.
US08132637B1 Off-road capable electric wheelchair attachment
An attachment for an electric wheelchair that enables the electric wheelchair to be used in areas that would not otherwise be possible, e.g., beaches, mud, and tall grass. The attachment is powered off of the wheelchair's motor and allows the user to explore terrain that would not be possible in conventional wheelchair designs.
US08132630B2 Reverse circulation pressure control method and system
A system for reverse circulation in a wellbore includes equipment for supplying drilling fluid into the wellbore bit via at least an annulus of the wellbore and returning the drilling fluid to a surface location via at least a bore of a wellbore tubular. The system also includes devices for controlling the annulus pressure associated with this reverse circulation. An active pressure differential device may increase the pressure wellbore annulus to at least partially offset a circulating pressure loss. Alternatively, the system may include devices for decreasing the pressure in the annulus of the wellbore.
US08132628B2 Methods for increasing oil production
A method of recovering petroleum from dormant oil wells or increasing the production of oil wells. An alkali or alkali earth carbonate is introduced into a water layer associated with a subterranean petroleum reservoir and/or an explosive composition is introduced into an oil layer associated with a subterranean petroleum reservoir. CO2 gas is produced by reacting the alkali or alkali earth carbonate with an acid and/or by detonating the explosive composition. An explosive composition can be introduced and detonated to achieve sufficient CO2 gas production to increase pressure within the subterranean petroleum reservoir.
US08132624B2 Permeability flow balancing within integral screen joints and method
A method for uniform heating of a formation including applying a high temperature fluid to a tubular located within an open hole formation borehole; modifying a permeability of the tubular along its length by reducing permeability at a heel of the borehole and by increasing permeability towards a toe of the borehole; and impeding annular movement of the heated fluid by radially extending one or more baffles from the tubular.
US08132622B2 Surface instrumentation configuration for drilling rig operation
Methods and systems for a surface instrumentation configuration for drilling rig-related operations are described. In one embodiment, pack off material is positioned in an annulus between a casing along sides of a borehole and a drill tubing in the borehole, wherein the pack off material includes surface instrumentation with an acoustic receiver. The acoustic receiver receives acoustic signals transmitted from the downhole instrumentation.
US08132614B2 Arrangement for the cooling of liquid-cooled electrical equipment
An arrangement for cooling of liquid-cooled electric devices, the arrangement being fitted to convey heat produced in the electric devices (3) away from the electric device by means of a liquid flowing through a cooling element of the electric device. The arrangement includes an instrument cubicle (1) with one or more electric devices (3) placed in it, a cooling apparatus (6ca), an inlet piping (10) and an outlet piping (11) connecting the electric device and the cooling apparatus for conveying a cooling liquid into the cooling element and out of the cooling element of the electric device (3). Below the instrument cubicle (1) is a footing element (2) housing an inlet main pipe (20) and outlet main pipe (21) connected to the cooling apparatus (6ca), the inlet piping (10) and outlet piping (11) being detachably connected to the main pipes. The arrangement enables indication of leakage situations occurring in the pipings.
US08132612B2 Brake caliper for disc brake assembly and method and apparatus for producing same
This invention relates to a brake caliper adapted for use in a vehicle disc brake assembly and method and apparatus for producing the same. The method for producing the brake caliper comprises the steps of: (a) providing a mold member having at least two mold sections; (b) providing a core member having at least a first male extension which is adapted to form an integrally cast locating recess in the brake caliper which is used as a locating surface for subsequent machining of the brake caliper; (c) disposing the core member in the mold member in a predetermined position; (d) supplying a suitable material to the mold member so as to form a brake caliper within the mold; (e) removing the brake caliper from the mold, wherein the brake caliper includes an integrally cast locating recess formed therein by the first male extension of the core member; and (f) machining the brake caliper using at least the integrally cast locating recess formed therein as a locating surface.
US08132605B2 Pneumatic tire with tread including block having sipes
A pneumatic tire has an upper surface sipe formed on an upper surface of the block, a first wall surface sipe formed in a first wall surface of the block and extending in a direction intersecting the upper surface sipe, and a second wall surface sipe formed in a second wall surface which is adjacent to the first wall surface, and extending in a direction intersecting the upper surface sipe and the first wall surface sipe.
US08132602B2 Interactive board cover
An improved interactive learning board cover is provided. The improved interactive learning board cover may provide protection to the learning board, whereby the cover may stretch over the entire surface of a whiteboard and may be secured at each of the four corners of the board with a sewn pocket thereby allowing securement of the board without the need for additional handles, straps and/or padding.
US08132596B2 Bead weaving device
An apparatus and method of using a bead weaving device for assisting manufacturing by jewelry makers and facilitating the positioning, stringing, cross-weaving, peyote chain maille, and accurate sizing for but not limited to necklaces, bracelets, and other hand woven beaded products. The bead weaving device includes the following components: an inclined sizing plate optionally including an imperial-measure graduated scale and/or a metric-measure graduated scale, a brass toggle half securer, a stabilizer, a support base and removably couplable peyote block attachment and a support arm. The support base of the device is adapted for use on the lap of a user or on the surface of a substrate such as a table.
US08132593B2 Pilot-operated three-port valve
A pilot-operated three-port valve includes three ports, two valve seats that are concentric and opposite each other, a poppet-type valve member that is disposed between these two valve seats, and a pilot operating portion that opens and closes the valve member using a rod. Seat surfaces of the two valve seats and a first seal surface and a second seal surface of the valve member are flat. The valve member is attached to an end of the rod coaxially with the rod and so as to have a degree of freedom of inclination from the axis of the rod.
US08132590B2 Valve assembly with at least one transverse channel in a valve housing
A valve assembly with at least one transverse channel in a substantially tubular valve housing, the assembly including a valve closing member that is positioned in the valve housing and that co-operates with a valve seat situated on a hollow cylindrical valve seat body that is fixed in the valve housing, the valve seat body being attached to one end of the valve housing. To simplify the production process, the transverse channel is formed by a longitudinal slot which extends in some sections of the valve housing from a starting point at the end of said housing in the longitudinal direction of the latter.
US08132589B2 Regulating valve for the discharge of liquid
The invention concerns a regulating valve for the discharge of liquid from a container comprising a movable main valve body for opening and closing an outlet opening for the liquid to be discharged, and a movable pilot valve body for controlling the main valve body, characterized in that the main valve body and the pilot valve body are mechanically coupled together at least in one position relative to each other.
US08132578B2 Sifter dish insert for cosmetic package
A sifter insert for the neck of a powder jar is secured above the product reservoir and below the cap of the jar. The insert has a central concave dish for supporting a quantity of powder product, and a channel around the perimeter of the dish. The insert is secured in the neck such that the dish is spaced below the bottom of the cap. Slots in the channel permit the flow of powder from the reservoir into the channel when the jar is inverted with the cap closed, and from the channel onto the dish when the inverted jar is righted. Powder in the dish is accessed by the user upon removal of the cap. The cap is then closed and the jar shaken to return excess powder from the dish to the reservoir through the slots in the channel.
US08132572B2 Permanent wave treatment method and apparatus thereof
A permanent wave treatment apparatus comprises: a housing 3; a blower 1 which is installed within the housing to suck air and blow air; a steam separator 2 which is provided on the blower to remove water content from air sucked by suction force of the blower; an outlet hole formed in the housing through which air is spouted from the blower; hoods F mounted on the housing such that they are capable of being opened/closed freely; a plurality of rods R on which the hair of an object person is to be wound and in which air vent holes are formed; tubes 4 connected to the rods so as to keep the interior of the rods in a negative pressure by the suction force of the blower; and extraction member 5 which holds a plurality of the tubes such that they are capable of being extracted freely.
US08132571B1 Spiral hair curling iron
A hair curling iron that forms spiral curls having an integral vacuum system and an internal heating tube is designed to eliminate the need for manual rotation of the entire curling iron when forming spiral hair curls. The curling iron provides a slot into which the hair is pulled by an integral vacuum fan mounted within the handle and controlled by an on/off pushbutton. When activated, the vacuum fan pulls the hair into the curling iron and around an interior heating tube. After several seconds, the pushbutton is released and a spiral curl is pulled out of the curling iron. A separate illuminating switch provides control of the heating portion of the curling iron. The danger of accidental burns is greatly reduced due to the interior location of the hot surfaces.
US08132570B2 System for highlighting hair
The present invention relates to a system to highlight the hair. The system comprises a device (10) and a composition (50). Device (10) comprises a first portion movably joined to a second portion. Composition (50) comprises a percentage of hydrogen peroxide and a percentage of an alkalizer by weight of said composition (50). The weight percentages of hydrogen peroxide and of an alkalizer are defined by equation (I): X+1.5Y≧15 (I) wherein X is the percentage by weight of hydrogen peroxide by weight of the composition (50) and wherein Y is the percentage by weight of an alkalizer by weight of the composition (50). Said composition (50) comprises at least 2% of hydrogen peroxide by weight of said composition (50) and said alkalizer is an inorganic salt selected from the group consisting of sodium silicate, sodium metasilicate, potassium hydrogen carbonate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium hydrogen carbonate and sodium hydrogen carbonate and mixtures thereof. Said composition (50) allows to perform highlighting when applied with the device (10) as described herein.
US08132563B2 Gas spring assembly for an air gun
An air gun including a trigger assembly, a gas spring assembly, and a latch assembly is disclosed. The trigger assembly is moveable between an uncocked position and a cocked position. The gas spring assembly includes a compression cylinder and a piston moveable between an uncompressed position and a compressed position. Movement of the piston from the uncompressed position into the compressed position couples the latch assembly to the trigger assembly and the piston of the gas spring assembly. The latch assembly includes a locking portion that mechanically interlocks with a recess disposed on an interior surface of the piston to couple the latch assembly and the piston together. Actuation of the trigger assembly de-couples the latch assembly from the trigger assembly, permitting longitudinal movement of the latch assembly, which de-couples the latch assembly from the piston of the gas spring assembly.
US08132559B2 Water/air separator
A filter assembly having: an air filter; an air filter compartment having the air filter disposed therein; and a cap covering the air filter compartment. The cap has ribs disposed along inner sidewalls of the cap. The ribs, outer sidewalls of the compartment, and inner sidewalls of the cap form a plurality of channels having inlets for receiving a mixture of air and water. The walls of the channels collect droplets of a water portion of the mixture entering the channels. The collected water portion is removed from the filter assembly by gravity. The air filter compartment receives the air portion of the mixture exiting outlets of the channels. The exiting air portion received by the compartment passes through the air filter and after passing through the air filter passes out of the filter assembly.
US08132557B2 Fuel system of a handheld work apparatus
The invention relates to a fuel system of a portable handheld work apparatus driven by an internal combustion engine. The fuel system includes a fuel tank (2), a fuel pump, a fuel line (4) leading from the fuel tank (2) to the fuel pump and a first suction head (5) which is disposed at an end (7) of the fuel line (4) at the fuel tank. At least a second suction head (6) is arranged within the fuel tank (2) and is connected in the fuel line (4) in series ahead of the first suction head (5). The second suction head (6) has an external suction surface which is formed by a porous covering (9). The porous covering (9) delimits a suction space. A guide is arranged in the suction space which guides the through-passing fuel flow at least approximately along the entire inner surface of the porous covering (9).
US08132555B2 Event based engine control system and method
A system for starting an engine is described. In one example, the engine is supplied two fuels via two injectors. The method may improve engine starting and reduce engine emissions.
US08132554B2 Fuel shutoff system
A fuel control system that has a fuel control device to control the flow of fuel to a carburetor of an internal combustion engine. The fuel control device includes a control member that is movable between a first position and a second position to control the flow of fuel into a carburetor. When a kill switch within the fuel control system is closed, induced current from a primary ignition coil within the internal combustion engine is fed through an electromagnetic coil, causing the fuel flow control device to interrupt the supply of fuel to the carburetor. Thus, when an operator desires to stop the internal combustion engine, the kill switch closes and the fuel control device interrupts the supply of fuel to the carburetor to prevent backfires.
US08132552B2 Intake duct
The object of the present invention is to provide an intake duct having waterproof function without increasing parts count.An intake duct 10 for air intake from the outside to an internal combustion engine E includes a duct wall 11 made of a resin in a tubular form. The duct wall 11 includes a waterproof and humidity-transparent component 20 having a water-repellent layer 21 made of high-density fiber and a waterproof and humidity-transparent layer 22 made of fine porous film laminated to each other.
US08132544B2 Cat harness
A cat harness includes a unitary piece of material with a shape that has a central spine portion with a length and a width, where the width is at least about 60% of the length, a waistband extending generally perpendicular to an imaginary longitudinal line passing along the length of the central spine portion and a collar extending from the central spine portion at an acute angle to an extent of the imaginary longitudinal line passing along the length of the central spine portion. The cat harness also includes an attachment loop coupled to the central spine portion.
US08132543B2 Animal hock protector
A device for protecting the skin of an animal from damage, abrasion and/or moisture is provided. A first version includes an elastic portion band attached to a protective sheet. The elastic band in combination with the protective sheet encircles an animal limb above a hock. The elastic band is optionally detachably attachable to the protective sheet by means of a hook and loop fastener, a zipper assembly, a button and buttonhole combination, or other detachable attachment means. A moisture absorbent material may be attached to and disposed between the protective sheet and the animal limb. The absorbent material may be a wicking material, such as a moisture wicking fleece. The protective sheet may be asymmetric as positioned about a sagittal plane central to the hock. The protective sheet may be partially curved to form a cup shape for at least partially enclosing the hock.
US08132540B1 Trimmer
Disclosed is a palm-held device having a cutting assembly which exposes blades on two edges simultaneously to enable a user to cut a target's hair or fur with either edge by moving the device in the desired direction.
US08132534B2 Overflow device for water tank
An aquarium overflow device is capable of preventing inadvertent supply of water in an aquarium from being supplied to an outside during, e.g., power failure. An aquarium overflow device is for supplying the water in an aquarium to an external device outside the aquarium. The device is equipped with a reversed U-shaped siphon pipe for supplying the water in the aquarium to an outside of the aquarium, the siphon pipe having an inlet side end portion disposed in the aquarium and an inlet side end portion disposed with the outlet side end portion disposed outside the aquarium, a suction device for sucking an inside of the siphon pipe, the suction device being connected to an upper portion of the siphon pipe, and an air introduction device for introducing air to an upper portion in the siphon pipe when suction by the suction device stops.
US08132532B1 Apparatus and method for inhibiting the growth of algae in an aquarium
An aquarium curtain is selectively deployed and placed over transparent walls of an aquarium to block the entry of ambient light from outside the aquarium, thereby inhibiting the growth of algae in the aquarium. The aquarium curtain includes a sheet of substantially opaque flexibly foldable material and a frame having frame members movable relative to one-another between a collapsed configuration in which the aquarium curtain is compact for handling and storage, and an erect configuration, in which the aquarium curtain is fastened in place over the aquarium to block entry into the aquarium of ambient light from outside the aquarium.
US08132525B2 Ocean thermal buoyancy and propulsion system
A water navigable vessel or glider can transport cargo across oceans and other bodies of water without the use of fossil or nuclear fuels. The vessel includes a housing, a cargo or payload area within the housing, one or more control fins attached to the housing, a ballast within the housing, an expandable and contractible container configured to receive a clathrate and maintain a minimum amount of pressure on the clathrate within the housing in proximity to the ballast, and an intake valve coupled to the ballast. The clathrate changes state, thereby changing the buoyancy of the glider, and causing the glider to move through the body of water.
US08132524B2 Personal watercraft with reactive suspension and an integrated braking and steering system
A watercraft with several stability and handling design improvements. It has an enhanced reactive suspension system positioned in the vessel between a set of separating hull and body components. The watercraft also has improved braking, steering and stabilizing systems designed around multiple pivoting mechanisms on the vessel hull that work individually or in unison to achieve the desired braking or steering effect. The stabilizing system is operated by a computerized, gyroscopic hydraulic control to maintain stability and comfort of ride, minimizing the roll, pitch and yaw commonly experienced in the passenger compartment.
US08132518B2 Substantially linear vertical lift system
A substantially vertical lift system is disclosed herein. The substantially vertical lift system is comprised of a platform, base, and a lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism is designed to displace the platform in a substantially linear manner, and if desired, in a position parallel to the base. Multiple lifting mechanisms may be used, and displaced either in a side-by-side or stacked orientation. The configuration of the lifting mechanism is implementation dependent.
US08132507B2 Energy-curable news ink containing soy oil
An energy curable ink composition comprising an acrylate-functional derivative of soybean oil and one or more further acrylate-functional materials is suitable for printing on a cold-set lithographic press and is cured by exposure to an actinic radiation source located on the press.
US08132506B2 Media processing device and control method for a media processing device
A control method for a publisher that has a media drive for writing data to one side of a target disc, a label printer for printing on the other side of the target disc, media stacker for storing the target discs, and a media transportation mechanism for transporting the target disc at least any one of the media drive, the label printer, and the media stacker in response to a command from a host computer reports an error to a host computer when the target disc cannot be transported as instructed by the host computer.
US08132501B2 Complex high-density soybean grinder
A complex high-density soybean grinder comprises a first filter unit and a second filter unit; a suction unit having a feeding tube for supplying soybeans; a lateral side of the suction unit being installed with a blower and a sound canceller so that soybean can enter into the suction unit; a feeding unit connected to the suction unit and the first filter unit; an electric controller serving to control the feeding unit; a regeneration barrel set connected to the first filter unit and the second filter unit for mixing and agitating soybean dregs from the first filter unit with water; and then the mixed dregs and water being fed into the second filter unit; a reuse barrel set connected to the first filter unit for feeding liquid from the second filter unit to the regeneration barrel set and then to the first filter unit through a pump.
US08132500B2 Humidity controlled food warming cabinet
A humidified food warming apparatus is disclosed having a cabinet, a humidity sensor configured to measure a humidity level in the cabinet and a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature level in the cabinet. A humidity and a temperature controller is also included. A warming element warms the cabinet as well as a warming element cover configured to rest adjacent to the warming element. A water dispensing device controllably releases a quantity of water onto the warming element cover when the humidity sensor senses that the humidity level within the cabinet has decreased and when the warming element cover is sufficiently warm to evaporate the quantity of water released onto the warming element cover.
US08132488B2 Sheet cutting device and sheet post-processing device
A sheet cutting device, including a cutting blade for cutting a bundle of sheets, while moving in a slanted direction compounded by a direction perpendicular to the surface of sheet and a direction parallel to the sheet surface; a supporting member for supporting the bundle of sheets in the vicinity of a cutting position; a pressing section to press the bundle of sheets against the supporting member in a direction reverse to a moving direction of the cutting blade and perpendicular to the sheet surface, and the pressing section to receive the cutting blade at the time when the cutting blade cuts the bundle of sheets; a cutting blade driving section to drive the cutting blade; a pressing section driving section to drive the pressing section; and a control section to release pressing of the bundle of sheets and retract the cutting blade, after the bundle of sheets is cut.
US08132483B2 Positive handle stop for switches
The present invention relates generally to handle stops. More particularly, the invention encompasses a positive handle stop for a switch. The positive handle stop for a switch, such as, a safety switch, prevents the handle of a switch from returning to the shipping position once the switch is turned ON. The invention also includes a shipping position for the inventive handle so as to reduce the size of the packaging need to ship the switch apparatus.
US08132482B2 Manual transmission shifter having continuously adjustable throw
An automobile manual transmission shifter is provided that includes a shifter central shaft means for dampening at least part of the vibration transmitted from the manual automobile transmission, an adjustable connector attaching an upper and lower portions of the shaft to vary the throw of the shifter, and an adjustable swivel shifter handle means for maintaining a continuous perpendicular gripping position while allowing rotatational adjustment of the swivel shifter handle means about the shifter central shaft means. Some embodiments may not include the vibration dampening means.
US08132481B2 Parallel mechanism
A parallel mechanism includes a base, actuators attached to the base, a plurality of arms coupled together in parallel, and a sensing device. Each of the arms has a first link, one end of which is coupled to the actuator, a second link through which the other end of the first link and a bracket are coupled together, a ball joint through which one end of the second link and the other end of the first link are swingably coupled together, and a ball joint through which the other end of the second link and the bracket are swingably coupled together. Each of the ball joints includes a ball stud including a ball-shaped head, a socket swingably holding the ball-shaped head of the ball stud, and a conductive member interposed between the ball-shaped head and the socket. The sensing device senses when at least one of the plurality of ball joints is loose, based on whether or not the ball stud and the socket are electrically continuous with one another.
US08132480B2 Pump gear and pump assembly for a generator
A pump gear includes a pump gear body having involute teeth that each have an involute surface that extends between a tooth tip and a tooth base. The involute surface includes at least reference points A-D, with reference point A near the base, reference point D near the tip, reference point B between reference points A and D, and reference point C between reference points B and D. The reference points A-D have associated respective roll angles, εA-D, between a corresponding first line that is perpendicular to the involute surface at the given reference point A-D, and a second line that is tangent at a reference point that lies on a terminal end of the involute surface at the tooth base to a reference base circle having a center origin at the center axis.
US08132463B2 Method and apparatus for detecting voids in a pipe
An apparatus for detecting and measuring gas voids in a pipe with a fluid includes a first ultrasonic transducer externally disposed on the pipe. The apparatus includes a second ultrasonic transducer externally disposed on the pipe. The apparatus includes a multiplexer, transmitter, receiver, controller and processor in communication with the first transducer and the second transducer which in combination identify a void in the pipe from ultrasonic measurements of properties of the fluid in the pipe. A method for detecting and measuring gas voids in a pipe with a fluid includes the steps of measuring properties of the fluid internal to the pipe with transmissions of ultrasonic energy from transducers externally disposed on the pipe. There is the step of identifying a void in the pipe from the properties of the fluid internal to the pipe using signals processed by processor.
US08132458B2 Acceleration sensor resistant to excessive force breakage
An acceleration sensor having a high impact resistance to prevent breakage under excessive acceleration, but can stably exert a sensing performance. The acceleration sensor is formed of an SOI substrate of a three-layered structure including a silicon layer (active layer silicon), a silicon oxide layer, and a silicon layer (substrate silicon). The acceleration sensor includes frame parts, a plurality of beam parts, the beam parts projecting inward from the frame part, and a weight part supported by the beam parts. A strain sensing part is provided on each of the beam parts. A width W of each of the beam parts, a length I of each of the beam parts, and an inner frame length L of the frame part satisfy the following relationships of Expressions (1) and (2). 2
US08132454B2 Sensor and device for examining sheet material, and sensor maintenance method
Sensor components having sides facing the sheet material have one or a plurality of front elements which are detachable and replaceable with low effort. So in the case of wear of the sensor fronts, entire sensor components no longer have to be replaced but only individual front elements of the sensor component are replaced. The front elements do not contact the inner area of the housing and the sensitive measuring elements arranged therein. When the front elements are detached from the housing for maintenance, the measuring elements remain dustproof encapsulated in the housing of the sensor component. The front elements preferably have a comb structure which improves the transport of the bank notes at the transition between the sensor components.
US08132452B1 Method for sampling fluid from a well with a gas trap
A low maintenance adjustable method for sampling fluid from a well using a gas analyzer, a fluid conditioner, and a gas trap. The gas trap can have a plurality of couplings, a plurality of hammer unions, a plurality of base manifold pipes, a base manifold flow line, a chimney pipe connected to the base manifold flow line, a controllable valve, a reducer connected to the chimney, an expansion chamber component connected to the reducer, a restrictor mounted to the expansion chamber component, and a conduit connection connected to the restrictor for engaging a conduit to flow a gas sample from the gas trap to a gas analyzer.
US08132441B2 Method and device for fine blanking and forming a workpiece
A device and a method for fine blanking and forming a workpiece out of a flat strip includes. a cutting plate formed as a disc-shaped transfer part, with several cutting openings adapted to the effective elements which take up and clamp a cut out a blank to transport the blank from one machining stage to the next. The transfer part is turnable with regard to the effective elements of the upper part around a virtual axis parallel to the machining direction in the center of the transfer part, turnable perpendicular to it after a lift over the effective elements of the lower part, and the cutting openings in the transfer part are arranged on a common base circle, the radius of which coincides with the distance of the machining stage to the axis, and that the machining stages of the upper part are arranged on the base circle at fixed distances to each other, wherein the machining stages in the transfer part are allocated at least two machining elements diametrically opposed at the circumference, fixed in the pressure pad of the upper part, arranged parallel to the axis locking bolts and several arranged diametrically opposed at the circumference locking openings in the transfer part for adjusting, fixing and lining up the effective elements to each other.
US08132438B2 Closing method and closing machine
A closing machine (1) for closing a rotating work piece (9) by pressing a heated die (4) against the work piece (9) comprises an air purge box (510) which opens onto the vicinity of the work piece (9), air supply means for supplying air to the air purge box (510), and a sensor (501, 502) provided in the interior of the air purge box (510) to detect a state of the work piece (9) or the die (4).
US08132432B2 Laundry machine
The present invention relates to laundry machines, and, more particularly, to a safe laundry machine which enables a user to open/close a door easily, and can prevent an accident caused by opening/closing of the door from taking place.The laundry machine includes a cabinet, a drum rotatably mounted in the cabinet, a door having a latch for being opened/closed selectively to expose an inside of the drum to an outside of the laundry machine, and a door switch assembly provided for enabling opening/closing of the door, wherein the door switch assembly includes a switch unit for making selective connection to the latch, and an opening operation unit spaced from the switch unit for the user to enable to disconnect the connection between the latch and the switch unit.
US08132431B2 Knitting machine
Knitting machine, method of guiding a guide bar and guide bar drive for a knitting machine. Knitting machine includes a shogging drive, a swing-through drive, and at least one guide bar, which is moveable by the shogging drive in a shogging direction and by the swing-through drive perpendicular to the shogging direction. Further, a slide surface pairing has two slide surfaces oriented perpendicularly to the shogging direction, and the shogging drive acts on the guide bar via the slide surface pairing.
US08132430B2 Glass fibers having improved strength
A glass fiber and a method of manufacturing a glass fiber for reinforcing a transparent composite matrix are disclosed. The glass fiber includes a first glass material having a first set of mechanical properties including a first modulus and a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and a second glass material having a second set of mechanical properties including a second modulus and a second CTE. The second glass material forms a substantially uniform coating on the first glass material. The second CTE is less than the first CTE. The glass fiber is formed by reducing the cross-section of a glass fiber preform of the first glass material coated with the second glass material by hot working. Because of the selected difference in the CTE's, the first glass material imparts a compressive force upon the second glass material, which improves the strength of the glass fiber.
US08132429B2 Method for fabricating an optical fiber, preform for fabricating an optical fiber, optical fiber and apparatus
The method for fabricating an optical fiber comprises the steps of inserting a primary optical fiber preform (11) having a first primary axis (x1) and an outer surface (111) into an overcladding tube (12) having a second primary axis (x2) and an inner surface (120), so that said outer surface and inner surface define an interior space (15); holding the primary preform (11) in a centrally inserted position within the overcladding tube (12) with said first and second primary axes (x1, x2) in substantial alignment with each other; supplying overcladding grain (13) into the interior space (15) that is limited at the lower end of the overcladding tube (12) by means of a closure (125); generating a condition of reduced pressure within the interior space (15) that is limited at the upper end of the overcladding tube (12) by means of an adjoiner (3), which holds the primary optical fiber preform (11) and the overcladding tube (12) in position; and heating the unprocessed secondary preform (1), that consists of the primary preform (11), the overcladding tube (12) and the overcladding grain (13), at its lower end to a softened state and simultaneously or subsequently drawing an optical fiber therefrom.
US08132428B2 Glass sheet forming method
A method for forming glass sheets is performed by a system (10) that includes a forming station (14) having lower and upper molds (28, 30) between which glass sheets G are cyclically received from a furnace (12) on a vacuum transfer platen (34), formed between the lower and upper molds (28, 30), and transferred to a delivery mold (42) for delivery such as to a quench station (16). The vacuum transfer platen (34) and the delivery mold (42) are moved at different elevations into the forming station (14) in respective underlapping and overlapping relationships to each other so each glass sheet forming cycle can begin within the forming station before the prior forming cycle is completed in a time overlapping manner that reduces the cycle time.
US08132424B2 Ice machines with extruded heat exchanger
A heat exchanger for an ice machine has the form of a cylinder. In some embodiments, the cylinder is made from an extrusion of a metal such as an aluminum alloy. The heat exchanger includes inner and outer cylindrical walls and one or more refrigeration passages positioned between the inner and outer walls. The inner and outer walls are separated from each other by connecting structures defining the refrigeration passages. The heat exchanger can be extruded as a rectangular panel and subsequently formed into a cylindrical form. Alternatively, the heat exchanger can be extruded as a cylinder, or as an arcuate cylindrical segment in which several of such segments are subsequently joined together (as by welding) into a cylinder. Ice machines that feature ice formation on both the inner and outer walls of the cylinder are also disclosed.
US08132422B2 Cogeneration system
A cogeneration system includes a coolant circuit through which a coolant is circulated for conducting a heat exchange with an exhaust heat generated by a power generation unit, a buffer tank provided at the coolant circuit and storing the coolant, a heating circuit including a heating power source and a heating terminal, the heating power source generating a heating water that is circulated to be supplied to the heating terminal, a heating water bypass circuit bypassing a flow passage of the heating circuit at a portion between an exit of the heating terminal and the heating power source, and a heat exchanging device performing a heat exchange between the heating water flowing through the heating water bypass circuit and the coolant.
US08132421B2 Turbo chiller, heat source system, and methods for controlling them
There is provided a turbo chiller that can be operated at high efficiency within an adequate chilling capacity range even when the cooling water temperature changes during the operation. The adequate chilling capacity range is obtained by using a flow coefficient and a pressure coefficient at a specific operating point of a turbo compressor as well as a predetermined coefficient to determine an arithmetic expression representing the relationship between a head and a chilling capacity, using a chilling capacity that can lead to a substantially highest coefficient of performance at a single head to obtain the predetermined coefficient as an optimum coefficient, computing an adequate operation coefficient range having a predetermined range and including the optimum coefficient, and substituting the adequate operation coefficient range and a head at the time of operation into the arithmetic expression.
US08132417B2 Cooling of a gas turbine engine downstream of combustion chamber
A gas turbine system includes a combustion chamber (2), a turbine (3), a radially inward and/or radially outward axial gap (4; 16, 17) between the combustion chamber (2) and the turbine (3), at which gap inner and/or outer combustion chamber walls (7, 8) and inner and/or outer turbine walls (11, 12) end, and a cooling gas supply (5), which via the gap (4; 16, 17) introduces a cooling gas into the turbine gas path (13) and/or into the combustion chamber gas path (9). An end section (21, 22, 23, 24) of the respective turbine wall (11, 12) and/or of the respective chamber wall (7, 8) adjoining the gap (4; 16, 17) is radially inwardly and/or radially outwardly, alternatingly formed.
US08132411B2 Rankine cycle for LNG vaporization/power generation process
A method and system for generating power in a vaporization of liquid natural gas process, the method comprising pressurizing a working fluid; heating and vaporizing the working fluid; expanding the working fluid in one or more expanders for the generation of power, the working fluid comprises: 2-11 mol % nitrogen, methane, a third component whose boiling point is greater than or equal to that of propane, and a fourth component comprising ethane or ethylene; cooling the working fluid such that the working fluid is at least substantially condensed; and recycling the working fluid, wherein the cooling of the working fluid occurs through indirect heat exchange with a pressurized liquefied natural gas stream in a heat exchanger, and wherein the flow rate of the working fluid at an inlet of the heat exchanger is equal to the flow rate of the working fluid at an outlet of the heat exchanger.
US08132397B2 Attachment for connection of harvesting combine and baler
A conveyor provides a link between a combine harvester and a baler which is towed behind the combine harvester. The conveyor has a front inlet end positioned to receive trash flowing from the trash outlet of the combine harvester. The conveyor also has a rear outlet end positioned to deliver the trash to the inlet of the baler so that the trash can be baled without ever touching the ground.
US08132395B2 Variable tension gusseting system
A vertical stand-up pouch, flat bottom bag, or flexible package, and method for manufacturing same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines. The invention involves producing a vertical stand-up pouch or flat bottom bag from a single sheet of packaging film by forming one or two vertical creases along opposing sides of the packaging film tube prior to forming a transverse seal on the tube. The vertical crease is formed using a pivoting tucker mechanism positioned outside the packaging film tube and between two forming plates positioned inside the packaging film tube. A novel method is also disclosed for adjusting the orientation of labeling on the packaging film, which results in the production of innovative packages.
US08132372B2 System and method for constructing a modular enclosure
A modular enclosure may include a number of components, such as floor panels, wall panels and roof panels, which may be interconnected to form a structure such as a shed. For example, the shed may include wall panels with connecting portions that are sized and configured to allow adjacent wall panels to be interconnected. The wall panels may also include outwardly extending projections that allow the wall panels to be connected to the floor panels. In addition, the wall panels may include receiving portions that may receive portions of the roof panels, such as an outwardly extending lip. Advantageously, a truss may extend through the receiving portions in the wall panels and the truss may include a channel that is sized and configured to allow any water that enters the shed through a roof panel seam to be removed from the shed.
US08132366B1 Modular germinating apparatus
The modular germinating apparatus provides a plurality of rods, each with an extendable insert whereby total length of the rod and insert is adjustable, the adjusted length selectively maintained by dual, outward pressed lock pins. Rods are positioned as chosen both horizontally and vertically between given objects, such as window sills. A plurality of planters with planter inserts is hung as chosen from the rods with extendable inserts, thereby providing for germinating a multitude of plants simultaneously, with great space efficiency. Each insert provides a plurality of individual compartments, each compartment having drain holes for draining excess liquids from the compartments to the planter below, thereby maintaining optimal germinating environments.
US08132361B1 Apparatus for staking trees
A system and apparatus for supporting newly planted trees or other upright for use with a plurality of stakes that have been positioned adjacent and around the tree to be supported. In one aspect of the invention, the individual stakes are rigidly secured together by elements which are vertically movable along the stakes and releasably secured to the stakes at desired vertical positions. In another aspect of the invention, flexible tie members interconnect the tree trunk with a vertical stake. The connection between the tie member and its associated stake is such that the connection may be releasably locked to the stake at different vertical positions along the stake.
US08132358B1 Mulch mat kit
A mulch mat kit designed to retain mulch and to prevent grass around a plant while directly watering the plant root system, the kit including a water permeable base, a wall member attached in an upright position around the base, at least one optional tube removably insertable into the base, and an optional bracket to secure the wall member in an upright position. An aperture centered in the base removably receives a plant stalk therethrough and a slit in the base from the outer perimeter surface to the aperture allows the base to be slipped into place around the plant. The mulch mat kit may be utilized in combination with a sprinkler system in which each tube receives a sprinkler head.
US08132357B2 Fumigation of containerized cargo
An apparatus and method for tarpless fumigation of containerized cargo within a shipping container is disclosed. A portable fumigation containment door is installed in covering relation with main rear opening of a standard cargo container. Pneumatic cylinders are actuated to secure the door in place, and an inflatable gasket extending around the perimeter of the containment door and is inflated to create an airtight seal between the cargo container and the containment door. The door is provided with a series of connection ports for receiving fumigant injection and sampling lines necessary for performing the fumigation process.
US08132355B1 Offset accessory mount and mounting system
An adjustable accessory mounting clamp for mounting an accessory to an accessory rail, including an accessory band, a primary locking arm, a secondary locking arm, and a threaded adjustment rod that is anchored, at a first end, to the primary locking arm, extends through an aperture in the secondary locking arm, and is threadedly coupled to a cam lever pin of a cam lever, wherein the cam lever includes at least one camming surface, such that when the cam lever is in a closed position, the camming surface contacts an outer surface portion of the secondary locking arm to provide tension to the threaded adjustment rod, such that a distance between the primary locking claw and the secondary locking claw is adjusted to accommodate varying width accessory mounting rails.
US08132354B1 Universal bore sight
A bore sight (10) is provided that can be used with many calibers of firearms (12) to align optical devices such as rifle scopes. The bore sight (10) has a housing (22) with a spring loaded arbor (26) extending from one end thereof. The arbor (26) has a tapered face (32) varying in diameter in a range including popular calibers, such as .17 to .50 caliber. The arbor (26) is inserted in the end (20) of the barrel (18) as far as the caliber of the barrel (18) permits. The arbor (26) then starts retracting into the housing (22) against a spring force to allow the magnetic alignment face (24) of the housing to move into contact with the end (20) of the barrel to align the bore sight (10) with the centerline of the bore (16). A laser (30) on the bore sight (10) then projects a laser beam aligned with the bore centerline, allowing alignment of the optical device. Bore sight (100) forms a second embodiment and does not have an arbor (26). The bore sight (100) is hand centered on the end of the barrel and is fixed thereto by the attraction of the magnetic alignment face (24) to the barrel (18).
US08132353B2 Laser sight
A laser sight is disclosed, including a housing which defines a first central axis, an objective module, an eyepiece, an erecting system, and an adjusting member. The objective module is fixed to a first end of the housing, and the eyepiece is fixed to a second end of the housing, opposite to the first end. The erecting system is movably disposed between the objective module and the eyepiece and comprises a laser rangefinder defining a second central axis. The adjusting member is movably disposed on the housing and connected to the erecting system. During windage and elevation adjustments, the adjusting member moves with respect to the housing and impels the laser rangefinder, such that the first and second axes form an included angle.
US08132348B1 Muzzle-loaded rifle action breech assembly
An action breech assembly features a one-piece action housing movable between a horizontal at rest position and a vertical cocked position to move a cocking plunger rearwardly as a result of a lateral offset between a pivot pin on which the housing is mounted and a plunger stop pin to which the plunger is attached. Pressure relief devices are provided for the powder chamber.
US08132345B2 Hydraulic function control with auto-control mode override
A work machine (10) comprises an operator input device (28), an electro-hydraulic system (64), and a controller unit (46) that communicates with the operator input device (28) and the electro-hydraulic system (64). The controller unit (46) is programmed to operate the electro-hydraulic system (64) in an auto-control mode, and adapted to override the auto-control mode in response to predetermined behavior of the operator input device (28). An associated method is disclosed.
US08132337B1 Method and apparatus for drying wood particles/sawdust and other particulate matter
A compact low-maintenance moving air modular cabinet wood particles/sawdust dryer having a serpentine path for heated air to move injected wood particles/sawdust through the cabinet, drying it as it goes, together with a system for providing controllable heated airflow and a regulated supply of wood particles/sawdust to be dried.
US08132335B2 Apparatus for checking the accuracy of a circular path of a machine tool performed by a work spindle and/or a machine table
An apparatus for checking the accuracy of a circular path of a work spindle or a machine table, in particular an NC-controlled machine tool, includes a clamping element coaxial with the work spindle, a first rotary bearing disposed on the clamping element and coaxial with the rotation axis of the work spindle, a measurement arm with a first pivot bearing having a first pivot axis orthogonal to the rotation axis of the clamping element, a length measurement system disposed in measurement arm with a glass rod with a marking and a reading device, an adjusting device receiving the measurement arm and having a second pivot bearing with a pivot axis aligned parallel to the first pivot axis, a second rotary bearing having a second rotation axis aligned parallel to the rotation axis of the work spindle, and a stator supporting the second rotary bearing.
US08132327B2 Method for manufacturing a jewelry item enabling a jeweled bearing to be held and immobilized
A manufacturing device enabling jeweled bearings to be maintained, locked and immobilized on fishing line thread.
US08132324B2 Split fan wheel and split shroud assemblies and methods of manufacturing and assembling the same
Devices and systems for transporting a material suspended in a fluid, e.g., pulverized coal, that can be assembled about a rotary element are disclosed. The devices and systems comprise a first portion or half of a fan wheel assembly, a second portion or half of a fan wheel assembly, and a plurality of splice plates for connecting the first portion of the fan wheel assembly to the second portion of the fan wheel assembly about the rotary element. Methods of manufacturing and assembling the sectionalized devices and systems are also provided.
US08132318B2 Metal substrate having electronic devices formed thereon
A method of forming an electronic device on a metal substrate deposits a first seed layer of a first metal on at least one master surface with a roughness less than 400 nm. A supporting metal layer is bonded to the first seed layer to form the metal substrate 10. The metal substrate is removed from the master surface, and at least one electronic device is formed on the seed layer of the metal substrate.
US08132310B2 Work carrier and work clamping method using the same
A work carrier includes a movable clamp unit (15) having resiliently connected first and second sliders (26, 27) mounted on a guide rail (24), a lock lever (37) mounted on the second slider and normally urged in a direction to move a toothed portion (41) into meshing engagement with a rack (25), an operating lever (46) pivotally mounted on the second slider, and a cam mechanism (43, 38, 44, 45) operable in response to pivotal movement of the operating lever in one direction such that the second slider is locked in position against movement relative to the guide rail via meshing engagement between the toothed portion and the rack and, subsequently, the first slider and clamp member carried thereon are forcibly displaced away from the second slider while the second slider remains locked on the guide rail.
US08132308B2 Fastener extraction tool
The hand tool is used to extract a fastener from a material by preferably gripping the fastener from a horizontal orientation. The hand tool has a head with two pivotally joined halves including at least one pair of gripping jaws. The tool head preferably includes tips that may be used to dig beneath a fastener head that is flush with or set below a surface. The tool includes a pair of handles operable to close the gripping jaws. The handles are preferably offset above the plane of the tool head such that they operate as a lever in cooperation with a fulcrum on the bottom of the tool head to extract the fastener.
US08132305B2 Equipment and method for cutting package
A package cutting apparatus includes at least two spindles installed at a sawing robot and cutting a frame including a plurality of packages into packages using cutting bits; a frame loading jig loading the frame so that the frame is cut; and a frame-and-unit picker installed at an orthogonal robot to load and unload the frame on and from the frame loading jig, wherein a state of the cutting bit installed at the spindle is checked.
US08132297B2 Apparatus on a flat card or roller card having a cylinder and at least one doffer
In an apparatus on a carding machine having a cylinder and at least one doffer, in which the cylinder and the doffer each have an all-steel clothing having saw teeth, the clothing on the cylinder and the clothing on the doffer each have a point density per square inch (ppsi). For achieving increased production rate with the same quality or improved quality with the same production rate, the clothing on the doffer has a point density of at least 400 ppsi, and the ratio between the point density of the clothing of the cylinder and the point density of the clothing of the doffer influences the proportion of the fiber mass that is transferred from the cylinder to the doffer per revolution of the cylinder in the sense of a higher production rate or higher quality of the card.
US08132293B2 Portable computer clutch structures
A portable computer is provided that has a housing. Upper and lower portions of the housing may be joined using a hinge. A clutch mechanism may be associated with the hinge. The clutch mechanism may exhibit asymmetrical friction during opening and closing of the portable computer housing portions. Additional closing force may help to prevent the computer from having a lid that is too easy to close, without overwhelming the clutch with unnecessary friction. The clutch may have a clutch spring that is attached to a clutch shaft using a slot in the shaft. A lobe may be provided in the spring in the vicinity of the slot. A protective cap may be provided over the tip of the shaft to prevent damage to nearby wires. A friction band in the clutch may be used to directly engage an end of the spring.
US08132285B2 Brushes with retractable removable heads
One embodiment of an applicator comprises a brush head with a ferrule, and a brush handle. The ferrule has the head at one end and the handle at the other end. Magnetic elements, at least one of which is a magnet, are attached to the brush handle and ferrule where the two parts connect. The brush head can be removed from the handle, assembled with the handle, and switched easily whenever needed. The ferrule can be kept firmly on the handle by the action of the magnet inside. The head can be retracted by sliding a sleeve mounted on the handle forward over the sides of the head. The head, when removed from the handle, can be washed without the risk of water penetrating the sleeve mechanism. The head can also be replaced or interchanged, which can greatly enlarge the versatility of the brush and also avoids waste of material.
US08132280B2 Loading dock leveler with lip extension mechanism
A dock leveler with a deck and an extendable lip that hangs pendant when the deck is in a stored position. A lip extension mechanism engages when the deck is raised to a raised or cocked position. As the deck is lowered to an intermediate transition position, the extension mechanism extends the lip to a fully extended position. At the transition position, the lip extension mechanism automatically disengages and a lip locking mechanism automatically and simultaneously locks and holds the lip in its fully extended position. When the deck is further lowered so that the lip comes to rest on a truck trailer, the locking mechanism automatically released or unlocked. The lip returns to its pendant position when the deck is raised from the truck bed. After the truck pulls away from the dock, the deck is lowered to its stored position.
US08132273B2 Toilet fill valve including leak prevention mechanism
A toilet fill valve having a mechanism for preventing leakage from a tank of the toilet between flush cycles. The mechanism includes links that are normally locked to prevent the fill valve from opening. The links are operatively connected to a handle of the toilet such that the links are unlocked and allow the fill valve to open only when the handle of the toilet is purposely operated to initiate a flush cycle. Otherwise, the links do not allow the fill valve to open even if water leaks from the tank and causes a float of the fill valve to be lowered.
US08132271B2 Swimming goggles
Swimming goggles are provided which include a hard combined frame, a soft left frame and a soft right frame receiving lenses therein, and hard buckles. The hard combined frame includes a first assembling frame, a second assembling frame, and a connecting member connecting the first assembling frame with the second assembling frame. The soft left frame and the soft right frame are respectively assembled on the first assembling frame and the second assembling frame. The hard buckles are respectively assembled on the first assembling frame and the second assembling frame for accommodating a head strap. The connecting member has first portions with bendable flexibility for fitting to users' nose profiles. The first assembling frame and the second assembling frame have second portions with bendable flexibility on parts of side edges thereof for fitting to users' face profiles.
US08132270B2 Headband device for an oxygen mask
The invention relates to a headband means (1) used for applying a breathing mask (2) in a user's facial area. Said headband means (1) comprises a flexible band body that is provided with upper and lower band portions (3, 4) and is used for transmitting the mask holding forces required for applying the breathing mask. At least some portions of the band body are made of a foamed plastic material. The invention further relates to an application device (102) for a breathing mask, comprising a headband means which extends around the back of a user's head. The headband means encompasses a supporting structure (S) made of a material that can at least once be temporarily brought into a state in which at least some portions of the headband means can be individually adjusted to the shape of the back of the user's head.