Document Document Title
US08138640B2 Rotating electric machine and cooling system for the rotating electric machine
Heat discharging property of the stator coil end is improved effectively in a rotating electric machine. A motor as the rotating electric machine includes a stator and a rotor. The stator includes a stator core and resin mold coil ends provided on both axial ends thereof. Column-shaped projections projecting in the axial direction are provided on axial side surfaces of resin mold coil ends at a plurality of positions. Cooling oil supplied from above the resin mold coil ends effectively cools the resin mold coil ends.
US08138635B2 DC injection of energy from renewable power sources
In general, in one aspect, the disclosure describes an apparatus to enable direct injection of DC power from a renewable power source (e.g., solar) into an electronic device (e.g., computer). The DC power from the renewable source is injected into the electronic device on the DC side of a power supply used to provide power thereto. The DC power is injected into a tap that is installed between the power supply and a system board using the DC power. The apparatus may include a voltage regulator that converts the DC power to a DC voltage associated with the electronic device. The set point of the voltage regulator may be on the high side of the voltage range of the electronic device so that power is preferentially provided by the renewable source with additional power being provided by the power supply. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08138632B2 Control method for redundant use in the event of a fault in a polyphase converter with distributed energy stores
The invention relates to a method for controlling a power converter having at least two phase modules, which each have an upper and a lower valve branch, each having at least three series-connected two-pole subsystems, in the event of failure of at least one subsystem of a valve branch of a phase module. According to the invention, the valve branch (T1, T6) with the failed subsystem (10) is determined, and in each case a subsystem (10) of a valve branch (T1, T6), which corresponds to the faulty valve branch (T1, T6), of any fault-free phase module (100) is driven such that its terminal voltages (UX21) are in each case zero. A polyphase power converter with distributed energy stores (9) is therefore operated with redundancy.
US08138626B2 Power node for energy management
A power node provides energy management features in a networked data communications and control environment.
US08138616B2 Bond pad structure
A bond pad structure of an integrated circuit includes a conductive pad disposed on a first dielectric layer, a first conductive block formed in a second dielectric layer below the first dielectric layer and electrically connected to the conductive pad through a first via plug formed in the first dielectric layer, and an electrically floating first conductive plate situated under the conductive pad.
US08138609B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
In a semiconductor device, a substrate includes a plurality of line conductors which penetrate the substrate from a top surface to a bottom surface of the substrate. A semiconductor chip is secured in a hole of the substrate. A first insulating layer is formed on the top surfaces of the substrate and the semiconductor chip. A first wiring layer is formed on the first insulating layer and electrically connected via through holes of the first insulating layer to the semiconductor chip and some line conductors exposed to one of the through holes. A second insulating layer is formed on the bottom surfaces of the substrate and the semiconductor chip. A second wiring layer is formed on the second insulating layer and electrically connected via a through hole of the second insulating layer to some line conductors exposed to the through hole.
US08138604B2 Metal cap with ultra-low k dielectric material for circuit interconnect applications
An interconnect structure is provided that has enhanced electromigration reliability without degrading circuit short yield, and improved technology extendibility. The inventive interconnect structure includes a dielectric material having a dielectric constant of about 3.0 or less. The dielectric material has at least one conductive material embedded therein. A noble metal cap is located directly on an upper surface of the at least one conductive region. The noble metal cap does not substantially extend onto an upper surface of the dielectric material that is adjacent to the at least one conductive region, and the noble cap material does not be deposited on the dielectric surface. A method fabricating such an interconnect structure utilizing a low temperature (about 300° C. or less) chemical deposition process is also provided.
US08138599B2 Wireless communication device integrated into a single package
A method, apparatus and system with an autonomic, self-healing polymer capable of slowing crack propagation within the polymer and slowing delamination at a material interface.
US08138579B2 Structures and methods of forming SiGe and SiGeC buried layer for SOI/SiGe technology
Semiconductor structures and methods of forming semiconductor structures, and more particularly to structures and methods of forming SiGe and/or SiGeC buried layers for SOI/SiGe devices. An integrated structure includes discontinuous, buried layers having alternating Si and SiGe or SiGeC regions. The structure further includes isolation structures at an interface between the Si and SiGe or SiGeC regions to reduce defects between the alternating regions. Devices are associated with the Si and SiGe or SiGeC regions. The invention is also directed to a design structure on which a circuit resides.
US08138577B2 Pulse-laser bonding method for through-silicon-via based stacking of electronic components
There is described a method of forming a through-silicon-via to form an interconnect between two stacked semiconductor components using pulsed laser energy. A hole is formed in each component, and each hole is filled with a plug formed of a first metal. One component is then stacked on another component such that the holes are in alignment, and a pulse of laser energy is applied to form a bond between the metal plugs.
US08138570B2 Isolated junction field-effect transistor
An isolation structure for a semiconductor device comprises a floor isolation region, a dielectric filled trench above the floor isolation region and a sidewall isolation region extending downward from the bottom of the trench to the floor isolation region. This structure provides a relatively deep isolated pocket in a semiconductor substrate while limiting the depth of the trench that must be etched in the substrate. An isolated junction field-effect transistor is formed in the isolated pocket.
US08138567B2 Materials, fabrication equipment, and methods for stable, sensitive photodetectors and image sensors made therefrom
Optically sensitive devices include a device comprising a first contact and a second contact, each having a work function, and an optically sensitive material between the first contact and the second contact. The optically sensitive material comprises an n-type semiconductor, and the optically sensitive material has a work function. Circuitry applies a bias voltage between the first contact and the second contact. The optically sensitive material has an electron lifetime that is greater than the electron transit time from the first contact to the second contact when the bias is applied between the first contact and the second contact. The first contact provides injection of electrons and blocking the extraction of holes. The interface between the first contact and the optically sensitive material provides a surface recombination velocity less than 1 cm/s.
US08138566B1 Integrated circuit chip made secure against the action of electromagnetic radiation
A chip for a chip-incorporating portable article having a card format, such as for smartcards. The chip includes a silicon substrate layer having integrated circuits in its active face defining a central processor unit and memories. The chip also includes physical means for providing physical protection against the action of electromagnetic radiation in the infrared range of wavelength longer than 1 μm.
US08138561B2 Structure and method to fabricate high performance MTJ devices for spin-transfer torque (STT)-RAM
A STT-RAM MTJ is disclosed with a MgO tunnel barrier formed by a NOX process, a CoFeB/FeSiO/CoFeB composite free layer with a middle nanocurrent channel layer to minimize Jc0, and a Ru capping layer to enhance the spin scattering effect and increase dR/R. Good write margin is achieved by modifying the NOX process to afford a RA less than 10 ohm-μm2 and good read margin is realized with a dR/R of >100% by annealing at 330° C. or higher to form crystalline CoFeB free layers. The NCC thickness is maintained in the 6 to 10 Angstrom range to reduce Rp and avoid Fe(Si) granules from not having sufficient diameter to bridge the distance between upper and lower CoFeB layers. A FeSiO layer may be inserted below the Ru layer in the capping layer to prevent the Ru from causing a high damping constant in the upper CoFeB free layer.
US08138553B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A gate insulating film is formed on a main surface of a substrate in which an element isolation region is formed. A metal film is formed on the gate insulating film. A silicon film is formed on the metal film. A gate electrode of a MIS transistor composed of a stacked structure of the silicon film and metal film is formed on an element region and a high-resistance element composed of a stacked structure of the silicon film and metal film is formed on the element isolation region by patterning the silicon film and metal film. An acid-resistant insulating film is formed on the side of the gate electrode. The metal film of the high-resistance element is oxidized. A diffused layer of the MIS transistor is formed in the substrate.
US08138540B2 Trench type non-volatile memory having three storage locations in one memory cell
A non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory comprises a substrate, a conductive layer, a charge storage layer, several first doped regions and several second doped regions. The substrate has a plurality of trenches formed therein. The conductive layer is located over the substrate, wherein the conductive layer fills in the trenches. The charge storage layer is located between the substrate and the conductive layer. The first doped regions are located in the substrate adjacent to both sides of the trenches respectively, wherein the first doped regions between the neighboring trenches are separated from each other. The second doped regions are located in a portion of the substrate under the bottoms of the trenches respectively.
US08138530B2 CMOS image sensor having a crosstalk prevention structure
In a method of manufacturing a CMOS image sensor, a P type epitaxial layer is formed on an N type substrate. A deep P+ type well layer is formed in the P type epitaxial layer. An N type deep guardring well is formed in a photodiode guardring region. The N type deep guardring region makes contact with the N type substrate and also be connected with an operational voltage terminal. A triple well is formed in a photodiode region and a peripheral circuit region. The triple well is used for forming a PMOS and an NMOS having different operational voltages. An isolation region is formed in the photodiode region. The isolation region in the photodiode region has a depth different from a depth of an isolation region in the peripheral circuit region.
US08138529B2 Package configurations for low EMI circuits
An electronic component includes a high voltage switching transistor encased in a package. The high voltage switching transistor comprises a source electrode, a gate electrode, and a drain electrode all on a first side of the high voltage switching transistor. The source electrode is electrically connected to a conducting structural portion of the package. Assemblies using the abovementioned transistor with another transistor can be formed, where the source of one transistor can be electrically connected to a conducting structural portion of a package containing the transistor and a drain of the second transistor is electrically connected to the second conductive structural portion of a package that houses the second transistor. Alternatively, the source of the second transistor is electrically isolated from its conductive structural portion, and the drain of the second transistor is electrically isolated from its conductive structural portion.
US08138523B2 Semiconductor device having silicon on stressed liner (SOL)
A method of fabricating an integrated circuit and an integrated circuit having silicon on a stress liner are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a semiconductor substrate comprising an embedded disposable layer, and removing at least a portion of the disposable layer to form a void within the substrate. This method further comprises depositing a material in that void to form a stress liner, and forming a transistor on an outside semiconductor layer of the substrate. This semiconductor layer separates the transistor from the stress liner. In one embodiment, the substrate includes isolation regions; and the removing includes forming recesses in the isolation regions, and removing at least a portion of the disposable layer via these recesses. In one embodiment, the depositing includes depositing a material in the void via the recesses. End caps may be formed in the recesses at ends of the stress liner.
US08138522B2 Gate controlled atomic switch
The invention relates to a method for producing a switch element. The invention is characterized in that the switch element comprises three electrodes that are located in an electrolyte, two of which (source electrode and drain electrode) are interconnected by a bridge consisting of one or more atoms that can be reversibly opened and closed. The opening and closing of said contact between the source and drain electrodes can be controlled by the potential that is applied to the third electrode (gate electrode). The switch element is produced by the repeated application of potential cycles between the gate electrode and the source or drain electrode. The potential is increased and reduced during the potential cycles until the conductance between the source and drain electrode can be switched back and forth between two conductances, as a result of said change in potential in the gate electrode, as a reproducible function of the voltage of the gate electrode.
US08138518B2 Light emitting diode, package structure and manufacturing method thereof
A light emitting diode (LED), a fabricating method thereof, and a package structure thereof are provided. The LED includes a substrate, a first semiconductor layer disposed on the substrate, an active layer disposed on the first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer disposed on the active layer, a current distribution modifying layer, a first electrode and a second electrode. The active layer and the second semiconductor layer form a mesa structure and expose a part of the first semiconductor layer. The current distribution modifying layer is disposed on the second semiconductor layer. The first electrode is disposed on and electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer exposed by the mesa structure. The second electrode is disposed on the current distribution modifying layer and is electrically connected to the second semiconductor layer. The LED has superior light emitting efficiency.
US08138506B2 Group III nitride-based compound semiconductor light-emitting device
In the Group III nitride-based compound semiconductor light-emitting device of the invention, an non-light-emitting area is formed in a light-emitting layer. In a light-emitting diode where light is extracted on the side of an n-layer, an outer wiring trace portion and an inner wiring trace portion of an n-contact electrode impedes light emission from the light-emitting layer. Therefore, there are provided, at the interface between a p-layer and a p-contact electrode, high-resistance faces having a width wider than the orthogonal projections of contact areas between the outer and inner wiring trace portions and the n-layer on the interface between the p-contact electrode and the p-layer. Through this configuration, current flow is limited, and portions having a total area equivalent to that of the high-resistance faces of the light-emitting layer serve as non-light-emitting areas. Thus, current can be supplied preferentially to an area of the light-emitting area where the outer wiring trace portion and the inner wiring trace portion are difficult to shade light, whereby light extraction efficiency with respect to supplied current can be enhanced.
US08138505B2 Light-emitting device, display apparatus, and electronic system
A light-emitting device includes a cathode, an anode, a first light-emitting layer that is disposed between the cathode and the anode and that emits light of a first color, a second light-emitting layer that is disposed between the first light-emitting layer and the cathode and that emits light of a second color different from the first color, and an intermediate layer that is disposed between and in contact with the first light-emitting layer and the second light-emitting layer and that contains a first material and a second material different from the first material. The light-emitting device satisfies inequality (1): LLA−LLB≧0.4 [eV]  (1) wherein LLA [eV] is the energy level of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of the first material, and LLB [eV] is the energy level of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of the second material.
US08138501B2 Switching element and manufacturing method thereof
Disclosed is a switching element provided with a gate dielectric film and an active layer disposed in contact with the gate dielectric film. The active layer includes carbon nanotubes, and the gate dielectric film includes non-conjugated polymer containing an aromatic ring in a side chain.
US08138493B2 Optoelectronic semiconductor device
The present invention provides an optoelectronic semiconductor device comprising at least one semiconductor nanowire, wherein the nanowire comprises a nanowire core and at least one shell layer arranged around at least a portion of the nanowire core. The nanowire core and the shell layer form a pn or pin junction that in operation provides an active region for carrier generation or carrier recombination. Quantum dots adapted to act as carrier recombination centres or carrier generation centres are arranged in the active region. By using the nanowire core as template for formation of the quantum dots and the shell layer, quantum dots of homogeneous size and uniform distribution can be obtained. Basically, the optoelectronic semiconductor device can be used for light generation or light absorption. In the former case the optoelectronic semiconductor device is a light emitting diode or a laser diode and in the latter case the optoelectronic semiconductor device is a photoelectric device, such as a photo diode, a photo detector or a solar cell.
US08138488B2 System and method for performing optical navigation using scattered light
A system and method for performing optical navigation uses scattered light to produce frames of image data to estimate displacement with respect to a target surface. The scattered light is produced from an illumination beam of light emitted along a first optical axis onto the target surface. The illumination beam of light also produces a specularly reflected beam of light along a second optical axis. The scattered light about a third optical axis, which is offset by a predefined angle with respect to the second optical axis, is received at an image sensor array to produce the frames of image.
US08138484B2 Magnetic scanning system with improved efficiency
Some aspects of the present invention facilitate ion implantation by using a magnetic beam scanner that includes first and second magnetic elements having a beam path region therebetween. One or more magnetic flux compression elements are disposed proximate to the beam path region and between the first and second magnetic elements. During operation, the first and magnetic elements cooperatively generate an oscillatory time-varying magnetic field in the beam path region to scan an ion beam back and forth in time. The one or more magnetic flux compression elements compress the magnetic flux provided by the first and second magnetic elements, thereby reducing the amount of power required to magnetically scan the beam back and forth (relative to previous implementations). Other scanners, systems, and methods are also disclosed.
US08138474B2 Method and apparatus for digital differential ion mobility separation
A method for differential mobility separation of ions using digital-drive based high voltage fast switching electronics. The digital waveform delivered to the spectrometer is characterized by at least two substantially rectangular pulses of different amplitude and polarity. The control circuitry allows for waveform frequency, duty cycle and pulse amplitudes to be varied independently. Balanced as well as unbalanced asymmetric waveforms can be designed for optimum differential mobility separation of ions. The digital drive is designed for differential mobility spectrometers including parallel plate and segmented plate multipoles of planar symmetry, as well as multipoles of cylindrical symmetry, which may optionally be arranged in series. The use of the digital drive establishes alternating electric fields during which the displacement as a result of ion oscillation is determined by mobility coefficients.
US08138467B2 Color filter array including color filters only of first type and second type, method of fabricating the same, and image pickup device including the same
An image pickup device includes a pixel array including a plurality of photo sensitive devices and a color filter array including a plurality of color filters each disposed above a corresponding one of the plurality of photo sensitive devices. The color filters include a first type color filter formed on a glass substrate to filter light to pass a first spectrum and a second type color filter stacked on at least part of the first type color filter to filter light to pass a second spectrum. Accordingly, fabrication of a color filter array can be simplified and a color filter array having a small lay out can be fabricated.
US08138465B2 Optical sensor with a single continuous injection molded optical element with fresnel lenses
The invention relates to an optical sensor (1) for detecting objects in a monitored area, said sensor comprising at least one transmitter (4) for emitting light rays (3), at least one receiver (6) for receiving transmitted light rays (5), and an evaluation unit (7) for generating an object detection signal in dependence on signals received and present at the receiver (6) output. Furthermore provided is an optical element consisting of an injection-molded plastic part (9). Respectively one first and one second segment of the optical element functions as a Fresnel lens (9a, 9b) for forming a beam with the transmitted light rays (3) and/or the received light rays (5).
US08138464B2 Optical receiving circuit
An optical-receiving circuit includes a first photodiode converting an optical signal into a current signal, a first trans-impedance amplifier to which a first power supply voltage of Vreg is supplied and which has a negative feedback resistor and to which the current signal is input and which outputs a voltage signal, and an output circuit to which the voltage signal output from the first trans-impedance amplifier is input and which outputs a voltage signal to the outside. A temperature coefficient of a voltage of (Vreg−MVbe) is positive, in which Vbe is a base-emitter voltage of a transistor contained in the first trans-impedance amplifier and M is a coefficient that does not depend on the temperature.
US08138463B2 Photosensor and ambient light sensor with constant bias voltage
A method of operating a photosensor comprising: applying a bias voltage to a photosensor (12) comprising n (n>1) photo-sensitive elements (8) connected in series, and determining the photocurrent in the photosensor (12) at a time when the applied bias voltage across the photosensor maintains the photosensor at or close to the point at which it has the greatest signal-to-noise ratio. This may conveniently be done by determining the current in the photosensor at a time when the applied bias voltage across the photosensor is equal or approximately equal to n×Vbi, where Vbi is the bias voltage about which the current in a single one of the photo-sensitive elements (8), in the dark, changes sign. In an embodiment in which the photo-sensitive elements (8) are photodiodes, the bias voltage Vbi is the “built-in” voltage of the photodiodes. The photocurrent generated when n series-connected photodiodes are illuminated is approximately equal to the photocurrent generated when one photodiode is illuminated. However, the leakage current (i.e., the dark current) for the n series-connected photodiodes is significantly lower than the leakage current for one photodiode. The signal-to-noise-ratio is therefore significantly increased.
US08138457B2 Plate-type heater and a method for the manufacture thereof
The present invention provides a plate-type heater designed to allow uniform generation of heat across the entire surface of the heater, comprising an upper component composed of a first outer covering and a first intermediate layer joined together and a lower component composed of a second outer covering and a second intermediate layer joined together, with a heating element being placed between said upper component and lower component and wires laminated onto the two end surfaces of said heating element.
US08138452B2 Convection oven
A convection system for an oven comprising a baffle defining a single heating chamber mounted within a cavity of the oven, a heating element located within the single heating chamber for heating air within the heating chamber, and at least two fans located within the heating chamber. The oven cavity can be defined, in part, by a wall having at least a portion with a curved peripheral edge, so that air exhausted through the outlet is deflected away from the wall.
US08138449B2 Method of joining sheet members together
A method of joining sheet members together, which enables two sheets to be joined while conveying these sheets and reducing a cause of inferior products as much as possible. The method of joining sheet members includes: bonding an end of a new sheet member to a surface of a preceding sheet member through an adhesive material to form a joined part; and cutting the preceding sheet member at a position rearward of the joined part to join the preceding sheet member with a new sheet member, wherein the preceding sheet member is secured to the new sheet at a position rearward of the joined part. In addition, in the method of joining sheet members, the securing is carried out by welding using laser beam.
US08138445B2 Plasma processing apparatus and plasma processing method
In a plasma processing apparatus, a first electrode is attached to a grounded evacuable processing chamber via an insulating material or a space and a second electrode disposed in parallel with the first electrode spaced apart therefrom in the processing chamber, the second electrode supporting a target substrate to face the first electrode. A first radio frequency power supply unit applies a first radio frequency power of a first frequency to the second electrode, and a second radio frequency power supply unit applies a second radio frequency power of a second frequency lower than the first frequency to the second electrode. Further, a processing gas supply unit supplies a processing gas to a processing space formed by the first and the second electrode and a sidewall of the processing chamber. Moreover, an inductor electrically is connected between the first electrode and a ground potential.
US08138444B2 Plasma processing apparatus
Provided is a plasma processing apparatus including a chamber, a lower electrode, an upper electrode, and a substrate sensor. The chamber is configured to provide a reaction space. The lower electrode is disposed at a lower region in the chamber to mount a substrate thereon. The upper electrode is disposed at an upper region in the chamber to be opposite to the lower electrode. The substrate sensor is provided on the chamber to sense the substrate. Herein, the upper electrode includes an electrode plate and an insulating plate attached on the bottom of the electrode plate, and at least one guide hole is formed in the upper electrode to guide light output from the substrate sensor toward the substrate.
US08138434B2 Waterproof press key and assembly of an electronic device housing and the waterproof press key
A waterproof press key includes a key body, a rigid support component, and a waterproofing ring. The key body is made of a resilient material, and includes a top wall and a surrounding wall extending downwardly from the top wall. The rigid support component includes a supporting portion that is disposed at the surrounding wall. The waterproofing ring projects from the outer wall surface of the surrounding wall. The supporting portion overlaps with at least a part of a height section of the surrounding wall from which the waterproofing ring projects to thereby enhance the waterproofing effect of the waterproof press key.
US08138432B2 Electrical switch assembly
A switch assembly operating an electrical circuit using an elastomeric pad is provided. The elastomeric pad comprises one or more collapsible domes that are positioned such that a plunger element supported by the switch assembly collapses the domes when an actuation button is tilted. The plunger element may have a limiting mechanism to limit downward movement of the plunger element such that the collapsible domes are not overloaded. The body and plunger may also be formed with complementary profiled portions that restrict any one or more of fore/aft, side-to-side and up/down movements of the plunger with respect to the body to prevent abnormal loading on the collapsible domes to increase the lifecycle of the elastomeric portion. The elastomeric portion may also be adapted to provide both single and dual double detent feedback by using passive collapsible domes that provide tactile feedback without operating on the electrical circuit.
US08138431B2 Weighing cell having a plug-type connection for receiving a conveyor system
A weighing cell includes a load receptor having a plug connector mounted thereon. The plug connector is adapted to receive a complementary plug connector of a conveying system so as to connect the conveying system to the load receptor either mechanically or electrically, or both. The load receptor-mounted plug connector may be adapted to receive the complementary plug connector in only one orientation to ensure proper electrical connections where such connections are made through the plug connector. The load receptor-mounted plug connector also include a centering arrangement for facilitating the proper connection with the complementary plug connector.
US08138430B1 Window power distribution panel for exterior generator
An outdoor generator accessory comprising a window power strip, the power strip defining an encasement having a lower margin set within a window seat of a residence or commercial building, and upper margin sealed against a lower window panel, in inner surface having a plurality of AC outlets, an illumination source, circuit breakers for each outlet, and a CO detector, and a rear surface having a power inlet for connection to an outdoor electrical generator and a set of wires to be connected to the ground of the electrical generator to turn off the generator when the CO detector detects a minimal threshold amount of CO within the residence. The power strip is applied to the lower seat of the open window frame, the window panel is then closed upon the upper surface, and adjustable sliding side panels are extended to seal the power strip within the window when the power to the building is off, after which the outdoor generator may be started and run, the power cord plugged into the generator and the power inlet, with the multiple AC outlets on the inner surface providing multiple connections to power multiple AC operated electrical devices.
US08138411B2 Photovoltaic system
The photovoltaic system includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules which are connected to form a string or several strings connected in parallel, thereby forming a photovoltaic generator having a positive terminal and negative terminal. A DC constant voltage source connected to the photovoltaic generator to raise the potential of the positive terminal relative to ground potential. This reduces the flow of electrons out of the TCO layer of the modules, thereby reducing or completely eliminating cathode discharges which damage the modules.
US08138389B2 Method for modifying plant morphology, biochemistry and physiology
The present invention provides nucleotide sequences and corresponding amino acid sequences for plant cytokinin oxidase proteins. In addition, vectors, host cells, and transgenic plants comprising such sequences as well as methods for stimulating root growth and/or enhancing the formation of lateral or adventitious roots and/or altering root geotropism using such sequences are provided by the present invention. Also provided by the present invention are methods for altering various plant phenotypes including delaying onset to flowering, increasing leaf thickness, reducing vessel size, inducing parthenocarpy, increasing branching, increasing seed size and/or weight, embryo size and/or weight, and cotyledon size and/or weight using cytokinin oxidase proteins and/or nucleic acid molecules encoding cytokinin oxidase.
US08138385B2 Process for xylene and ethylbenzene isomerization using UZM-35HS
Xylene and ethylbenzene isomerization process is catalyzed by the UZM-35 family of crystalline aluminosilicate zeolites represented by the empirical formula: Mmn+Rr+Al(1-x)ExSiyOz where M represents a combination of potassium and sodium exchangeable cations, R is a singly charged organoammonium cation such as the dimethyldipropylammonium cation and E is a framework element such as gallium. These UZM-35 zeolites are active and selective in the isomerization of xylenes and ethylbenzene.
US08138383B2 Membrane active heteropolymers
The present invention is directed to a class of membrane active polymers useful for cellular delivery of compounds. Conjugation of the described membrane active polymers to targeting, anti-opsonization, and anti-aggregation agents provides polymers suitable for in vivo delivery. The use of multiple reversible linkages connecting component parts provides for physiologically responsive activity modulation.
US08138379B2 One-stage continuous process for hydroformylating higher olefins or olefin mixtures
The invention relates to a one-stage continuous process for hydroformylating olefins having at least 5 carbon atoms to the corresponding aldehydes and/or alcohols having at least 6 carbon atoms in the presence of unmodified cobalt catalysts in a process in which, in the presence of an aqueous phase and of an organic phase, catalyst formation, catalyst extraction and hydroformylation proceed in the same reactor, which is characterized in that more aqueous cobalt salt solution is fed into the reactor as an aqueous phase with the liquid reaction mixture and is discharged from the reactor with the gas phase, and in that the level of the aqueous bottom phase is kept constant by continuously conducting a portion of the aqueous bottom phase out of the reactor.
US08138378B2 Reactive amine catalysts for polyurethane foam
A process for the separation of a first amine having a tertiary amine group and a secondary amine group such as N,N,N′-trimethylbis(aminoethyl)ether from a di-tertiary amine such as N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylbis(aminoethyl)ether, comprising: contacting a mixture of the first amine and the di-tertiary amine with a carbonyl compound capable of forming an enamine such that the carbonyl compound reacts with the first amine to form an enamine; separating the enamine from the di-tertiary amine; and subsequently converting the enamine to the first amine.
US08138375B2 Method for producing 1-formamido-3,5-dimethyladamantane
The invention relates to a method for producing 1-formamido-3,5-dimethyladamantane in only two reaction steps by direct formamide formation of 1,3-dimethyladamantane, the 1,3-dimethyladamantane being reacted with formamide in concentrated acids.
US08138364B2 Transparent conducting oxide thin films and related devices
Transparent conducting oxide thin films having a reduced indium content and/or an increased tin content are provided. In addition, processes for producing the same, precursors for producing the same, and transparent electroconductive substrate for display panels and organic electroluminescence devices, both including the transparent conducting oxide thin films, are provided.
US08138355B2 Heteroacene derivative, tetrahaloterphenyl derivative, and processes for producing the same
There are provided a heteroacene derivative having an excellent oxidation resistance and capable of forming a semiconductor active phase by a coating process, and an oxidation-resistant organic semiconductor material using the same, as well as an organic thin film.A heteroacene derivative represented by the formula (1) is obtained by tetrametalation of a tetrahaloterphenyl derivative with a metalation agent and subsequent treatment of the resulting compound with reaction agents: wherein the substituents R1 to R4 are the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, an aryl group having 4 to 30 carbon atoms, an alkyl group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, or a halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; T1 and T2 are the same or different and each represents sulfur, selenium, tellurium, oxygen, phosphorus, boron, or aluminum; l and m each is an integer of 0 or 1; and rings A and B are the same or different and each has a structure represented by the following formulae (A-1) or (A-2).
US08138346B2 Method for synthesis of 8-alkoxy-9H-isothiazolo[5,4-B]quinoline-3,4-diones
The present invention provides process for synthesis of 8-methoxy-9H-isothiazolo[5,4-b]quinoline-3,4-diones and 8A,9-dihydro-4aH-isothiazolo[5,4-b]quinoline-3,4-diones of the Formula A. The substituents R, R5, R6, R7, R8 and R9 are defined herein. The invention also provides novel synthetic intermediates useful in the synthesis of 8-methoxy-9H-isothiazolo[5,4-b]quinoline-3,4-diones and 8A,9-dihydro-4aH-isothiazolo[5,4-b]quinoline-3,4-diones.
US08138345B2 Diamide compounds having muscarinic receptor antagonist and β2 adrenergic receptor agonist activity
This invention relates to a compound of formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Such compounds possess both muscarinic receptor antagonist and β2 adrenergic receptor agonist activities. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds, and methods of using such compounds as bronchodilating agents to treat pulmonary disorders.
US08138340B2 Bicyclononene derivatives
The invention relates to novel bicyclononene derivatives of Formula (I); and the use thereof as active ingredients in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions. The invention also concerns related aspects including processes for the preparation of the compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more of those compounds and especially their use as inhibitors of renin.
US08138333B2 Sulfonyl-indole derivatives
The present invention relates to novel compounds of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are as described herein, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, to processes for their preparation, as well as to the use of the compounds for the preparation of a medicament against 5-HT6 receptor-related disorders.
US08138329B2 siRNA targeting connective tissue growth factor (CTGF)
Efficient sequence specific gene silencing is possible through the use of siRNA technology. By selecting particular siRNAs by rational design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes. Methods, compositions, and kits generated through rational design of siRNAs are disclosed including those directed to CTGF.
US08138325B2 Promoter variants for expressing genes in a fungal cell
The present invention relates to methods for producing a biological substance, comprising: (a) cultivating a fungal host cell in a medium conducive for the production of the biological substance, wherein the fungal host cell comprises a first nucleic acid sequence encoding the biological substance operably linked to a second nucleic acid sequence comprising a promoter variant selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 11, and SEQ ID NO: 12; and a subsequence thereof; and hybrid and tandem promoters thereof; and (b) isolating the biological substance from the cultivation medium. The present invention also relates to the isolated promoter variants and to constructs, vectors, and fungal host cells comprising the promoter variants operably linked to nucleic acid sequences encoding biological substances.
US08138307B2 Parkin interacting polypeptides and methods of use
The invention provides parkin binding polypeptides and encoding nucleic acids. The invention also provides antibodies specific for the parkin binding polypeptides. The invention additionally provides methods of detecting a parkin binding polypeptide and detecting a nucleic acid encoding a parkin binding polypeptide. The invention further provides methods of using a parkin binding polypeptide. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of identifying a candidate drug for treating Parkinson's disease by contacting a parkin binding polypeptide with one or more compounds and identifying a compound that alters the activity of the parkin binding polypeptide.
US08138298B2 Golf ball
The object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having excellent scuff resistance and spin performance. The present invention provides a golf ball which comprises a core and a cover covering the core. The cover contains a polyurethane as a resin component, and the polyurethane is obtained by employing a multimodal polyol having multimodality in molecular weight distribution, as a high-molecular-weight polyol component constituting the polyurethane.
US08138296B2 Epoxy compounds and process for their production
Novel epoxy compounds represented by the general formula: (wherein R1 and R2 each represent hydrogen, a C1-6 alkyl group or a C1-4 trialkylsilyl group, each R3 may be the same or different and each independently represents hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkenyl or fluoroalkyl, and n is 0 or a positive integer), and the general formula: (wherein R3 represents the same groups specified above, R4 represents hydrogen, a C1-6 alkyl group or a C1-4 trialkylsilyl group, and n is 0 or a positive integer), and a process for their production.
US08138295B2 Polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer resin composition with high impact strength at low temperature and mechanical strength and method for preparing the same
Disclosed herein is a polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer resin composition comprising: (A) about 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic polycarbonate resin; and (B) about 0.1 to about 30 parts by weight of an organic siloxane polymer having a primary amine group. The polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer resin composition has high impact strength at low temperature and high mechanical strength.
US08138292B2 Method for producing particulate water—absorbing agent composed principally of water absorbing resin
Provided is a production method for the particulate water-absorbing agent, which can contribute to property enhancement, and further improvement of productivity or the like, as well. One example of the production method for the particulate water-absorbing agent relevant to the present invention includes the polymerization step for obtaining a polymer gel; the drying step for drying the polymer gel to obtain a dried substance; the pulverization step for pulverizing the dried substance or the polymer gel to obtain the particulate water-absorbing resin; the classification step for sieving the particulate water-absorbing resin; the granule sizing step for granule sizing the particulate water-absorbing agent obtained from the particulate water-absorbing resin; and the transporting step for transporting the products produced in each of the steps to other steps. Preferably, one or more steps selected from the pulverization step, the classification step, the granule sizing step and the transporting step after the pulverization step are set under reduced pressure state.
US08138288B2 Synthesis of cationic siloxane prepolymers
This application is directed toward an improved method of synthesizing cationic siloxane prepolymers as well as a specific cationic siloxane prepolymer having improved compatibility with monofunctional siloxanyl methacrylate monomers and medical devices containing the cationic siloxane prepolymer.
US08138287B2 (Meth)acrylate copolymer for syrup and resin composition thereof
The present invention provides a copolymer for syrup, characterized by being formed from (A) 1 to 60 mass % of at least one (meth)acrylate compound selected from among a (meth)acrylate-modified silicone oil, an alkyl(meth)acrylate, a monoalkylene glycol(meth)acrylate, and a polyalkylene glycol(meth)acrylate, and (B) 99 to 40 mass % of a (meth)acrylate compound having a C≧6 alicyclic hydrocarbon group bonded thereto via an ester bond; a (meth)acrylate composition containing a (meth)acrylate monomer and 1 to 60 mass % of the (meth)acrylate copolymer for syrup; and a cured product of the composition. The (meth)acrylate copolymer for syrup of the present invention has excellent solubility, particularly in a (meth)acrylate compound having an alicyclic ester substituent, and a (meth)acrylate resin composition containing the copolymer provides a stable cured product having high transparency and high resistance to UV rays and heat. Thus, the cured product is suitably used as a material for lenses, illumination devices, automobiles, displays, optical-semiconductors, etc.
US08138271B2 Crosslinkable composition and molded article made of same
The present invention provides a crosslinkable composition being capable of providing a molded article and a sealing material for an oxygen sensor which have excellent long-term heat resistance and satisfactory compression set. Also there is provided a molded article and a sealing material for an oxygen sensor which have excellent long-term heat resistance and satisfactory compression set. The crosslinkable composition comprises (A) a compound having at least one specific crosslinkable reaction group and (B) a nonperfluoro fluorine-containing elastomer being crosslinkable with the compound (A).
US08138270B2 Process for producing block copolymer, and block copolymer or hydrogenated product thereof
The present invention provides a process for producing a block copolymer in high productivity, by anionic polymerization by use of a lithium initiator, and also to provide the block copolymer and a hydrogenated product thereof, the block copolymer having a conjugated diene block portion with a high vinyl bond content and a vinyl aromatic block portion with a narrow molecular weight distribution and exhibiting a narrow molecular weight distribution and high strength. A conjugated diene monomer and a vinyl aromatic monomer by use of a lithium initiator, are block copolymerized by making a tertiary amine compound and (2) sodium alkoxide coexist, wherein (2)/(1) (a molar ratio)=from 0.01 or more to less than 0.1.
US08138263B2 Flexible, low dielectric loss composition and method for preparing the same
A flexible, low dielectric loss composition, used to fabricate a flexible substrate, is provided. The composition includes: SrTiO3 and/or Ba(Sr)TiO3 ceramic particle, with a particular size between 30 nm and 2 μm, in an amount of 20-80% by weight of the composition; at least one flexile macromolecule in an amount of 1.0-50% by weight of the composition, wherein the macromolecules have functional groups of hydroxyl group, carboxyl group, allyl group, amino group, or chain aliphatic epoxy group; and a thermosetting organic resin.
US08138261B2 Photocatalyst-containing water-based curable coating compositions and process for production thereof
The present invention provides a photocatalyst-containing water-based curable coating composition capable of forming a cured coating film having an excellent durability against the oxidative decomposition effect caused by the photocatalyst, and an excellent crack resistance, as well as excellent weather resistance and stain resistance; and a method for producing the coating composition. Specifically, the present invention provides a photocatalyst-containing water-based curable coating composition comprising: one of a water-based dispersion (X1) or a water-based dispersion (X2), which includes a water-based medium, a polymer segment (A) having a neutralized acid group, a polysiloxane segment (B) forming a composite resin (AB) by chemically bonding with the polymer segment (A), a polysiloxane segment (C) derived from an alkyltrialkoxysilane condensate (c) with an alkyl group of 1 to 3 carbon atoms, the polysiloxane segment (C) forming a composite resin (ABC) by coupling with the polymer segment (A) and the polysiloxane segment (B) via silicon-oxygen bonds, and fine particles of a photocatalytic oxide (D), wherein the water-based dispersion (X1) is formed by dispersing or dissolving the composite resin (ABC) and dispersing the fine particles of a photocatalytic oxide (D) in the water-based medium, the water-based dispersion (X2) is formed by dispersing resin particles in a water-based medium, the resin particles formed by the encapsulation of the fine particles of a photocatalytic oxide (D) within the composite resin (ABC); and a curing agent (E) for curing the composite resin (ABC), and a method for producing the coating composition.
US08138260B2 Rubber composition for side wall and pneumatic tire using the same
By a rubber composition for a side wall, including a rubber component containing a natural rubber component consisting of a natural rubber and a modified natural rubber, 20 to 60 parts by mass of silica, and 0.5 to 15 parts by mass of at least any one of a terpene-based resin and a rosin-based resin based on 100 parts by mass of the rubber component, and a pneumatic tire provided with a side wall rubber using the same, a rubber composition for a side wall in which both of maintenance of properties desired in a rubber composition for a side wall such as durability and improvement in processibility can be realized while a use amount of a raw material derived from a petroleum source is reduced, and a pneumatic tire in which running safety is improved by providing with a side wall rubber using the same, are provided.
US08138258B2 Clear coating composition for an automobile and method of forming a multi-layer coating film using the same
An automotive clear coating composition includes a hydroxyl group-containing acrylic resin obtained using hydroxyalkyl(meth)acrylate having a hydroxyalkyl group having 4-9 carbon atoms as at least a part of its monomer; and a polyfunctional isocyanate compound in which at least a part thereof is an isocyanurate type isocyanate compound. The prepared composition has 25 to 50 mass % of a soft segment part with respect to a total solid content of such acrylic resin and the polyfunctional isocyanate compound, and a ratio of a soft segment part derived from a lactone-containing monomer with respect to the total solid content of such acrylic resin and the polyfunctional isocyanate compound of not more than 4.5 mass %. A cured coating film has a dynamic glass transition temperature within a range of 30 to 60° C. The soft segment part is represented by —CH2)n— wherein n represents an integer of 4 or more.
US08138257B1 Bis(trialkylsiloxyphenyl)-arylfluoride imide AB2 monomers, hyperbranched polymers and nanoclay composites therefrom
Novel aromatic AB2 imide monomer with thermally reactive trialkylsiloxy and aryl fluoride moieties, which can be polymerized to form hyperbranched aromatic polyimides in the presence of a metal fluoride catalyst. Nanoclay composites were generated by either (i) direct blending of a preformed hyperbranched aromatic polyimide and Closite nanoclay (≦20 wt %) or (ii) blending of the AB2 monomer, CsF catalyst and Closite nanoclay (≦20 wt %) followed by thermal solid-state polymerization of the AB2 monomer homogeneously dispersed in the nanoclay.
US08138249B2 Phosphonate-containing two-component coating system and the production and use thereof
The invention relates to two-component coating systems comprising as component (a) one or more polyisocyanates, as component (b) one or more oligomeric and/or polymeric compounds that are reactive with component (a), and as component (c) one or more phosphonates selected from the group of phosphonic diesters and diphosphonic diesters, where (i) component (b) comprises all oligomeric and/or polymeric compounds that are present in the two-component coating system and are reactive with component (a) and (ii) component (b) contains not more than 15% by weight, based on the total weight of component (b), of oligomeric and/or polymeric compounds which carry isocyanate-reactive amino groups. Additionally provided by the invention are a process for preparing the two-component coating systems, and the use of these coating systems as a clearcoat, more particularly for multicoat automobile finishing.
US08138242B2 Processing bituminous mixtures for paving at reduced temperatures
Bituminous paving mixtures containing lubricating agents or additives may be prepared at hot mix temperatures and cooled, paved and compacted at temperatures 10-55 Celsius degrees lower than the hot mix temperatures. The increased temperature range between the hot mix temperatures and the paving and compacting temperatures is facilitated by the improved compacting properties of the paving mixture when it includes the lubricating agents or additives.
US08138238B2 Non-aqueous pigmented inkjet inks
A non-aqueous inkjet ink includes C.I. Pigment Yellow 150 and a polymeric dispersant according to Formula (I): wherein, T represents hydrogen or a polymerization terminating group; Z represents the residue of polyethyleneimine having a number-average molecular weight of at least 100; A represents an oxyalkylene carbonyl group; T-C(O)An- represents a TPOAC-chain which is bound to Z through an amide bond; and n and m are integers wherein m is at least 2 and n is from 2 to 100; the polymeric dispersant fulfills the conditions of: WTPOAC>57 and NAmide≧65 mol % wherein WTPOAC represents the ratio of the weight percentage of TPOAC-chains over the weight percentage of amide bonds in the polymeric dispersant; NAmide represents the mol % of amide bonds based on the total nitrogen content of the polymeric dispersant; and the values of WTPOAC and NAmide are calculated from the total nitrogen content determined by dry combustion of the polymeric dispersant and from the amine content determined through potentiometric titration in a mixture of CH3COOH:THF (14.5:0.5) with 0.1N aqueous perchloric acid.
US08138233B2 Process for making polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) from polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a two step process in which a 1,4-butane diol component reacts with a polyethylene terephthalate component under conditions that depolymerize the polyethylene terephthalate component into a molten mixture and the molten mixture is placed under subatmospheric conditions that produce the modified polybutylene terephthalate random copolymers. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a three step process in which a diol component selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and combinations thereof reacts with a polyethylene terephthalate component under conditions sufficient to depolymerize the polyethylene terephthalate component into a first molten mixture; and where the first molten mixture is combined with 1,4-butane diol under conditions that create a second molten mixture that is subsequently placed under subatmospheric conditions that produce the modified polybutylene terephthalate random copolymers. The invention also relates to compositions made from processes of the invention.
US08138220B2 [2-(6-fluoro-1H-indol-3-ylsulfanyl)benzyl]methyl amine for the treatment of affective disorders
[2-(6-fluoro-1H-indol-3-ylsulfanyl)benzyl]methyl amine and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, provided it is not the free base in a non-crystalline form are provided for the treatment of affective disorders.
US08138219B2 Tryptamine sulfonamides as 5-HT6 antagonists
Novel compounds of the structural formula (I) are antagonists of the 5-HT6 receptor and are useful in the treatment, prevention and suppression of diseases mediated by the 5-HT6 receptor. The compounds of the present invention are useful in the treatment of obesity, diabetes, metabolic disorder, cognitive disorders, age related cognitive disorder, depression, mania, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder, epilepsy, convulsions, migraine, substance withdrawal from substances including but not limited to opiates, nicotine, tobacco products, alcohol, benzodiazepines, sedatives, and the like, sleep disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and Alzheimer's disease.
US08138216B2 Cannabinoid receptor antagonists/inverse agonists useful for treating metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes
The present invention provides novel pyrazoles that are useful as cannabinoid receptor antagonists and pharmaceutical compositions thereof and methods of using the same for treating obesity, diabetes, hepatic disorders, and/or cardiometabolic disorders.
US08138209B2 Substituted picolinamides as MAO-B inhibitors useful for treating obesity
The invention provides novel compounds of formula I: that are monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors, which can be useful in treating obesity, diabetes, and/or cardiometabolic disorders (e.g., hypertension, dyslipidemias, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance).
US08138208B2 Aminotetrahydroindazoloacetic acids
The invention is concerned with the compounds of formula I: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof, wherein Q, W, X, R1-R5 and n are defined in the detailed description and claims. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of manufacturing and using the compounds of formula I as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds. The compounds of formula I are antagonists at the CRTH2 receptor and may be useful in treating diseases and disorders associated with that receptor such as asthma.
US08138201B2 Treatment of progressive neurodegenerative disease with ibudilast
Compositions and methods for treating progressive neurodegenerative diseases, and their associated symptoms by administration of ibudilast (3-isobutyryl-2-isopropylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine).
US08138199B2 Use of bi-aryl meta-pyrimidine inhibitors of kinases
The invention provides biaryl meta-pyrimidine compounds having the general structure (A). The pyrimidine compounds of the invention are capable of inhibiting kinases, such as members of the Jak kinase family, and various other specific receptor and non-receptor kinases.
US08138190B2 Diaza heterocyclic amide compounds and their uses
Diaza heterocyclic amide derivatives according to Formula (I) have therapeutic utility, particularly in the treatment of diabetes, obesity and related conditions and disorders: where R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, m, Q, X, and Y are set forth in the description.
US08138182B2 Diketohydrazine derivative compounds and drugs containing the compounds as the active ingredient
The present invention relates to a diketohydrazine derivative of formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof (the symbols in the formula have the same meaning as described in the specification). The compound of formula (I) has an inhibitory activity against cysteine protease, and it is useful for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, immune diseases, ischemic diseases, respiratory diseases, circulatory diseases, blood diseases, neuronal diseases, hepatic or biliary diseases, osseous or articular diseases, metabolic diseases, etc. And the compound has inhibitory activity against elastase and it is also useful for the treatment of COPD (chronic obstacle pulmonary diseases).
US08138178B2 Cyclic inhibitors of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1
Disclosed is a compound represented by Formula (Im1) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, enantiomer or diastereomer thereof. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound of Formula (Im1) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, enantiomer or diastereomer thereof and methods of inhibiting 11β-HSD1 activity comprising the step of administering to a mammal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound of Formulas (Im1), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, enantiomer or diastereomer thereof.
US08138177B2 Benzimidazolone derivatives as CB2 receptor ligands
This invention relates to compounds of the formula (I): or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein: A, B, R1, R2 and R3 are each as described herein, and compositions containing such compounds and the use of such compounds in the treatment of a condition mediated by CB2 receptor binding activity such as, but not limited to, inflammatory pain, nociceptive pain, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, chronic low back pain, visceral pain, acute cerebral ischemia, pain, chronic pain, acute pain, post herpetic neuralgia, neuropathies, neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, HIV-related neuropathy, nerve injury, rheumatoid arthritic pain, osteoarthritic pain, back pain, cancer pain, dental pain, fibromyalgia, neuritis, sciatica, inflammation, neurodegenerative disease, cough, broncho constriction, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colitis, cerebrovascular ischemia, emesis such as cancer chemotherapy-induced emesis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, asthma, dermatitis, seasonal allergic rhinitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), constipation, diarrhea, functional gastrointestinal disorder, cutaneous T cell lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus, diabetes, glaucoma, osteoporosis, glomerulonephritis, renal ischemia, nephritis, hepatitis, cerebral stroke, vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cerebral ischemia, reversible airway obstruction, adult respiratory disease syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis or bronchitis.
US08138174B2 Compounds with a combination of cannabinoid CB1 antagonism and serotonin reuptake inhibition
Compounds with a combination of cannabinoid CB1 antagonism and serotonin reuptake inhibition, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, methods for preparing these compounds, methods for preparing novel intermediates useful for their synthesis, and methods for preparing these compositions are disclosed. Uses of such compounds and compositions, particularly their use in administering them to patients to achieve a therapeutic effect in psychosis, anxiety, depression, attention deficits, cognitive disorders, obesity, drug dependence, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, pain disorders, neuropathic pain disorders and sexual disorders are disclosed.In at least one embodiment, the invention relates to compounds of the general formula (1): wherein the substitutents have the definitions given in the specification.
US08138172B2 8-oxoadenine derivatives acting as modulators of TLR7
The present invention provides 8-oxoadenine derivatives, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in therapy. The 8-oxoadenine derivatives act as modulators of Toll-like Receptor (TLR) 7 and thus may be used in the treatment of asthma, hepatitis, allergic diseases, viral and bacterial infection as well as cancer.
US08138170B2 Immunosuppressive Ningalin compounds
The present invention provides compositions and methods comprising ningalins for use in modulating immune responses to infection, injury, allergy and/or transplantation.
US08138167B2 Methods for treating lung cancers
The present invention provided methods for treating lung cancers using therapeutic agents for lung cancers comprising erbB receptor inhibitors as active ingredients. Methods for examining the responsiveness of lung cancer patients to erbB receptor inhibitors by using blood amphiregulin (AREG) as an indicator were provided. Furthermore, methods for treating lung cancers in which responsiveness to an erbB receptor inhibitor is determined based on blood AREG concentration, and in which therapeutic agents are selectively administered to patients expected to be responsive, were also provided. Advanced therapeutic effects can be expected by administering an erbB receptor inhibitor to patients predicted to be responsive. The present invention contributes to the improvement of therapeutic effects of gefitinib (Product name: Iressa®) and such on lung cancers.
US08138161B2 Modified small interfering RNA molecules and methods of use
The present invention provides double-stranded RNA molecules that mediate RNA interference in target cells, preferably hepatic cells. The invention also provides double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules that are modified to be resistant to nuclease degradation, which inactivates a virus, and more specifically, hepatitis C virus (HCV). The invention also provides a method of using these modified RNA molecules to inactivate virus in mammalian cells and a method of making modified small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) using human Dicer. The invention provides modified RNA molecules that are modified to include a dsRNA or siRNA wherein one or more of the pyrimidines in the RNA molecule are modified to include 2′-Fluorine. The invention also provides dsRNA or siRNA in which all pyrimidines are modified to include a 2′-Fluorine. The invention provides that the 2′-Fluorine dsRNA or siRNA molecule is further modified to include a two base deoxynucleotide “TT” sequence at the 3′ end of the molecule.
US08138157B2 Antibiotic formulation and method of treatment
A formulation comprised of particles which may be in groups and are comprised of a biocompatible polymer and an antimicrobial drug for controlled release of the drug is disclosed. The particles may be in an aqueous solution comprising thrombin and be dispersed in a gel. The formulation is administered to an area such as an open wound having an orthopedic implant therein and provides a therapeutically effective level of drug to the patient over therapeutically effective period of time.
US08138154B2 Biglycan and related therapeutics and methods of use
The invention provides compositions and methods for treating, preventing, and diagnosing diseases or conditions associated with an abnormal level or activity of biglycan; disorders associated with an unstable cytoplasmic membrane, due, e.g., to an unstable dystrophin associated protein complex (DAPC); disorders associated with abnormal synapses or neuromuscular junctions, including those resulting from an abnormal MuSK activation or acetylcholine receptor (AChR) aggregation. Example of diseases include muscular dystrophies, such as Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy, Becker's Muscular Dystrophy, neuromuscular disorders and neurological disorders.
US08138145B2 Hybrid oligomers, their preparation process and pharmaceutical compositions containing them
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for producing therapeutic oligomeric compounds. In one aspect the invention relates to methods for administering the oligomeric compounds for the treatment and prevention of disease, for example, a fungal infection, bacterial infection, or cancer, in a mammal. In particular, the invention relates to medicaments comprising various novel oligomeric compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds of the invention may optionally be administered with at least one of a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, pharmacologically active agent or a combination thereof.
US08138137B2 Extended delivery of ingredients from a fabric softener composition
A controlled delivery system for active ingredients, like a fragrance, for use in fabric softener products, such as tumble dryer sheets, rinse added liquids, and similar products, is disclosed. The delivery system enhances performance of an active ingredient, such as a fragrance. The controlled delivery system contains polymeric micro-particles highly loaded with the active ingredient. Other active ingredients that can be incorporated into a fabric softener composition using the delivery system include ironing aides, silicone fluids, antiwrinkle agents, antistatic agents, optical brighteners, fabric crisping agents, bleaching agents, germicides, fungicides, flow agents, and surfactants.
US08138133B2 Gear oil composition
The present invention provides a gear oil composition for vehicle driving systems, more specifically a gear oil composition for vehicle final reduction gears, which can improve a fuel-saving effect by reducing its viscosity and, at the same time, secure bearing fatigue life characteristics.The gear oil composition comprises a base oil (A) and another base oil (B), described below, and at least one species of additive for gear oil, and has a kinematic viscosity of 80 mm2/s or less at 40° C.: (A): a mineral-based oil and/or hydrocarbon-based synthetic oil having a kinematic viscosity of 3.5 to 7 mm2/s at 100° C., and (B): a mineral-based oil and/or hydrocarbon-based synthetic oil having a kinematic viscosity of 20 to 52 mm2/s at 100° C.
US08138107B2 Lightweight spun-bonded non-woven with particular mechanical properties
Disclosed is a spunbonded non-woven made of polyolefin filaments having a titer <1.6 dtex, the spunbonded non-woven having a surface weight ≦20 g/m2, a density ≧0.06 g/cm3, a maximum tensile force of between 9.5 and 62 N in the direction of the machine and of between 4.5 and 35 N perpendicular to the direction of the machine.
US08138102B2 Method of placing a semiconducting nanostructure and semiconductor device including the semiconducting nanostructure
A method of placing a functionalized semiconducting nanostructure, includes functionalizing a semiconducting nanostructure including one of a nanowire and a nanocrystal, with an organic functionality including a functional group for bonding to a bonding surface, dispersing the functionalized semiconducting nanostructure in a solvent to form a dispersion, and depositing the dispersion onto the bonding surface.
US08138101B2 Manufacturing method for semiconductor device
The present invention is provided in order to remove contamination due to contaminant impurities of the interfaces of each film which forms a TFT, which is the major factor that reduces the reliability of TFTs. By connecting a washing chamber and a film formation chamber, film formation can be carried out without exposing TFTs to the air during the time from washing step to the film formation step and it becomes possible to maintain the cleanliness of the interfaces of each film which form the TFT.
US08138097B1 Method for processing semiconductor structure and device based on the same
Methods for fabricating a device and related device structures are provided herein. According to one embodiment, a method for fabricating a device includes the acts of producing a substrate; forming a structure on the substrate having a lower dielectric layer, a metal layer, an upper dielectric layer, a planarizing layer, and a layer of photoresist material; developing the photoresist material according to a mask pattern; etching the planarizing layer and the upper dielectric layer according to the mask pattern; removing the photoresist material and the planarizing layer upon etching of the planarizing layer and the upper dielectric layer; applying a selective metal growth or metal/organic film to respective exposed portions of the metal layer following etching of the upper dielectric layer, thereby obtaining an inverted mask pattern; and etching at least the metal layer and the lower dielectric layer according to the inverted mask pattern.
US08138090B2 Method for forming fine patterns in semiconductor device
A method for forming fine patterns in a semiconductor device includes forming a first hard mask layer over an etch target layer, forming first etch mask patterns having negative slopes over the first hard mask layer, thereby forming a resultant structure, forming a first material layer for a second etch mask over the resultant structure, performing a planarization process until the first etch mask patterns are exposed to form second etch mask patterns filled in spaces between the spacers, removing the spacers, and etching the first hard mask layer and the etch target layer using the first etch mask patterns and the second etch mask patterns.
US08138070B2 Methods of using a set of silicon nanoparticle fluids to control in situ a set of dopant diffusion profiles
A method of forming a multi-doped junction is disclosed. The method includes providing a first substrate and a second substrate. The method also includes depositing a first ink on a first surface of each of the first substrate and the second substrate, the first ink containing a first set of nanoparticles and a first set of solvents, the first set of nanoparticles containing a first concentration of a first dopant. The method further includes depositing a second ink on a second surface of each of the first substrate and the second substrate, the second ink containing a second set of nanoparticles and a second set of solvents, the second set of nanoparticles containing a second concentration of a second dopant. The method also includes placing the first substrate and the second substrate in a back to back configuration; and heating the first substrate and the second substrate in a first drive-in ambient to a first temperature and for a first time period. The method further includes exposing the first substrate and the second substrate in the back to back configuration to a deposition ambient, the deposition ambient containing POCl3, a carrier N2 gas, a main N2 gas, and a reactive O2 gas for a second time period; and heating the first substrate and the second substrate in a second drive-in ambient to a third temperature for a third time period.
US08138068B2 Method to form nanopore array
A method of forming nanopore is provided that includes forming a first structure on a substrate, and forming a second structure overlying the first structure. An intersecting portion of the first and the second structures is etched to provide an opening of nanopore dimensions. The substrate may be etched with a backside substrate etch to expose the nanopore opening.
US08138057B2 Metal oxide alloy layer, method of forming the metal oxide alloy layer, and methods of manufacturing a gate structure and a capacitor including the metal oxide alloy layer
A metal oxide alloy layer comprises a first layer including a first metal oxide and having a first thickness, and a second layer formed on the first layer, the second layer including a second metal oxide and having a second thickness, wherein a value of the first thickness is such that the first metal oxide is allowed to move into the second layer and a value of the second thickness is such that the second metal oxide is allowed to move into the first layer to form a single-layered structure in which the first and second metal oxides are mixed.
US08138053B2 Method of forming source and drain of field-effect-transistor and structure thereof
Embodiments of the invention provide a method of forming a field-effect-transistor (FET). The method includes implanting one or more n-type dopants to create one or more implanted regions with at least a portion of the implanted regions being designated as regions for forming source and drain extensions of the FET; activating the implanted regions; etching with a chlorine based etchant to create openings in the implanted regions, and forming the source and drain extensions by exptaxially growing embedded silicon germanium in the openings. Structure of a semiconductor field-effect-transistor made thereof is also provided.
US08138052B2 Metal high dielectric constant transistor with reverse-T gate
A transistor is provided. The transistor includes a silicon layer including a source region and a drain region. A gate stack is disposed on the silicon layer between the source region and the drain region. The gate stack comprises a first layer of a high dielectric constant material, a second layer comprising a metal or metal alloy, and a third layer comprising silicon or polysilicon. A lateral extent of the second layer of the gate stack is substantially greater than a lateral extent of the third layer of the gate stack. Also provided are methods for fabricating such a transistor.
US08138037B2 Method and structure for gate height scaling with high-k/metal gate technology
A method and structure to scale metal gate height in high-k/metal gate transistors. A method includes forming a dummy gate and at least one polysilicon feature, all of which are formed from a same polysilicon layer and wherein the dummy gate is formed over a gate metal layer associated with a transistor. The method also includes selectively removing the dummy gate while protecting the at least one polysilicon feature. The method further includes forming a gate contact on the gate metal layer to thereby form a metal gate having a height that is less than half a height of the at least one polysilicon feature.
US08138032B2 Method for manufacturing thin film transistor having microcrystalline semiconductor film
A thin film transistor includes, over a substrate having an insulating surface, a gate insulating layer covering a gate electrode; a semiconductor layer which includes a plurality of crystalline regions in an amorphous structure and which forms a channel formation region, in contact with the gate insulating layer; a semiconductor layer including an impurity element imparting one conductivity type, which forms source and drain regions; and a buffer layer including an amorphous semiconductor between the semiconductor layer and the semiconductor layer including an impurity element imparting one conductivity type. The crystalline regions have an inverted conical or inverted pyramidal crystal particle which grows approximately radially in a direction in which the semiconductor layer is deposited, from a position away from an interface between the gate insulating layer and the semiconductor layer.
US08138029B2 Structure and method having asymmetrical junction or reverse halo profile for semiconductor on insulator (SOI) metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET)
A device and method is provided that in one embodiment provides a first semiconductor device including a first gate structure on a first channel region, in which a first source region and a first drain region are present on opposing sides of the first channel region, in which a metal nitride spacer is present on only one side of the first channel region. The device further includes a second semiconductor device including a second gate structure on a second channel region, in which a second source region and a second drain region are present on opposing sides of the second channel region. Interconnects may be present providing electrical communication between the first semiconductor device and the second semiconductor device, in which at least one of the first semiconductor device and the second semiconductor device is inverted. A structure having a reverse halo dopant profile is also provided.
US08138027B2 Optical semiconductor device having pre-molded leadframe with window and method therefor
A semiconductor device is made by providing a semiconductor die having an optically active area, providing a leadframe or pre-molded laminated substrate having a plurality of contact pads and a light transmitting material disposed between the contact pads, attaching the semiconductor die to the leadframe so that the optically active area is aligned with the light transmitting material to provide a light transmission path to the optically active area, and disposing an underfill material between the semiconductor die and leadframe. The light transmitting material includes an elevated area to prevent the underfill material from blocking the light transmission path. The elevated area includes a dam surrounding the light transmission path, an adhesive ring, or the light transmission path itself can be the elevated area. An adhesive ring can be disposed on the dam. A filler material can be disposed between the light transmitting material and contact pads.
US08138006B2 Method for producing a micromechanical component having a trench structure for backside contact
A method for manufacturing a micromechanical component is proposed. In this context, at least one trench structure having a depth less than the substrate thickness is to be produced in a substrate. In addition, an insulating layer and a filler layer are produced or applied on a first side of the substrate. The filler layer comprises a filler material that substantially fills up the trench structure. A planar first side of the substrate is produced by way of a subsequent planarization within a plane of the filler layer or of the insulating layer or of the substrate. A further planarization of the second side of the substrate is then accomplished. A micromechanical component that is manufactured in accordance with the method is also described.
US08138002B2 Semiconductor light-emitting element, fabrication method thereof, convex part formed on backing, and convex part formation method for backing
A convex part formation method of forming a convex part in parallel with a <110> direction of a backing on the backing having a {100} face as the top surface thereof, includes: (a) forming a mask layer in parallel with the <110> direction on the backing; (b) etch the backing so as to form a convex-part upper layer whose sectional shape on a cutting plane corresponding to a {110} face is an isosceles trapezoid, the base of which is longer than the upper side thereof, and the side surface of which has an inclination of θU; and (c) further etching the backing so as to form a convex-part lower layer whose sectional shape on the cutting plane corresponding to the {110} face is an isosceles trapezoid, the base of which is longer than the upper side thereof, and the side surface of which has an inclination of θD (where θD≠θU).
US08138001B2 Semiconductor light-emitting device and method for producing semiconductor light-emitting device
The present invention provides a semiconductor light-emitting device that includes a compound semiconductor layer formed by laminating a first clad layer, a light-emitting layer and a second clad layer, a plurality of first ohmic electrodes formed on the first clad layer, a plurality of second ohmic electrodes formed on the second clad layer, a transparent conductive film that is formed on the first clad layer of the compound semiconductor layer and is conductively connected to the first ohmic electrodes, a bonding electrode formed on the transparent conducting film, and a support plate that is positioned on the second clad layer side of the compound semiconductor layer and is conductively connected to the second ohmic electrodes.
US08137995B2 Double-sided semiconductor device and method of forming top-side and bottom-side interconnect structures
A semiconductor device is made by forming a first active device on a first side of a semiconductor wafer. A first insulating layer is formed over the first side of the wafer. A first conductive layer is formed over the first insulating layer. A first interconnect structure is formed over the first insulating layer and first conductive layer. A temporary carrier is mounted to the first interconnect structure. A second active device is formed on a second side of the semiconductor wafer. A second insulating layer is formed over the second side of the wafer. A second conductive layer is formed over the second insulating layer. A second interconnect structure is formed over the second insulating layer and second conductive layer. The temporary carrier is removed, leaving a double-sided semiconductor device. The double-sided semiconductor device is enclosed in a package with the first and second interconnect structures electrically connected.
US08137984B2 Caffeine detection via internally-referenced two part assay
Methods, compositions, and apparatus for detecting the presence of caffeine in a liquid sample are provided. In certain embodiments, an internally referenced competitive assay allows a very precise determination of a threshold value of caffeine for use in semiquantitative types of ligand-receptor assays. By using a detection means that participates in two assays, sensitivity is doubled in the maximum sensitivity range and the range can be adjusted to match the predicted concentration range of an analyte. This format and the materials described herein allow the assay to complete within three minutes. In addition, this format accommodates common attributes of liquid samples for detecting caffeine, such as the inclusion of milk or sugar in a coffee-type beverage.
US08137980B2 On-board control for analytical elements
The invention concerns a reagent system for the so-called on-board control of analytical elements, in particular test strips, containing an organic N-oxide or a nitroso compound. The invention also concerns analytical elements containing a reagent system for a detection reaction and a reagent system for an on-board control. Furthermore, the invention concerns a method for checking analytical elements in which a reagent system for an on-board control is examined optically or electrochemically with the aid of a measuring instrument for changes which could indicate a stress of the analytical element.
US08137978B2 Diagnostic method for biomarkers of adverse coronary events
A diagnostic method using biomarkers to predict future adverse coronary events is provided. More particularly, the present invention is directed to diagnostic tests for characterizing an individual's risk of developing or having cardiovascular disease. In certain embodiments, the method of the present invention quantitates the presence of elevated levels of chlorinated lipids derived from myeloperoxidase as a prognostic indicator of future adverse coronary events.
US08137977B2 Lipidomic approaches to determining drug response phenotypes in cardiovascular disease
The present invention concerns the application of lipidomics to statin treatment for disorders such as cardiovascular disorders. Hence, the invention provides, among other things, a method of correlating a lipid profile with a positive or negative response to a statin treatment regimen by obtaining a lipid profile of a sample from a mammalian subject following commencement of the treatment regimen; and correlating the lipid profile in the sample with a positive or negative response to the treatment regimen. The invention further provides a method of correlating a lipid profile with a positive or negative response to a statin treatment regimen by obtaining a lipid profile of a sample from a mammalian subject before commencement of the treatment regimen; and correlating the lipid profile in the sample with a positive or negative response to the treatment regimen.
US08137969B2 Neural progenitor cells derived from embryonic stem cells
The present invention relates to undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells, methods of cultivation and propagation and production of differentiated cells. In particular it relates to the production of human ES cells capable of yielding somatic differentiated cells in vitro, as well as committed progenitor cells such as neural progenitor cells capable of giving rise to mature somatic cells including neural cells and/or glial cells and uses thereof.
US08137963B2 Method for highly amplifying target gene in mammalian cell and vector therefor
A vector of the present invention is a vector for amplifying a target gene in a mammalian cell, the vector including an amplification-activating fragment, which is a partial fragment of a mammalian replication initiation region and has a gene amplification activity site, and a mammalian nuclear matrix attachment region. In the case where the mammalian replication initiation region as described above derives from a c-myc locus, for example, the above-described partial fragment at least contains a duplex unwinding element and a topoisomerase II-binding domain. The vector as described above improves gene transfer efficiency and gene amplification efficiency compared with the existing high gene amplification systems. Thus, a method whereby a “high gene amplification system” developed by the inventors can amplify a target gene with better gene transfer efficiency and a vector to be used in this method are provided.
US08137962B2 Compositions for treating cystic fibrosis
The invention relates to compositions and methods of treating cystic fibrosis. More specifically, this invention relates to the use the AAV vectors and constructs to provide gene therapy to cystic fibrosis patients.
US08137950B2 Bacteriophage resistant lactic acid bacteria
A lactic acid bacterium (LAB) wherein an YjaE protein is essentially inactive and the LAB thereby get improved resistance to bacteriophages, a starter culture composition comprising the lactic acid bacterium and use of this starter culture manufacturing a food or feed product.
US08137945B1 Thermostable cellulase having increased enzyme activity
A thermostable cellulase having increased enzyme activity is disclosed. The cellulase comprises a modified amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein the tyrosine at position 61 is substituted with an amino acid selected from the group consisting of phenylalanine, alanine and glycine.
US08137943B2 Heat-resistant DNA ligase with high reactivity
Thermostable DNA ligases with enhanced DNA binding activity and reaction activity are obtained. These modified thermostable DNA ligases having enhanced DNA binding activity compared to the wild type can be obtained by substituting a negatively charged amino acid (for example, the amino acid corresponding to the aspartic acid at position 540 of SEQ ID NO: 1) present at the N-terminal side of the C-terminal helix moiety of thermostable DNA ligases from thermophilic bacteria, hyperthermophilic bacteria, thermophilic archaea, or hyperthermophilic archaea, with a non-negatively charged amino acid (for example, alanine, serine, arginine, or lysine).
US08137935B2 Method for isolating endotoxins
The invention concerns a novel method for extracting endotoxins from bacteria, and the use of said method for preparing compositions comprising endotoxins or derivatives thereof designed for human or animal use (scientific, medical usage).
US08137934B2 Regeneration and neogenesis of retinal photoreceptor cell using Otx2 gene
The present invention provides a medicine, comprising (a) an Otx2 protein or its partial peptide, or a salt thereof, or (b) a DNA or an RNA encoding an Otx2 protein or its partial peptide. The present medicine is useful as an agent for preventing, treating or suppressing progression of a retinal disease including retinal degeneration. In addition, the present medicine is useful, for example, as an agent for inducing differentiation from a retinal stem cell into a retinal photoreceptor cell, in the transplantation of a cell into the retina of patients suffering from retinal diseases.
US08137933B2 Mammalian expression vector pUHAB
The present invention relates to the construction and utilization of a new mammalian expression vector that contains a unique multiple cloning site (MCS), designated pUHAB. The pUHAB vector comprises a high copy replication origin (ColE1), a drug resistance gene (TK-Hygromycin), and a human cytomegalovirus promoter operably associated with a unique intron (hCMV/intron). Further, pUHAB comprises a selectable marker conferring resistance to kanamycin in bacterial cells, and a phage f1(+) region. pUHAB can be used to transiently or stably express cloned genes when transfected into mammalian cells. The invention also encompasses kits and host cells and cell lines comprising pUHAB, and methods of producing a recombinant protein using pUHAB.
US08137932B2 Method for the stabilization of chimeric immunoglobulins or immunoglobulin fragments, and stabilized anti-EGP-2 scFv fragment
The present invention relates to a method for stabilizing chimeric immunoglobulins or immunoglobulin fragments. Furthermore, the invention also provides a stabilized anti-EGP-2 scFv fragment.
US08137925B2 Methods and compositions for protein labeling using lipoic acid ligases
The invention provides compositions and methods of use thereof for labeling peptide and proteins in vitro or in vivo. The methods described herein employ lipoic acid ligase or mutants thereof, and lipoic acid analogs recognized by lipoic acid ligase and lipoic acid ligase mutants.
US08137922B2 Method for diagnosing the metabolic syndrome (MS)
The present invention discloses a method for diagnosing the metabolic syndrome by determination of the afamin content in a sample of a body fluid or a tissue sample, wherein the metabolic syndrome is diagnosed if the afamin content in the sample is increased compared to the afamin content in a sample from a person not having the metabolic syndrome.
US08137915B2 Genes involved in intestinal inflammatory diseases and use thereof
The invention concerns genes involved in inflammatory and/or immune diseases and some cancers, in particular intestinal cryptogenic inflammatory diseases, and proteins coded by these genes. The invention also concerns methods for diagnosing inflammatory diseases.
US08137908B2 Mesothelin vaccines and model systems
Mesothelin can be used as an immunotherapeutic target. It induces a cytolytic T cell response. Portions of mesothelin which induce such responses are identified. Vaccines can be either polynucleotide- or polypeptide-based. Carriers for raising a cytolytic T cell response include bacteria and viruses. A mouse model for testing vaccines and other anti-tumor therapeutics and prophylactics comprises a strongly mesothelin-expressing, transformed peritoneal cell line.
US08137902B2 Method of manufacturing mechanical and micromechanical parts
A method of manufacturing parts of a first material able to be etched from a substrate including at least one superficial layer of the first material, includes (a) forming a substantially uniform superficial layer of a second material at the surface of the superficial layer of the first material, wherein the second material resists a selective etch of the first material, (b) forming a bead of second material at the periphery of the superficial layer of second material, (c) structuring the layer of second material and the bead by a photolithographic process including an etch step of sufficient duration to etch the superficial layer of second material over the entire thickness thereof, but insufficient to etch the bead over the entire thickness thereof, so as to obtain a mask, and (d) cutting out parts made of the first material through the mask of the second material, by directional etching.
US08137898B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method comprises: forming a resist layer over a substrate; exposing the resist layer to light thereby to form a first exposed pattern and a second exposed pattern on the resist layer, the second exposed pattern being used for forming one or more trenches; contacting the resist layer with a developing solution thereby to form a patterned resist having an opening corresponding to the first exposed pattern and to form one or more trenches corresponding to the second exposed pattern on a surface layer of the patterned resist; and conducting a bake process on the patterned resist.
US08137892B2 Photobase generator and photocurable resin composition
Disclosed is a photobase generator comprising a compound having a nitrogen atom and a conjugated multiple bond.
US08137891B2 Bakeable lithographic printing plates with a high resistance to chemicals
A singe- or multilayer lithographic printing plate precursor comprises on a substrate a radiation-sensitive coating that comprises a copolymer soluble or dispersible in aqueous alkaline solution and comprising (meth)acryl recurring units, imide recurring units, and amide recurring units derived from corresponding ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable monomers; the copolymer provides increased chemical resistance for the lithographic printing plate precursors which can be negatively or positively working.
US08137884B2 Toner compositions and processes
A toner composition includes toner particles including a polymeric resin, a colorant, a wax, and a optional coagulant.
US08137878B2 Electrophotographic photoreceptor, method for manufacturing the same, and image-forming apparatus using same
The invention relates to an electrophotographic photoreceptor in which protrusions from the surface of the photoreceptor are partly or completely covered by a resin. The effect of such resin covering is to reduce toner deposition, thereby reducing or eliminating spotting defects in images formed using the electrophotographic photoreceptor. The invention further relates to an image-forming apparatus incorporating such an electrophotographic photoreceptor.
US08137875B2 Method and apparatus for overlay compensation between subsequently patterned layers on workpiece
Methods and apparatuses for patterning workpieces are provided. The methods and apparatuses described herein improve overlay between subsequently patterned layers on a workpiece by introducing an improved alignment method that compensates for workpiece distortions.
US08137873B2 Color filter and method for manufacturing thereof
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a color filter and a color filter manufactured by using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a color filter that includes a) applying a light blocking part material on a substrate; b) prebaking the light blocking part material to form a light blocking layer; c) selectively exposing and developing the light blocking layer to form a light blocking part pattern; d) precuring the light blocking part pattern; e) applying a solution on the substrate on which the light blocking part pattern is formed; f) postbaking the light blocking part and the solution; and g) filling ink in a pixel unit that is defined by the light blocking part pattern, and a color filter manufactured by using the same.
US08137868B2 Photomask blank, photomask, and methods of manufacturing the same
A photomask blank has a light-shielding film composed of at least two layers on a transparent substrate. The light-shielding film includes a light-shielding layer made of a material mainly containing tantalum nitride and further containing xenon and a front-surface antireflection layer formed on the light-shielding layer and made of a material mainly containing tantalum oxide and further containing argon.
US08137855B2 Hot box design with a multi-stream heat exchanger and single air control
A fuel cell stack module includes a plurality of fuel cell stacks, an anode tail gas oxidizer (ATO) which is located in a heat transfer relationship with the plurality of fuel cell stacks, a base supporting the plurality of fuel cell stacks and the ATO, and at least one heat exchanger located in the base. An ATO exhaust stream and an anode exhaust stream from the fuel cell stacks heat the stack fuel and air inlet streams in a multi-stream heat exchanger.
US08137851B2 Fuel cell and fuel cell module
Separators of a fuel cell include sandwiching sections which sandwich electrolyte electrode assemblies and have fuel gas channels, first bridges each having a fuel gas supply channel, and a fuel gas supply unit. A fuel gas supply passage extends through the fuel gas supply unit in a stacking direction. Further, the separators include second bridges each having an exhaust fuel gas channel for discharging the fuel gas after consumption in the electrolyte electrode assemblies as an exhaust fuel gas, and an exhaust fuel gas discharge unit having an exhaust fuel gas passage for allowing the exhaust fuel gas to flow in the stacking direction. The exhaust fuel gas discharge unit is connected to the fuel gas channel through the fuel gas supply passage.
US08137849B2 Phosphate-based acrylate crosslinking agent for polymer electrolyte and a composition containing the same
The present invention relates to a phosphate-based acrylate crosslinking agent for polymer electrolyte and a polymer electrolyte composition comprising the phosphate-based acrylate crosslinking agent, and in particular to a phosphate-based acrylate crosslinking agent where a phosphate-based compound is introduced with a polyalkylene oxide group and an acrylate group and a polymer electrolyte composition comprising the phosphate-based acrylate crosslinking agent. The polymer electrolyte composition can be applied to electrolyte thin film and polymer electrolyte of small and large capacity lithium-polymer secondary battery due to its superior ionic conductivity and electrochemical and thermal stability, where the physical properties of electrolyte composition may be controlled by means of the length of polyalkylene oxide of the crosslinking agent.
US08137840B2 Nonaqueous secondary battery and method of using the same
A nonaqueous secondary battery containing a positive electrode having a positive electrode mixture layer, a negative electrode, and a nonaqueous electrolyte, in which the positive electrode comprises, as active materials, three or more lithium-containing transition metal oxides having different average particle sizes, those transition metal oxides comprise a transition metal element, the transition metal element of the transition metal oxide having the smallest average particle size is partially substituted with a metal element other than the transition metal element, and the density of the positive electrode mixture layer is t 3.8 g/cm3 or more.
US08137837B2 Secondary battery pack having excellent production process property and structural stability
A secondary battery pack is provided. The secondary battery pack includes a battery cell having an electrode assembly of a cathode/separator/anode structure mounted in a battery case together with an electrolyte in a sealed state, an insulative mounting member having openings, through which electrode terminals of the battery cell are exposed to the outside, the insulative mounting member being constructed in a structure in which a safety element is mounted to the top of the insulative mounting member, the insulative mounting member being in direct contact with the top of the battery cell, and an insulative cap coupled to the top of the battery cell such that the insulative cap surrounds the insulative mounting member while the safety element is mounted to the insulative mounting member.
US08137833B1 Condensation-induced corrosion resistant cell mounting well
A battery mounting structure for use within a battery pack housing is provided that prevents condensation-induced corrosion from occurring between the terminals of a battery.
US08137832B2 Spirally wound non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having insulating members
A spirally-wound non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including a staked electrode assembly is disclosed. The stacked electrode assembly has first and second current collectors facing region disposed at a winding start end and at a winding terminal end, respectively. A positive electrode current collector exposed portion and a negative electrode current collector exposed portion face each other through the separator in each of the first and second current collector facing regions. At least one of the positive or negative electrode current collector exposed portion has a first insulating member formed thereon in the first current collector facing region at the winding start end. At least one of the positive or negative electrode current collector exposed portion has a second insulating member formed thereon in the second current collector facing region at the winding terminal end. The second insulating member has a melting point lower than that of the first insulating member.
US08137828B2 Durable fuel cell membrane electrode assembly with combined additives
A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane comprising a first polymer electrolyte and at least one manganese compound; and one or more electrode layers comprising a catalyst and at least one cerium compound. The membrane electrode assembly demonstrates an unexpected combination of durability and performance.
US08137827B2 Visualization apparatus for transparent PEMFC
Provided is a visualization apparatus for a transparent PEMFC using a transparent window having conditions approximating a real PEMFC. More specifically, the present invention improves a fixing frame in consideration of the distribution of pressure applied by the fixing frame, such that the visualization apparatus for a transparent PEMFC has operating conditions approximating the real PEMFC. A visualization apparatus for a transparent PEMFC of the present invention includes: current collector plates each provided at both surfaces of a membrane electrode assembly of a fuel cell and formed with a channel in which reaction gas and products flow; transparent plates provided at an outer surface of the current collector plates; and fixing frames formed with a visualization window for observing the current collector plates and provided at the outer side of the transparent plates, wherein the visualization window is formed in at least two by dividing the single window formed by penetrating through the fixing frame by a bar.
US08137826B2 Composite material part with a silicon-containing ceramic matrix protected against corrosion
An environmental barrier for a substrate of ceramic matrix composite material containing silicon, in particular containing SiC, is formed by an anticorrosion protection layer containing an aluminosilicate type compound of an alkali or alkaline-earth or rare earth element, e.g. BSAS, with a chemical barrier forming layer of aluminum nitride being interposed between the substrate and the anticorrosion protection layer.
US08137820B2 Roughened coatings for gas turbine engine components
A gas turbine engine component (10) with an aluminide coating (42) on at least a portion of an airflow surface (18) that includes a roughening agent (44) effective to provide a desired surface roughness and a deposition process for forming such aluminide coatings (42). A layer (40) including a binder (38) and the roughening agent (44) maybe applied to the superalloy substrate (46) of the component (10) and the aluminide coating (42) formed on the airflow surface portion by exposing the component (10) and layer (40) to an appropriate deposition environment. Suitable roughening agents include metal and ceramic particles (44) that are dispersed on the airflow surface portion before exposure to the deposition environment. The particles (44), which are substantially intact after the aluminide coating (42) is formed, are dispersed in an effective number to supply the desired surface roughness.
US08137816B2 Composite articles
A composite article includes a first composite material and a second composite material. The first composite material and the second composite material individually comprise hard particles in a binder. A concentration of ruthenium in the binder of the first composite material is different from a concentration of ruthenium in the binder of the second composite material.
US08137814B2 Solar control glazing
A vehicle glazing comprises a pane of glazing material, an absorptive coating, which absorbs radiation of wavelength greater than 400 nm (and possibly up to 100 μm), on a first surface of the pane, and a low emissivity coating on the first surface, or a second surface, of the pane. The glazing may be used as a roof glazing. The absorptive coating may comprise either a) a metal, metal alloy or material based on a metal alloy, or b) at least one layer of a dielectric material and at least one layer of a metal or metal alloy. The low emissivity coating may comprise either a) a transparent conductive oxide (and optionally a dopant material), or b) at least one metal layer and at least one dielectric layer.
US08137812B2 Fluoropolymer and composition thereof
The present invention provides a fluoropolymer capable of giving fluorine-containing molded materials and laminates excellent in moldability, productivity, interlaminar bonding and stress cracking resistance, in particular stress cracking resistance upon contacting with various liquid chemicals, without impairing such characteristics intrinsic in fluororesins as chemical resistance, solvent resistance, weathering resistance, antifouling properties, liquid chemical impermeability and nonstickiness. The present invention provides a fluoropolymer which is an oligomer-containing or oligomer-free fluoropolymer, wherein said oligomer has a molecular weight not higher than 10,000 and amounts to not more than 0.05% by mass relative to the fluoropolymer.
US08137805B2 Manganese based coating for wear and corrosion resistance
A component is disclosed. The component includes a substrate made of a ferrous metal, and a coating on a surface of the substrate. The coating includes a compound having an empirical formula FexMnyOz, where x varies from about 0 to about 2, y varies from about 1 to about 4, and z varies from about 2 to about 8.
US08137799B2 Article undergoing stimulus-responsive deformation and vehicle part using the same
An article undergoing stimulus-induced deformation, that is capable of being driven rapidly and in large displacement in air, is provided.An article undergoing stimulus-induced deformation comprising, incorporated in a polymer material having a cell, a liquid crystal serving as a deformation source in a skeleton other than the cell.
US08137795B2 Indexable insert
An indexable insert (1) includes a substrate (8) and a coating layer formed on the substrate. The coating layer includes an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer is constituted by a layer containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of Group IVa elements, Group Va elements, and Group VIa elements in the periodic table, and Al and Si. The uppermost layer of the inner layer in contact with the outer layer is composed of a compound at least containing Ti and at least one of nitrogen and boron. The outer layer is constituted by an alumina layer or an alumina-containing layer. In a region involved in cutting, the outer layer satisfies B/A≦0.9 where A μm is the average thickness at the flank face (3) side and B μm is the average thickness at the rake face (2) side.
US08137783B2 Backed pile strip
A pile stripping comprising pile extending from a backing is described whereby the pile is made from pile yarns and the backing is bonded to the pile. A synthetic fiber is interlaced with the pile yarns, and the backing traps at least a part of the synthetic fiber in the backing. The stripping can further comprise a fin, whereby the fin can be located within the pile or alongside the pile. The backing and the fin may be constructed so that the backing is inserted in the fin.
US08137782B2 Optical media manufactured with low-grade materials
This disclosure describes optical media that is compatible with conventional DVD drives. Unlike conventional DVDs, however, the described media uses a lower cost, lower quality material for one of the substrates. In particular, a so-called “dummy” substrate may comprise a non-optical grade polymeric material. In some cases, the dummy substrate may include post-consumer recycled materials, such as recycled polycarbonate. In other cases, dummy substrate may comprise a low cost non-optical grade polycarbonate, such as an industrial grade polycarbonate. In still other cases, the dummy substrate may comprise a polycarbonate blend, or other non-polycarbonate materials.
US08137768B1 Christmas wreath
The present invention provides a Christmas wreath, which applies a non-circular metal wire to connect bells, wherein additional positioning members are added between the adjacent bell groups for separation. The non-circular inner hole of the positioning member can obtain a refrained position between the positioning member and metal wire, and prevent arbitrary rotation of the positioning member. The outer rim of the positioning member includes at least one included angle, and formed into an inclined guiding surface to coordinate with the end. This enables the positioning member end to insert into the bell ring concave to obtain a refrained position relation between the positioning member and bell, preventing the bell from arbitrarily rotating. The present invention can truly maintain the pattern of connected bells through the mechanism of the positioning member for the bell and metal wire.
US08137763B2 Method of producing a layer of material on a support
Processes for preparing catalyst structures, include forming a layer of a catalytic material on a substrate, and separating the layer of the catalytic material into droplet-shaped bodies of the catalytic material adhered to the substrate.
US08137761B2 Method of coating and induction heating a component
A method of coating a component is disclosed. The method includes applying a coating composition to a surface of the component. The method also includes providing an induction coil having a coil configuration corresponding to the surface. The method further includes relatively positioning the surface and the induction coil with a gap sufficient to enable induction heating of the surface by the induction coil. Furthermore, the method includes heating the component with the induction coil sufficient to produce a coating having an empirical formula FexMnyOz, where x varies from about 0 to about 2, y varies from about 1 to about 4, and z varies from about 2 to about 8.
US08137759B2 Gold nanostructures and methods of use
The invention is drawn to novel nanostructures comprising hollow nanospheres and nanotubes for use as chemical sensors, conduits for fluids, and electronic conductors. The nanostructures can be used in microfluidic devices, for transporting fluids between devices and structures in analytical devices, for conducting electrical currents between devices and structure in analytical devices, and for conducting electrical currents between biological molecules and electronic devices, such as bio-microchips.
US08137757B2 Print methodology for applying polymer materials to roofing materials to form nail tabs or reinforcing strips
A method and apparatus for applying nail tabs to roofing and building cover materials involving the steps of depositing tab material onto the surface of the roofing or building cover material, during or after its manufacture, resulting in a plurality of nail tabs from a lamination roll, and bonding the tabs to the surface of the material by pressure between the lamination roll and said surface. The method also encompasses depositing the tab material or pre-formed tabs by a pressure roll in contact with said surface. The tabs preferably are made substantially of a polymer material and may be hardened or cured by ultra-violet or visible light. The tabs may also be pre-formed and have adhesive backing.
US08137756B2 Liquid application method, liquid application apparatus and image forming apparatus
A liquid application method includes: an application liquid supplying step of supplying an application liquid to an outer circumferential surface of a roller member which is driven to rotate; a blade abutting step of abutting a blade member against the outer circumferential surface of the roller member so as to remove the application liquid supplied in the application liquid supplying step; and a blade abutment and separation control step of controlling an operation of abutting and an operation of separating the blade member in the blade abutting step.
US08137752B2 Method and apparatus for the treatment of individual filaments of a multifilament yarn
A method and apparatus for treating the surfaces of individual filaments in multifilament yarn. The method includes the steps of immersing the yarn into a liquid treatment solution and coating all exposed surface areas of each individual filament with the treatment solution, disrupting the orientation of the individual filaments and coating all newly exposed surface areas of each individual filament with the treatment solution, and repeating the previous steps until a predetermined treatment level is achieved. A filament orientation disruption assembly may include at least one roller having a roller profile such that for a given transverse section of the roller, a roller surface perimeter has a plurality of points located a plurality of distinct distances from a central axis of the roller, i.e., a non-cylindrical roller. The method is particularly effective in plating highly anisotropic uniaxially oriented polymer fibers, such as PBO.
US08137748B2 Fiber including silica and metal oxide
Techniques for coating a fiber with metal oxide include forming silica in the fiber to fix the metal oxide to the fiber. The coated fiber can be used to facilitate photocatalysis.
US08137747B2 Components, turbochargers, and methods of forming the components
Components, turbochargers, and methods of forming components are provided. In an embodiment, by way of example only, a method of forming a component is provided. The method includes applying a plurality of coated particles to a substrate, wherein each coated particle comprises a solid film lubricant particle and a layer surrounding an entire surface of the solid film lubricant particle, each solid film lubricant particle comprises at least one compound, and the layer comprises a coating material having a greater resistance to oxidation than the compound when subjected to a predetermined processing temperature and heating the substrate to the predetermined processing temperature to form a portion of a coating over the substrate.
US08137739B2 Apparatus and method for the manufacture of a three-dimensional object
Provision is made of an apparatus and a method for the manufacture of three-dimensional objects (3) by local solidification of layers of a building material at positions corresponding to the respective cross-section of the object (3), by exposure to electromagnetic or particle radiation. The apparatus comprises a temperature measuring assembly (13) for non-contact measurement of the temperature of the building material in a measurement region (14) which is a partial region of the layer of the building material, and comprises further a position adjustment device (15) for altering the position of the measurement region (14) of the temperature measuring assembly (13) independently of the alteration of the position of the region exposed to the radiation energy. This apparatus can be used to actively access a not exposed region of the surface for measuring the temperature of each layer and to detect a temperature distribution by altering the position of a measurement region (14) in a layer.
US08137735B2 Elastomeric article with antimicrobial coating
A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a surface treatment for elastomeric articles such as medical gloves, comprising a water-based coating formulation and antimicrobial agent(s) embraced therein in an essentially powder-free composition coating. A second aspect of the present invention is directed to a water-based coating formulation for elastomeric articles such as gloves comprising at least one non-volatile water-soluble antimicrobial agent in a controlled-release matrix comprising a blend of a hydrophilic polymer and a hydrophobic component. The controlled-release matrix/blend requirements include: compatibility with the antimicrobial agent, formation of a reservoir of antimicrobial agent, coating film flexibility and lower water-solubility than the antimicrobial agent. A third aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for treating medical gloves comprising dipping, spraying, tumbling or other means for applying to the glove surface a composition to provide medical gloves with sustainable antimicrobial activity.
US08137732B2 Flavor infusion device for roasting poultry
A flavor infusion device for roasting poultry, such as chicken, comprising an elongated metal member having an attachment means at one end for attachment to a sidewall of a roasting pan, a radiused bent portion extending upwardly from the attachment means, and a horizontal arm portion extending from the radiused bent portion in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the roasting pan to support an open cavity of the poultry, said horizontal arm portion having a flavor cup associated therewith for receiving an infusion flavoring liquid therein. A method of roasting poultry comprising the steps of providing a flavor infusion device, attaching the device to a sidewall of a roasting pan, placing an infusion liquid in the cup, mounting the poultry on the horizontal arm of the device, preferably in a breast-down orientation, and roasting the poultry.
US08137729B2 Method of making complexed fat compositions
A process of preparing a complexed fat composition in a continuous process is provided. The process comprises mixing a cyclodextrin with a solvent in an in-line mixing system at a temperature of from about 180 to about 200° F. (82.2 to about 93.3° C.), thereby solubilizing the cyclodextrin; mixing fat and the solubilized cyclodextrin in a static mixer mixing system at a temperature of from about 80 to about 120° F. (26.7 to about 48.9° C.) to form a fat/cyclodextrin composition comprising a fat/cyclodextrin complex; and cooling the fat/cyclodextrin composition in an in-line mixing system. The described continuous process is a very efficient manner of complexing fat with cyclodextrin, and provides compositions that exhibit excellent uniformity and homogeneity.
US08137721B2 Ink jetting inks for food application
Edible ink formulations for printing onto edible substrates and snack pieces. Methods are provided showing how to print on edible substrates and on snack pieces at high line speeds.
US08137720B2 Low sugar presweetened coated cereals and method of preparation
A ready to eat breakfast cereal is prepared by coating dried cereal base pieces with a low sugar sweetener such as a high conversion maltodextrin or low conversion corn syrup that includes a high potency sweetener. The low sugar coating has a sugars content of less than 10% yet provides taste, texture, appearance and bowl life that mimics presweetened RTE cereals having a sucrose based coating.
US08137716B2 Method for producing chewing gum granules and compressed gum products, and a chewing gum granulating system
The invention relates to a method for producing chewing gum granules. The method comprises at least the steps of feeding a gum composition including at least gum base into an extruder (2), pressurizing the gum composition in the extruder, extruding the gum composition through a die plate (5), and cutting the extruded gum composition in a liquid filled chamber (4). The extruded gum composition comprises at least 71% Wt. gum base and the cut granules are included in compressed gum tablets. The invention further relates to a chewing gum product, and to a chewing gum granulating system.
US08137710B2 Treating idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura with comprising extracts of Astragalus membranaceus
The teachings provided herein generally relate to the preparation and uses of compositions comprising extracts of Astragalus membranaceus. The extracts are prepared from Astragalus membranaceus and can comprise, for example, an acid-modified arabinogalactan protein composition having an arabinose:galactose ratio ranging from about 3.5:1 to about 5.0:1, from about 5% to about 10% rhamnose, from about 15% to about 20% galactose, and from about 10% to about 15% glucose. The compositions can be used in the treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and the formulation of medicaments for such treatments.
US08137706B2 Prebiotic
Carbohydrates, in particular mannose containing carbohydrates, are used as a promotor of cell growth. Specifically, polysaccharide hydrolysates are shown to have superior efficacy in promoting the growth of cells, synbiotic foods, prebiotics and pharmaceutical compositions containing mannose containing carbohydrates and polysaccharide hydrolysates described.
US08137705B2 Control of enterohemorrhagic E. coli in farm animal drinking water
The present invention relates to a new composition and methods for preventing the transmission of enterohemorrhagic E. coli and other foodborne pathogens to farm animals. In accordance with one embodiment, a composition comprising lactic acid and acidic calcium sulfate, and a compound selected from the group consisting of caprylic acid, sodium benzoate, butyric acid and chlorine dioxide is provided as an inhibitor of the growth of enterohemorrhagic E. coli and other foodborne pathogens.
US08137702B2 Conformable tissue repair implant capable of injection delivery
A conformable tissue implant is provided for use in repairing or augmenting a tissue defect or injury site. The tissue implant contains a tissue carrier matrix comprising a plurality of biocompatible, bioresorbable granules and at least one tissue fragment in association with the granules. The tissue fragment contains one or more viable cells that can migrate from the tissue and populate the tissue carrier matrix. Also provided is a method for injectably delivering the tissue implant.
US08137695B2 Polyconjugates for in vivo delivery of polynucleotides
The present invention is directed to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for delivering polynucleotides or other cell-impermeable molecules to mammalian cells. Described are polyconjugates systems that incorporate targeting, anti-opsonization, anti-aggregation, and transfection activities into small biocompatible in vivo delivery vehicles. The use of multiple reversible linkages connecting component parts provides for physiologically responsive activity modulation.
US08137687B2 4-aza-caprolactone-based polymeric compositions useful for the manufacture of biodegradable medical devices and as medical device coatings
N-substituted 4-aza-caprolactone biodegradable polymers, including derivatives thereof, useful for making implantable medical devices and coatings therefore are provided. The medical devices and coatings of the present invention can also be used for in situ controlled release drug delivery and are useful for treating or preventing medical conditions such as restenosis, aneurisms and vulnerable plaque.
US08137682B2 Isolated complexes of covalently cross-linked endotoxin and modified MD-2
Applicants have produced and isolated chemically cross-linked complexes of endotoxin and modified MD-2, and have developed methods of using these complexes.
US08137675B2 Bont/a peptides and methodsof predicting and reducing immunoresistance to botulinum toxin therapy
The present invention provides BoNT/A peptides as well as methods of predicting or determining immunoresistance to botulinum toxin therapy in an individual using BoNT/A peptides.
US08137673B2 Nucleic acids and proteins from Streptococcus groups A & B
The invention provides proteins from group B streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) and group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes), including amino acid sequences and the corresponding nucleotide sequences. Data are given to show that the proteins are useful antigens for vaccines, immunogenic compositions, and/or diagnostics. The proteins are also targets for antibiotics.
US08137659B2 Metal oxide composition
A composition comprises a non-ionic surfactant and hydrophobic particles of metal oxide having the mean length of the primary particles in the range from 50 to 90 nm, the mean width of the primary particles in the range from 5 to 20 nm, and the median volume particle diameter of the secondary particles is less than 45 nm. The composition is particularly suitable for use in aqueous media, and can be used in a sunscreen product that exhibits both effective UV protection and improved transparency.
US08137654B2 Method of roasting material containing at least one of V, Mo and Ni and rotary kiln for roasting the same
Provided is a roasting method capable of reducing both C and S components in minerals down to 0.5% or less, respectively, and securing a yield ratio of 90% or more for the Mo component. In a rotary kiln 7, a V, Mo and Ni containing material containing C and S components is subjected to oxidizing roasting to remove the C and S components from the material before reducing the material by means of a reducing agent in order to recover valuable metals composed of V, Mo and Ni. The rotary kiln is equipped with a burner 11 disposed on a material charge side 8a of the roasting furnace 8 to which the material is charged. In the roasting furnace, a direction along which the material moves and a flow of oxygen-containing gas introduced into the roasting furnace 8 are set to be parallel with each other.
US08137647B2 Processes for producing titanium dioxide
Provided are processes for the production of titanium dioxide from ilmenite. In these processes, ilmenite is digested with aqueous ammonium hydrogen oxalate. Iron from the ilmenite precipitates as a hydrated iron oxalate and is removed by filtering, leaving a titanium-rich solution. The titanium-rich solution can be further processed to form titanium dioxide.
US08137642B2 Method and apparatus for calibrating filters during specimen collection
A bubble point of a combination of a filter and a liquid is calibrated by applying an initial back pressure through the filter toward the liquid; taking a first plurality of measurements of the level of the liquid in the container; calculating a first variance of the first plurality of measurements; and comparing the first calculated variance with a known threshold variance. Then a second plurality of measurements of the level of the liquid in the container is taken; a second variance of the second plurality of measurements is calculated; and the second calculated variance is compared with a known threshold variance. The above described steps are repeated at incrementally increased back pressures until the first and second calculated variances are each greater than or equal to the known threshold variance, which is about 0.01. The bubble point is determined to be the back pressure at that point. If the determined bubble point is less than or equal to the known threshold bubble point, which is about 0.8 pounds per square inch, the filter is identified as unsuitable for use in cell block formation.
US08137633B2 Compositions and methods for treating exhaust gases
The present invention provides compositions, systems, and methods for achieving high efficiencies of nitrogen oxide (NOx) removal from exhaust gases while minimizing ammonia slip and sulfur dioxide oxidation. In one embodiment, a method of removing nitrogen oxides from an exhaust gas comprises providing a first catalyst layer, adding an ammonia-containing compound to the exhaust gas upstream of the first catalyst layer in excess of the stoichiometric equivalent of the nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas, flowing the exhaust gas through the first catalyst layer, selectively catalytically decomposing ammonia in excess of the stoichiometric reaction equivalent of the nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas, and catalytically reducing the nitrogen oxides by reaction with ammonia not selectively catalytically decomposed.
US08137630B2 Light-emitting smell-altering aroma dispenser
A light-emitting smell-altering aroma dispenser includes a casing having a bottom opening blocked by a base member, heater members supported on trays above a control circuit board in the casing, tubular aroma containers inserted through the top wall of the casing into the heater members at the trays and holding a respective aromatic substance for heating by the heater members to release a pleasant smell subject to the control of the control circuit board, and light emitting devices controlled by the control circuit board to emit light toward the aroma containers when the aroma substance in the aroma containers is being heated to release a pleasant smell.
US08137625B2 Urea sensor
A urea sensor includes a detecting portion which, in use, is immersed in a liquid accommodated in a urea solution tank for detecting the thermal conductivity of the liquid to detect whether the liquid accommodated in the urea solution tank is an aqueous urea solution; and an enclosing member enclosing a periphery of the detecting portion and including one or more vents penetrating the enclosing member. At least one of the vents is a lower vent being of a configuration and size such that a first hypothetical circle having a diameter of not less than 3.5 mm can be wholly contained within the lower vent. At least a portion of the lower vent is positioned below the detecting portion when the urea sensor is positioned for installation in the urea solution tank.
US08137621B2 Sample carrier for automatic loading of sample tubes for clinical analyzer
A module for staging sample tubes and mixing the samples contained in the sample tubes for an automated clinical analyzer. In one embodiment, this module comprises a mixing drum, which is capable of mixing the contents of a sample tube in an end-over-end manner. The mixing drum is capable of mixing samples in the sample tubes without separating the solid components of the sample, e.g., red blood cells from the liquid components of the sample, e.g., plasma. A device for elevating the sample tube in the sample tube carrier can be used to enable the cap of the sample tube to be punctured by a piercing element in a piercing assembly. After the cap of the sample tube is punctured, a probe for aspirating the sample from said sample tube can obtain the sample in the receptacle of the sample tube through a bore in the piercing element. The piercing assembly can include a resiliently biased element for ejecting the sample tube from the piercing assembly.
US08137616B2 System for multi color real time PCR
The invention is directed to a system for performing multi-color real time PCT, comprising a flexible real time PCT instrument and a specific composition or reaction mixture for performing multiplex PCR: In particular, the present invention is directed to a composition or reaction mixture which comprises at least 3, preferably 4-5 and most preferably exactly 4 pairs of FRET hybridization probes. Each pair of said hybridization probes consists of a FRET donor probe carrying a FRET donor moiety and a FRET acceptor probe carrying a FRET acceptor moiety having an emission maximum between 550 and 710 nm.
US08137614B2 Medical devices and method for making the same
Medical devices, such as stents, and methods of the devices are described.
US08137613B2 Austenitic stainless steel welded joint and austenitic stainless steel welding material
An austenitic stainless steel welded joint, whose base metal and weld metal each comprises, by mass percent, C: not more than 0.3%, Si: not more than 2%, Mn: 0.01 to 3.0%, P: more than 0.04% to not more than 0.3%, S: not more than 0.03%, Cr: 12 to 30%, Ni: 6 to 55%, rare earth metal(s): more than 0.2% to not more than 0.6%, sol. Al: 0.001 to 3% and N: not more than 0.3%, with the balance being Fe and impurities, and satisfies the formula of (Cr+1.5×Si+2×P)/(Ni+0.31×Mn+22×C+14.2×N+5×P)<1.388, in spite of having a high P content and showing the fully austenitic solidification, has excellent resistance to the weld solidification cracking. Therefore, the said austenitic stainless steel welded joint can be widely used in such fields where a welding fabrication is required. Each element symbol in the above formula represents the content by mass percent of the element concerned.
US08137609B2 Apparatus and method for cooling part cake in laser sintering
A part cake defining a build produced by laser sintering and the surrounding unfused powder is contained in an enclosure, and the enclosure includes displaceable wall portions for compressing the part cake to support the build against distortion during rapid cooling from a cooling fluid. The enclosure enables the part cake to be quickly and reliably cooled either within the laser sintering system or outside the laser sintering system. A source of cooling fluid connects to the enclosure and a lid holds the part cake in place as cooling fluid is forced through the pore volume of the cake. An inert gas blanket apparatus is also provided to reduce or prevent oxidation of the part cake and/or to cool the part cake. Once the part cake is cooled, the build produced by laser sintering may be removed from the part cake.
US08137607B2 Process for making reusable tooling
A reusable, low investment tool for making parts is made by a process in which a mixture of sand and an activator is applied as a layer onto which a printed resin is deposited to form a base and a pattern. A plurality of sidewalls may also be provided on the base using the same process. The tool is coated with a curable resin to form a protective shell. The reusable tool may be used as a dump box or as a vacuum forming tool for forming parts. A stamping die may be formed by drawing a vacuum through the sand layer as the resin coating is applied to more fully permeate the stamping die.
US08137603B2 Bioabsorbable polymeric composition for a medical device
A biodegradable and biocompatible nontoxic polymeric composition is provided which includes a base material such as a crystallizable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive. Medical devices manufactured from the composition are also provided.
US08137600B2 Injection molding of polymeric material
Injection molding systems and methods useful for making microcellular foamed materials are provided as well as microcellular articles. Pressure drop rate and shear rate are important features in some embodiments, and the invention provides systems for controlling these parameters in an injection molding system. Another aspect involves an injection molding system including a nucleator that is upstream of a pressurized mold. Another aspect involves an extrusion system with the reciprocating screw for forming a single phase solution of non-nucleated blowing agent and polymeric material. Another aspect involves very thin walled microcellular material and very thin walled polymeric material. Another aspect provides a method for producing high weight reductions in very thin-walled parts with surfaces that have no noticeable differences from non-foamed parts.
US08137595B2 UV curable photochromic composition and products formed by using the same
The present invention relates to a UV curable photochromic composition comprising a photochromic dye and an acrylate-based prepolymer having a polyol structure in which an acrylate-based functional group is introduced by using an iso-cyanate-based compound having two or more isocyanate functional groups as a linker, and to products formed by using the same.
US08137583B2 Liquid crystal four-ring compound having fluorine, liquid crystal composition, and liquid crystal display device
The invention provides a liquid crystal compound having stability to heat, light and so forth, a wide temperature range of the nematic phase, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a suitable dielectric anisotropy and an excellent compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds. The invention also provides a liquid crystal composition containing this liquid crystal compound and a liquid crystal display device containing this liquid crystal composition.The compound is represented by formula (a). Ra is, for example, alkyl having 1 to 10 carbons, and Rb is, for example, alkenyl having 2 to 10 carbons; La is, for example, hydrogen; and Z1, Z2 and Z3 are, for example, a single bond. The liquid crystal composition comprises this compound. The liquid crystal display device comprises this liquid crystal composition.
US08137582B2 Alkaloid monomers, liquid crystal compositions and polymer networks derived therefrom
Disclosed is the chemical synthesis of chiral alkaloid monomers, liquid crystal compositions comprising the chiral alkaloid monomers, and polymerization of the liquid crystal compositions to provide polymer networks with useful cholesteric optical properties and stability.
US08137581B2 Chlorine dioxide releasing composite article
A composite article that includes a ClO2-producing material integrated into an organic matrix and methods of using the same are described. The organic matrix of the composite article is formable at a temperature under about 150° C., permits contact between an activating stimulus (e.g., water vapor and/or electromagnetic energy) and the ClO2-producing material when the composite article is exposed to the activating stimulus, and is permeable to ClO2.
US08137576B2 Substrate developing method and developing apparatus
A method for developing a substrate includes a developing step for supplying a developer to the substrate, and a neutralizing and removing step for supplying a treating solution containing a neutralizing material to the substrate to neutralize the developer, and neutralizing the developer and removing the developer from the substrate. In the neutralizing and removing step, the developer is neutralized by the treating solution. This neutralization reaction forms a product (salt) which easily melts into the treating solution and does not precipitate. Thus, the product is removable from the substrate along with the treating solution. Therefore, the developer is inhibited from remaining on the substrate. As a result, it is possible to prevent post-develop defects due to “residues of the developer” or the developer remaining on the substrate.
US08137555B2 Methods of and systems for producing biofuels
A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, extracting neutral lipids from the algal biomass, and esterifying the neutral lipids with a catalyst in the presence of an alcohol. The method also includes separating a water soluble fraction comprising glycerin from a water insoluble fraction comprising fuel esters and distilling the fuel esters under vacuum to obtain a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method further includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.
US08137538B2 UV water purification spigot
A compact point of use water purifier intended for both urban and rural areas of developing countries. The purifier is a spigot with an integrated UV radiation source 18 adjacent to an outlet orifice 19 to selectively on demand expose untreated water when the spigot valve 15 is activated to dispense water for consumption. The valve includes a user-activated handle 154 and is configured such that upon initial movement of the handle the ultraviolet radiation source is activated and upon continued movement of the handle the valve is opened. The water purifier is connectable to an electric power source, either 110V/220V AC or 12VDC, via a transformer unit to deliver the appropriate voltage to the spigot unit.
US08137534B2 Catalyst compositions for improved fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes targeting propylene production
Catalyst compositions comprising a siliceous zeolite component, either in separately formed catalyst particles or dispersed in the same binder or matrix as other zeolites of the compositions, are described. The catalyst compositions, for example as blends of three different bound zeolite catalysts, are particularly useful in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes due to the reductions in coke and dry gas yields that allow FCC throughput, which is normally constrained by gas handling and/or catalyst regeneration capacity, to be increased.
US08137529B2 Methods of using an electrochemical biosensor
According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrochemical sensor (10) for detecting the concentration of analyte in a fluid test sample is disclosed. The sensor (10) includes a counter electrode having a high-resistance portion for use in detecting whether a predetermined amount of sample has been received by the test sensor.
US08137521B2 Carbon nanotube sheet
An apparatus for forming a carbon nanotube sheet is provided. The apparatus includes a bath and a driving unit wherein the bath has a bottom surface and is configured to contain a carbon nanotube colloidal solution. The bottom surface is capable of having an array of capillary tubes. The driving unit is configured to drive at least a part of the carbon nanotube colloidal solution out of the bath through the array of capillary tubes.
US08137519B2 Sputtering cathode, sputtering apparatus provided with sputtering cathode, film-forming method, and method for manufacturing electronic device
The present invention provides a sputtering cathode whereby it is possible to increase the degree of freedom to adjust a distance between a target and a magnet unit. A sputtering cathode in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of magnet units arranged at positions opposite to the rear surface of the target and a distance adjusting mechanism for separately adjusting a distance between the target and a magnet unit for each magnet unit. In addition, the sputtering cathode includes a reciprocating movement mechanism for reciprocating a plurality of magnet units in parallel to the rear surface of the target. The plurality of magnet units, the distance adjusting mechanism and the reciprocating movement mechanism may be housed in a magnet chamber that can be evacuated.
US08137504B1 Systems for preparing at least one flavorant having an aroma and taste of a predetermined form of grilling
A system and method for preparation of meat flavorants, and flavorants, having increased flavor and aromatic intensity and which more closely resemble the natural flavor and aroma of cooked meat. Preheated edible, food grade oils and fats are exposed to temperatures between 290° C. and 475° C. under vacuum, in the presence of oxygen. The developing flavor vapors are immediately and completely removed from the heated oils and fats. The mixture of air-purge/flavor-vapor is immediately carried away from the heat transfer surface of the edible oil or fat. An evaporator, preferably a spinning disc, spinning band or thin film evaporator, without a condenser is used as process equipment. The air-purged flavor-vapors are diffused and absorbed in an absorption device into suitable food-grade liquids.
US08137496B2 Method of fabricating wire grid polarizer
Provided is a method of fabricating a wire grid polarizer. The method includes: forming a photocatalytic layer on a first substrate; forming a patterned resin layer having a plurality of parallel grooves; forming a wire grid by filling the grooves with a metal; and transferring the wire grid and the resin layer to a second substrate.
US08137491B2 Composite material insert and method for the production thereof, and method for creating a sandwich structure comprising said insert
A reinforcement insert includes superposed laps of fiber which are coupled to each other by a coupling fiber which passes through the laps in order to form fiber sections wherein at least certain sections thereof are rectilinear. The fiber sections and laps are immersed in a cured resin. The total density of the fibers that make up the insert ranges from 50% to 60% of the volume of the insert and the fiber sections take up 3%-10% of the volume of the insert. A method for creating a sandwich structure includes at least one such insert.
US08137489B2 Copper alloy material and a method for fabricating the same
A copper alloy material has a rolled surface having a plurality of crystal faces parallel to the rolled surface. The crystal faces includes at least one crystal face selected from a group consisted of {011}, {1nn} (n is an integer, n≧1), {11m} (m is an integer, m≧1), {023}, {012}, and {135}. Diffraction intensities of the crystal faces in an inverse pole figure obtained by crystal diffraction measurement of the rolled surface as a reference satisfy the relationships of: {011}>{155}>{133}, {011}>{023}>{012}, and {011}>{135}>{112}.
US08137488B2 Method of producing a flat zirconium alloy product, flat product thus obtained and a nuclear plant reactor grid which is made from said flat product
The invention relates to a method of producing a flat zirconium alloy product with a Kearns factor (cross direction) of between 0.3 and 0.7. The inventive method consists in: producing an ingot containing Nb=0.5 to 3.5%, Sn=0 to 1.5%, Fe=0 to 0.5%, Cr+V=0 to 0.3%, S=0 to 100 ppm, O=0 to 2000 ppm, Si=0 to 150 ppm, the remainder being zirconium and impurities; shaping the aforementioned ingot; performing one or more hot rolling operations in order to obtain a flat product, whereby the last operation is performed at between(810−20×Nb %)° C. and 1100° C. and is not followed by any quenching from phase α+β or β; optionally performing an annealing operation at a maximum of 800° C.; and performing one or more cold rolling and annealing operations, said annealing operations being performed at a maximum of 800° C. The invention also relates to the flat zirconium alloy product thus obtained. The invention further relates to a support grid for fuel rods in a nuclear plant reactor, which is obtained by shaping the flat product.
US08137485B2 Process and device for producing strips of silicon steel or multiphase steel
The invention relates to a method for producing strips (1) of steel, preferably of silicon steel, in particular of grain-oriented silicon steel or of multiphase steel in which a slab (3) is initially cast in a casting machine (2), wherein this is then rolled in at least one roll train (4, 5) to form strip (1) and wherein before and/or after the at least one roll train (4, 5), the slab is heated in at least one furnace (6, 7). In order to improve the quality and the scope for producing grain-oriented silicon steel or multiphase steel, the invention provides that the slab (3) is heated to a pre-rolling temperature (T1) after the casting machine (2) and before a pre-roll train (4) in a first furnace (6), or the slab (3) enters into the pre-roll train (4) using the casting heat without the presence of the first furnace (6), the slab (3) is then rolled in the pre-roll train (4), the slab is then heated after the pre-roll train (4) in a second furnace (7) to a defined temperature (T2) that is higher than the pre-rolling temperature (T1), and then the slab (3) is rolled to the final strip thickness in a finish roll train (5).
US08137456B2 Process for the preparation of sulphur cement or a sulphur cement-aggregate composite
The present invention provides a process for the preparation of sulphur cement or a sulphur cement-aggregate composite comprising the following steps:(a) admixing at least an inorganic filler and/or aggregate and a polysulphide-containing organosilane having at least two organosilyl groups and allowing the organosilane to react with the inorganic filler and/or aggregate;(b) admixing during or after step (a) elemental sulphur with the inorganic filler and/or aggregate at a temperature at which sulphur is liquid to obtain an admixture comprising molten sulphur and inorganic filler and/or aggregate; and(c) solidifying the admixture to obtain sulphur cement or a sulphur cement-aggregate composite.The invention further provides sulphur cement or a sulphur cement-aggregate composite obtainable by such process and the use of a polysulphide-containing organosilane having at least two organosilyl groups as coupling agent in sulphur cement or a sulphur cement-aggregate composite.
US08137452B2 Easy-to-clean, mechanically stable coating composition for metallic surfaces and process for coating a substrate using said composition
The present invention is directed to an optically clear coating made from a composition comprising an epoxy-melamine resin. The coating is obtained on a metallic substrate and has a very rigid structure and a unique combination of properties that includes hydrophobicity/easy-to-clean, adhesion to bright chrome, abrasion resistance and chemical resistance. The coating composition comprises (A) a mixture of at least one hydrolysable silane and one hydrolysable metal compound, the compounds of said mixture being partly or fully hydrolyzed and partly or fully condensed, (B) at least one melamine derivative selected from derivatives having formula (C3N3)(NR4R5)3, and derivatives having formula (C3N3)(NR4R5)3-p(NR4R6)p, wherein R4 and R5 are independently selected from H, hydroxymethylene and alkoxymethylene, with the proviso that at least one of the R4 groups is a hydroxymethylene or alkoxymethylene group, and R6 is —CH2—NR4(C3N3)(NR4R5)2 or —CH2—O—CH2-NR4(C3N3)(NR4R5)2, and p is 1 or 2, and either at least one partially or fully fluorinated, at least partly hydrolyzed and condensed silane compound, this compound being part of the said mixture (A) of hydrolysable silanes, or (C) at least one partially or fully fluorinated organic compound containing at least one group which may bind to hydroxy groups.
US08137449B2 Inkjet ink
An inkjet ink is provided, which is hardly wettable to the surface of nozzle plates, and thus is stably ejected and is prevented from staining images. The inkjet ink is an oil-based inkjet ink which contains at least a pigment, a pigment-dispersing agent and a solvent constituted by at least an ester solvent, a salt of a long-chain polyaminoamide and a polar acidic ester in an amount of 1% by weight or more relative to the total amount of the ink.
US08137446B2 Particle concentrator
Concentrating particles in a turbulent gas flow may include receiving, in a receptacle, a turbulent gas flow that includes particles. The concentration of particles in a gas flow exiting the receptacle at a first port is increased as compared with a concentration of the particles in the gas flow received by the receptacle. The increased concentration of particles is accomplished by removing a portion of the gas flow by using a second port, and fluidly communicating the gas flow through a tube in the receptacle. The tube has a smaller diameter at the end of the tube at which the gas flow exits the tube than diameter at the end of the tube at which the gas flow is received.
US08137444B2 Systems and methods for processing CO2
Systems and methods for lowering levels of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants are provided. Economically viable systems and processes capable of removing vast quantities of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants from gaseous waste streams and sequestering them in storage-stable forms are also discussed.
US08137437B2 Vapour generators
A vapor generator system (1, 101) for an IMS (4, 104) or other apparatus has a chamber (9, 109) in which vapor is produced. A fan or other flow generator (6, 106) is connected to an inlet (8, 108) of the vapor chamber (9, 109) and its outlet (13, 113) is connected to an adsorbent passage (14, 114), such as formed by a bore through a block (15) of carbon. When the fan (6, 106) is on gas flows through the vapor chamber (9, 109) and the adsorbent passage (14, 114) to the IMS (4, 104) or other outlet, with little vapor being adsorbed in the passage. When the fan (6, 106) is off, any vapor molecules that escape to the adsorbent passage (14, 114) do so at a low rate such that substantially all is adsorbed and no vapor escapes.
US08137430B2 Calcium formate fertiliser
The invention relates to a method for producing a formulation containing calcium formiate, to the formulation itself, and to the use thereof for producing a product, and the use thereof as a fertilizer.
US08137428B2 Exhaust gas purification apparatus for internal combustion engine
An exhaust gas control apparatus (2) for an engine includes a filter case (3) that has an internal space; a filter (4) that is arranged in the filter case (3) and that purifies exhaust gas; and a mat (5) that is arranged, in a compressed state, between the filter case (3) and the filter (4). The filter (4) is arranged in the filter case (3) with a first flange (45) of the filter (4) engaged with the mat (5) and with a second flange (46) engaged with a retainer (6).
US08137427B2 Filter element with pleat support combs
A filter element includes support grid secured about its periphery edges to a periphery frame member. A pleated filter media is secured to the frame member and is sized and positioned to fully cover the filter fluid aperture. The support grid is positioned such that it is effective in providing support to the filter media against fluid forces. At least one elongated comb member is provided and includes a plurality of spaced tapered teeth protruding outwards towards the filter media. The teeth are sized and spaced to be received into at least a portion of grooves present between the pleats of the filter media. The teeth of the comb member are sized and spaced to regulate filter media pleat separation and spacing.
US08137409B2 Method of installing a transcutaneous prosthesis
A method of installing a transcutaneous prosthesis which includes a first component, a second component adapted for location between the bone and the skin, the second component having a surface treatment for stimulation of fibroblastic cell proliferation and attachment of epithelial cells and a third component adapted for location to extend from the skin surface and the third component having an outer surface. The outer surface of the third component has a surface energy that is lower than a surface energy of at least the first component and which is low enough to deter bacterial adhesion. The method includes attaching the first component to a bone such that a transition from the second component to the third component is essentially at the surface of the skin and the third component extends from the skin surface when the first component is attached to a bone.
US08137408B2 Autologous bone graft material
This invention relates to a musculoskeletogenic MSG graft composite made from whole bone marrow aspirate BMA having native levels of musculoskeletal progenitor cells MSPCs, comprising: a) a suspension of fractionated BMA comprising: i) MSPCs present at a level greater than their native level in whole BMA, and ii) red blood cells RBCs present at a level less than their native level in whole BMA, and b) a porous sterile matrix having an average pore size of at least 20 μm.
US08137407B2 Tibial knee component with a mobile bearing
A mobile bearing knee prosthesis apparatus includes a tibial plate. The tibial plate includes a medial lobe and a lateral lobe conjoined in a dividing plane. The apparatus further includes a tibio-femoral insert and a stud-like protuberance extending from the tibial plate into the tibio-femoral insert. The stud-like protuberance includes a protuberance sidewall positioned in the tibio-femoral insert. The protuberance sidewall is bisected by the dividing plane and includes a pair of opposing eccentric convex arcuate portions, and the tibio-femoral insert is moveable relative to the tibial plate about an axis medially disposed from the dividing plane. A mobile bearing knee prosthesis apparatus includes a tibial plate and a tibio-femoral insert coupled to the tibial plate. The tibio-femoral insert includes a generally posteriorly positioned chamfered superior surface and defines a generally posteriorly positioned generally U-shaped space bounded at least in part by the chamfered surface.
US08137400B2 Tensile force-adjustable fixing tool for fixing tendon graft and ligament reconstruction method
A fixing tool used in a ligament reconstruction operation includes a fixing member having a main body part provided with a through-hole and two spike parts which can be stricken into the bone and a fixing screw. The fixing screw includes a shaft part having a self-tap portion and a male screw portion, a head part, and a lumen. The fixing screw can be screwed into the bone plug in a state where a guide pin pierced into the bone plug penetrates the lumen of the fixing screw and a pulling member mounted to the bone plug and extended from the bone tunnel is being pulled. The fixing screw can adjust a tensile force of the tendon graft by adjusting the amount of screwing of the fixing screw into the bone plug after the head part of the fixing screw contacts the fixing member.
US08137399B2 Implantable prismatic device, and related methods and systems
An intraocular device including a prism and shift amplifier is provided. Also provided is a system containing the intraocular device, and a method for improving vision of a person with central vision loss. The method involves implanting the intraocular device in the person so that the prism and shift amplifier cumulatively shift a retinal image away from the fovea of an eye to a functional retinal portion of the eye. Also provided is a method for correcting a binocular misalignment of a person using the intraocular device.
US08137371B2 Long ultrasonic cutting blade formed of laminated smaller blades
An end effector of an ultrasonic surgical instrument is provided, the ultrasonic surgical instrument having a manipulatable structure, a body portion operatively connected to the manipulatable structure and having a distal end, a transducer, and the end effector being supported on the distal end of the body portion, the end effector including a plurality of resonant member elements, each resonant member operatively connected to a transducer of the plurality of transducers for effecting vibrations along the length of the resonant member, and including an operating surface configured to effect tissue dissection, cutting, coagulation, ligation and/or hemostasis, wherein a displacement curve associated with the vibrations of a first one of the plurality of resonant members is offset relative to the displacement curve associated with the vibrations of a second one of the plurality of resonant members.
US08137366B2 Obesity treatment tools and methods
Various obesity treatment tools and methods are described herein, as well as treatments for other gastric-related diseases, e.g., GERD. Treatment includes reducing the size of the stomach pouch to limit the caloric intake as well as to provide an earlier feeling of satiety. This may be done by creating a smaller gastric pouch within the stomach directly from the interior of the stomach itself. The smaller pouches may be made through the use of individual anchoring devices, rotating probes, or volume reduction devices. A pyloroplasty procedure may also be performed to render the pyloric sphincter incompetent. A gastric bypass procedure may additionally be performed using atraumatic magnetic anastomoses devices so that sugars and fats are passed directly to the bowel while bypassing the stomach. Many of these procedures may be done in a variety of combinations. Treatment may create enforced behavioral modifications by discouraging the ingestion of high-caloric foods.
US08137365B2 Inguinal hernia repair prosthesis
An implantable prosthesis intended, primarily for the repair of muscle wall defects such as occur in inguinal hernias is fabricated from a surgically compatible mesh material having a prismatic external mesh wall (1). The prismatic shape includes three lobes (2), providing a generally triangular cross-sectional shape. The shape is maintained by internal reinforcing ribs (3), which here extend the length of the prism. The ribs are formed through the connection of three individual mesh strips (4), with each rib comprising two strip parts forming a lamination extending the length of the prism. With this construction closure of elongate legions is readily achieved and a wide range of elongate shapes and dimensions of hernias can be treated.
US08137364B2 Articulating suturing device and method
Devices, systems, and methods for suturing of body lumens allow the suturing of vascular puncture sites located at the distal end of a percutaneous tissue tract. An elongated articulated foot near a distal end of a shaft is inserted through the penetration and actuated so that the foot extends along the lumenal axis. The foot carries suturing attachment cuffs, and needles are advanced from the shaft through the vessel wall outside of the penetration and into engagement with the needle cuffs after the foot has been drawn proximally up against the endothelial surface of the blood vessel. The cross-section of the shaft within the tissue tract can be minimized by laterally deflecting the needles as they leave the shaft, while tapered depressions within the foot can guide the advancing needles into engagement with the cuffs. The cuffs lockingly engage the needles and can be withdrawn proximally along the needle paths and through the tissue tract so as to form a loop of suture across the puncture. The articulating foot may be realigned with the shaft and withdrawn proximally through the tissue tract without dilating the tissue tract. The suture may be provided with a bight between first and second ends, the bight including one or more loops prearranged to define a pre-tied knot when one or more ends of the suture passed therethrough. A suture cutting blade may be positioned on the device such that when the needle is withdrawn from the device, the suture can be drawn across the blade to sever the suture.
US08137356B2 Flexible guide for insertion of a vertebral stabilization system
An installation system for installing a vertebral stabilization system. The system includes an implant guide and an insert. The implant guide includes a handle and a shaft extending from the handle. The distal end of the shaft is configured for engagement with a head portion of a vertebral anchor. The shaft has flexibility characteristics allowing the shaft to flexibly bend between a first configuration and a second configuration. The insert is slidably disposed along the shaft of the implant guide. The insert inhibits the shaft from bending from the second configuration to the first configuration.
US08137354B2 Localized cartilage defect therapy
Methods of repairing cartilage defects are provided. The cartilage defect is identified and shaped to prepare the cartilage defect for a localized therapy. The cartilage defect is isolated with an isolation device. The localized therapy is then delivered to the cartilage defect through the isolation device.
US08137350B2 Fracture fixator for femoral trochanteric fracture
In an internal fixator having a sliding mechanism for treating femoral trochanteric fracture, it is intended to firmly hold the femoral head by setting a sliding direction at a high angle. The fixator is constituted of a sliding nail, a femoral head nail, and a sleeve plate. The sliding nail is inserted at a high angle of about 160° in relation to a femoral axis. The femoral head nail is inserted at a low angle of about 95°. A tip of the femoral head nail is located within the femoral head. The femoral head nail is combined and joined with the sliding nail within the bone. A sliding nail passes and slides within the sleeve of the sleeve plate. A sliding direction is consistent with a tangential direction of an inner cortical bone at a fracture side. Thus, displacement between the fracture edges is less likely to occur and excessive shortening can be avoided. With the femoral head nail, the femoral head can be firmly held.
US08137343B2 Tracking system using field mapping
In some aspects, a method includes (i) securing multiple sets of current injecting electrodes to an organ in a patient's body, (ii) causing current to flow among the multiple sets of current injecting electrodes to generate a field in the organ, (iii) in response to current flow caused by the multiple sets of current injecting electrodes, measuring the field at each of one or more additional electrodes, (iv) determining expected signal measurements of the field inside the organ using a pre-determined model of the field, and (v) determining a position of each of the one or more additional electrodes in the organ based on the measurements made by the additional electrodes and the determined expected signal measurements of the field.
US08137341B2 Methods and apparatus for plasma incision of tissue
A method with apparatus for performing surgery using plasma is described. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a radiofrequency signal generator, a conditioning network coupled to the radiofrequency signal generator, and a catheter coupled to the conditioning network, the catheter including at least one electrode, such that the conditioning network conditions radiofrequency energy produced by the radiofrequency signal generator to create plasma at the at least one electrode of the catheter. Such novel plasma ablation system provides the capability to create high precision ablation with minimal damage to adjacent structures in numerous types of matter while employing multiple operation platforms including catheter based plasma application.
US08137332B2 Container for introducing at least one non-sterile vessel in a sterile region
The invention relates to a container (5) for receiving at least one non-sterile vessel (1, 1′), in particular a pierceable ampoule with a pierceable rubber stopper (3), containing a removable substance (2, 2′), and for introducing the at least one vessel (1, 1′) into a sterile region (I), said container comprising at least two interconnectable parts (6, 7) which, in their interconnected state, are designed to receive the at least one vessel (1, 1′), one container part (7) including at least one means (11, 11′) for removing the respective substance (2, 2′) from the at least one vessel (1, 1′). To create such a container (5) which can be produced at low costs and is easy to handle, said container parts (6, 7) are surrounded by a removable envelope (10) which consists of at least two parts (8, 9).
US08137327B2 Vaginal drug delivery system and method
A vaginal drug delivery system includes a device formed of porous material that holds a flowable therapeutic formulation. The device, preferably in a soft, prewetted state, is inserted into the vagina to reside typically at or near the cervix where it continuously releases the flowable therapeutic formulation through its outer surface which is in contact with the vaginal surfaces. In operation, the flowable therapeutic formulation migrates via capillary forces from a reservoir that is centrally located in the device and through a covering that envelopes the reservoir.
US08137321B2 Introducer sheath
An introducer sheath includes a elongated sheath configured to be inserted into a blood vessel. The elongated sheath includes a central lumen configured to allow a surgical implement or medical device to pass therethrough. The introducer sheath also includes a hemostatic valve operatively connected to the sheath. The hemostatic valve is configured to prevent blood in the blood vessel from exiting the introducer sheath assembly when the elongated sheath is located in the blood vessel. The hemostatic valve includes a plurality of seals supported by a housing, including a front seal configured to provide a hemostatic seal with a guide wire, and a rear seal configured to provide a hemostatic seal with a range of sizes of implements and devices. The housing is configured to provide strain recovery for strain induced by displacement forces generated during movement of the implement or medical device through the plurality of seals.
US08137319B2 Access port including centering feature
A surgical access port includes an access member defining a longitudinal axis and having an interior wall defining a longitudinal opening adapted for passage of a surgical object, an object seal disposed in mechanical cooperation with the access member and configured to create a substantially fluid-tight seal around a surgical object inserted through the object seal and a centering mechanism mounted to the access member proximal of the object seal. The centering mechanism includes at least one centering element extending at least in a general longitudinal direction within the longitudinal opening, and defining proximal and distal longitudinal end segments. The at least one centering element is positioned and dimensioned to engage the surgical object during passage of the object through the longitudinal opening to normally bias the surgical object into general alignment with the longitudinal axis. A locking member is mounted to the distal longitudinal end segment of the at least one centering element. The locking member is adapted for longitudinal movement relative to the longitudinal axis when the surgical object is in generally aligned relation with the longitudinal axis. The locking member is dimensioned to engage the interior wall of the access member upon asymmetrical manipulation of the surgical object relative to the longitudinal axis to substantially lock the centering mechanism and prevent further asymmetrical manipulation of the surgical object until the surgical object is returned to the generally aligned relation with the longitudinal axis under the bias of the at least one centering element.
US08137315B2 Self-contained pump
A self-contained pump is disclosed that is an integrated pump. It has a reservoir, a pumping mechanism, and at least one outlet. The pumping mechanism is for controlled compression of the reservoir to force a required volume of fluid in the reservoir through the at least one outlet.
US08137311B2 Test method and apparatus for verification of medical device functionality
This invention relates to methods, apparatuses and systems for testing the functionality of the pumping mechanism of a medical device, e.g., an implantable infusion pump, while the medical device is contained within a shipping package. The test apparatus enables such functional verification, without opening the shipping package, when the medical device is still contained within the package that has been appropriately sealed to maintain sterility of the medical device.
US08137309B2 Indwelling urinary drainage catheter
A catheter is described herein, having a catheter shaft including a proximal end and a distal end, a tip attached to the distal end, including first and second legs spaced apart to form a slot therebetween, the slot in fluid communication with a lumen of the catheter shaft, and a bladder inflatable element positioned over an outer surface of at least one of the first and second legs.
US08137302B2 Methods and systems for occluding collateral flow channels in the lung
The lateral flow between adjacent lung segments is occluded by blocking collateral flow channels with particles. A gas flow is established from one lung segment through the flow channels in an intermediate fibrous septum, and out through the adjacent lung segment. Particles entrained in the gas flow become lodged in the collateral flow channels to eventually block flow.
US08137300B2 Access disconnection systems and methods using conductive contacts
An extracorporeal blood system includes: an extracorporeal blood machine including an extracorporeal blood circuit; an access device enabling the extracorporeal blood circuit to be connected to a patient; first and second tube connecting members for connecting respectively to first and second tubes of the extracorporeal circuit; first and second electrodes held, at least in part, by the first and second tube connecting members so as to contact blood flowing through the extracorporeal blood circuit, the first and second electrodes enabling an electrical signal to be injected into the extracorporeal blood circuit; first and second contact members contacting the first and second electrodes respectively; and electronics coupled operably to the first and second contact members for applying the electrical signal, the signal used to monitor the access device.
US08137298B2 Absorbing medical binder system and method
Provided is a method and system for bandaging an abdominal region of a patient. A method includes providing an abdominal binder and securing the abdominal binder about the abdominal region of a patient. The abdominal binder has an inner layer including an absorbent pad configured to contact and extend about at least a majority of the circumference of the abdominal region of a patient, and configured to absorb post-procedure fluids during use, and an outer layer including an elastic sheet of material for surrounding at least a portion of the inner layer and providing a compressive force to retain at least a majority of the inner layer against the abdominal region of the patient during use. The outer layer is about 70 to 130% of the size of the inner layer when the outer layer is provided in an unbiased state. The inner layer and the outer layer are coupled to one another at or near a first end of the inner layer and a first end of the outer layer, and a second end of the inner layer and a second end of the outer layer are configured to allow movement relative to one another.
US08137295B2 Manually powered pulsating jet device
A manually powered portable device for creating a high-pressure pulsating stream of water or other liquid is disclosed. The device is intended for use in flushing and cleaning dentures. The device has a reservoir for storing the water or liquid, a piston and cylinder for pressurizing the water, a trigger operated slide valve for releasing the water from the reservoir and a rotating cylinder for creating the pulsating flow through the output nozzle of the device.
US08137293B2 Guidewires including a porous nickel-titanium alloy
Medical devices and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guidewire. The guidewire may include an elongate shaft. The shaft may include a porous metal alloy. The porous metal alloy may be arranged so that the porous metal alloy has a first pore distribution along a first portion of the shaft and a second pore distribution different from the first pore distribution along a second portion of the shaft.
US08137281B2 Structure for attaching needle guide to ultrasound probe
A structure for attaching a needle guide to an ultrasound probe is provided, which includes a probe casing and a needle guide. The probe casing includes a head part provided at a front side of the probe casing and a grasping part provided at a back side of the probe casing and connected with the head part. The needle guide includes a generally “C”-shaped or arcuate clip adapted to be clamped onto the probe casing. The probe casing has opposite outer surfaces each being formed with an outwardly opened and elongated guiding slot extended along a front-back direction. The clip has two clamping arms, each clamping arm having an inner surface opposing to that of the other clamping arm, each inner surface being provided with an elongated clamping protrusion adapted to match and fit with the guiding slot of the probe casing. The clamping protrusions provided on the clamping arm extend in a direction generally perpendicular to the protruding direction of the clamping arms. The structure for attaching a needle guide to an ultrasound probe of the present disclosure is advantageous over the existing structures of the prior art in that the structure is simple, the connection is firm, and the operation is convenient.
US08137275B2 Tissue complex modulus and/or viscosity ultrasound imaging
Complex response of tissue is calculated as function of a convolution relationship associated with measured strain with applied stress. In the Fourier or frequency domain, the convolution is a simple algebraic computation, such as multiplication. The complex response provides elasticity and viscosity information, assisting diagnosis. Complex compliance may be directly calculated from the strain and stress. Complex fluidity may be directly calculated from strain rate and stress.
US08137273B2 Systems and methods for integrating hemodynamic and imaging examinations
Hemodynamic data and imaging data are obtained about a patient, and the data is combined to generate a single report integrating same. While a hemodynamic system obtains the hemodynamic data, an imaging system obtains the imaging data. Preferably, the report confirms the absence or presence (and/or severity) of peripheral arterial disease, including quantitative data. The hemodynamic system and the imaging system can communicate directly, indirectly, and/or wirelessly. They may be contained within a common enclosure and/or integrated into a single apparatus. Either or both of the hemodynamic system and/or the imaging system can also be configured to measure the blood pressure of the patient. Preferably, the imaging system is an ultrasound imaging system, and improved workflows for diagnosing peripheral arterial disease result.
US08137272B2 Ultrasonic synthetic transmit focusing with a multiline beamformer
An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system produces an image with an extended focal range by transmitting a plurality of beams spaced along an array for multiline reception. The receive multilines of a plurality of transmit beams are spatially aligned and are combined with phase adjustment between the respective receive multilines to prevent undesired phase cancellation. The combined multilines produce the effect of an extended transmit focus so that an image produced using the combined multilines exhibits an extended focal range. To prevent motion artifacts the multiline order is adjustable as a function of image motion.
US08137271B2 System and method for assessing risk of glaucoma onset
A system and method for predicting the onset of glaucoma uses a Finite Element Model (FEM) to obtain a response profile of the Optical Nerve Head (ONH) inside an eye. To do this, the FEM is programmed with data from first and second images of the ONH that are respectively taken at the beginning and the end of an imposed pressure differential (e.g. over a range of about 8 kPa). The FEM is then subjected to a sequence of pressure increments and the resultant profile is compared with empirical data to predict an onset of glaucoma.
US08137269B2 Method and system for managing physiological system
A method and system for managing physiological systems is provided. The physiological system management (PSM) system includes one or more signal acquisition blocks to collect physiological information. The PSM system includes oversampled filterbanks for transferring one or more input signal related to the physiological information into subband signals, and a subband processing scheme for processing the outputs from the oversampled filterbanks for event detection in one or more physiological systems. The PSM system includes an adaptive controller which decides on the proper control measure and delivers the measure to the one or more physiological systems.
US08137265B2 Endoscope, endoscope system, and switching circuit member for endoscope
The present invention relates to an endoscope to perform observation using a plurality of image pick up units and an endoscope system including such an endoscope, and its object is to provide an endoscope and an endoscope system having a simplified structure and a reduced cost. There is provided an endoscope including a plurality of image pick up units (24a, 24b) to pick up an observation image, a connector (28) to be connected with an external device (46) to perform signal processing, and a switching circuit portion (26) electrically connected with each image pick up unit (24a, 24b) and the connector (28) and configured to switch the plurality of image pick up units (24a, 24b) so that one of the image pick up units (24a, 24b) transmits/receives a signal to/from the connector (28).
US08137261B2 Device for the treatment of obesity
A device for the treatment of obesity includes at least one first and one second band each with closure means for closing the particular band to form a ring. The first band is connected or is connectable with an enveloping part and is placeable about the esophagus, the stomach or a transition region between the esophagus and the stomach. The second band, also connected or connectable with the enveloping part, is placeable about the stomach distally to the first band and spaced apart from it, and the region of the stomach located between the first and the second band is envelopable by the enveloping part.
US08137260B2 Electromagnetic cardiac assist device and method
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for assisting with contraction of the heart muscle. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, one or more flexible strips are attached to the surface of the heart, each strip having a plurality of electromagnets alternating with a plurality of permanent magnets. The electromagnets are electrically coupled to a control device and a power supply for generating current in the electromagnets. The control device controls the current in the electromagnets in such a way that the electromagnets are periodically activated to attract the adjacent permanent magnets to assist with contraction of the heart muscle. In some embodiments a sensor is provided for sensing the sinus rhythm so that the control device can activate the electromagnets based on the sensed sinus rhythm.
US08137244B2 Cross over flywheel exercise device
An exercise device for the crossover step, including an upper wheel supported, the upper wheel having a skating surface and being rotatable; a lower wheel joined to the upper wheel via a hub, the lower wheel having idler wheels supporting the upper wheel; upper legs and lower legs, the upper and lower legs being joined to the lower wheel; a track joined to the upper legs and lower legs, the track adapted to allow the upper wheel, lower wheel, upper legs and lower legs to be stored vertically against a wall and positioned for use adjacent a floor; and mechanism for controlled increase of simulated G-forces applied to a skater skating on the skating surface.
US08137243B2 Dance exercise pole
A dance exercise pole has a base, a lower cylindrical section journalled for rotation on the base about a substantially vertical axis, a connector extending upwardly from the upper end of the lower cylindrical section, and a lowermost pole section having an internally treaded portion at its lower end for connection to an externally treaded portion of the connector whereby the height of the pole section is vertically adjustable. A sleeve is mounted to slide over the outside of the lower cylindrical section and may be detachably connected to the lowermost pole section.
US08137239B2 Transmission temperature sensing and control
As one example approach, temperature indications from transmission actuators are used to control the actuators and transmission shifting. For example, temperature differences among the different actuators can be used to provide improved relative timing and actuation levels and thus improved shifting control.
US08137236B2 Ouput torque modulation control of a transmission in a hybrid electric vehicle
In a powertrain for motor vehicle that includes an engine, an electric machine, a transmission having an input driveably connected to the engine and a transmission output driveably connected to the electric machine, and a powertrain output driveably connected to the electric machine and wheels of the vehicle, a method for controlling torque during a shift includes transmitting engine torque through the transmission to the powertrain output; during a shift, operating the electric machine to modify the torque transmitted to the powertrain output; and storing energy generated by the electric machine during the shift.
US08137232B2 Transmission having at least eight speeds
A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
US08137227B2 Power transmitting apparatus of hybrid vehicles
A power transmitting apparatus of hybrid vehicles that transmits torque from an engine and first and second motor/generators to an output shaft is provided. The apparatus may include: a first planetary gear set having a first operating member fixedly connected to the second motor/generator, a second operating member selectively connected to the first operating member, and a third operating member; and a second planetary gear set having a fourth operating member fixedly connected to the engine and selectively connected to the second operating member, a fifth operating member fixedly connected to the first motor/generator and selectively connected to the second operating member, and a sixth operating member fixedly connected to the third operating member and the output shaft. With the apparatus, fuel efficiency can be remarkably improved.
US08137223B2 Bicycle rear derailleur
A bicycle rear derailleur is provided with a base member, a movable member, a moving mechanism and an angular adjustment arrangement. The base member includes a first support portion and a first axle with the first support portion being pivotally mounted on the first axle. The movable member includes a second support portion, a chain guide and a second axle with the chain guide being pivotally mounted on the second support portion by the second axle. The moving mechanism is coupled between the first and second support portions. The angular adjustment arrangement is operatively coupled to either electrically pivot the first support portion relative to the first axle, or electrically pivot the chain guide relative to the second support portion when the moving mechanism is moved to move the second support portion of the movable member relative to the first support portion of the base member.
US08137222B2 Accessory drive tensioner system
An accessory drive tensioner system may include a bracket, a coupling mechanism, and a biasing member. The bracket may have an aperture therethrough and a tensioner hub coupled thereto. The coupling mechanism may extend through the aperture to rotatably couple the bracket to a mounting member that is fixed relative to an engine. The biasing member may be engaged with the coupling mechanism and the bracket to bias the bracket axially along the coupling mechanism.
US08137212B2 Treatment for facilitating bonding between golf ball layers and resultant golf balls
The present invention is directed towards a multilayer golf ball which comprises a core having a treated surface and a cover layer having a plurality of dimples, wherein the cover layer is disposed concentrically about the core and bonded to the core preferably without an adhesive. The multilayer golf balls may alternatively or additionally be formed such that at least one layer of the core has a treated surface and is bonded, preferably without an adhesive, to an adjacent layer. The golf balls may be prepared by forming a first portion of a golf ball, wherein the first portion has a surface, treating the surface of the first portion to increase the adhesion thereof, and bonding at least a portion of a second portion concentrically about the surface of the portion.
US08137210B2 Performance measurement system with quantum dots for object identification
The present invention is directed to a monitor system that measures flight characteristics of at least one object moving in a predetermined field-of-view using at least one fluorescent marker. In one embodiment, the emission spectra of the fluorescent marker is preferably narrow and substantially symmetric. It may be desirable for the fluorescent marker to be capable of responding to a broad excitation spectra. Preferably, the fluorescent markers comprise quantum dots. The quantum dots may be manufactured in any desired manner, and may comprise semiconductors, gold atoms, and the like.
US08137202B2 Integrated electronic game system with player-end games corresponding to server-end games
An integrated electronic game system includes multiple game controllers for executing different games, multiple game consoles disposed in communication with one another and having carried therein different games, a central control server connected between the game controllers and the game consoles for linking the game controllers and the game consoles that execute one same game, a driver connected with the game consoles for receiving a card-opening signal from each game console and outputting a respective operation instruction, and a physical card-opening device connected to the driver and controllable by the operation instruction outputted by the driver to execute the card-opening operation of the game of one game console. Thus, different games share one common physical card-opening device, and the player can operate one game controller to switch among different games, thereby improving game system utilization, raising the player's overall interest and reducing equipment costs.
US08137200B2 Networked gaming system having a browser manager
An integrated browser manager and networked gaming system that provides server based dynamic content onto a content display area of one or more gaming machines is disclosed. The system includes: a browser manager, one or more application servers connected to the browser manager by a server-to-server (S2S) server and S2S web service, and one or more gaming machines are connected to the browser manager by a game-to-server (G2S) server and G2S web service. The browser manager includes a user interface application and a core service, wherein the user interface application generates a user interface display on a user control station. Each gaming machine includes a network interface to receive external content from the application server via the browser manager, and a content display area for displaying the external content.
US08137199B2 Partitioned artificial intelligence for networked games
Partitioned artificial intelligence (AI) for networked gaming. An exemplary system splits the AI into a computationally lightweight server-side component and a computationally intensive client-side component to harness the aggregate computational power of numerous gaming clients. Aggregating resources of many, even thousands of client machines enhances game realism in a manner that would be prohibitively expensive on the central server. The system is tolerant of latency between server and clients. Deterministic and stateless client-side components enable rapid handoff, preemptive migration, and replication of the client-side AI to address problems of client failure and game exploitation. The partitioned AI can support tactical gaming navigation, a challenging task to offload because of sensitivity to latency. The tactical navigation AI calculates influence fields partitioned into server-side and client-side components by means of a Taylor-series approximation.
US08137197B2 System and method for generating targeted newsletters
A system and a method of providing a targeted newsletter is provided. The method includes monitoring a game while a game player plays the game on a game computer, collecting game related information, uploading the game related information to a remote server, generating a newsletter on the remote server that is tailored for the game player based on the game related information, and transferring the newsletter to the game player.
US08137187B2 Systems and methods for redeeming future value wagering chips
A system and method enabling a casino to issue chips or credits to customers whose redemption and face value is set at some future date, as well as systems and methods for facilitating redemption of such future value wagering chips.
US08137179B2 Gaming device having expanding and rolling wild symbols
The gaming device and method disclosed herein have a plurality of reels and at least one expanding and roaming wild symbol or wild symbol set. The wild symbol or wild symbol set moves relative to the reels to provide a player with additional opportunities to win an award. When the wild symbol appears on one of the reels and a designated trigger symbol also appears on one of the reels, the wild symbol expands to form an expanded wild symbol set that includes a plurality of individual wild symbols. The designated trigger symbol is associated with or determines the number of rolls (i.e., the number of times the expanded wild symbol set will roll or move across the reels). For each roll, the expanded wild symbol set rolls (left to right or right to left) to one of the reels. That is, the expanded wild symbol set enables a plurality of individual wild symbols to randomly move or roam from reel to reel for a number of rolls or moves, wherein the number is determined based on the designated trigger symbol. After each move, the gaming device performs an award evaluation to determine whether a winning combination is displayed on the reels. In one embodiment, the designated trigger symbol becomes an individual wild symbol.
US08137166B2 Polishing pad having micro-grooves on the pad surface
A polishing pad is provided herein, which may include a plurality of soluble fibers having a diameter in the range of about 5 to 80 micrometers, and an insoluble component. The pad may also pad include a first surface having a plurality of micro-grooves, wherein the soluble fibers form the micro-grooves in the pad. The micro-grooves may have a width and/or depth up to about 150 micrometers. In addition, a method of forming the polishing pad and a method of polishing a surface with the polishing pad is disclosed.
US08137165B2 Dust shroud with adjustable mounting mechanism
A universal dust shroud includes mounting brackets held above the shroud body by springs. The brackets move radially and vertically relative to the body to accommodate different angle grinders, and allow vertical movement of the shroud body relative to the grinding disk while using the grinder to allow the user greater control over the angle grinder.
US08137159B2 Abrasive, method of polishing target member and process for producing semiconductor device
To polish polishing target surfaces of SiO2 insulating films or the like at a high rate without scratching the surface, the present invention provides an abrasive comprising a slurry comprising a medium and dispersed therein at least one of i) cerium oxide particles constituted of at least two crystallites and having crystal grain boundaries or having a bulk density of not higher than 6.5 g/cm3 and ii) abrasive grains having pores. Also provided are a method of polishing a target member and a process for producing a semiconductor device which make use of this abrasive.
US08137151B2 Action toy
A toy figure for use in a game is provided, the toy having a body portion coupled to a controller movably secured to a base member that is fixedly secured to the body portion, wherein movement of the controller with respect to the base member causes a corresponding movement of the body portion with respect to the base member and movement of the base member causes a corresponding movement of the body portion and the controller; and a button disposed on the body portion, the button being capable of movement from a first position to a second position wherein movement of the button from the first position to the second position causes a pair of body parts pivotally secured to the body portion to pivot from a closed position to an opening position.
US08137146B2 Closed loop fluid cooling system for marine outboard, inboard, and inboard-outboard motors
A closed loop fluid cooling system for marine motors is described. The system includes a motor cooling circuit in fluidic communication with fluid cooling jackets about a motor. The system includes a heat dissipation circuit. The motor cooling circuit is in closed fluidic communication with the heat dissipation circuit. A cooling fluid variably circulates between the motor cooling circuit and the heat dissipation circuit. A heat dissipation member is in fluidic communication with the heat dissipation circuit to receive the circulating cooling fluid, and the heat dissipation member is submerged in the body of water in which the boat is traveling to transfer heat from the cooling fluid to the body of water. A temperature control valve is in fluidic communication with the motor cooling circuit and the heat dissipation circuit. The temperature control valve variably connects the motor cooling circuit and the heat dissipation circuit in response to a temperature of the cooling fluid or the motor to provide for the circulation of the cooling fluid between the motor cooling circuit and the heat dissipation circuit.
US08137130B2 Foldable patch panel
The present invention provides a foldable patch panel. The foldable patch panel includes a first frame, a second frame, and a pivot unit. The pivot unit is connected to the first frame and the second frame, respectively, so that spinning center of the first frame and the second frame is the pivot unit. Besides, the first frame and the second frame are separably engaged with each other and form an obtuse angle.
US08137129B2 Vehicular retractable cable systems
A vehicular retractable cable system may include a housing and a cable assembly including a retract assembly with associated retractable cable. The cable has extended and retracted positions. A position setting assembly is associated with the cable assembly. The position setting assembly has a retract button, wherein when the cable is in an extended position and upon activation of the retract button, the cable moves toward the retracted position.
US08137126B2 Threaded connector and patch cord having a threaded connector
A patch cord including a connector attached to an end of a multi-pair cable. The connector including a threaded arrangement that engages a jacket of the multi-pair cable to secure the connector relative to the end of the multi-pair cable.
US08137119B2 Electrical connector system having a continuous ground at the mating interface thereof
A connector interface may include an arrangement of contacts in a first connector, and a corresponding, complementary arrangement of contacts in a second connector mating with the contacts of the first connector. The contacts may be signal contacts or ground contacts. When the connectors are mated, a ground may be established between the connectors by the mating of the ground contacts from the respective connectors. The ground contacts in the first connector may be shaped to bridge together an array of ground contacts in the second connector when the connectors are mated. Such bridging tends to establish a continuous ground along the array of ground contacts, creating a more robust ground than in an otherwise identical connector.
US08137116B2 Ground joint connector and wire harness including the same
The present invention provides a ground joint connector capable of collectively connecting a plurality of grounding wires included in a wire harness for a vehicle, to a given ground site, while occupying a little space. The ground joint connector JC comprises a plurality of wire terminals to be attached to respective terminal ends of the grounding wires, a grounding conductor a connector housing holding the grounding conductor. The grounding conductor includes a plurality of wire-side terminal portions to be fitted to the respective wire terminals in a terminal fitting direction and a ground-side terminal portion to be connected to the ground site while fixed onto the wall surface around the ground site. The wire-side terminal portions aligned in a direction approximately perpendicular to the terminal fitting direction and parallel to the wall surface, and integrally joined to the ground-side terminal portion. The connector housing holds the grounding conductor to allow the ground-side terminal portion to protrude to outside and includes a plurality of terminal receiving chambers and a plurality of terminal locking portions. The terminal locking portions lock the respective wire terminals inserted into the respective terminal receiving chambers and fitted with the respective wire-side terminal portions.
US08137115B1 Junction box and conductor strip connection device thereof
A conductor strip connection device for a junction box of a solar module is disclosed and comprises a contact member and a press-fitting member. The contact member has a contact segment for connecting to a conductor strip and having at least one first engaging element. The press-fitting member has a suppressing part and at least one second engaging element, wherein the suppressing part is configured to cooperate with the contact segment of the contact member for securing the conductor strip, and the second engaging element is configured to engage with the first engaging element of the contact member for assembling the press-fitting member with the contact member.
US08137108B2 Behavioral modification system and method
An apparatus and method are provided, for enabling communication between an administrator and a student regarding behavior activities of the student. The apparatus comprises (a) a transmitter configured to be carried by an administrator, and (b) a receiver configured to be carried by a student. The transmitter and receiver are configured to (i) be selectively placed in circuit communication with each other by an initiation signal originating from the transmitter or receiver, (ii) enable communication from the administrator to the student via the receiver regarding behavioral activities of the student or communication from the student to the administrator if the student feels a need to communicate with the administrator regarding behavioral activities of the student, and (iii) enable the receiver to communicate with the student in a predetermined fashion regarding behavior activities of the student in the absence of communications from the administrator.
US08137102B2 Fluid-operated medical or dental handheld element
A fluid-operated medical or dental handheld element is disclosed, having a connecting device for connecting the handheld element to a fluid source so that a first impeller can be induced to rotate by a fluid stream to cause a tool to execute a driving motion, a fluid conducting device arranged between the connecting device and the first impeller for conveying a fluid stream away from or toward the first impeller, and a generator for generating electric power. The generator includes a second rotatable impeller that can be driven by at least a substream of the fluid stream conveyable in the first fluid conducting device. One result is more constant generation and output of power by the generator independent of the rotational speed of the first impeller, thereby insuring a more constant power supply to a power consuming device connected to the generator.
US08137100B2 Installation for producing cement clinker, and method for operating one such installation
A cement clinker production line with a calcining stage connected upstream of the rotary tubular kiln including an integrated calcining combustion chamber, with a CO-containing reduction zone whose size and reduction potential can be adapted to different NOx contents contained in the kiln exhaust gas and/or different types of secondary fuels used in the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber has an upper, raw-meal-free reducing zone with a feed for secondary fuels, and first tertiary partial airstream with sub-stoichiometric fuel combustion for gasifying the secondary fuels. The combustion chamber has a lower zone. The inflow for at least one raw meal partial stream and one second tertiary partial airstream are arranged in the junction region of the upper zone and the lower zone. The height (H) of the upper zone in relation to the height (h) of the lower zone has a ratio of approximately 5:1 to approximately 1:1.
US08137086B2 Preform heating system
This invention is configured having a control mechanism which supports a preform and controls the state of rotation of a support member being moved through a heating region so as to control the orientation of the preform with respect to heating devices, the control mechanism having a first magnetic pole member arranged along at least a part of the heating region and a second magnetic pole member fastened at a portion of the support member being moved through the heating region facing the first magnetic pole member, the support member moved through the heating region being set to a rotation state determined by a relationship between the polarity of the first magnetic pole member and the polarity of the second magnetic pole member.
US08137085B2 Gear pump with slots in teeth to reduce cavitation
A gear pump comprises a drive gear being mounted for rotation about a first axis and having a plurality of gear teeth at a radially outer location. A driven gear is mounted for rotation about a second axis, and having a plurality of teeth at a radially outer location. The drive gear teeth engage the driven gear teeth at a contact face to cause the driven gear to rotate. Slots are formed in the contact face of one of the drive and driven gear teeth.
US08137078B2 Axial piston machine
An axial piston machine, especially an air-conditioning compressor for motor vehicles, including a power unit which is rotatably driven by a shaft and in which the rotary movement is converted, via a swash plate, a wobble plate, or a pivot ring, into a fore-and-aft movement of pistons that suction in and compress pressure media. The shaft is mounted in a forward, first axial bearing, among other things.
US08137067B2 Turbine with interrupted purge flow
A blade attachment apparatus for a turbine is provided and includes a member, which rotates about an axis of the turbine, including fore and aft disk posts that retain corresponding fore and aft turbine blades, respectively, fore and aft of a turbine nozzle and a central portion proximate the turbine nozzle and an attachment retained between the fore and aft disk posts and the fore and aft turbine blades and coupled to the central portion, such that a portion of the attachment interrupts a purge flow through the turbine.
US08137056B2 Impingement cooled structure
An impingement cooled structure includes a plurality of shroud members disposed in a circumferential direction to constitute a ring-shaped shroud surrounding a hot gas stream, and a shroud cover mounted on radial outside faces of the shroud members to form a cavity therebetween. The shroud cover has a first impingement cooling hole which communicates with the cavity and allows cooling air to be jetted to an inside thereof so as to cool an inner surface of the cavity by impingement. The shroud members each has a hole fin. The hole fin divides the cavity into a plurality of sub-cavities. Further, the hole fin has a second impingement cooling hole which allows the cooling air having flowed through the first impingement cooling hole to be jetted obliquely toward a bottom surface of the sub-cavity adjacent thereto.
US08137032B2 Anchor with grout jacket
An anchor 1 for consolidating non-cohesive rock layers or for connecting them to solid rock 2 primarily has the necessary components for realising a stressed or expansion anchor. Furthermore, when a conventional domed plate 10 is used, which reliably transmits the necessary stress forces, it is possible additionally to bond the anchor bar 4 in the drill hole 3 after stressing. To this end, the anchor bar 4 is either constructed with a connecting tube 22 with distributor head 24 or the sheathing tube 11 comprises a top tube 50, these both fulfilling the task of conveying the grout bonding material 12 reliably from the drill hole mouth end of the anchor bar 4 to the rock end 5A and then diverting it there and returning it to the drill hole mouth, so ensuring complete fixing and sheathing of the anchor bar 4 in the drill hole 3.
US08137016B2 Tensioning print media
A method of tensioning multiple webs of print media for a web printer is presented. The method comprises the steps of: feeding each print media web through a print media feeding path of the web printer; and attaching one or more tensioning weights to each print media web so as to impart a tension in each print media web. The total weight value of the one or more tensioning weights attached to each web of print media is substantially the same so that the tension imparted in each print media web is substantially equal.
US08137014B2 Duplex printing apparatus
The present invention relates to a duplex printing apparatus. The duplex printing apparatus includes a paper input tray, a paper ejecting tray, a paper pick-up roller, a paper feeding channel, a first paper transfer roller assembly, a scanning and developing print unit, a print region, a paper ejecting channel, a second paper transfer roller assembly, an inverting channel, a paper guide slice, a third paper transfer roller assembly and a paper ejecting roller assembly. By arranging the inverting channel between the print region and the paper ejecting tray, the printing speed is enhanced.
US08137011B2 Actuator and blade drive device for camera
An electromagnetic actuator includes: a coil for excitation; a stator excited with different magnetic poles by energization of the coil; a rotor magnetized with the different magnetic poles in accordance with a circumferential direction, and rotated by a magnetic force generating between the rotor and the stator; and an outputting member rotated in conjunction with the rotor and outputting rotational movement of the rotor to a first blade and a second blade. The outputting member is provided with a fitting hole press-fitted onto the rotor.
US08137010B2 Imaging device
In an imaging device 100, as a base 110 is moved from a certain position on an upper side of an imaging area SA to a different position on a left side of the imaging area SA, a camera head 150 is pivotally rotated together with a head-side arm 160 relative to a second arm 132. Such combination of the movement of the base 110 with the pivotal rotation of the camera head 150 changes the operation mode of the imaging device 100 from a first working mode to a second working mode and enables the imaging device 100 to take images in the second working mode. Regardless of the positional change of the base 110 from the position on the upper side of the imaging area SA to the position on the left side of the imaging area SA with the change of the operation mode of the imaging device 100 from the first working mode to the second working mode, an up-down positional relation in an imaging view field of an internal camera, which is incorporated in the camera head 150 and is operated to shoot downward and take an image of a shooting object sheet ST set in the imaging area SA, is kept unchanged relative to the shooting object sheet ST.
US08137008B1 Mobile camera mount
A remote-controlled, roof-mounted, digital camera mount for a motor vehicle is herein disclosed. The apparatus comprises a mount system with a remote control. The mount system provides for remote control of pan and tilt functions on the mount. The remote control is provided by two (2) or more electric motors in wireless communication with said remote control located by an operator's position enabling the operator to control the positioning of the camera while operating the camera.
US08137006B2 Mirror and shutter drive control mechanism for imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus is provided, including a mirror movable between a viewing position and a retracted position; a shutter which prevents the light that is passed through the imaging optical system from being incident on the image sensor and allows the light that is passed through the imaging optical system to be incident on the image sensor when open and shut, respectively; a reversible motor; a first operating mechanism which moves the mirror and carries out a shutter charge operation when engaged with the reversible motor and driven thereby; a second operating mechanism which carries out the shutter charge operation without moving the mirror when engaged with the reversible motor and driven thereby; and a driving force transmission switcher for transmitting driving forces of the reversible motor in first and second rotational directions thereof to the first and second operating mechanisms, respectively.
US08136995B2 Sealing device and rolling bearing apparatus
First portions are fixed to an outer ring, and second portions are fixed to an inner ring. Bimetal members and electromagnets are embedded in and fixed by elastic portions of the first portions and portions of the second portions are constituted by ferromagnetic members. Whereas at a normal temperature region, the first portions and the second portions are brought into contact with each other, based on deformations of the bimetal members at a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature equal to or higher than the normal temperature region, the first portions and the second portions are made to be disposed to be spaced apart from each other by intervals therebetween at a temperature equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature equal to or higher than the normal temperature region.
US08136991B2 Infant car seat suspended bag
A bag for removably attaching to, and suspending from, the handle of an infant car seat. The bag comprises a compartment shaped to fit within the shape of the handle. The compartment is joined to at least one securing member. The securing member is for attaching the compartment to the handle and comprises at least one suspending portion and at least one steadying portion. The suspending portion is for suspending the compartment from the handle and within the shape of the handle. The steadying portion is to prevent the compartment from swinging from the handle. The suspending portion can be integral with the steadying portion.
US08136980B2 Meter flow conditioner
A fluid conditioner for a fluid traveling through a conduit, the conduit having a longitudinal axis and substantially circular cross-section. The fluid conditioner includes a static mixing element and a straightener plate. The preferred static mixer is one having a flat generally rectangular central portion having first and second sets of ears affixed on opposite sides of the central portion. The sets of ears include first and second ears bent respectively in upward and downward directions relative to the plane of the central portion wherein each pair of ears located diagonally opposite one another across the central portion are bent in the same direction relative to the plane of the central portion. A third set of ears extend from the central portion and terminate at a substantially rectangular member whose plane of orientation is substantially perpendicular to the central portion and a plate affixed to the substantially rectangular member and oriented substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the conduit, the plate substantially covering the cross-section of the conduit having a plurality of openings to facilitate the passage of the fluid within the conduit.
US08136972B2 Assembling-type car lamp
An assembling-type car lamp includes a lamp housing and a bulb unit. The lamp housing is provided with an assembling hole, and the assembling hole is provided on an inner wall surface thereof with a plurality of circumferentially spaced ribs to thereby define a notch between any two adjacent ribs. The bulb unit includes a base and a bulb mounted to the base. The base includes an end plate and a forward raised seat. The raised seat is provided on an outer wall surface thereof with a plurality of circumferentially spaced guide blocks located corresponding to the notches, such that an annular space is defined between the end plate and the guide blocks. The bulb unit can be removably assembled to the lamp housing by moving the guide blocks through the notches into the assembling hole and turning the bulb unit for the ribs to locate in the annular space.
US08136949B2 Interactive projected sandbox
A method for creating an interactive display in which users/players can form the projection screen. The method includes providing granular display material, such as a layer of sand in a container, and storing a guide image and a display image in memory of a control system. Then, a projector is first operated to project the guide image on an upper surface of the display material. After a sculpting period or in response to a user or operator provided trigger, the method includes second operating the projector to project the display image on the upper surface which has been sculpted by the user into a 3D projection surface or screen during the first operating step. The projected guide image may include an outline of an object, and the display image may include an image element that is mapped to the location of the outlined object.
US08136943B2 Testing/training visual perception speed and/or span
System and methods for testing and/or training a subject's visual perception span and/or speed are provided. More specifically, a method may include testing/training various aspects of the subject's visual perception span/speed through the use of assessments that test the subject's ability to receive and retain information that is flashed in front of them. By using various assessments, an efficient examination may be administered. In accordance with the invention, an individual may be subjected to such a method of testing/training comprising: presenting one or more two-dimensional representations to the subject at a first time; receiving input responses from the subject at a second time; and processing the received input responses to provide a measure of the perception span of the subject; and processing the time between the first time and the second time to provide a measure of the perception speed of the subject.
US08136941B2 Light dispersion eyeglass nose pad
A nose pad for supporting eyeglasses on a nose is disclosed. The nose pad includes a first surface and a second surface, the second surface opposing the first surface and including a contact portion configured to contact a wearer's nose. In an embodiment, the first surface includes a first outer edge portion, a second outer edge portion, and a central portion that is provided between the first outer edge portion and the second outer edge portion. In an embodiment, the first outer edge portion, the second outer edge portion, and the central portion are configured so that light directed at the first surface and passing through the second surface is dispersed so that the light is not concentrated on a wearer's nose.
US08136940B2 Eyeglasses having a temple mounting structure
A pair of eyeglasses include a lens frame unit having a pair of lateral sides, a pair of temples, and a pair of pivot connection units. Each pivot connection unit rotatably couples a corresponding one of the temples to a corresponding one of the lateral sides of the lens frame unit. Each of the pivot connection units includes a coupling seat coupled to the corresponding one of the lateral sides of the lens frame unit, and a pivoting section formed on one end of the corresponding one of the temples. Each pivot connection unit further includes an axle formed on one of the pivoting section and the coupling seat and extending along a horizontal pivot axis. The other one of the coupling seat and the pivoting section is formed with an axle opening through which the axle is rotatably inserted.
US08136938B2 System and method for printing on lenticular sheets
A system for printing on lenticular sheets, including a printer having a lenticular sheet feed tray for holding at least one lenticular sheet having a plurality of lenticules; a laterally reciprocating lenticular sheet sensor flushly disposed on the lenticular sheet feed tray for sensing parameters of the plurality of lenticules; a computing system in communication with the printer and the laterally reciprocating lenticular sheet sensor and configured to execute software modules for adapting an interphased graphical image to the parameters and printing the adapted interphased graphical image on the at least one lenticular sheet. Methods for printing on lenticular sheet and electronic systems for printing on lenticular sheet are also included.
US08136935B2 Inkjet printer and ink dryer
An inkjet printer includes a plurality of guide walls and a plurality of choke portions. Each of the plurality of guide walls is arranged substantially in parallel with a feeding direction of a medium to provide a guide wall clearance between the plurality of guide walls. The wave guide has a first internal space connected to the guide wall clearance and an electromagnetic-wave supplier and configured to apply the electromagnetic wave to the medium which is introduced into the first internal space. Each of the plurality of choke portions includes a second internal space adjacent to each guide wall and an opening from the second internal space to the guide wall clearance. The second internal space is connected to the first internal space via the guide wall clearance. The second internal space has a length of λ/4 relative to wavelength λ of the electromagnetic wave in the feeding direction.
US08136931B2 Ink-jet recording device and ink supply unit suitable for it
Ink maintained at a negative pressure state is supplied to an ink-jet recording head via an ink supply mechanism constructed as a differential pressure valve having a coil spring and a movable membrane normally contacted elastically with a valve seat by the coil spring.
US08136919B2 Ink jet recording apparatus and ink jet recording head
The present invention reduces image deterioration such as density nonuniformity when recording is performed using a recording head having two ejection orifice rows that eject a predetermined achromatic ink, for example, gray ink. For this purpose, the distance between two ejection orifice rows that eject a predetermined achromatic ink is larger than the distance between two ejection orifice rows that eject a predetermined chromatic ink.
US08136913B2 System and method for measuring drop position in an image of a test pattern on an image substrate
A system evaluates image quality in an image generating system in the presence of digital image noise and/or missing jets. The system includes a test pattern generator configured to generate a test pattern on an image substrate, an image capture device configured to generate a digital image of the generated test pattern on the image substrate, an image evaluator configured to process the digital image and generate a solution for an over-determined matrix of equations formed from differential distance measurements obtained with reference to a jet in the digital image by minimizing the root-mean-square (RMS) of residual errors corresponding to the matrix, and a controller configured to generate a correction parameter from the generated solution and to apply the correction parameter to the jet used for the used for the differential distance measurements.
US08136905B2 Drop volume compensation for ink supply variation
The present invention relates to a method that enables image quality of a printed image to be maintained by reducing unintended variations in drop volume, through the adjustment of ink drop ejecting conditions depending on the amount of ink remaining in an ink tank chamber or reservoir, and/or the ink demand for printing an image. The method of printing of the present invention comprises: providing a printhead in fluid communication with an ink chamber or reservoir; detecting at least one parameter related to an amount of negative pressure provided to the printhead; and adjusting an ink drop ejecting condition of the printhead as a function of the parameter so that an amount of variation in size of ejected ink drop is reduced.
US08136902B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a recording head including heads containing arranged nozzles to discharge a droplet, the heads are arranged in a zigzag form along a nozzle array direction; a conveyer belt with suction holes to convey a printing medium in a direction intersecting a head array direction; and a control unit to control an blank discharging; wherein suction hole arrays including the suction holes arranged in the head array direction, are arranged at a predetermined interval; wherein one of the suction hole arrays is a reference suction hole array including the suction hole to pass a position facing the nozzle of a nozzle array end and the nozzle in an overlapping part of two heads in the nozzle array direction; and wherein the control unit makes each nozzle discharge a blank discharging droplet to the suction holes, using the reference suction hole array as a standard.
US08136891B2 Method and control system for applying defined clamping forces
Disclosed are a method and a control system for applying defined clamping forces in a brake that is electrically operable by means of an actuator and includes a first friction surface (friction lining) and a second friction surface (brake disc). In the method, a correlation exists between the actuator position and the clamping force, and values of the clamping force as well as of the actuator position are determined by a clamping force sensor and a position sensor, and a value of the actuator position is determined, which corresponds to the application of the first friction surface on the second friction surface.
US08136886B2 Displacement actuated side dumping haul body
A displacement actuated side dumping haul body and related methods are disclosed. The side dumping haul body may, for example, be mounted to a trailer or truck frame. The side dumping haul body includes a floor with fore and aft end walls rigidly attached to the floor, at least one actuator and first and second sidewalls. When the at least one actuator is employed to pivot the floor to dump material from the haul body, the corresponding sidewall pivots at least generally away from the floor to create a side discharge opening. Various opening parameters and dumping characteristics can be achieved by varying locations of pivot and linkage points.
US08136883B2 Vehicle seat and vehicle with a vehicle seat
A vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, has at least one pair of adjustable lateral cheeks provided on a seat cushion and/or on a seat back, with at least one inflatable chamber for adjusting the lateral cheek being provided in each of the lateral cheeks. A plate-shaped element is provided outside the inflatable chamber and on the same side facing a person sitting on the vehicle seat.
US08136882B2 Multi-way adjustment device for a seat component and/or a cable
A multi-way adjustment device, in particular a two-way adjustment device, is proposed for a seat component, which is suitable in particular for the seat-back width adjustment of a seat. The multi-way adjustment device comprises an adjustment part (7) adjustably mounted relative to a mounting plate a (1), which when moved in a first adjustment direction (A) requires less energy expenditure than when moved in a second adjustment direction (B). In order to compensate this, there are provided mechanical energy accumulation means (5), which takes up mechanical energy when the movement is in the first adjustment direction (A), in order to release this when the movement is in the second adjustment direction (B) and thus to assist the movement of the adjustment part (7) in the second adjustment direction (B). Moreover, the invention relates to a corresponding adjustment device for a cable, in particular a Bowden cable, in order, for example, to adjust a lumbar support for a seat with respect to curvature or height position.
US08136880B2 Adjustable width juvenile vehicle seat
A juvenile vehicle seat includes a base, a seat back, and a width controller. The base includes a seat bottom and first and second armrests mounted for pivotable movement on opposite sides of the seat bottom. The width controller can be operated to cause the first and second armrests to pivot relative to one another and to the seat bottom.
US08136876B2 Ergonomic supporting/sitting device
Ergonomic supporting/sitting device useful on all those jobs which are performed while standing, being particularly useful for document sorting jobs and in operating rooms while performing surgery, including a base resting on the floor and a shaft for mounting a seat body such that this ergonomic device includes a base resting on the floor which has a flat back portion and a front portion curved convexly forward and toward both sides in relation to the supporting base surface resting on the floor.
US08136873B2 Foldable rest support
A foldable rest support including a frame has at least four sections articulated together about an axis to which is associated a bearing surface, two of the sections constituting the suspension arms. According to the disclosed embodiments, two other of the sections constituting the feet of the support, each foot having a truncated V shape, and the bearing surface links the sections constituting the suspension arms in order to at least partially cover at least one of the lateral faces of the foldable support.
US08136872B2 Open roof construction for a vehicle
Open roof construction for a vehicle comprising a roof opening defined in a stationary roof part and a movable panel. A slide is movable along a stationary slide guide and is provided with panel engagement elements cooperating with slide engagement elements of the movable panel. A movement of the slide is capable of generating a tilting and/or sliding movement of the panel. The panel engagement elements of the slide comprise two curves and the slide engagement elements of the panel comprise two cams, each for cooperation with a respective one of the curves. Moving the slide in a first direction a cooperation between a first curve and corresponding first cam will lead to lowering a first transversal edge of the panel followed by translating the panel along with the slide. Moving the slide in an opposite second direction a cooperation between the second curve and corresponding second cam will lead to lifting said first transversal edge.
US08136870B2 Cowl braces and windshield support assemblies with cowl braces
A windshield support assembly includes a cowl upper that extends in a vehicle widthwise direction and is configured to connect to a windshield, a cowl lower that extends in the vehicle widthwise direction and is configured to connect to the cowl upper, and multiple cowl braces connected to the cowl upper and the cowl lower. The cowl braces are spaced-apart from each other in the vehicle widthwise direction. Each cowl brace includes an upper portion, a lower portion and a continuous body portion connecting the upper portion and the lower portion. At least one of the upper portion and the lower portion includes multiple legs. Each leg is connected to the cowl upper or the cowl lower at spaced-apart locations along the vehicle widthwise direction.
US08136869B2 Windshield support structure
A windshield support structure for a vehicle, in particular an automobile, includes, but is not limited to a front bulkhead and a windshield support connected to the front bulkhead. The windshield support is supported on the front bulkhead by means of at least one support disposed on the windshield support and the front bulkhead. A method is also provided for producing a windshield support structure.
US08136867B2 Aerodynamic structure for vehicle
An aerodynamic structure for a vehicle that can effectively adjust airflow within a wheel house is provided. An aerodynamic structure for a vehicle has an airflow collision wall provided at a rear in a vehicle body longitudinal direction with respect to a front wheel in a wheel house, and extending in a vehicle width direction and facing a lower side in a vehicle body vertical direction, an airflow guiding wall extending downward in the vehicle body vertical direction from an end portion of the airflow collision wall which end portion is at a side that is far from the front wheel, and a step portion formed at a portion in the vehicle width direction of at least one of the airflow guiding wall and the airflow collision wall, and including inward-facing walls that extend along a direction intersecting the vehicle width direction.
US08136865B1 Motorcycle windbreaker
A windbreaker for a motorcycle prevents airflow between the front wheel assembly and the fairing connected to the handlebars, by flexibly connecting to the handlebars and the crash bars. An indentation allows airflow to cool the engine. Releasable connectors allow proper turning of the front wheel, even if mis-mounted.
US08136864B2 Injection molded magnesium link and method of making an injection molded magnesium link
In one embodiment, an operational link of a top stack linkage for a convertible top of a vehicle is presented. The link has a spine having a main body portion and an offset portion and one or more lateral structural members including at least one reinforcing rib. The spine and the one or more lateral structural members may form a unitary pivot link. In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a pivot link of a top stack linkage for a convertible top of a vehicle is presented. The method includes providing a mold defining an interior cavity that defines the shape of a pivot link, injecting molten magnesium into the mold, and molding the molten magnesium injected into the mold to form a spine and a plurality of lateral structural members that are integral with the spine to form a monolithic pivot link.
US08136863B2 Dismantleable vehicle seat
Detachable vehicle seat, with a back structure and a seat structure, a coupling mechanism for coupling the seat structure to the back structure, a securing mechanism for securing the seat structure to a part of the vehicle floor and a rapid detachment mechanism that permits the seat to be decoupled from the back.At least one first strap is coupled to the structure of the back part of the seat in a zone corresponding to the abdominal zone of the person.Also, a headrest in which at least one second strap is coupled in a zone corresponding to the zone of the head of the person.
US08136850B2 Paddle latch
A paddle latch comprising a housing defining a first side and a second side, a shaft extending through the housing defining a first shaft portion on the first side and a second shaft portion on the second side, a paddle for actuation by a latch user on the first side and a releasable latch member for co-operation with an associated striker to latch the paddle latch on the second side wherein the paddle is connected to the first shaft portion and the latch member is connected to the second shaft portion such that torque may be transferred from the paddle to the latch member to release the latch member from the striker in use.
US08136848B1 Securing apparatus
The invention is securing apparatus to quickly and efficiently tying a knot or bow to securely wrap a package or parcel. The securing apparatus is configured as a planar element having an opening through it. A number of securing slits extend from the opening. When a person wants to tie a knot or bow in a ribbon, string or twine, he or she places the ends of the ribbon through the opening and secures each end in a slit. Then a person can tie the knot or bow without assistance from another person.
US08136847B2 Coupling having angularly oriented shoulder surfaces
A mechanical pipe coupling is formed of segments attached end to end to surround a central space. Each segment has a circumferentially extending cavity facing the central space flanked by arcuate keys which project toward the central space. Two arcuate shoulder surfaces are positioned on each segment. The arcuate shoulder surfaces face the central space and are positioned in spaced relation on opposite sides of the cavity between the cavity and the arcuate keys. The arcuate shoulder surfaces are angularly oriented with respect to an axis perpendicular to a plane containing the segments. The coupling is used to couple pipe elements having a circumferential ring located at the ends of the pipe elements. The angular orientation of the arcuate shoulder surfaces provides flexibility to the joint. A method of joining pipe elements having circumferential rings is also disclosed.
US08136841B2 Shoulder position adjuster device
A button of a shoulder position adjuster device is provided including an outer surface portion which, at a normal state, is generally continuous with an outer surface of a cover facing an inner space of a passenger compartment. Flexible left and right outer lateral walls are formed continuously with the outer surface portion and have lock portions which are locked on to a side member at the normal state and which are released from the locked state at the time of a pulling operation. Additionally, a pair of connecting walls are provided which extend from the outer surface portion towards a guide rail side in the left and right outer lateral walls and connect the latch pin.
US08136836B2 Airbag module for a motor vehicle
The invention relates to an airbag module for a motor vehicle, comprising a gas sack, that can be inflated in order to protect a person by feeding gas into the gas sack, an openable reservoir for storing a coolant, wherein the reservoir comprises a first and a second portion, the second portion connected to the first portion, at least one outflow opening of the reservoir formed in the second portion, through which the coolant, for cooling the gas fed into the gas sack, can leave the reservoir, and a closure element for closing the outflow opening. According to the invention it is provided that the closure element divides the reservoir into the two portions, and that the coolant is arranged in the first portion, wherein the closure element seals the first portion of the reservoir with respect to the second portion of the reservoir. Further, the invention relates to a method for producing an airbag module.
US08136831B1 Baby stroller with rotating seat
The baby stroller with rotating seat involves a baby seat that rotates about the baby stroller in proportion to the rate of travel of the baby stroller. The baby seat is encircled by a cylindrical enclosure, and is optionally covered by an umbrella that can be tilted. The baby seat is rotated by a rotating means that is in mechanical connection with at least one stroller wheel. A seat release is included to adjust the height of the baby seat with respect to the baby stroller and of which engages or disengages from the rotating means. Optional storage means are included about the baby stroller.
US08136829B1 Force channelling centralization mountain bike and frame
Disclosed are various embodiments of a mountain bike frame and method of making a mountain bike frame where a rear suspension shock absorber is configured to compress when a rear triangle moves upwardly with respect to a force channelling top tube and a seat tube. At least portions of forces generated by upward movement of the rear triangle with respect to the force channelling top tube and the seat tube are transmitted through elongated front and rear torque conversion devices to the shock absorber, a shock absorber mount and the force channelling top tube. An upper portion of the front torque conversion device and a rear portion of the rear torque conversion device, when the mountain bike frame is viewed from a right side view, each rotate in a clockwise direction when the rear triangle moves upwardly with respect to the force channelling top tube and the seat tube.
US08136827B2 Belt drive system
A self aligning belt drive system comprises a belt drive having a plurality of longitudinally spaced inner lobes each having an alignment groove. The system further comprises at least one pulley comprising a frame configured to rotate about a rotation axis and having a circular outer rim. A plurality of circumferential teeth extend radially and axially of the rim with each tooth being configured to be received between adjacent inner lugs of the drive belt. An alignment flange extends radially between circumferential teeth. The alignment flange is configured to be received in the alignment groove and the alignment flange extends no further radially from the rotational axis than the circumferential teeth. The circumferential teeth, the alignment flange and the alignment groove are configured so that with the alignment flange received in the alignment groove, the drive belt rides on the circumferential teeth.
US08136818B2 Oil seal
A seal lip of an oil seal is in slidable contact with a peripheral surface of a shaft. A lubricating oil supply section for collecting adhered oil and dropping it on the shaft is provided at a forward end portion of an installation section. The lubricating oil supply section has projections formed on the inner peripheral surface of the installation section to collect oil on the surface thereof. The surface of each projection has a recess for temporarily accumulating oil. Guidance projections, or a slope for collecting the oil, and dams are formed on a forward end face of the installation section to block the oil flowing down along the circumferential direction on the forward end face and guides the oil toward each projection.
US08136814B2 Predetermined bonus enhancement for game card game
This invention relates to a predetermined bonus feature for use in conjunction with a designated underlying game of chance, wherein the individual game card and master game card or master bonus game card include symbols that predetermine and identify which player(s) is eligible to win the bonus prize upon the occurrence of another event. A predetermined winning bonus symbol on a master game card or master bonus game card made known prior to or after conclusion of play of the designated underlying game. Players who have a symbol on their individual game card that matches the predetermined winning bonus symbol know, in advance, that they are eligible to participate to win the bonus prize. The winner(s) of the designated underlying game will win the bonus prize if s/he is able to match a symbol on the individual game card with the winning bonus symbol.
US08136813B2 Apparatus for pressing flat materials onto a transport module
An apparatus for pressing flat materials onto a transport module with a transport belt includes a holding carrier for pressing elements being disposed under a feed table. At least one of the pressing elements is mounted on the holding carrier with a multiplicity of individual resilient or sprung constituent parts, or a multiplicity of pressing elements are disposed on the holding carrier below the transport belt in a transport direction. The pressing elements can protrude through an opening in the feed table, in order to provide suitable pressure from below on the transport belt of the transport module.
US08136808B2 Paper feeding device and image forming apparatus with curl correction
A paper feeding device 200 provided in an image forming apparatus 1A according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided with a loading member 201 in which sheets P can be stacked and a central bending section 210 configured to upwardly raise a sheet transport direction X central area P2 of the sheet P for sheets P stacked in the loading member 201.
US08136802B2 Level compensator having a vacuum pump therein
The present invention relates to a level compensator in a vacuum system including a fixing tube fixed to a structure, a hollow slider disposed in the fixing tube so as to move in a vertical direction, and a spring disposed between the fixing tube and the slider so as to elastically support the slider, in which a vacuum pump having an inflow port at one end, an outflow port at the other end, and an inhalation hole in a side wall thereof is mounted inside the slider. When compressed air guided to an upper opening in the slider passes between the inflow port and the outflow port and is discharged through a discharging port formed on the side wall of the slider, air is induced to the space inside the slider from the lower portion of the slider, and is discharged along with the compressed air.
US08136800B2 Device and method for increasing blood flow and insulin-like growth factor
In order to provide a device and a method for increasing blood flow and an insulin-like growth factor with use of a large amount of carbonic gas nano bubbles, the device of the present invention includes: a bathtub 1; and a nano bubble-producing section 41 for producing carbonic gas nano bubbles in bath water in the bathtub 1.
US08136798B2 Fluid conditioning apparatus
An apparatus and method for a fluid conditioning apparatus for conditioning a fluid disposed within, wherein the fluid conditioning apparatus is in fluid communication with a self contained system. The fluid conditioning apparatus includes a housing having a surrounding sidewall positioned about a longitudinal axis, the surrounding sidewall having an inlet portion and an outlet portion, the sidewall, inlet portion, and outlet portion all defining a housing interior. Further included in the fluid conditioning apparatus is structure for disbursing a selected component within the housing interior and structure for controlling the selected component disbursing to a achieve a selected fluid condition.
US08136797B2 Cooling tower
A cooling tower includes an evaporator vessel, a gas delivery tube partially disposed within the evaporator vessel to deliver a gas into the evaporator vessel and a water inlet that provides water to the evaporator vessel at a rate sufficient to maintain a controlled constant level of water within the evaporator vessel. A weir is disposed within the evaporator vessel adjacent the gas delivery tube to form a first fluid circulation path between a first weir end and a wall of the evaporator vessel and a second fluid circulation path between a second weir end and an upper end of the evaporator vessel. During operation, gas introduced through the tube mixes with the water and the combined gas and fluid flow at a high rate with a high degree of turbulence along the first and second circulation paths defined around the weir, thereby promoting vigorous mixing and intimate contact between the gas and the water. This turbulent flow develops a significant amount of interfacial surface area between the gas and the water which leads to a more efficient and complete evaporation.
US08136784B2 Vehicle seat slide device
A vehicle seat slide device is provided, wherein a manipulation handle has a grip portion, acting end portions for operating lock/unlock mechanisms, shaft support portions which are between the acting end portions and the grip portion and which are formed to a flat shape to become parallel to vertical walls, and pivot support shafts protruding from the shaft support portions in a direction of the pivot center of the manipulation handle. The vertical walls have opened holding holes which open at front parts and into which the pivot support shafts are inserted from opened portions to be supported at inner parts, and holding members holding the pivot support shafts in the opened holding holds.
US08136782B2 Systems and methods for elevating an equipment unit
A system may support an equipment unit above a ground surface. The system generally includes a support and a cavity. The support may elevate the equipment unit off of the ground surface. The cavity may be adapted for receiving a fill material to maintain the fillable pad on the ground surface.
US08136774B2 Light bulb holder
A light bulb holder including a gripper unit for holding an elongate tubular light bulb during installation of the bulb in a light fixture. The gripper unit generally includes an attachment member for removably attaching the gripper unit to a ladder and at least one gripper supported on the attachment member. The gripper has opposed resilient fingers defining an opening for receiving a light bulb.
US08136773B2 Integrated infusion management system
An integrated infusion management system provides for stable support of components attached to the system, even when the system is mobile. The system is optionally a mobility assist or walker for a patient who is attached to any number of medical components. A central trunk connects to a two-sided base that does not interfere with patient motion. The trunk may be angled with respect to vertical and oriented to support medical components in a configuration that is tip-resistant. The system is optionally deployable to facilitate conversion between a compact storage configuration and a stable deployed configuration. In an embodiment, additional deployable features include holding arms for holding various medical components, wheels, mobility arms and handles. Also provided is a novel wheel system with deployable wheels and methods associated with providing compact storage of any one or more of the systems presented herein.
US08136766B2 Frangible fasteners for aircraft components and associated systems and methods
Frangible fasteners and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, an unmanned aircraft can include a fuselage portion, a wing portion, and a winglet carried by the wing portion. The aircraft can also include at least one frangible fastener coupling the winglet to the wing portion. The fastener is coupled to only partially release the winglet from the wing portion when a force on the winglet exceeds a threshold value.
US08136756B2 System for electrical generation, conversion, distribution, and starting on board an aircraft
A system for electrical generation, conversion, distribution and starting on board an aircraft, of “bleedless” type, that is, with an electrical power architecture with no pneumatic circuits. The electrical distribution channels for high power loads specific to aircraft of “bleedless” type, and the electrical distribution channels for conventional loads, including technical loads, such as avionics, lighting, fuel pumps and commercial loads are separated, and are supplied with power by separate generators driven by the aircraft's engines.
US08136755B2 Landing gear assembly
A landing gear assembly comprises a wheel support housing rotatably connected to a support member, the wheel support housing containing an electrically powered motor operable to adjust the angular position of the wheel support housing relative to the support member.
US08136752B2 Pawl assembly
A pawl assembly comprising a pawl held in a floating engagement with a support structure and being operable to engage a ratchet, the support structure having an abutment portion, wherein in a first phase, on initial contact with the ratchet, the pawl remains in the floating engagement and is operable to move into a second phase, in which the pawl is operable to contact the abutment portion, to rotate the pawl towards full engagement with the ratchet.
US08136748B2 Grating plate for container/grater for friable food products
A grating plate (1) for a container/grater for friable food products, in particular hard cheese, is described, which is contained in a base (10) on which a reverse cup-shaped element is assembled for defining a chamber for the product, the grating plate (1) composing the bottom of the chamber and having a plurality of openings (27) with whose edges respective teeth (25), projecting in the containing chamber, are associated; the plate (1) is not equipped with supporting ribs and is equipped with a convex surface (29) adjacent to a lower cutting floor of the plate (1), the convexity of the surface (29) being adapted to make it reach a maximum height (A) with respect to the horizontal cutting plane of the plate (1) in the points of the plate (1) that are furthest from the center of the base (10) corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the rod (20), such height (A) progressively decreasing till it becomes zero at the center of the base (10), next to the longitudinal axis of the grating plate (1) and of the rod (20).
US08136737B2 System comprised of a chip and a substrate and method of assembling such a system
A system comprises a chip (71) and a substrate (78). The chip (71) comprises a circuitry and a mounting surface (83) with first and second contacts (73, 74, 75, 76). The substrate (78) comprises a surface (90) with first and second contact pads (79, 80) and an electrically conductive pad (91) connected to the first contact pad (79) by a low-resistive connection (93). The chip (71) is attached to the substrate (78) so that the mounting surface (83) is spaced apart from the first contact pad (75) and the electrically conductive pad (91). The mounting surface (83) overlaps partly the first contact pad (79) with a first overlapping area (B1) resulting in a first stray capacitor (C1) and the electrically conductive pad (91) with a second overlapping area (B3) resulting in a second stray capacitor (C3). The first contact pad (79) and the electrically conductive pad (91) are arranged on the surface (90) of the substrate (78) such that, if the chip (21) is misaligned laterally in respect to the surface (90), then the first overlapping area (B1) increases while the second overlapping area (B3) decreases, or the first overlapping area (B1) decreases while the second overlapping area (B3) increases.
US08136733B1 VCSEL barcode scanner
A vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) barcode scanner uses a VCSEL light source module as a required light source for scanning or reading a barcode. Since a vertical cavity features extremely small thickness, capability of generating a longitudinal single-mode, low current, low power consumption, and high stability, components of the scanner can be miniaturized, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost and assembly difficulty and improving the practicability of the product.
US08136731B2 Controlling connectivity of a wireless smart card reader
A system includes a wireless-enabled smart card reader able to be connected concurrently to at least two devices and a mobile device able to be connected wirelessly to the smart card reader and to control connections of the smart card reader.
US08136729B2 Ballot tabulation device and method for tabulating paper ballots printed according to ballot style
A ballot tabulation device and method for tabulating paper ballots that have been printed according to ballot style. In an exemplary embodiment, the ballot tabulation device includes an input device, such as a touch screen display, that enables a user to enter a precinct identification code for a paper ballot. The device also includes a scanner operable to scan the paper ballot, and a processing circuit operable to decode one or more voting selections marked on the paper ballot. The processing circuit is further operable to tabulate the decoded voting selections and include the tabulated voting selections within the vote tally associated with the precinct identification code. Other exemplary embodiments are also disclosed.
US08136728B2 Medical device tracking system with tag and method
Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for tracking a medical device. Systems configured for such tracking may include the capability to either or both detect tampering with the medical device and to effectively expose the medical device to sterilization substances while the medical device is captured by a mechanism including an identifying characteristic.
US08136726B2 Methods for providing stand-in services for transaction card customization
The present invention is directed to methods for billing a transaction card applicant for the cost of a new customized transaction card as a stand-in service on behalf of a transaction card issuer. In some embodiments, the method comprises the steps of: (a) sending an approved customized transaction card image of an applicant to a database of the transaction card issuer; (b) sending information about the applicant and the cost of the new transaction card to a transaction formatter; (c) reformatting the information to produce a billing authorization record and submitting the record to a clearing system of a transaction card franchiser; (d) directly applying the cost of the new transaction card to an account of the applicant within a billing system of the transaction card issuer; and (e) mailing an invoice statement to the applicant including the cost of the new transaction card.
US08136724B1 Systems and methods for gesture-based interaction with computer systems
The present disclosure facilitates gesture-based interaction with a computer-system. The method may comprise pairing a transaction account with a likeness, receiving the likeness and a transaction request based upon the location of a marker in three dimensional space, retrieving the transaction account paired with the likeness, and approving the transaction request at least partially based upon the transaction account and the likeness.
US08136722B2 Method guaranteeing payment for electronic commerce in particularly by mobile telephone and a system implementing it
An electronic payment method for a retailer using an operator network and a financial organization. During a transaction two certificates are produced; one using an operator key and the other using a banking key. The first certificate is sent to the operator and the other certificate is securely placed under the control of the financial organization.
US08136713B2 Surgical stapling instrument having transducer effecting vibrations
An end effector for a surgical instrument includes a cartridge assembly housing a plurality of fasteners, an anvil assembly operatively connected to the cartridge assembly, and a transducer operably connected to at least one of the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly. The anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly are movable between open and closed positions. The transducer is adapted to effect vibrations along at least one of the anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly. The vibrations reduce the friction on the end effector, thereby reducing the force necessary to fire the end effector.
US08136708B2 Load-carrying members for vehicle roofs
Load-carrying members for vehicle roofs are disclosed. In some examples, the load-carrying members may be configured for use with a crossbar mounted to a vehicle roof. In some examples, the load-carrying members may include a body and an arm pivotably mounted to the body. The body may have a load-bearing surface and may be configured to engage the crossbar and retain the load-carrying member proximate the crossbar. The arm may be configured to pivot between a first position and a second position and about an axis that is transverse to the crossbar. In some examples, the load-carrying members may include a pair of spaced apart mounting blocks and a clamping member configured to engage the crossbar in opposition to the pair of spaced apart mounting blocks. In some examples, the load-carrying members may be configured for carrying a boat on a vehicle roof.
US08136706B2 Screw feeder
Screw feeder (1) for transporting and/or metering pulverulent or granular material, having a rotatably mounted feeder screw (3) for the transport of material from a storage vessel (2) to a discharge opening (6), and having a variable-speed motor (4) for driving the feeder screw, characterized in that the speed is controlled by a programmable regulating device (7) which regulates the speed of the motor as a function of the respectively determined rotary position of the feeder screw within one full worm revolution.
US08136701B2 Fixed-volume liquid dispenser
A dispenser for viscous liquids effectuates sequential operations by hydrostatic pressure on an assembly of two pistons separated from each other in a cylinder by a separation spring. When the piston assembly is embedded in material to be dispensed, the space between the pistons fills with material to be dispensed. Pressuring the reservoir by squeezing it or by the addition of pressurized gas, forces the piston assembly down the cylinder at the end of which is an opening from which material in the piston assembly can escape. One of the pistons moves toward the other end by pressure from the reservoir, causing material in the piston assembly to be dispensed. The volume inside the piston assembly defines and limits the volume of material that can be dispensed.
US08136695B2 Cassette for a towel dispenser and towel dispenser for use of such a cassette
The invention relates to a strip of towel material for use in a towel dispenser, which strip has a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction and has been wound onto a roller, or has been folded along folding lines extending in the transverse direction and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, such that a stack has been obtained, wherein the strip is provided with at least one electronically readable marking.
US08136691B2 Method and apparatus for stabilizing a mixing bucket
A mixing bucket has a cylindrical sidewall with longitudinally separated lower and upper bucket rims defining a bucket interior volume. A laterally oriented bucket bottom spans the sidewall and separates the bucket interior volume into upper and lower bucket volumes. At least one aperture is located in the sidewall and provides substantially laterally oriented access between an ambient environment and the lower bucket volume. At least one laterally oriented channel extends from at least one aperture and is located within the lower bucket volume. An elongate anchoring structure has first and second anchor ends laterally separated by an anchor body. The anchoring structure engages the bucket by the anchor body being at least partially positioned within the channel. An anchoring force is exerted upon the anchoring structure while the anchoring structure is engaged with the bucket, and the anchoring force counteracts a mixing force being exerted upon the bucket.
US08136689B2 Device for beverage can
The present invention concerns a filter element (310, 410) for a conventional beverage can (1, 2), with a top of a can (100) comprising a pull tab with a fixing (103), a tab (110) and a sealing element (101) which at least adjoins to a punch edge (102) of an opening of the can, wherein the filter element has an area which at least covers the entire said opening when the can is opened, wherein the filter element (310, 410) is adapted to be fastened to the top side of the top of the can (100) either by the fixing (103) of the pull tab or adherence directly to the top of the can (100).
US08136687B2 Cover of container
A cover of a container is provided. The cover displays the number of times a user has ever opened the container which contains medication to thereby inform the user of the user's history of medication use with a view to protecting the user from unnecessary repeat medication and suggesting the user to take medication.
US08136684B2 Bottle that can transform into a whistle
A vessel adapted to hold a liquid and having a top portion and bottom portion, the top portion having an opening adapted for the injection of and the removal of the liquid, the bottom portion having an opening including threads. A whistle member capable of producing a whistling sound, the whistle member including threads adapted to be removably attached to the opening of the bottom portion of the vessel by interacting with the threads of the opening, such that after the liquid is removed from the vessel the whistle can be removed from the bottom portion and used to produce whistling sounds.
US08136678B2 Merchandise display support stand
A merchandise display support stand is formed by a single configuration stamped from a single cardboard. All component parts are formed from the configuration. The stand in the erected condition is formed by folding the configuration along various horizontal and vertical fold lines and it is foldable to a collapsed folded condition. The stand is self-erectable from the folded condition to the erected condition.
US08136667B2 Cup retaining apparatus and methods
Cup retaining apparatus and methods are described herein. Retaining a cup or glass within or along a plate assembly allows for the user to hold both the plate and cup or glass with a single hand. Generally, a cup or glass retaining plate assembly may comprise a platform defining an opening which is sized to support a cup or glass extending at least partially through the platform. A retaining clip or arm may be pivotably attached to the platform and movable between a retaining position and a releasing position, wherein the opening opens along a portion of a periphery of the platform such that the cup or glass is secured within the opening when the retaining clip or arm is in the retaining position and wherein the cup or glass is removable when the retaining clip or arm is in the releasing position.
US08136665B2 Package for candy bars and holder therefor
The invention discloses a system comprising at least one package for one or more candy bars or other similar products, and a holder for said package comprising at least one flap for engaging the package in a holding position. A holder comprising a flat surface, at least one flap for engaging a packaged product in a holding position, and at least one flap for supporting a tubular envelope of the packaged product in the holding position, and a method for holding together for transport, storage and/or displaying at a retail outlet are also disclosed.
US08136662B2 Hinge-lid container with additional spacer panel
A hinge-lid container finding particular application as a hinge-lid pack or carton for elongate smoking articles such as cigarettes, which includes a box portion; a lid portion hinged to the box portion across a rear wall thereof for pivotal movement between an pen position and a closed position; a flap extending across a lower part of the inner surface of a front wall of the lid portion; and a spacer panel extending across at least an upper part of the inner surface of a front wall of the box portion. The spacer panel, which preferably depends from and is folded about the upper edge of the front wall of the box portion, has a free edge that extends across the inner surface of the front wall of the box portion and does not project from the box portion into space covered by the lid portion in the closed position.
US08136661B2 Wrapped bundle of smoking articles
A wrapped bundle comprises an inner liner wrapped about a predetermined collation of smoking articles. The inner liner comprises an inner liner outer edge and at least two sections defining an opening in the wrapped bundle. At least one section of the at least two sections is provided with an adhesive for releasably attaching the at least two sections to reclose the opening. The at least one section comprises a part of the inner liner outer edge.
US08136647B2 Clutch control method and controller therefor
A method for clutch disengagement at idling running of a vehicle including an automated manual transmission is characterized in that a rate of the clutch disengagement is controlled responsive to a brake pedal force applied to a brake pedal by a vehicle operator. A clutch disengagement controller controls a rate of clutch disengagement at engine idling running mode. The clutch disengagement controller is connected to a brake pedal sensor sensing a force applied to a brake pedal and to at least one air inlet valve controlling a position of a clutch cylinder. The controller controls opening of said at least one air inlet valve responsive to the force sensed by the brake pedal sensor.
US08136639B2 Self-energizing disk brake
A Self-energizing disk brake having an electric actuator for applying an actuating force is described. The brake has a self-energizing device for boosting the electric actuator, arranged between the actuator and the brake lining, and a brake application unit for applying at least one brake lining to one side of a brake disk. The application movement of the brake lining to the brake disk is resolvable into at least one parallel movement component and at least one movement component extending one of tangentially and perpendicularly relative to the brake disk rotational axis. The brake also includes at least one electric motor drive for actuating the brake application unit, which has a crank with a crank pin extending parallel to the brake disk axis and serving to move the brake lining unit tangentially with respect to the brake disk, parallel to the friction face of the brake disk.
US08136631B2 Building escape system
An escape system for a building, including a belting ladder formed by an endless band of a flat flexible reinforced belting material with a plurality of longitudinally-spaced apertures each with a substantially transverse edge portion forming rung-like features therealong for human engagement, and a control apparatus having (a) a support structure mountable to the building, the support structure having a central shaft and a rotatable pulley member secured thereto with the endless band therearound, (b) a speed limiter mounted with respect to the main shaft for restraining rotation of the pulley member during human descent by belt movement. In some embodiments, the control apparatus also includes a winder device adjacent to the pulley member and having at least one winder rod engageable with the belt and orbitable with an engaged portion thereof about the pulley member.
US08136623B2 Electric motor apparatus for electric power steering and electric power steering apparatus
An electric motor and a control unit are integrally formed and are placed coaxially with a shaft of a gear box for reducing a speed of rotation of the electric motor and also the control unit is placed between the gear box and the electric motor, and a power feeding part of the electric motor is bonded to a bonding part of the control unit inside a housing or a case through an opening part disposed in the housing and/or the case 24.
US08136619B2 Attachment structure of passenger distinguishing apparatus
A passenger distinguishing apparatus is provided. The passenger distinguishing apparatus includes: a plurality of lower brackets that are fixed to a floor of a vehicle room; upper brackets that assist mounting of a passenger seat disposed at an upper part of the lower brackets; and a plurality of sensors that are disposed between the lower brackets and the upper brackets to detect a weight of a passenger seated in the passenger seat, wherein in an upper end part and a lower end part of the sensors, male screw threads for bolt-fastening to fastening holes formed at each of the lower bracket and the upper bracket are formed, and in at least one of the upper end part and the lower end part of the sensors, dampers for absorbing assembling tolerance of the sensors while being fixed due to a contact with nuts tightened and fixed to a portion in which the male screw threads are formed, are formed. Therefore, an assembling process can be improved, a cost can be reduced, and durability of the sensor can be improved.
US08136613B2 Vehicle control systems and methods
Systems for controlling the speed and direction of vehicles such as tractors, including vehicles that have low to zero turning radius capability. Systems include steering and speed coordination systems that control the direction and speed of rotation of vehicle drive units.
US08136602B2 Method and apparatus for sealing and venting pressurized casings of gas wells
Disclosed apparatus and methods permit well-site operators to retrofit existing wells in order to comply with local regulations that restrict the escape of annular natural gas from hydrocarbon wells. Such allows sealing around an exterior of surface and concentric production casings, both above and below the point of their intersection, then assembling a pressure vessel around that point and between those seals so as to capture and hold gas rising up an intercasing annulus, for periodic controlled venting.
US08136599B2 Marine riser tower
The invention provides a marine riser apparatus (1) for use in the production of hydrocarbons from offshore wells and an associated method of installation of the apparatus at sea. The riser tower comprises rigid pipelines arranged in a riser tower bundle (2) and extending from a wellhead on the seabed (4) to a point below the sea surface where they are connected to flexible jumpers (3) which extend from the tower structure to connect the tower structure to a surface vessel or platform (5). The riser apparatus further comprises a buoyancy device (7) attached to the riser tower bundle, such that the buoyancy device is located above and exerts a buoyancy force on the riser tower, the buoyancy module also supporting an intermediate section of at least one of the jumpers.
US08136597B2 Method and system for the extinction of an underwater well for the extraction of hydrocarbons under uncontrolled fluid discharge conditions
A method for the extinction or oil well-killing or killing of an underwater well for the extraction of hydrocarbons under uncontrolled fluid discharge conditions, also called blowout, by assembling, in correspondence with the lower end portion of a string of pipes for the extinction or killing string, a constraint group for rigid connection between a plurality of remote-operated underwater vehicles and the killing string; detecting the position of a flow of fluids and positioning the killing string substantially in correspondence with said flow; lowering a plurality of remote-operated vehicles close to the lower end portion of the killing string; connecting the remote-operated vehicles to the constraint group; detecting in real time the relative position of the flow of fluids with respect to the vehicles and calculating the position of the outlet hole of the flow; on the basis of the calculated position of the outlet hole, coordinately piloting the vehicles so as to bring the lower end of the string in correspondence with the position of the outlet hole of the flow.
US08136591B2 Method and system for using wireline configurable wellbore instruments with a wired pipe string
A wellbore instrument system includes a pipe string extending from earth's surface into a wellbore. The pipe string includes at least one of an electrical conductor and an optical fiber signal communication channel. A power sub is coupled to at least one wireline configurable wellbore instrument. The power sub is also coupled to the pipe string. The instrument is configured to receive electrical power from the power sub. The instrument includes at least one sensor responsive to at least one of movement of the instrument, change in a instrument operating condition and an environmental condition proximate the instrument. The sensor is configured to transmit signals therefrom over the communication channel.
US08136587B2 Slickline conveyed tubular scraper system
A downhole tubular scraper is run in on slickline with an on board power supply. It features counter-rotating scrapers without an anchor in one embodiment or an anchor with single rotating scrapers. The scraper is selectively operated to conserve power in the power supply. A drive system uses a single driver to obtain counter-rotating motion in the scrapers.
US08136585B2 Radial ball injecting apparatus for wellbore operations
An apparatus for successively releasing balls into a wellbore during wellbore operations is disclosed. The apparatus has a radial housing having at least one radial ball array having two or more radial bores. Each radial bore houses a ball cartridge adapted to receive and release balls and an actuator for operably aligning or misaligning the ball cartridge with an axial bore in fluid communication with the wellbore. The ball cartridge is moveable along the radial bore and is operable between an aligned position, for releasing a ball and a misaligned position for storing the ball.
US08136584B2 Single trip tubing punch and setting tool
A tubing punch and setting tool (TPST), operating on a single run for improved well bore intervention. The tool includes a setting tool for connecting to and setting a reference tool in a tubing string, a punch tool for punching holes in the tubing string wall, and actuation means to trigger the sequencing of the setting tool and the punch tool. The tool can be run on wireline, e-line or coiled tubing and allows a reference tool to be run and set on the same trip as punching holes in the tubing string. The reference tool can be an anchor tool. With the distance known accurately between the anchor tool and the punched holes, a shortened retrofit gas lift straddle can be deployed.
US08136580B2 Evaporator for a heat transfer system
A heat transfer system includes an evaporator having a heated wall, a liquid barrier wall containing working fluid, a primary wick positioned between the heated wall and an inner side of the liquid barrier wall, a vapor removal channel located at an interface between the primary wick and the heated wall, and a liquid flow channel located between the liquid barrier wall and the primary wick. Methods of transferring heat include applying heat energy to a vapor barrier wall, flowing liquid through a liquid flow channel, pumping the liquid from the liquid flow channel through a primary wick, and evaporating at least some of the liquid at a vapor removal channel.
US08136577B2 Method and apparatus for dissipating heat, and radar antenna containing heat dissipating apparatus
There is provided a heat dissipation device comprising at least one inlet plenum, at least one outlet plenum and chambers, in which the chambers communicate directly with the inlet plenum and with the outlet plenum. Also provided is a heat dissipation device comprising at least two inlet plenums, at least two outlet plenums and at least two chambers, the first chamber communicating directly with a first inlet plenum and a first outlet plenum, the second chamber communicating directly with a second inlet plenum and a second outlet plenum. Also provided are methods of dissipating heat, comprising passing fluid across and/or through such devices. Also provided are radar antennas comprising radar electronic components mounted on such devices.
US08136562B2 Tire bead insulation
A tire includes bead insulation compound that is formed by combining a rubber component, a bituminous hydrocarbon resin, and a processing oil that includes naphthenic oil.
US08136551B2 Carbon nanotube-based gas valve
Precise control over gas delivery is achieved at the micro and nanobar mass levels by incorporating blocks of aligned carbon nanotubes into valves and finely adjusting the flow through the block by controlling a compressing force applied to the block. A valve for controlling gas flow includes: a valve housing; a block of aligned carbon nanotubes, the block and the valve housing being configured to direct the gas through the carbon nanotubes in the block; and a device configured to apply a force to the block in order to compress the block, wherein the block is compressed perpendicular to the walls of the carbon nanotubes in the block; whereby the application of the force to the walls restricts the flow of the gas through the valve. The valve may further comprise an electrical device for monitoring the electrical properties of the carbon nanotube block. This monitoring provides information on the state of compression of the carbon nanotube block and/or the gas that is flowing through the valve.
US08136535B2 Artificial nail and method of forming same
An artificial nail is formed by injection molding a first section and a second section. The first section and second section are adjacent to one another. One of the sections defines a front distal tip of the artificial nail and is formed by injecting a quantity of heated material under pressure from a nozzle into a sprue, through a runner and through a cavity gate into a mold cavity. The other section is formed by injecting another quantity of heated material under pressure from a heated nozzle through another cavity gate into the mold cavity.
US08136533B2 Reconstituted tobacco sheet and smoking article therefrom
A smoking article having one or more reconstituted tobacco split inner wrap strips is described. One or more split inner wrap strips extend coaxially along the tobacco column between the inner surface of an outer wrap of cigarette paper and the tobacco column. The tobacco blend includes burley and a second tobacco, such as flue-cured, oriental, Maryland, or rare and exotic tobaccos, and combinations thereof. This blend improves burley smoke character without increasing Hoffman analyte levels, especially tobacco-specific nitrosamines (i.e., TNSAs). A cigarette with an improved burley smoke character without increasing Hoffman analyte levels is also described.
US08136523B2 Ventilation mask with continuous seal connected by resilient cushion
A respiratory mask comprises a sealing flange connected to a mask body by a sinusoidal shaped cushioning member. The cushioning member resiliently compresses when the sealing flange is pressed against the face of a wearer to ensure an airtight seal between the sealing flange and the face of the wearer. The cushioning member functions as a spring, compressing to allow the sealing member to better conform to the face of the wearer but resiliently urging the sealing flange outward against the face of the wearer to prevent leaks.
US08136518B2 Sun-tracking solar energy collector apparatus
A sun-tracking solar energy collector apparatus includes an east-west driving shaft body and a south-north driving shaft body which are coupled in the shape of a cross. A first driving member of an east-west shaft sleeve of the east-west driving shaft body is actuated to turn the south-north driving shaft body in an east-west direction. A second driving member of the south-north driving shaft body is driven by the first driving member to turn an east-west driving shaft of the east-west driving shaft body in a south-north direction and to drive an annular member which is connected with the ends of the east-west driving shaft, such that a holding rack assembly connected with the annular member is actuated in east-west and south-north directions. Solar energy collector modules of the holding rack assembly can track to collect solar energy. Due to the base body in cooperation with the effect of tracking sun, the area occupied by the base body is larger. Thus, the surroundings of the base body can be adapted for parking, charging of a motor-driven vehicle and the like, enhancing its total generating capacity and providing better usage.
US08136517B2 Remote oven valve actuator
A gas cooking range includes a housing having an upper half section and a lower half section. A gas control valve is operable to control the flow of gas to a burner. The gas control valve is positioned in the lower half section of a housing of the gas cooking range. A handle extending from the gas control valve to the upper half section of the housing is operable to control the gas control valve.
US08136501B2 Variable stroke engine
A variable stroke engine includes an end portion of a connecting rod, which is connected at one end portion thereof to a piston by a piston pin, and an end portion of a control rod, which is connected at one end portion thereof to an eccentric shaft, and which are linked to each other by a link member rotatably supported on a crankshaft. A rotative power of the crankshaft is transmitted to the camshaft. The camshaft is disposed at such a position that part of a trajectory drawn by the intake-side and exhaust-side cams overlaps a trajectory drawn by the link member in a projection on a plane perpendicular to an axis of the crankshaft, and a rotational phase of the camshaft is set so that the interference, of the intake-side and exhaust-side cams with an end portion, on the camshaft side, of the link member, is avoided.
US08136500B2 Internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine in which it can be made difficult for bubbles to mix into oil in a flowing-down process of the oil. In a generator chamber, a shielding rib is provided which is disposed between a generator and an oil introduction port in side view and which extends skewly upwardly from the oil introduction port in a manner so as to cover one end side of the oil introduction port. A guide rib extends from a side wall of the generator chamber in the manner of covering the other end side of the oil introduction port.
US08136498B2 Two-plane type crankshaft
An engine 20 includes a two-plane type crankshaft 30 and a balancer shaft 50 for reducing a primary couple of the balancer shaft 50. The crankshaft 30 includes a crankshaft body 30a and a first gear 38. The first gear 38 is disposed at one axial end side of a first crank web pair 31a disposed at the outermost one axial end side of the crankshaft 30. In the engine 20 including the two-plane type crankshaft, the weight of the engine can be reduced while securing high reliability.
US08136497B2 Method for starting an engine
A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one embodiment, the method skips combustion in at least one cylinder, according to the engine combustion order, to control engine speed when an engine is automatically restarted. The skipped combustion event may be related to a level of IMEP when combustion in a cylinder occurs under an operating condition.
US08136495B2 Switchable support element for a valve train of an internal combustion engine
A switchable support element (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said support element (1) comprising a housing (2) that can be arranged through an outer peripheral wall (3) in a reception of the internal combustion engine and in whose bore (4) an axially movable inner element (6) extends, a head (5) of the inner element (6) protruding beyond an edge (7) of the housing (2), coupling elements (8) being associated to the inner element (6) for a selective coupling of the inner element (6) in an axially extended position of the inner element (6) to the housing (2), and said inner element (6) being biased by at least one lost motion spring (9) in a direction leading out of the housing (2), wherein the coupling elements (8) are at least one slide which, in case of uncoupling, is positioned in a guide (10) of the housing (2) extending in radial or secant direction and which comprises a flattened upper side (12) starting from a radially inner front end (11) of the slide, and this flattened upper side (12) can be brought into engagement with a flattened lower side (13) of a recess (14) in the outer peripheral wall (15) of the inner element (6) for effecting coupling.
US08136485B2 Flue, and a boiler including such a flue
A flue offering reduced pluming is provided, the flue comprising a flue pipe for carrying flue gas and a liquid collector adapted to collect condensation from the interior of the flue pipe and to shield it from the flue gas.
US08136483B2 Method and apparatus for creating a pathway in an animal
A method and apparatus for safer and more effective deep trans-cervical intra-uterine artificial insemination (AI) is provided. Such a deep AI catheter causes minimal discomfort and risk of trauma, and does not require the services of a highly trained AI professional. First, a catheter is inserted into the cervical tract of the animal. A membrane, initially positioned inside a tube section of the catheter, is then extended from an opening in the tube and into the tract under pressure. The membrane extends into the tract without friction thereby reducing the discomfort and the risk of trauma or injury to the animal. When the membrane is fully extended into the tract, pressure causes the tip of the membrane to open thereby releasing the AI fluid and depositing the genetic material suspended in the fluid into the reproductive tract. In addition to AI and embryo transplant, other applications for the pathway include other therapeutic, diagnostic or procedures, such as introducing fluoroscopic cameras, instruments, and drug delivery.
US08136476B2 Liquid layer applicator assembly
A drum assembly in a printing machine comprises a rotating drum having a surface and an applicator assembly for applying oil onto the surface. The applicator assembly includes a liquid supply containing a supply of oil, a distributor connected to the liquid supply for distributing the oil, and an applicator having an area for receiving oil from the distributor and an application edge. The distributor and the applicator are configured so that oil distributed on the area of the applicator forms a meniscus at the application edge. The application edge is positioned closely adjacent but not in contact with the surface of the drum at a distance sufficiently close to the surface so that the surface contacts the meniscus to withdraw oil from the applicator onto the surface.
US08136472B2 Indicator for pressure container
An indicator includes a case mountable in a gas filling passage of a pressure container; a valve element which is urged toward one side of the case connectable to the pressure container, the valve element being movable in the case to a position balanced with gas pressure in the pressure container; a seal member for ensuring gas tightness between the valve element and the case; and an indicating member slidable relative to the case between a position protruding outside the case and a position not protruding. The spring force and a gas pressure force may be equally balanced at first and second balanced positions of the valve element.
US08136467B2 Inflatable fender for a boat
An inflatable fender for a boat comprises an enclosure (2) mounted on the boat hull (5) and connectible to a fluid supply, an inflatable flexible member (4) mounted within the enclosure and capable of extending therefrom when inflated by fluid supplied to the enclosure, and separate retraction means (8) associated with the enclosure and operable to withdraw the inflatable member into the enclosure when deflated.
US08136462B2 Quick and easy assembly shelving unit and method for assembling the same
A shelving unit includes a support frame and a plurality of support boards each detachably mounted on the support frame. The support frame includes a first support bracket, a second support bracket located opposite to the first support bracket, two connecting braces each pivotally mounted between the first side of the first support bracket and the first side of the second support bracket, and a connecting plate having a first side pivotally mounted on the second side of the first support bracket and a second side detachably mounted on the second side of the second support bracket. Thus, the shelving unit can be assembled and disassembled easily and quickly without using tools, thereby facilitating a user on saving a considerable amount of time and inconvenience to assemble the shelving unit. In addition, the shelving unit can be folded before assembly facilitates on reducing the cost of packaging, transportation and storage of the shelving unit.
US08136455B2 Primary suspension device for a railway vehicle bogie
Disclosed is a device (20) for suspending a first element (16) on a second element (14, 16, 18) of a railway vehicle. Said suspension device (20) comprises two longitudinal rods (26, 28) which are each connected to the first element (16) by means of a first connection point (30, 32) and to the second element (14, 16, 18) by means of a second connection point (34, 36), and at least one elastic member (38) that is positioned between the two rods (26, 28) to define at least the vertical rigidity of the suspension device (20). The two rods (26, 28) are longitudinally offset relative to one another.
US08136447B2 Decorative articles and printing registration method
A decorative article having a substrate with two opposing viewable surfaces. Each viewable surface has a screen print thereon which, in combination, provides a decorative article having a three-dimensional visual. Also, a method of registering the screen prints is provided. The method ensure that two or more panels having the same designs printed thereon are consistent with one another.
US08136442B2 Selection systems and methods
The present invention relates generally to a selection process that is facilitated by a multi-modality controller. The selection process and knob are particularly useful in connection with an oven or other cooking appliance, but the knob and screens described herein can be used with any electronic component that requires a user to select various operating modes.
US08136425B2 Back light of steering wheel
A steering wheel comprises a rim connected to spokes. A covering material is provided to enclose at least a portion of the rim and/or the spokes. The covering material includes an outer cover and a light element positioned under the outer cover. The light element is configured to emit light through at least a portion of the outer cover. The light element is positioned over a casing that is provided to give shape to the steering wheel so that a vehicle driver may easily grasp the steering wheel. The light element may provide continuous, pulsed, or non-continuous lighting.
US08136424B2 Steering switch for vehicle
Rotary support bodies which support both ends of a rod penetrating a manipulating knob body are formed by joining a first rotary support member which is arranged at one side of the manipulating knob body and supports one end of the rod and a second rotary support member which is arranged at another side of the manipulating knob body and supports another end of the rod, and one end of the rod is fixed to the second rotary support member, and another end of the rod is engaged with the first rotary support member. Accordingly, a manipulating knob can be mounted on a casing in a state the manipulating knob is mounted on the rotary support body.
US08136419B2 Bearing for a gearwheel which serves as a reversing gear and as a shiftable free gear
A transmission for a motor vehicle featured with an internal combustion engine has a helical reversing gear wheel, which is mounted on a dual-row cylinder roller bearing with left-hand cylinder rollers and with right-hand cylinder rollers, which are supported on the inside, in each case, on a circular centre rim in the reversing gear wheel. The left-hand cylinder rollers and the right-hand cylinder rollers are held in a bearing cage. The bearing cage is configured in such a way that the force flow for axial forces between the reversing gear wheel and its transmission shaft, omitting the bearing cage, is introduced through the centre rim and by way of end faces of the cylinder rollers directly adjacent thereto, through the opposing end faces of the cylinder rollers and through adjacent components into the input shaft.
US08136414B2 Flow metering
An improved flow meter, which has diagnostic capabilities due to the reading of total pressure head loss, calculation of corresponding flow rate and comparison with flow rates calculated from other differential pressures.
US08136409B2 Performing metering using pulse counting
An apparatus can include a first detector to receive a first signal from a first switch configured to open and close based on position of a metering wheel associated with a flow line. The apparatus can further include a first counter to count within a first range based on a change in a state of the first signal. Using this information, the apparatus can determine usage and direction of, e.g., a fluid or liquid flowing along the flow line.
US08136408B2 Strain sensor mounted with light curable adhesive
A device includes a structure, a strain sensor and a light curable adhesive. The structure has a structure surface. The light curable adhesive bonds the strain sensor to the structure surface.
US08136400B2 Accelerometer
A 3-dimensional MEMS accelerometer fabricated on a single planar substrate deploys three co-planar sensor elements. Each sensor element is a capacitive device deploying a static electrode plate and a parallel dynamic electrode plate supported by a torsion beam. The dynamic electrode plate also includes a proof mass portion that displaces the center of gravity to below the plane of the plate. Two of the sensor elements are identical and rotated by 90 degrees on the planar substrate. The third capacitive sensor has two pairs of adjacent capacitive plates, each one having a dynamic electrode plate is suspended by a torsion beam. The proof mass on each dynamic electrode plates however is offset laterally from the torsion axis in opposite directions from the other plates to cancel the their respective capacitance charges induced by in-plane acceleration. However, this arrangement also adds the capacitive change induced by acceleration orthogonal to the planar substrate.
US08136398B2 Vibration gyro sensor, control circuit, and electronic apparatus
Provided is a vibration gyro sensor including: a vibration element including a piezoelectric element group which has a first side provided with a drive electrode and a detection electrode and a second side opposed to the first side and provided with a common electrode, which vibrates by a drive signal input between the drive electrode and the common electrode and generates an output signal containing a detection signal corresponding to Coriolis force from the detection electrode; a bias section applying a bias voltage to the detection electrode; an oscillation circuit outputting the signal for causing vibration of the vibration element to the drive electrode as the drive signal based on the output signal generated by the detection electrode; and a phase inversion circuit outputting an inversion signal obtained by inverting a phase of the drive signal output from the oscillation circuit to the common electrode.
US08136395B2 Systems and methods for well data analysis
Examples of techniques for analyzing well data which may be encountered during formation testing are disclosed. Certain portions of the tests may exhibit an indication of anomalous behavior, defects, errors or events that may have occurred during testing. One or more confidence tokens may be identified during or after the execution of a test. One or more of these confidence tokens may be analyzed to determine whether such anomalous behavior, defects, errors or events have occurred during the test. These confidence tokens may then be used to determine a level of confidence in the results derived from the tests performed and/or their underlying data and interpretation.
US08136387B2 Determination of pore structure characteristics of filtration cartridges as a function of cartridge length
A method for determining pore structure characteristics of a filtration cartridge includes the steps of placing a porometry test location isolating device in sealing contact with the filtration cartridge at a desired test location, increasing the porometer test gas pressure until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring the flow rate of the test gas through the test location as a function of differential pressure, reducing the test gas pressure to atmospheric pressure, wetting the test location with a wetting liquid, increasing the test gas pressure again until the test gas flows through the cartridge at the test location, measuring differential gas pressure and gas flow rates through the test location, and converting the measured gas flow rates and differential pressures into through pore throat diameters, largest through pore throat diameter, mean flow through pore throat diameter, pore distribution, and gas permeability of the cartridge.
US08136385B2 Cantilevered probes having piezoelectric layer, treated section, and resistive heater, and method of use for chemical detection
The invention provides a liquid cell for an atomic force microscope. The liquid cell includes a liquid cell housing with an internal cavity to contain a fluid, a plurality of conductive feedthroughs traversing the liquid cell housing between the internal cavity and a dry side of the liquid cell, a cantilevered probe coupled to the liquid cell housing, and a piezoelectric drive element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The cantilevered probe is actuated when a drive voltage is applied to the piezoelectric drive element through at least one of the conductive feedthroughs. A method of imaging an object in a liquid medium and a method of sensing a target species with the liquid cell are also disclosed.
US08136378B2 Seal for fluid forming tools
An electro-hydraulic forming tool for forming a sheet metal blank in a one-sided die has first and second rigid rings that engage opposite sides of a sheet metal blank. The rigid rings are contained within slots on a die portion and a hydraulic force applicator portion of the forming tool. The seals are either resiliently biased by an elastomeric member or inherently resiliently biased into contact with the blank.
US08136374B2 Float bath system for manufacturing float glass and cooling method of the same
Disclosed is a float bath system for manufacturing a float glass, comprising a block assembly having a plurality of blocks connected to each other and configured to store a molten metal therein; a steel casing surrounding the block assembly; an air blower capable of supplying air to the steel casing; and a cooling water spray member capable of spraying a cooling water onto the steel casing. And, a cooling method of said float bath system is disclosed.
US08136360B2 Method for observing combustion conditions in a gas turbine engine
A fuel injector for a gas turbine combustor is disclosed which includes a feed arm having a flange for mounting the injector within the combustor and a fuel nozzle depending from the feed arm for injecting fuel into the combustor for combustion. An optical sensor array is operatively associated with the fuel nozzle for observing combustor flame characteristics. The optical sensor array includes a plurality of sapphire rods positioned to be close enough to the combustor flame to oxidize soot deposits thereon.
US08136359B2 Gas turbine fuel nozzle having improved thermal capability
Embodiments for minimizing relative thermal growth within a fuel nozzle of a gas turbine combustor are disclosed. Fuel nozzle configurations are provided in which a heating fluid is provided to one or more passages in a fuel nozzle from feed holes in the fuel nozzle base. The heating fluid passes through the fuel nozzle, thereby raising the operating temperature of portions of the fuel nozzle to reduce differences in thermal gradients within the fuel nozzle. Various fuel nozzle configurations and passageway geometries are also disclosed.
US08136358B1 Heat reservoir for a power plant
A heat reservoir for use in a power plant that burns a dirty fuel such as coal to absorb the heat from the resulting dirty hot gas flow. The heat reservoir includes a number of heat absorbing walls that form dirty hot gas flow passages and clean hot gas flow passages. Cross-over holes are formed in the walls to equalize pressure. The dirty hot gas flow is passed though the dirty passages to heat up the walls. When the heat absorbing walls have absorbed enough heat, the dirty hot gas flow is stopped and compressed air is passed through the clean passages to absorb heat from the walls and is then passed through a turbine to drive an electric generator. The heat reservoir is then recharged again by passing the dirty hot gas flow through the dirty passages to recharge the walls.
US08136356B2 Shape memory alloy actuator system
A resistance feedback circuit has a storage section which stores a feedback gain calculated in advance, a resistance value obtained from a detection section, and a time at which the resistance value is obtained. A computing section has a gain setting section which calculates an amount of change in a resistance value in a predetermined time from the resistance value and the time stored in the storage section, and calculates the feedback gain based on the change in the resistance value calculated, and replaces the feedback gain which is calculated in advance.
US08136348B2 Exhaust purification apparatus for engine
An exhaust purification apparatus comprises an ammonia selective reduction-type NOx catalyst that selectively reduces NOx within exhaust gas by using ammonia as a reducing agent, a urea-water supply device that supplies urea-water into the exhaust gas existing upstream of the ammonia selective reduction-type NOx catalyst, and a control unit. The control unit controls the urea-water supply device so that the urea-water is intermittently supplied according to predetermined supply duration time and predetermined supply suspension time when the urea-water is supplied from the urea-water supply device for the purpose of providing ammonia to the ammonia selective reduction-type NOx catalyst.
US08136346B2 Internal combustion engine
A post-treatment system comprised of an SOx trapping catalyst (11), a particulate filter (13) carrying an NOx storing and reducing catalyst, and an NOx storing and reducing catalyst (15) and a fuel feed valve (17) for feeding fuel for post processing to the post-treatment system are arranged in an engine exhaust passage. Each time an operating period of the engine passes a certain period, values of operating parameters of the engine and the method of feeding the post-treatment use fuel are reset so that the total amount of consumption of the combustion use fuel and post-treatment use fuel becomes smallest while maintaining the amounts of the harmful components discharged into the atmosphere at below the regulatory values.
US08136344B2 Fuel control device and fuel control method
At the start-up of an engine, the ignition timing and the air-fuel ratio are controlled to prevent overload onto the volume of ISC air and decreased torque and torque difference.The fuel condition based on the amount of ignition timing correction to inhibit rotational fluctuation during idling is determined and the fuel quantity based on the result is corrected.Right after an engine has started and until a pilot burner is created in the heat spot of the catalyst, the ignition retard control is mainly executed, and at the time when it is determined that a pilot burner has been created in the catalyst's heat spot, the lean air-fuel ratio control is to be executed instead of the ignition retard control. Furthermore, when the ignition retard control changes to the lean air-fuel ratio control, the state transition control is executed along the equivalent ISC air volume line so as not to cause torque fluctuation.
US08136343B2 System for an engine having a particulate matter sensor
A system for improving operation of an engine having a particulate matter sensor is presented. The system may be used to improve engine operation during cold starts especially under conditions where water vapor or entrained water droplets are present in vehicle exhaust gases. In one embodiment, an engine controller that activates a heater of an exhaust gas sensor after an output of a particulate matter sensor exceeds a threshold value after an engine is started.
US08136340B2 Lateral flow high voltage propellant isolator
A high voltage propellant isolator includes at least two different types of isolator rings or segments, in alternating lateral arrangement, that direct the flow of propellant, such as xenon gas, in a tortuous path through the isolator.
US08136335B2 Brassica harvester
A harvester for brassicas, the harvester being movable along a plant row and comprising an endless conveyor orientated in the direction of the plant row, the conveyor being of generally tubular form defined by opposed rows of arcuate conveyor fingers movable from an open condition in which free ends of the opposed fingers are spaced so as to define a generally tubular configuration which is open at one side to a closed condition in which the free ends of the opposed fingers are adjacent to define a generally closed tubular configuration, the conveyor having an upper run and a lower run, the conveyor being configured at its forward end portion so that the fingers are in their open condition during transition from the upper run to the lower run and move downwardly onto a plant to be harvested so as to move foliage away from the plant head and to allow the plant head to enter the interior of the conveyor through the open side, with the fingers then moving to a closed condition to thereby capture the plant head with the interior of the conveyor, the harvester further comprising means for cutting the plant stem whereby the plant head severed from the remainder of the plant can be carried by the conveyor for discharge from the conveyor when the fingers by which the head has been retained are returned to their open condition.
US08136331B2 Heat and pressure resistant bottle with increased oxygen barrier and method of production
This invention provides a bottle that allows for easy and efficient application of shrink sleeves. The ease of application is partly a result of the invention's wall thickness along its body-forming portion. The body-forming portion of the invention has thick walls and thus exhibits negligible expansion during a hot-filling process. This permits a shrink sleeve to be placed onto the body-forming portion of the resistant bottle prior to filling. If the resistant bottle is hot-filled, the sleeve shrinks as a result of radiant heat emanating outwardly from the high temperature product, without the aid of an external heat source, such as a heat tunnel.
US08136330B2 Medical fluid container
A flexible non-PVC, non-DEHP container or bag for medical fluids has a container body formed of a multiple layer polyolefin film. The container has one or more ports equipped with a polyolefin fill tube and port closure assembly. The container has a low moisture vapor transmission rate.
US08136321B1 Decorative ceiling/wall panel
A decorative panel for installation on a ceiling or wall as part of a grid of panels. Each of the panels includes a formed sheet of thin sheet metal or plastic material having a main decorative portion and side edges forming a perimeter of the panel. Each side edge includes a flange offset from and extending outwardly from the main decorative portion and a groove positioned between the decorative portion and the flange. Each flange in the grid capable of overlapping the next adjacent flange and to receive a fastener through both overlapping flanges to secure the panels against the ceiling or wall. Adjacent side edges define a gap therebetween into which a resilient concealment strip having flexible sides is resiliently securable into the gap to conceal the fasteners.
US08136320B2 Spacer assembly for preventing an acoustic short circuit in a building
A spacer assembly adapted to prevent the formation of acoustical short circuits in a building ceiling, floor and/or wall assembly. The spacer assembly includes a support member and is adapted for spacing and supporting a finished interior building element in acoustic isolation with respect to a structural member.
US08136313B2 Linoleum covered plate where the edge of the plate is covered with linoleum band without base
A method where linoleum with a base is introduced in an apparatus, the linoleum conveyed on a working surface and advanced against a cutting edge, the cutting edge being arranged such that the linoleum, while moving in the apparatus, is separated from the base. By this method, an even back side is achieved on the linoleum band, making the band suited for further processing since no irregularities appear on the back side where the base is removed, and the front side is without any damages and scratches from the process. Linoleum from which the base has been removed according to this method contributes to a good finish on the produced linoleum covered edge, since the even back side propagates to the front side of the linoleum covered plate edge, which then appears even and has a good aesthetic effect, making it attractive.
US08136309B2 Energy dissipation damper system in structure subject to dynamic loading
A damper system for installation in a structure to dissipate seismic and wind energy transmitted to the structure, includes first and second pairs of elongated members forming an outer parallelogram, third and fourth pairs of elongated members forming an inner parallelogram, and a pair of energy dissipating devices connected between the parallelograms for dissipating the energy transmitted to the structure.
US08136307B2 Roof construction
Roof construction having a roof skin mounted on a base construction and including a bottom skin and a top skin mounted above and spaced apart from the bottom skin, the roof skin having a two-dimensionally curved surface, the bottom skin being supported on the base construction via a grid that is formed by plane plates oriented normal to the plane of the grid and crossing one another, top edges of the plates being curved to define the curvature of the roof skin, the surface of the roof skin being divided into segments at least some of which are spanned by an associated set of straight lines, and the top skin is held at a constant spacing from the bottom skin by spacer profiles extending along the straight lines.
US08136299B2 Sliding door opening/closing device for vehicle
The present invention provides a sliding door opening/closing device for a vehicle that applies a sufficient opening/closing drive force to the left and right sliding doors and reduces a force necessary to lock and unlock the latch, despite a simple configuration of the device, and that facilitates the manufacturing process, improves operability and safety, and reduces noise. A lock device, against both sides of which locking portions abut, rotates a columnar permanent magnet so as to form magnetic locking circuits and fixes the locking portions by magnetic forces of the locking magnetic circuits. The rotational operation of the columnar permanent magnet is converted into the downward operation of a latch, and the lowered latch restrains the locking portions with respect to the lock device.
US08136295B2 Plant-culturing tool
A plant-culturing tool comprising a planting container for accommodating a plant, and a water storage container that can accommodate the planting container in the interior of the water storage container and that can store water, a guide mechanism in which the planting container makes sliding contact with the water storage container and is guided along a floating or sinking direction thereof. The guide mechanism is composed of a long guide surface having a long sliding portion, and a short guide surface having a short sliding portion that protrudes against the long guide surface, with the two guide surfaces making slide contact each other.
US08136279B1 Electronic sign module housing having an overmolded gasket seal
An electronic sign module housing having an overmolded gasket seal including an elastomer overmolded gasket seal with an inner and an outer lip and a base overmolded to a rearwardly located contact surface of an electronic sign module housing. Grooves on the contact surface of the electronic sign module housing provide additional bonding surfaces with a greater surface area to enhance the chemically-bonded overmolding of the overmolded gasket seal. Truncated conical projections extending forwardly from the elastomer base extend into correspondingly shaped truncated conical cavities in the electronic sign module housing in order to provide additional chemical bonding and to provide a geometrically based frictional engagement arrangement.
US08136278B2 Electroluminescent one-way vision panel
An electroluminescent (EL) one-way vision, see-through graphics panel comprises a sheet of light permeable material with a uniform electrically conductive coating. A print pattern comprising an electroluminescent ink system partially covers the sheet of light permeable material forms an ‘EL lamp’. A design is superimposed on, or forms part of, the print pattern such that the design is visible from only one side of the panel. The design can be a uniform color, but is typically a multi-color graphic image. The EL lamp illuminates the design when subjected to an electrical current. If the light permeable material is transparent, through vision is possible from the other side of the panel through the unprinted portions of the transparent material. A dark colored opaque mask layer faces in the direction of the other side of the panel to mask the other print pattern layers and enable good through vision.
US08136269B1 Backblade-and-snowplow system
A bottom of a snowplow defines a front, plowing surface and an inverted shelf disposed directly behind the plowing surface, and the shelf defines a first side abutting against a rear of the plowing surface and a second side of the shelf extending away from the rear of the plowing surface. A backblade-and-snowplow system comprises a bent, rigid blade defining a top and back and at least one hole in the top of the blade corresponding to a hole defined in the second side of the shelf. At least one fastening mechanism is passed through the corresponding hole defined in the second side of the shelf and the hole defined in the top of the blade to secure the blade to the shelf. At least one L-shaped bracket defines a top edge secured along the top and back of the blade and a first side of the bracket positioned flush with the first side of the shelf. The first side of the bracket further defines at least one hole suitable for receipt of a corresponding fastening device that passes through the first side of the shelf and the hole of the first side of the bracket to secure the blade to the shelf such that a substantial entirety of the blade is disposed directly behind the plowing surface of the snowplow.
US08136264B2 Method for controlling automatically dryness
An automatic dry control method is disclosed, enabling exact drying by stabilizing a detection value of a temperature sensor and performing an additional drying according to a first dryness achieving point at an automatic drying washer and a drum type dryer that determines dryness by using the temperature sensor.
US08136263B2 Hair care appliance and method of using same
A hair care appliance for application of vapor to dry hair including a housing having a head portion and a handle portion, the housing defining an inner cavity. A vapor-generating system is positioned at least partially within the cavity, and the head portion includes an aperture in communication with the vapor-generating system. A spacer is positioned proximate the aperture of the head portion and partially defines a work area for positioned hair, wherein the vapor-generating system discharges vapor to the work area for application to hair positioned thereby.
US08136257B2 Hand-held power tool
A cutting tool includes a working member power coupled to a power drive arrangement held by a housing. The housing includes a front housing portion from which the working member protrudes and a rear housing portion. A first handle includes a first hand-grip portion adapted for a user to hold the power tool at an operative level above the ground level, a second handle adapted for a user to generate a turning moment about the first handle so as to vary inclination of the working member relative to the ground level. The second handle includes a movable hand-grip portion which is attached to the rear housing portion. The rear housing portion is pivotally connected to the front housing portion, and the movable hand-grip portion of the second handle is arranged to pivotally move the rear housing portion relative to the front housing portion.
US08136250B2 Cutting unit with guard teeth and hair-cutting device
To minimize the risk for injuries due to hooked hair catching teeth, but still have a reasonable hair-cutting efficiency, a cutting unit (107) for a hair-cutting device (100) having two blades (202, 206) moving relatively to each other with at least one of the blades (202, 206) being toothed is proposed, wherein at least some teeth (208) have a larger cross-sectional area (CA) at their free end (210) than at their end (212) making the junction with the blade (206), wherein the larger cross-sectional area (CA) is 0.3 mm2 or more and wherein the shape of the larger cross-sectional area (CA) is such that the tooth (208) surface oriented to face the surface (305) with hair (301) to be cut when cutting has a larger distance to the middle axis (M) than the equivalent surface of the blade-side-end (212).
US08136248B2 Method of making building panels with support members extending partially through the panels
A building panel for residential and commercial construction uses a plurality of insulating blocks connected together by adhesive. The insulation blocks are typically made of foam. A plurality of support members are disposed on opposite sides of the insulating blocks and offset with respect to the adjacent support member. The support member are typically made of metal and can have different shapes including “T” shape, “U” shape, and “L” shape. Each support member has a head portion in contact with a surface of the insulating block and a stem portion extending into the insulating block and having a length less than a width of the insulating block so that a thermal conduction path of the support member is discontinuous across the insulating block. The panel can be used as a curtain wall panel in high-rise construction, as well as bodies for aircraft, automotive, and marine applications.
US08136246B2 Method for forming an ejection hole in an emitting pipe
An emitting pipe boring method, for forming an ejection hole on a drip pressure reducing hose above a discharging portion of at least one drip which is adhered to an inside of the drip pressure reducing hose and includes an introducing portion, a pressure reducing portion and a discharging portion, includes a first step for forming an upward projection to be higher than a height of the drip at the discharging portion of the drip, a second step for forming a protruding portion on the drip pressure reducing hose by the upward projection of the drip when the drip is adhered to the inside of the drip pressure reducing hose, and a third step for forming an ejection hole of the drip pressure reducing hose by horizontally cutting an upper portion of the protruding portion formed on the drip pressure reducing hose through the second step.
US08136245B2 Method for combining heat pipes with a fixing base
In a method for juxtaposing and combining a plurality of heat pipes with a fixing base, first, a fixing base having an accommodating trough is provided. The accommodating trough is provided therein with at least one recess. Further, a plurality of heat pipes is provided. Adhesive medium is coated on the contacting surface between the heat pipe and the accommodating trough. The plurality of heat pipes is pressed into the accommodating trough. Finally, the heat pipes juxtaposed in the accommodating trough are pressed coplanarly the surface of the fixing base while a portion of the adhesive medium is received in the recess.
US08136237B2 Method of interconnecting electronic wafers
The invention relates to a method of interconnecting electronic components of a first wafer (T1) with electronic components of a second wafer (T2), each wafer having metallized vias (1) which pass through the wafer in the thickness direction. The method includes deposition of a drop (3) of conductive ink containing solvents on each via (1) of the first wafer (T1); stacking of the second wafer (T2) on the first so that the vias (1) of the second wafer (T2) are substantially superposed on the vias (1) of the first wafer (T1); removal of 50 to 90% of the solvents contained in the drops (3) by heating or applying a vacuum, so as to obtain a pasty ink; and laser sintering of the pasty ink drops (3) so as to produce electrical connections (31) between the superposed metallized vias (1).
US08136236B2 Method for manufacturing a coaxial cable
Corrosion resistant coaxial cable. In one example embodiment, a method for manufacturing a coaxial cable includes various steps. First, a dielectric is extruded around a center conductor. Next, the dielectric is surrounded with an outer conductor. Then, a corrosion-inhibiting composition is applied to the outer conductor. Finally, the outer conductor is surrounded with a jacket. The corrosion-inhibiting composition includes a synthetic sulfonate salt dispersed in a paraffinic mineral oil. The synthetic sulfonate salt is present in the composition in an amount of from about 5% to about 10% by weight. The paraffinic mineral oil is present in the composition in an amount of from about 90% to about 95% by weight.
US08136229B2 Method of producing variant-shaped laminated core
A method of producing a laminated variant-shaped core 10, includes punching out core sheets 12-14 from a strip 11 to form the outlines of the core sheets 12-14, and push back the punched out core sheets 12-14 into the strip 11; forming cutouts 28, 30 and 32 reaching outer peripheries of outer plates 27, 29 and 31, the outer plates 27, 29 and 31 being the same in outer shape and respectively containing thereinside the core sheets 12-14, the cutouts 28, 30 and 32 having inner edges respectively in contact with the core sheets 12-14; forming caulking portions 21 in each of the core sheets 12-14 and caulking portions 33 in each of the outer plates 27, 29 and 31; punching out the outer plates 27, 29 and 31 from the strip 11 to form the outlines of the outer plates 27, 29 and 31, and laminating and interlocking the core sheets 12-14 to form the variant-shaped laminated core 10 and laminating and interlocking the outer plates 27, 29 and 31; and removing the outer plates 27, 29 and 31 located outside the laminated and interlocked variant-shaped core 10.
US08136227B2 Method for making a magnetic head having a non-GMR shunt
A magnetic head having non-GMR shunt for perpendicular recording and method for making magnetic head having non-GMR shunt for perpendicular recording is disclosed. A shunt is provided for shunting charge from a read sensor. The shunt is formed co-planar with the read sensor and is fabricated using non-GMR materials.
US08136225B1 Method and system for providing a perpendicular magnetic recording head
A method and system for providing a PMR pole in a magnetic recording transducer including an intermediate layer are disclosed. The method and system include providing a mask including a line on the intermediate layer. The method further include providing a hard mask layer on the mask and removing the line. Thus, an aperture in the hard mask corresponding to the line is provided. The method and system also include forming a trench in the intermediate layer under the aperture. The trench has a bottom and a top wider than the bottom. The method further includes providing a PMR pole, at least a portion of which resides in the trench.
US08136224B1 Method and system for providing a perpendicular magnetic recording head utilizing a mask having an undercut line
A method and system for providing a PMR pole in a magnetic recording transducer including an intermediate layer are disclosed. The method and system include providing a mask including a line on the intermediate layer. The line has at least one side, a top, and a bottom. The side(s) have an undercut such that the top of the line is wider than the bottom. The method further include providing a hard mask on the PMR transducer. The hard mask includes an aperture corresponding to the line. Thus, an aperture in the hard mask corresponding to the line is provided. The method and system also include forming a trench in the intermediate layer under the aperture. The trench has a bottom and a top wider than the bottom. The method further includes providing a PMR pole, at least a portion of which resides in the trench.
US08136221B2 Method of manufacturing coil for stator incorporated in rotary electric machine
A method is provided for manufacturing a stator coil for a rotary electric machine, which is formed by winding up a plurality of phase wires. The method includes a shaping step for shaping a plurality of shaped wire members from electrically conductive wires, an integrating step for integrating the plurality of shaped wire members with each other to form an integrated body, and a winding-up step for winding the integrated body about a core member to form a wound body. At the winding-up step, curve forming is performed by plastically deforming turn portions of the integrated body into a curved shape, during conveyance of feeding the integrated body to the core member.
US08136214B2 Machining apparatus
A machining apparatus (1) for machining rotation-symmetrical workpieces (10), comprising a machine frame (4), which has a vertical front face (11), further comprising at least one vertical workpiece spindle (2) that is arranged on the front face (11) and can be driven rotatorily,comprising at least two tool holders (3 and 3a), which are arranged on the front face (11) displaceably horizontally and vertically by means of compound slides (5 and 5a),further comprising a conveyor (9) for workpieces (10), and a loading and unloading device (13), wherein the workpieces (10) can be transported by the conveyor (9) in a direction parallel to the front face (11).
US08136212B2 Method of fabricating structure having out-of-plane angular segment
A structure fabricating method plastically deforms a target portion of a substrate, to thereby fabricate a structure having an inclined segment that is inclined relative to a principal surface of the substrate. The method includes forming a projection on the target portion to project from the principal surface of the substrate or from an opposing surface of the substrate on the side opposite to the principal surface, and applying a force to the projection to plastically deform the target portion such that the target portion is bent in a direction from one surface of the substrate on the side where the projection is formed, toward another surface on the side opposite to the one surface.
US08136211B2 Clamping collar
A clamping collar comprising: a belt having two free ends, at least one of said free ends being curved back to form a loop, said loop being defined by an outer belt portion and by an underlying inner belt portion; and a tightening system suitable for co-operating with said loop so as to tighten said belt; in which clamping collar said outer belt portion presents a pushed-in portion, set back relative to the outer outline of the loop, which pushed-in portion defines a tightening wall with which the tightening system comes into engagement, and is flanked on either side by respective ones of two edge segments of the outer belt portion.
US08136209B1 Spinner handle for sports' fan banner
A spinner handle for waiving a sport's fan banner-towel comprising an ergonomic handle and a banner-towel grasping attachment. The generally elongated cylindrical handle comprises a neck at a distal end which separates it from a rounded head. The neck is received in an aperture formed on an attachment body having two hingedly attached parts that fold onto one another. A corresponding, interlocking stud-and-tube coupling system is comprised on the two attachment body parts. When the parts fold onto one another, the studs are received in the tubes so that a banner-towel placed therebetween doesn't slip out.
US08136200B2 Robotic cleaning head
A robotic cleaning head (1; 101) for use as part of an autonomous vacuum cleaning system (2) including a canister unit (3) and a hose assembly (4; 104) connecting the cleaning head (1; 101) to the canister unit (3). The cleaning head (3) has a chassis (5; 105), a drive system (6; 18; 27), a vacuum cleaning nozzle (8; 108) and a conduit (9; 109). The conduit (9; 109) communicates with an air passage bound by the cleaning nozzle (8; 108). It is suspended pivotable about a pivot axis (10; 110) and includes an inlet (11; 111) provided on top of said chassis (5; 105), and an elbow section (12; 112) downstream of the inlet (11; 111), and the conduit (9; 109) is suspended and shaped such that a line of action (15; 115) of a tension force (20; 120) exerted by the hose assembly (4; 104) onto the chassis (5; 105), via the conduit (9; 109) to which the hose assembly (4; 104) is connected, extends spaced below a downstream end of the elbow section (12; 112).
US08136197B2 Rear washer fluid enable/disable
A method and apparatus for preventing the dispensing of a washer fluid onto a rear windshield upon detecting the disablement of the rear wiper arm is provided. The disablement of the rear wiper arm may be caused by the movement of the rear windshield from a fully closed position to an open position.
US08136196B2 Dusting tool
A dusting tool (1) with a handle (2) to which two bars (3, 4) are attached at a certain distance from each other, with the free ends (5, 6) of said bars (3, 4) being connected to each other and with a number of spacers (7) being disposed between said bars (3, 4).
US08136190B2 Method of custom fitting an article of footwear and apparatus including a container
A method and apparatus for custom fitting an article of footwear is disclosed. A container holding the article of footwear includes a steaming assembly that allows a customer to subject the article of footwear to steam. The method can include cooling the article of footwear on the customer's foot to custom fit the article of footwear.
US08136185B2 Transport carriage for the patient-bearing surface of an operating table
In a transport carriage for the patient-bearing surface of an operating table, comprising a chassis (10), two supports (58) which are arranged thereon and each have at their upper ends an interface (60) for connecting to a complementary interface on the patient-bearing surface, and a lifting device (48) for adjusting the height of the interfaces (60) relative to the chassis (10), the supports (58) are carried by a pivoting frame (34) which is mounted on the chassis (10) so as to be able to pivot about a horizontal pivot axis (42) and is adjustable by means of the lifting device (48), the supports (58) each being connected to the pivoting frame (34) by a joint (62) having a joint axis (64) parallel to the pivot axis (42) and each being guided on a guide path (70), which is secured to the chassis, in each case set vertically apart from the joint (62) by means of a roller (68) having a roller axis (69) parallel to the pivot axis, in such a way that a line (70), which runs through the joint axis (64) and the roller axis (68) perpendicularly to said supports, remains vertical on the adjustment of the pivoting frame (34).
US08136182B2 Air mattress assembly
An inflatable air mattress assembly for use with a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a bed having protruding wheel well compartments, opposed sidewalls, a tailgate and a headboard. The air mattress assembly comprises and inflatable base, an inflatable first support and an inflatable second support. The inflatable base includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The base has lateral recesses formed therein which extend from the bottom surface towards the top surface and define a ledge over the recesses. The base is dimensioned and configured for placement in the vehicle bed with the recesses being disposed over the wheel well compartments protruding into the bed. A front portion of the base is adjacent the headboard. A rear portion of the base is adjacent a tailgate. The inflatable first support is releasable attached to the front portion of the base. The first support includes an inflatable backrest and at least one inflatable armrest connected to the backrest. The inflatable second support is releasably attached to one of the front portion of the base and the first support. The second support is spaced from the at least one armrest.
US08141168B2 Scanning probe microscope and a method to measure relative-position between probes
A main object of the present claimed invention is to provide a scanning probe microscope that can recognize a relative position between multiple probes accurately. The scanning probe microscope comprises multiple probes 21, 22, 23, 24 movable in the XYZ-directions, a stage 3 on which a specimen W is placed and that is movable in the XY-directions, a detecting part 6 that detects the physical properties that changes with the movements of each of the probes 21, 22, 23, 24 in the Z-direction according to the surface shape of the specimen W, at a time when each of the probes 21, 22, 23, 24 or the stage 3 is moved in the XY-directions, an image generating part 73 that images the surface image of the specimen W in response to the detected signals from the detecting part 6, and a relative position calculating part 75 that obtains the surface image based on each of the probes 21, 22, 23, 24 and obtained by the image generating part 73, when the stage 3 is moved in the XY-directions without changing a relative position between the probes 21, 22, 23 24 in the XY-directions, and calculates the relative position between the probes 21, 22, 23, 24 by checking the surface images obtained by the probes.
US08141164B2 Systems and methods for dynamic decentralized load balancing across multiple sites
A method for enabling decentralized dynamic load balancing among a plurality of appliances providing access to a plurality of sites, each site comprising a local area network and at least one server includes: determining, by a first appliance, a first number of services currently available for access via a local area network connected to the first appliance; receiving, by the first appliance from a second appliance, a communication indicating a second number of services currently available for access via a local area network connected to the second appliance; receiving, by the first appliance, a plurality of requests to connect to a service; determining, by the first appliance, a weight to be assigned to the second appliance, wherein the determination is responsive to the second number; and forwarding, by the first appliance to the second appliance, a subset of the plurality of requests, wherein the number of requests comprising the subset is determined in response to the determined weight. Corresponding systems are also described.
US08141161B2 System and method for managing trace of certifications
A certificate server 10, in response to a request from a client 131, extracts certificate data from a certificate database 102 to create a certificate file including print-job log data, and transmit the file to the client 131. The client 131 extracts the print-job log data, creates certificate print data based on the file to transmit the data to a printer 141. The printer 141 prints contents of the received data on paper every page, confirms the completion of a discharge of a printed sheet for each page to transmit a certificate ID code, its page number, an IP address of the printer, the time and date of receiving completion of a discharge, a certificate ID, a paper tray number, and a paper type as a discharge log data to the client 131. The client 131 transmits the received print-job log data and discharge-log data to a log server 15.
US08141158B2 Measuring coverage of application inputs for advanced web application security testing
A computer implemented method, a data processing system, and a computer usable recordable-type medium having a computer usable program code monitor a black box web application security scan. A black box scan of a web application is initiated. The black box scan sends a test is sent to a plurality of web application inputs of the web application. A runtime analysis is performed on the black box scan of the web application. Based on the run time analysis of the black box scan, the black box scan is modified.
US08141154B2 System and method for inspecting dynamically generated executable code
A method for protecting a client computer from dynamically generated malicious content, including receiving at a gateway computer content being sent to a client computer for processing, the content including a call to an original function, and the call including an input, modifying the content at the gateway computer, including replacing the call to the original function with a corresponding call to a substitute function, the substitute function being operational to send the input to a security computer for inspection, transmitting the modified content from the gateway computer to the client computer, processing the modified content at the client computer, transmitting the input to the security computer for inspection when the substitute function is invoked, determining at the security computer whether it is safe for the client computer to invoke the original function with the input, transmitting an indicator of whether it is safe for the client computer to invoke the original function with the input, from the security computer to the client computer, and invoking the original function at the client computer with the input, only if the indicator received from the security computer indicates that such invocation is safe. A system and a computer-readable storage medium are also described and claimed.
US08141148B2 Method and system for tracking machines on a network using fuzzy GUID technology
A method for querying a knowledgebase of malicious hosts numbered from 1 through N. The method includes providing a network of computers, which has a plurality of unknown malicious host machines. In a specific embodiment, the malicious host machines are disposed throughout the network of computers, which includes a world wide network of computers, e.g., Internet. The method includes querying a knowledge base including a plurality of known malicious hosts, which are numbered from 1 through N, where N is an integer greater than 1. In a preferred embodiment, the knowledge base is coupled to the network of computers. The method includes receiving first information associated with an unknown host from the network; identifying an unknown host and querying the knowledge base to determine if the unknown host is one of the known malicious hosts in the knowledge base. The method also includes outputting second information associated with the unknown host based upon the querying process.
US08141147B2 System, method and apparatus for use in monitoring or controlling internet access
An apparatus, method and system for use in categorizing Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) when controlling or monitoring access to the Internet from a client. A request message is generated to request categorization of a specified URL. The request message comprises a licensing field carrying a license key. A remote server receives the license key and, if valid, generates a reply message denoting a category of the specified URL. The license key enables workload at the server to be managed efficiently.
US08141146B2 Authentication server, authentication method and authentication program
Upon receipt of a service use request from a client, an authentication server device reads one or more image information pieces from an image information storage storing multiple image information pieces each containing one or more known symbols, one or more dummy symbols, or both of them, and thereafter creates challenge data using the one or more read image information pieces so that one or more two-dimensional images each containing one or more of the known symbols and one or more two-dimensional images each containing one or more of the dummy symbols can be presented to the user of the client, one image at a time. Upon receipt of response data, the authentication server device judges whether or not the received response data matches the one or more known symbols contained in the challenge data, and approves the service use of the client device if the match is confirmed.
US08141141B2 System and method for sequentially processing a biometric sample
This invention provides for progressive processing of biometric samples to facilitate verification of an authorized user. The initial processing is performed by a security token. Due to storage space and processing power limitations, excessive false rejections may occur. To overcome this shortfall, the biometric sample is routed to a stateless server, which has significantly greater processing power and data enhancement capabilities. The stateless server receives, processes and returns the biometric sample to the security token for another attempt at verification using the enhanced biometric sample. In a second embodiment of the invention, a second failure of the security token to verify the enhanced biometric sample sends either the enhanced or raw biometric sample to a stateful server. The stateful server again processes the biometric sample and performs a one to many search of a biometric database. The biometric database contains the master set of enrolled biometric templates associated with all authorized users. Signals generated by the stateful server are used by the security token to allow or deny access to a resource or function. In both embodiments of the invention, the heuristics remain with the security token.
US08141139B2 Federated single sign-on (F-SSO) request processing using a trust chain having a custom module
Federated single sign on (F-SSO) uses a token service that fulfills requests by executing a module chain comprising a set of modules. F-SSO runtime processing is enhanced by enabling a federated entity user to define a custom module to include in the chain. The custom module includes one or more name-value pairs, wherein a given name-value pair has a value that may be validated against an entity-defined rule. The rule is determined during the processing of the custom module based on one or more invocation parameters of the module chain. In a runtime operation, F-SSO begins in response to receipt of a token. In response, the processing of the module chain that includes the custom module is initiated. During processing of the custom module, an attempt is made to validate the value of a name-value pair based on the rule. If the value of the name-value pair based on the rule can be validated, processing of the module chain continues. This approach enables finer granularity on the information that can be asserted or required as part of an F-SSO flow.
US08141135B2 Information processing system, terminal, information processing apparatus, and management server
An information processing system has an information processing apparatus and a terminal coupled to each other through a network. The terminal has an address acquiring unit that reads storage information of a portable storage medium used by a user of the terminal to acquire the address of the information processing apparatus that is a utilization allocation destination of the terminal that is included in the storage information, and stores the address in a memory. A connection is established between the information processing apparatus and the terminal through the network. A remote controlling unit transmits operating information input at an interface of the terminal to the address of the information processing apparatus and receives video information corresponding to the operating information from the information processing apparatus to display video information on an output interface of the terminal.
US08141134B2 Authentication engine for enrollment into a computer environment
Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to a system and method for enrolling a user into an authentication system. In some embodiments of the invention, a user completes a first portion of the enrollment or setup process using a first computer environment, but is not permitted to complete the enrollment or setup process from the first computer environment. The system permits the user to complete the enrollment or setup process only from a second computer environment different from the first computer environment. In one embodiment, the second computer environment is any computer environment outside of the first computer environment.
US08141131B2 Security policy generation
The invention provides security policy generation methods and devices for generating a security policy that is set up for an information processing apparatus comprises a step of generating an application model having a transmitter and a receiver of a message decided, for each of a plurality of messages that are communicated, a step of storing in advance a plurality of security patterns with a signer of electronic signature appended to the message as an undecided parameter, a step of selecting a security pattern that is a model of security policy to be setup for the transmitter or receiver of the message, corresponding to each of the plurality of messages included in the application model, and a step of substituting the identification information of the transmitter or receiver of each message included in the application model for the undecided parameter of the security pattern selected corresponding to the message.
US08141123B2 Method and apparatus for recording and rendering programs that cross SDV force tune boundaries
A method is provided for recording a switched digital video (SDV) program received over a content delivery system. The method includes receiving a single program digital transport stream on a first SDV channel. The single program digital transport stream includes at least one program elementary stream and associated program specific information. The program elementary stream and the associated program specific information are stored. In response to a force tune request, a second SDV channel is tuned to on which a subsequent portion of the single program digital transport stream will be provided. After tuning to the second SDV channel, subsequent portions of the program elementary stream are stored in a content file in which previous portions of the program elementary stream are stored.
US08141121B2 Method and system for communicating information between a point of distribution and a plurality of subscriber destinations via a hybrid fiber coax delivery plant
A communication system for distributing information via a network to one or more subscribers includes a multi-port switch, one or more radio frequency (RF) modems coupled to respective ports of the switch, a combiner and a transmitter. The switch forwards source information to the RF modems based on address information. Each RF modem modulates and up converts information from the switch to an RF signal within a respective subscriber channel of the television broadcast spectrum. Each channel is assigned to one or more subscribers, and each subscriber is allocated unshared bandwidth. The combiner combines modulated information from each RF modem into a combined signal and the transmitter transmits the combined signal to the subscribers via the network. Each subscriber destination includes a gateway device or the like that is tuned to a corresponding channel to retrieve source information from that channel, and to deliver the information to the subscriber.
US08141117B1 PC media center and extension device for interfacing with a personal video recorder through a home network
A personal computer media center is connected to a media center extension and a personal video recorder (PVR) through a home network. The personal computer media center instructs the PVR through the home network to record a television broadcast. Subsequently, the personal computer media center instructs the PVR through the home network to output a media signal of the recorded television broadcast to the media center extension, which displays the media signal on a television.
US08141111B2 Movie advertising playback techniques
An ad in a movie can be a static ad having a position in the movie that cannot be moved, or a dynamic ad having a position in the movie that can be changed. When a viewer of the movie wishes to skip a portion of the movie containing the ad, the playback system determines whether the ad is static or dynamic. If the ad is static, then only the portion of the movie preceding the static ad can be skipped, that is, the ad is unskippable; this technique is referred to as “bounceback” since the end of the skip bounces back to the start of the static ad. If the ad is dynamic, then the ad is moved to after the end of the skip; this technique is referred to as “slip-ad” since the ad slips to later in the movie. When a movie has multiple ads, some can be static and some can be dynamic.
US08141102B2 Data processing in a hybrid computing environment
Data processing in a hybrid computing environment that includes a host computer having a host computer architecture; an accelerator having an accelerator architecture, the accelerator architecture optimized, with respect to the host computer architecture, for speed of execution of a particular class of computing functions; the host computer and the accelerator adapted to one another for data communications by a system level message passing module; and a host application process executing on the host computer. Data processing such a hybrid computing environment includes starting, at the behest of the host application process, a thread of execution on the accelerator; returning, by the system level message passing module to the host application process, a process identifier (‘PID’) for the thread of execution; and managing, by the host application process, the thread of execution on the accelerator as though the thread of execution were a thread of execution on the host computer.
US08141096B1 System, method, and computer program product for group scheduling of computer resources
A system, method and computer program product for managing computer resources in a computer system running an operating system and a plurality of processes grouped into at least two groups. A set of resource limits corresponds to the processes. A scheduler of resource allocation allocates resources to each process such that total resource allocation to a group to which that process belongs remains constant. The scheduler reallocates the resources based on a request for resources over an established limit, a predictive algorithm, or process priority, or based on relative weighting of the processes. The scheduler can reallocate to one of an increase and a decrease of the resources available to a particular process. The scheduler can reallocate the resources to exceed the resource allocation to a particular process while keeping the resource allocation to the group to which that process belongs constant. The scheduler is capable of increasing a resource allocation to one process by reducing allocation restriction to other processes in the same group on a basis proportional to their current use of that resource.
US08141086B2 Using data in elements of a singly linked list without a lock in a multithreaded environment
A method and system for validating a scan of a chain in a multithreaded environment. A modification counter and an anchor address are atomically copied from the chain's header into a first variable (browse counter) and second variable, respectively. The second variable is set to a next address stored in a current element of the chain. The next address references a next element of the chain. The browse counter is incremented. If the browse counter is greater than a current value of the modification counter (M.Counter) and if the second variable includes a valid address, then the scan is valid up to the current element, the scan continues with the next element as the current element, and the process repeats starting with setting the second variable to the next address. Otherwise, if the browse counter is less than or equal to M.Counter, then the scan is invalid.
US08141085B2 Apparatus and data structure for automatic workflow composition
A stream processing system provides a description language for stream processing workflow composition. A domain definition data structure in the description language defines all stream processing components available to the stream processing system. Responsive to receiving a stream processing request, a planner translates the stream processing request into a problem definition. The problem definition defines stream properties that must be satisfied by property values associated with one or more output streams. The planner generates a workflow that satisfies the problem definition given the domain definition data structure.
US08141074B2 Packaging files having automatic conversion across platforms
A mechanism for sharing files, and sets of related files, or packages of files, in a multi-host, multi-platform environment is provided. A public package client handles user requests to perform operations on a software package. Additionally, information about the package and the files contained therein may be obtained. A server, responsive to the client, performs the operations on the package. Data about the files is set in a data structure which may be stored in an archive along with the files themselves. In particular, this data may identify each file as either a text or binary file and as an executable file. A client may access the aforementioned data to determine if the file or files require further processing to adapt the file to the operating system on the client. Such processing may, for example, include linefeed/carriage return translation and codepage translation, or setting file attributes.
US08141064B2 Method and system for program transformation using flow-sensitive type constraint analysis
A method for analyzing a program is provided. The method includes, determining an object type that may exist at an execution point of the program, wherein this enables determination of possible virtual functions that may be called; creating a call graph at a main entry point of the program; and recording an outgoing function call within a main function. The method also includes analyzing possible object types that may occur at any given instruction from any call path for virtual calls, wherein possible object types are determined by tracking object types as they pass through plural constructs; and calling into functions generically for handling specialized native runtime type information.
US08141062B2 Replacing a variable in a use of the variable with a variant of the variable
A method for optimizing a code section prior to performing register allocation for variables referenced in the plurality of computer instructions. The method includes performing at least one of a full prematerialization or a partial prematerialization for a variable in the plurality of computer instructions. The full prematerialization replaces the variable in every use of the variable in the plurality of computer instructions with one or more variants of the variable and replaces a definition of the variable with a nop instruction. The partial prematerialization replaces some but not all occurrences of the variable in uses of the variable in the plurality of computer instructions with one or more variants of the variable without replacing the definition of the variable with the nop instruction.
US08141060B2 Calling an entity of a graphical model with a non-graphical entity and calling a non-graphical entity of a graphical model with a graphical entity
The present invention provides a graphical model in a computing environment, where the graphical model includes at least a caller entity. A call command associated with the caller entity is executed, where the call command includes at least a partial name of the callee entity. The at least one callee entity may be identified based on the partial name of the at least one callee entity provided in the call command. The at least one callee entity may then be called.
US08141056B2 Just-in-time dynamic instrumentation
Just-in-time dynamic instrumentation of a running software system may be achieved by registering one or more instrumentation probe handlers in an inactive state wherein the probe handlers reside in a memory space associated with the software system but are not instrumented into the software system. The probe handlers may each have one or more probe handler tags representing categories to which the probe handlers have been assigned. Tag query requests are periodically received and processed in order to provide information to a caller about registered probe handlers associated with a probe handler tag specified in the tag query request. A probe handler activation request can be made by specifying a probe handler or a probe handler tag. The request can be processed by placing the specified probe handler, or probe handlers associated with the tag, in an active state. The software system thus becomes dynamically instrumented to execute the probe handler(s) as part of the software system's execution flow. The activated probe handler(s) may be returned to the inactive state in response to a probe handler deactivation request specifying a probe handler or a probe handler tag.
US08141054B2 Dynamic detection of atomic-set-serializability violations
A method, an information processing system, and a computer readable medium, are used to detect atomic-set serializability violations in an execution of a program. A set of classes associated with a program to be analyzed is identified. The set of classes include a set of fields. At least one subset of fields in the set of fields in the identified classes is selected. A set of code fragments associated with an execution of the program is selected. Data accesses in the selected set of code fragments are observed. It is determined if the selected set of code fragments is serializable for each selected subset of fields.