Document Document Title
US08400127B2 Average current regulator and driver circuit thereof and method for regulating average current
The present invention discloses an average current regulator, a driver circuit of an average current regulator, and a method for regulating an average current. The average current regulator includes: a power stage including at least one power transistor which switches according to a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal to convert an input voltage to an output current; a feedback circuit coupled to the power stage, for generating a feedback signal; an ON-time controller coupled to the feedback circuit, for receiving the feedback signal and generating an ON-time signal according to the feedback signal and an average reference signal relating to a target average current; and a PWM controller, for generating the PWM signal according to the ON-time signal to regulate the average of the output current to the target average current.
US08400117B2 Method for controlling the progressive charge of a motor vehicle alternator
A method for controlling the progressive charge of a motor vehicle alternator. The alternator comprises a stator, a rotor which is provided with an excitation coil, a voltage regulator which acts on an excitation current which is supplied to the excitation coil in order to regulate an output voltage of the alternator, and a device for controlling the progressive charge which, by means of limitation of the excitation current to a maximum value, determines a maximum mechanical torque which the alternator can collect on a thermal engine of the vehicle. The maximum mechanical torque is determined according to a speed of rotation (NALT) of the alternator, and the progressive charge control device comprises a so-called progressive charge return (PCR) signal which indicates the maximum value which the excitation current (lexc) can assume. When the excitation current assumes a stabilized value (G), the progressive charge return (PCR) signal is updated (H) so as to indicate a maximum current value of the excitation current which is equal to the stabilized value.
US08400111B2 Method for driving micro-hybrid system for vehicle and energy storage unit, and hybrid system for implementing the same
A micro-hybrid system (1) including an electric energy storage unit (12) and an electronic control unit (14). The storage unit includes a plurality of elementary cells mounted in series. A method includes the steps of: reading the elementary electric voltages of the elementary cells; deriving information on the state of the storage unit from the read voltages; and taking into account in the control unit the state information for defining an optimal driving of the micro-hybrid system. An electric energy storage unit and a micro-hybrid system with braking recovery is also disclosed.
US08400098B2 Device and method of determining and defining a travel profile of a time-critical axle
A method for controlling the movement of axles whose drives are connected for exchanging energy, in particular by connecting intermediate circuits of the converters respectively comprised by the drives, prior to the start of the movement, a predictive determination of the sequence of movements being performed, in the process of which first the time-critical axle is determined, then the travel profile of the time-critical axle is defined, then a respective total energy consumption is assigned to the possible travel profiles of additional axles, from these, the profile is selected that has the smallest total energy requirement associated with it, and then the movement is carried out.
US08400096B2 Magnetic encoder and actuator
First to fourth magnetic detection units (22-25) are arranged in opposition to a multipole magnetized surface (21a) of a multipole magnet (21) of a magnetic encoder (17). The first and second magnetic detection units (22, 23) are placed on positions separated from each other by 180 degrees on the periphery of the center of the multipole magnet and output an A-phase signal and a B-phase signal. The third and fourth magnetic detection units (24, 25) are placed on positions separated from each other by nearly 180 degrees on the periphery of the center of the multipole magnet and output an A-phase reverse signal and a B-phase reverse signal. Detection signals of the same phase are synthesized and averaged, and consequently a detection error generated by an outer magnetic flux extending in the diameter direction of the multipole magnet can be removed. The signal obtained by synthesizing the detection signals of the same phase and averaging the same and the reverse signal of a signal obtained by synthesizing reverse signals of the reverse phase and averaging the same are synthesized and averaged, and consequently the detection error generated by the outer magnetic flux radially extending in one direction along the radius direction of the multipole magnet can be removed.
US08400090B2 HVAC condenser assemblies having controllable input voltages
Assemblies for HVAC systems and methods of operating HVAC systems are disclosed, including a method of operating an HVAC system having a condenser motor operatively coupled to a fan and a controllable bus voltage for powering the condenser motor. The method includes increasing the controllable bus voltage from a first voltage to a second voltage to increase a speed of the condenser motor.
US08400082B2 Power-saving LED lighting apparatus
Disclosed is a power-saving LED lighting apparatus in which the full-wave rectified wave form of the commercial power is used as the driving voltage. The LED lighting apparatus includes a rectifier circuit part which rectifies commercial power and outputs a rectified voltage; a plurality of LED arrays having a plurality of LEDs connected in series and the rectified voltage of the rectifier circuit part is supplied to an anode of the uppermost LED array; a driving part in which one terminal of each switching device for supplying or blocking a driving current to the plurality of LED arrays is connected to each anode of the plurality of LED arrays, and the other terminal thereof is connected to a cathode of the lowermost LED array; and a control part which outputs a control signal for turning on and off the switching devices according to a level of the rectified voltage.
US08400079B2 LED drive circuit, dimming device, LED illumination fixture, LED illumination device, and LED illumination system
An LED drive circuit in which an alternating voltage from a phase control dimmer is input and an LED is driven. The LED drive circuit comprises a phase angle detector for detecting the phase angle at which a phase control element inside the phase control dimmer switches from off to on; a switching power supply for feeding a current to the LED; a switching element connected in series to the LED; and a controller for controlling the switching power supply and the switching element in accordance with the output of the phase angle detector; wherein the controller places the switching element in an always-on state in a case in which the phase angle detected by the phase angle detector is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and the controller pulse-drives the switching element in a case in which the phase angle detected by the phase angle detector is greater than the predetermined value.
US08400071B2 LED lamp power management system and method
An LED lamp power management system and method including an LED lamp having an LED controller 58; a plurality of LED channels 60 operably connected to the LED controller 58, each of the plurality of LED channels 60 having a channel switch 62 in series with at least one shunted LED circuit 83, the shunted LED circuit 83 having a shunt switch 68 in parallel with an LED source 80. The LED controller 58 reduces power loss in one of the channel switch 62 and the shunt switch 68 when LED lamp electronics power loss (Ploss) exceeds an LED lamp electronics power loss limit (Plim); and each of the channel switches 62 receives a channel switch control signal 63 from the LED controller 58 and each of the shunt switches 68 receives a shunt switch control signal 69 from the LED controller 58.
US08400063B2 Plasma sources
This invention relates to a plasma source in the form of plasma generator (13) which utilizes an antenna (11) and an RF source (12). The generated plasma flows into a chamber (14) and ions are accelerated out of the chamber (14) by grid (15). A body 16 is located in the volume for creating local losses and thereby reducing local plasma density.
US08400062B2 Light source turn-on/off controller
A light source turn-on/off controller includes an input section of a turn-on/off timing signal, a PWM signal generating section for generating a pulse signal responding to a rise or a fall of the timing signal, a duty cycle of the pulse signal changing so as to simulate a rise or a fall of emission in turn-on or turn-off of a filament, an emission control section for controlling an emitting section responding to the pulse signal from the PWM signal generating section, and a storage section for storing a control data table for duty cycle control by the PWM signal generating section. The control data table includes a rise table to be referred to in the rise of emission and a fall table to be referred to in the fall of emission, and each of the rise table and the fall table indicates association between elapsed time from the rise or the fall of the timing signal and the duty cycle of the pulse signal, and a relationship between the tables indicates that they cannot be superposed on each other.
US08400056B2 Reflector, display device, and method of manufacturing the same
A reflector capable of suppressing contrast reduction caused by retro-reflection, a display device having the same, and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The reflector includes: a base having first and second surfaces which are opposed to each other, the second surface being provided with a reflective element; and a plurality of burying layers formed around the reflective element and including at least one light absorption burying layer.
US08400052B2 Field emission cathode device and method for making the same
A field emission cathode device includes a substrate, a metal plate attached to the substrate, at least one electron emitter electrical connected with the metal plate, and a filler. The metal plate defines at least one through hole extending through the metal plate. The at least one electron emitter is fixed between the substrate and the metal plate and extends through the at least one through hole. The filler is filled into the at least one through hole to fix the at least one electron emitter.
US08400043B2 Stator for electric motor
The invention relates to a stator with a plurality of field coils, wherein the yoke teeth, which bear the field coils, of the poles are connected with their free ends to a stator ring, and wherein adjacent pole shoes or poles are connected to one another.
US08400039B2 Outer rotor motor and method of manufacturing the same
An outer rotor motor comprises a rotor rotating about an axis, and a fixed stator. Provided over the inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical part of a fan connecting resin member are a ring-shaped yoke, a ring-shaped rotor magnet fixed to a fixing slot defined in the radially inner surface of the yoke, and yokes fixed to fixing slots defined in a radially inner surface of the rotor magnet. The rotor magnet is so magnetized that magnetic poles alternately change in a circumferential direction. The yoke covers a radially outer surface of the rotor magnet, and parts on a radially outer side of an axially upper surface and an axially lower surface of the rotor magnet.
US08400029B2 Rotating electrical machine having a plurality of cooling medium paths
A rotating electrical machine includes: a stator that includes a cylindrical stator core and a stator winding wire wound around the stator core; and a rotor disposed facing the stator via a gap; wherein at least one cooling medium path extending in a direction of a central axis of the stator core is provided in the stator; and the cooling medium path is inclined relative to the central axis of the stator core.
US08400025B2 Apparatus and method for motor driven appliance energy conservation
An apparatus and method for substantially reducing the electrical energy consumption of a.c. induction motor-driven appliances by connecting a database predetermined capacitance in parallel with the motor-driven appliances and connecting a database predetermined inductance in series with the a.c. induction motor-driven appliances to effect the optimal power factor correction and optimal inrush current limiting of such motor-driven appliances thereby conserving electrical energy and reducing electrical energy costs. The databases of the present invention which specify the optimal power factor correction capacitance value and an optimal inductance value for specific a.c. induction motor-driven appliances eliminates the need for preliminary power factor and inrush current related electrical measurements and making the mass production and sale of the present invention practical.
US08400019B2 Wireless energy transfer with high-Q from more than one source
Described herein are embodiments of a source high-Q resonator, optionally coupled to an energy source, a second source high-Q resonator, optionally coupled to an energy source, and a third high-Q resonator, optionally coupled to an energy drain, where at least one of the source resonators and the third resonator may be coupled to transfer electromagnetic energy from at least one of the said source resonators to said third resonator.
US08400013B2 Electrical appliance
The invention relates to an electrical device having a switching unit, which is provided for switching a power supply of a consumer unit, and a control unit for controlling the consumer unit. According to the invention, the electrical device includes a bridging unit provided for supplying power to the control unit when the power supply is switched off by the switching unit.
US08400007B2 Hydroelectric power system
A hydroelectric power system is provided. The hydroelectric power system includes a storage tank; a fluid; a penstock; an electric turbine generator, a transformer, an electric power grid system; a pump, and connecting conduit. A method of generating hydroelectric energy is also provided.
US08399998B2 Semiconductor package requiring reduced manufacturing processes
A semiconductor package includes a semiconductor chip having a first surface, a second surface located opposite the first surface, and side surfaces connecting the first and second surfaces. The semiconductor chip includes bonding pads disposed on the first surface and having a molding member formed to cover the first surface of the semiconductor chip. The molding member is formed so as to expose the side surfaces of the semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip also includes bonding members having first ends electrically connected to the respective bonding pads and second ends that are connected to and opposite the first ends. The second ends are exposed from side surfaces of the molding member after passing through the molding member so as to allow various electrical connections.
US08399996B2 Chip carrier
Electronic circuit arrangement, includes a chip and a chip carrier having a substrate and a chip contact location. At least the chip contact location is provided with a soldering layer. The chip includes a bonding layer. A silver layer for eutectic bonding with the bonding layer is provided on the soldering layer in the region of the chip contact location.
US08399991B2 Semiconductor device and method of forming through hole vias in die extension region around periphery of die
A semiconductor wafer contains a plurality of semiconductor die. The semiconductor wafer is diced to separate the semiconductor die. The semiconductor die are transferred onto a carrier. A die extension region is formed around a periphery of the semiconductor die on the carrier. The carrier is removed. A plurality of through hole vias (THV) is formed in first and second offset rows in the die extension region. A conductive material is deposited in the THVs. A first RDL is formed between contact pads on the semiconductor die and the THVs. A second RDL is formed on a backside of the semiconductor die in electrical contact with the THVs. An under bump metallization is formed in electrical contact with the second RDL. Solder bumps are formed on the under bump metallization. The die extension region is singulated to separate the semiconductor die.
US08399987B2 Microelectronic devices including conductive vias, conductive caps and variable thickness insulating layers
Microelectronic devices include a conductive via that extends into a substrate face and that also protrudes beyond the substrate face to define a conductive via end surface and a conductive via sidewall that extends from the end surface towards the substrate face. A conductive cap is provided on the end surface, the conductive cap including a conductive cap body that extends across the end surface and a flange that extends from the conductive cap body along the conductive via sidewall towards the substrate face. Related fabrication methods are also described.
US08399985B2 Mold design and semiconductor package
A chip package includes a carrier having a first and a second major surface. The first major surface includes an active region surrounded by an inactive region. The chip package includes contact pads in the active region for mating with chip contacts of a chip. A support structure is disposed on the inactive region of the first major surface. The support structure forms a dam that surrounds the active region. When a chip or chip stack is mounted in the active region, spacing exists between the dam and the chip or chip stack. The spacing creates convention paths for heat dissipation.
US08399982B2 Nanotube-based directionally-conductive adhesive
A tape adhesive type material is directionally conductive. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, carbon nanotubes (212, 214, 216, 218) are configured in a generally parallel arrangement in a tape base type material (210). The carbon nanotubes conduct (e.g., electrically and/or thermally) in their generally parallel direction and the tape base type material inhibits conduction in a generally lateral direction. In some implementations, the tape base material is arranged between integrated circuit components (220, 230), with the carbon nanotubes making a conductive connection there between. This approach is applicable to coupling a variety of components together, such as integrated circuit dies (flip chip and conventional dies) to package substrates, to each other and/or to leadframes.
US08399977B2 Resin-sealed package and method of producing the same
A method of producing a resin-sealed package is provided with: providing an electronic component which has a plurality of terminals on one face, a first support member and a second support member; temporarily fixing said electronic component to a surface of said first support member by a first adhesive agent layer, to face said terminals with said first support member; fixing said second support member having a second adhesive agent layer to said electronic component while interposing said electronic component between said first support member and said second support member to face said second adhesive agent layer with a back face side of said electronic component; resin sealing said electronic component between said first support member and said second support member; peeling said first support member and said first adhesive agent layer from said electronic component and a sealing resin; and stacking an insulating resin layer and a wiring layer which is electrically connected to said terminals of said electronic component, on said electronic component and said sealing resin.
US08399962B2 Semiconductor chip and process for production thereof
A semiconductor chip of the present invention is a semiconductor device that includes a hexagonal semiconductor layer having anisotropic mechanical properties. A semiconductor chip (21), when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the semiconductor chip (21), has a rectangular shape that has a first side (1A) and a second side (1B) orthogonal to the first side (1A). The amount of thermal deformation along a direction in which the first side (1A) extends and the amount of thermal deformation along a direction in which the second side (1B) extends are substantially equal to each other.
US08399961B2 Tuning the efficiency in the transmission of radio-frequency signals using micro-bumps
A device includes a die including a main circuit and a first pad coupled to the main circuit. A work piece including a second pad is bonded to the die. A first plurality of micro-bumps is electrically coupled in series between the first and the second pads. Each of the plurality of micro-bumps includes a first end joining the die and a second end joining the work piece. A micro-bump is bonded to the die and the work piece. The second pad is electrically coupled to the micro-bump.
US08399948B2 Light emitting device, light emitting device package and lighting system
Disclosed are a light emitting device and a light emitting device package having the same. The light emitting device includes a first conductive type semiconductor layer; an active layer including a barrier layer and a well layer alternately disposed on the first conductive type semiconductor layer; and a second conductive type semiconductor layer on the active layer. At least one well layer includes an indium cluster having a density of 1E11/cm2 or more.
US08399946B1 Solid-state imaging device and manufacturing method thereof
According to one embodiment, a solid-state imaging device includes a semiconductor substrate of a first conductive type having a diffusion layer region provided on a surface thereof, a diffusion layer of the first conductive type for a pixel separation whose bottom portion is formed at the deepest position of the diffusion layer region in a pixel region, and a first deep diffusion layer of the first conductive type provided at the deepest position of the diffusion layer region in a first peripheral logic region for electrically connecting the semiconductor substrate and the first peripheral logic region and having a first concentration gradient equal to that of the diffusion layer for pixel separation.
US08399935B2 Embedded SRAM memory for low power applications
Circuits and methods for providing a dual gate oxide (DGO) embedded SRAM with additional logic portions, where the logic and the embedded SRAM have NMOS transistors having a common gate dielectric thickness but have different lightly doped drain (LDD) implantations formed using different LDD masks to provide optimum transistor operation. In an embodiment, a first embedded SRAM is a single port device and a second embedded SRAM is a dual port device having a separate read port. In certain embodiments, the second SRAM includes NMOS transistors having LDD implants formed using the logic portion LDD mask. Transistors formed with the logic portion LDD mask are faster and have lower Vt than transistors formed using a SRAM LDD mask. Dual core devices having multiple embedded SRAM arrays are disclosed. Methods for making the embedded SRAM are also disclosed.
US08399931B2 Layout for multiple-fin SRAM cell
The present disclosure provides a static random access memory (SRAM) cell. The SRAM cell includes a plurality of fin active regions formed on a semiconductor substrate, wherein the plurality of fin active regions include a pair adjacent fin active regions having a first spacing and a fin active region having a second spacing from adjacent fin active regions, the second spacing being greater than the first spacing; a plurality of fin field-effect transistors (FinFETs) formed on the plurality of fin active regions, wherein the plurality of FinFETs are configured to a first and second inverters cross-coupled for data storage and at least one port for data access; a first contact disposed between the first and second the fin active regions, electrically contacting both of the first and second the fin active regions; and a second contact disposed on and electrically contacting the third fin active region.
US08399920B2 Semiconductor device comprising a transistor gate having multiple vertically oriented sidewalls
A method used in fabrication of a recessed access device transistor gate has increased tolerance for mask misalignment. One embodiment of the invention comprises forming a vertical spacing layer over a semiconductor wafer, then etching the vertical spacing layer and the semiconductor wafer to form a recess in the wafer. A conductive transistor gate layer is then formed within the trench and over the vertical spacing layer. The transistor gate layer is etched, which exposes the vertical spacing layer. A spacer layer is formed over the etched conductive gate layer and over the vertical spacing layer, then the spacer layer and the vertical spacing layer are anisotropically etched. Subsequent to anisotropically etching the vertical spacing layer, a portion of the vertical spacing layer is interposed between the semiconductor wafer and the etched conductive transistor gate layer in a direction perpendicular to the plane of a major surface of the semiconductor wafer.
US08399916B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device having a 6F2 memory cell whose size is defined by a numerical value of a design rule F, wherein: lower electrodes of capacitors included in the memory cell are supported by a support film; the support film is formed as a pattern combining a first support pattern (14x) linearly extending in a first direction and a second support pattern (14y) linearly extending in a second direction that crosses to the first direction; the support film is arranged such that the intervals of the first and second support patterns are both equal to or greater than 1.5F; and the interval of one of the first and second support patterns is greater than the interval of the other one of the first and second support patterns.
US08399915B2 Semiconductor device
Provided is a semiconductor device which can reduce on-resistance by improving hole mobility of a channel region. A trench gate type MOSFET (semiconductor device) is provided with a p+-type silicon substrate whose crystal plane of a main surface is a (110) plane; an epitaxial layer formed on the silicon substrate; a trench, which is formed on the epitaxial layer and includes a side wall parallel to the thickness direction (Z direction) of the silicon substrate; a gate electrode formed inside the trench through a gate dielectric film; an n-type channel region formed along the side wall of the trench; and a p+-type source region and a p−-type drain region which are formed to sandwich the channel region in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the silicon substrate. The trench is formed to have the crystal plane of the side wall as a (110) plane.
US08399910B2 Sub-pixel NBN detector
A method of making a two-dimensional detector array (and of such an array) comprising, for each of a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns of individual detectors, forming an n-doped semiconductor photo absorbing layer, forming a barrier layer comprising one or more of AlSb, AlAsSb, AlGaAsSb, AlSb, AlGaPSb, and HgZnTe, and forming an n-doped semiconductor contact area.
US08399909B2 Tetra-lateral position sensing detector
The present invention is directed to a position sensing detector made of a photodiode having a semi insulating substrate layer; a buffered layer that is formed directly atop the semi-insulating substrate layer, an absorption layer that is formed directly atop the buffered layer substrate layer, a cap layer that is formed directly atop the absorption layer, a plurality of cathode electrodes electrically coupled to the buffered layer or directly to the cap layer, and at least one anode electrode electrically coupled to a p-type region in the cap layer. The position sensing detector has a photo-response non-uniformity of less than 2% and a position detection error of less than 10 μm across the active area.
US08399904B2 Light emitting device and lighting system having the same
Provided is a light emitting device. The light emitting device includes a plurality of metal layers including first and second metal layers spaced from each other, a first insulation film disposed on a top surface of the plurality of metal layers, the first insulation film having a width wider than an interval between the plurality of metal layers, a light emitting chip disposed on the first metal layer of the plurality of metal layers, and a resin layer disposed on the first metal layer, the first insulation film, and the light emitting chip. The first metal layer includes a first base part dispose on the light emitting chip and a first side part bent from the first base part on an outer portion of the first base part.
US08399900B2 Light emitting device and method for manufacturing a light emitting device
A light emitting device and a method for manufacturing a light emitting device, wherein the light emitting device comprises a light emitting diode (LED) emitting light in a first emission spectrum, and a composition comprising at least two components and being adapted to absorb at least a part of the light in the first emission spectrum and upon absorption to emit an up-converted light in a second emission spectrum, wherein the light in said second emission spectrum has a wavelength range lower than the wavelength range of the light in the first emission spectrum, whereby the light emitted by the light emitting device comprises a mixture at least of light in the first emission spectrum and of light in the second emission spectrum.
US08399887B2 Thin film transistor and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a structure of the TFT in which a current-voltage characteristic can be improved. The present invention refers to a thin film transistor comprising a lamination layer wherein a first conductive film, a first insulating film and a second conductive film are sequentially laminated, a semiconductor film formed so as to be in contact with the side surface of the lamination layer, and a third conductive film covering the semiconductor film through a second insulating film. The first conductive film and the second conductive film are a source electrode and a drain electrode, and a region which is in contact with the first insulating film and the third conductive film is a channel forming region in semiconductor film, and the third conductive film is a gate electrode.
US08399881B2 Memory element, memory device, and semiconductor device
On object of the invention is to provide a nonvolatile memory device, in which data can be added to the memory device after a manufacturing process and forgery and the like by rewriting can be prevented, and a semiconductor device including the memory device. Another object of the invention is to provide a highly-reliable, inexpensive, and nonvolatile memory device and a semiconductor device including the memory device. A memory element includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, a first insulating layer with a thickness of 0.1 nm or more and 4 nm or less being in contact with the first conductive layer, and an organic compound layer interposed between the first conductive layer, the first insulating layer, and the second conductive layer.
US08399870B2 Extreme ultraviolet light source device and control method for extreme ultraviolet light source device
A guide laser beam that has an optical axis and a beam diameter substantially equivalent to those of a driver pulsed laser beam is introduced into an amplification system that amplifies a laser beam that is output from a driver laser oscillator. The guide laser beam is output from a laser device as a continuous light, and is introduced into a light path of the driver pulsed laser beam via a guide laser beam introduction mirror. A sensor detects an angle (a direction) of a laser beam and a variation of a curvature of a wave front. A wave front correction controller outputs a signal to a wave front correction part based on a measured result of a sensor. The wave front correction part corrects a wave front of a laser beam to be a predetermined wave front according to an instruction from the wave front correction controller.
US08399869B2 UV luminaire having a plurality of UV lamps, particularly for technical product processing
In various embodiments, a UV luminaire may include a housing which is designed for accommodating a plurality of UV lamps and a protective atmosphere, wherein the housing is subdivided in such a manner into chambers respectively containing some of the UV lamps and can be opened in such a manner that each of the UV lamps can be replaced with detriment to the protective atmosphere only of the respective chamber.
US08399865B2 Method and apparatus for enhanced lifetime and performance of ion source in an ion implantation system
An ion implantation system and process, in which the performance and lifetime of the ion source of the ion implantation system are enhanced, by utilizing isotopically enriched dopant materials, or by utilizing dopant materials with supplemental gas(es) effective to provide such enhancement.
US08399864B2 Dual beam system
A dual beam system includes an ion beam system and a scanning electron microscope with a magnetic objective lens. The ion beam system is adapted to operate optimally in the presence of the magnetic field from the SEM objective lens, so that the objective lens is not turned off during operation of the ion beam. An optional secondary particle detector and an optional charge neutralization flood gun are adapted to operate in the presence of the magnetic field. The magnetic objective lens is designed to have a constant heat signature, regardless of the strength of magnetic field being produced, so that the system does not need time to stabilize when the magnetic field is changed.
US08399861B2 Lithography apparatus using extreme UV radiation and having a volatile organic compounds sorbing member comprising a getter material
A lithography apparatus (10) is disclosed using extreme UV radiation and having a hydrocarbon sorbing member comprising a getter material arranged in the process chamber (13) of said apparatus.
US08399850B2 Systems, methods, and apparatus for anode and cathode electrical separation in detectors
Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for providing anode and cathode electrical separation in detectors. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is presented for providing a neutron detector tube. The method may include applying a conductive layer to at least a portion of an inner surface of a non-conductive cathode tube associated with a neutron detector; applying a neutron sensitive cathode coating to at least a portion of the conductive layer; sealing a first portion of the neutron detector tube with a cathode cap; and sealing a second portion of the neutron detection tube with an anode cap.
US08399845B2 Neutron detector cell efficiency
Neutron detection cells and corresponding methods of detecting charged particles that make efficient use of silicon area are set forth. Three types of circuit cells/arrays are described: state latching circuits, glitch generating cells, and charge loss circuits. An array of these cells, used in conjunction with a neutron conversion film, increases the area that is sensitive to a strike by a charged particle over that of an array of SRAM cells. The result is a neutron detection cell that uses less power, costs less, and is more suitable for mass production.
US08399842B2 Digital radiographic detector with bonded phosphor layer
A digital radiographic detector having a radiation sensing element with a particulate material dispersed within a binder composition, wherein the binder composition includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive, wherein the particulate material, upon receiving radiation of a first energy level, is excitable to emit radiation of a second energy level, either spontaneously or in response to a stimulating energy of a third energy level. There is an array of photosensors, each photosensor in the array energizable to provide an output signal indicative of the level of emitted radiation of the second energy level that is received. The radiation sensing element bonds directly to, and in optical contact with, either the array of photosensors or an array of optical fibers that guide light to the array of photosensors.
US08399838B2 Terahertz investigative system and method
A system for investigating a plurality of samples having varying positions or orientations moving with respect to the system, the system including an emitter of terahertz radiation for irradiating a sample provided in a sample space; a detector of terahertz radiation configured to detect radiation reflected from said sample space; and determining means to determine if radiation reflected from said sample space is from a sample with a predetermined orientation in the sample space.
US08399833B2 Charged particle beam writing method, method for detecting position of reference mark for charged particle beam writing, and charged particle beam writing apparatus
The reference mark has steps and is formed on a sample. A stage moves in X and Y directions. The sample M is placed on the stage. An optical lever type height position sensor emits light to detect the reference mark FM′ by the stage being scanned. The spot position of light reflected on the sample is detected in position sensitive detector. The X and Y coordinates of the position of the stage positioned when the spot position of the reflected light is changed is detected. The detected X and Y coordinates are regarded as the position C of the reference mark FM′. The position of a phase defect D located in the sample M is specified on the basis of the position C of the reference mark FM′. The position of a portion on which writing is to be performed is determined on the basis of a relationship with the specified position of the phase defect D.
US08399832B2 Scanning electron microscope and CD measurement calibration standard specimen
A calibration standard specimen is provided to have formed therein calibrating patterns of a lattice shape discontinuously arrayed, and particular alignment patterns respectively disposed near the calibrating patterns so that the positioning of the specimen can be made to match the calibrating patterns to the measurement points.
US08399824B2 Beam power with multipoint broadcast
A beam power source transmits a signal indicating power availability, receives a request for power in response, and beams power in response to the request.
US08399819B2 Current source to drive a light source in an optical sensor system
A current source circuit to drive a light source in an optical sensor system is disclosed. The current source includes an inductor connected in series with a resistor, and a diode coupled in parallel with the inductor and resistor. The current source is configured to receive a regulated direct current (DC) voltage and to provide the current through the inductor to the light source when a switch is closed, and to divert current through the inductor to the diode when the switch is open.
US08399818B1 Laser devices and methods for signature alteration of a target for remote tracking thereof
A method of tracking a target comprising causing alteration to the target using a laser, recording an electromagnetic signature of the target after the causing alteration step, and tracking the target using the electromagnetic signature.
US08399807B2 Glow plug and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention provides a glow plug capable of preventing a deformation or eccentricity of the coil, thereby improving a durability of the coil and preventing a variation in temperature-rising characteristic. Also, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing the glow plug.
US08399804B2 Method for manufacturing prismatic battery, and laser welding jig and laser welding device for manufacturing the same
A laser welding device for manufacturing a prismatic battery 10 of the invention has a pair of jigs 12A, 12B for securing a prismatic battery outer can B1, a gas supply section for supplying inert gas to welding points of a sealing cover B2 fitted to the prismatic battery outer can B1, and a laser unit 11 for irradiating laser beam. Each of the jigs 12A, 12B is provided with a slit-shaped blower outlet and the blower outlet is positioned below the welding points. The inert gas is supplied to the blower outlet from the gas supply section and is blown from the blower outlet to the welding points from below. The laser welding device for manufacturing a prismatic battery 10 can obtain a laser welding device that welds the sealing cover B2 fitted to the prismatic battery outer can B1 fast, preventing weld droops and allowing uniform welding.
US08399802B2 Laser processing system with a display device
A method of setting processing data for a computer-assisted laser processing apparatus is disclosed, along with a system for setting a laser processing data. The method comprises a function of setting a three-dimensional profile of a object and a processing pattern as processing conditions, a function of generating processing data representing the processing conditions for the object, and a function of visually displaying a two dimensional representation of the processing data on a display screen and a function of setting a three-dimensional profile of a object and a processing pattern as processing conditions, wherein it is enabled to set the three-dimensional profile and the processing pattern while displaying the object in two dimensions on the display screen disposed within a processing zone.
US08399799B2 Method for manufacturing spark plug
A method for manufacturing a spark plug is a method for manufacturing the spark plug having an electrode base member and a noble metal tip welded thereto by means of a laser or an electrode base member, a tip base member joined thereto, and a noble metal tip welded to the tip bases material by means of a laser, and the method includes a laser welding process of welding the electrode base member or the tip base member to the noble metal tip by means of a laser and through use of a laser beam whose BBP value assumes 25 mm·mrad (a radius·a half angle) or less at a time point when a laser beam enters a transfer optical system for guiding the laser beam to areas to be welded where laser welding is to be performed.
US08399796B1 Fence system for guiding cutting tool
A fence system capable of serving as a guide rail assembly for a cutting tool is provided. The system comprises a main beam with integrated or removable guide inserts interlocked by mechanical means that provide a spacing system for various handheld plasma torches. The inserts are customizable to fit the profile of various torch bodies and provide a precise preset gap for optimized cutting. The main beam can also incorporate storage of consumable parts for the torch as well as additional guide inserts.
US08399793B2 Methods and materials for hard-facing
In a hard facing process, a core material is applied to the base material of an article, which may incorporate metal components. An additive is introduced into a molten puddle generated by the hard facing process. The additive functions to increase the wear resistant capabilities of the hard faced article. In one embodiment, the additive comprises mineral particulates, which may consist of diamond granules.
US08399782B2 Variable proportionate beam scale for proportioning baking recipes
A pivot assembly (24) is movably connected to a balance beam (22) between a first and second balancing area (34, 36). The pivot assembly (24) defines a pivot axis (B) being movable relative to a center axis (A0) to define a first variable pivot distance (Pd1) and a second variable pivot distance (Pd2) for proportioning a first and second component according to the concurrently and inversely variable first and second pivot distances (Pd1, Pd2). The balance beam (22) presents a proportioning scale (60) which includes a plurality of identical ratios (62) in scale of the first variable pivot distance (Pd1) to the second variable pivot distance (Pd2) for aligning the pivot assembly (24) with a desired ratio of the first and second components. A first and second pair of retainer walls (38, 40) extend upwardly from the respective balancing areas (34, 36) and diverge from one another for abutting and centering a variety of container sizes on the respective balancing areas (34, 36).
US08399774B2 Substrate for suspension
A substrate for suspension comprises a metallic substrate, an insulating layer formed on the metallic substrate, having an opening for grounding terminal, and a grounding conductor formed on the insulating layer. A grounding-terminal-forming material is placed in the opening for grounding terminal to form a grounding terminal that connects the metallic substrate and the grounding conductor. The grounding conductor does not surround a portion of the circumference of the opening for grounding terminal.
US08399772B2 Control of carbon nanostructure growth in an interconnect structure
An interconnect structure on a substrate is provided. The interconnect structure comprises electrically conductive interconnect elements on at least two interconnect levels on or above a substrate level. In the interconnect structure of the invention, at least one electrically conductive via connects a first interconnect element on one interconnect level or on the substrate level to a second interconnect element on a different interconnect level. The via extends in a via opening of a first dielectric layer and comprises an electrically conductive via material that contains electrically conductive cylindrical carbon nanostructures. At least one cover-layer segment reaches into a lateral extension of the via opening and defines a via aperture that is small enough to prevent a penetration of the carbon nanostructures through the via aperture. This structure enhances control of carbon nanostructure growth in a height direction during fabrication of the interconnect structure.
US08399771B2 Visual latching indicator arrangement for an electrical bushing and terminator
An elbow terminator has a socket in which an electrical probe is disposed. The terminator is insertable onto an electrical bushing such that a tongue of the bushing is received in the socket of the terminator, and the probe of the terminator is electrically coupled to a contact sleeve disposed within the tongue. A latching mechanism produces positive latching between the tongue and socket when the tongue has been inserted to a predescribed depth within the socket. In order to enable an operator to visually observe that the tongue has been inserted to the prescribed depth, the bushing carries a color band which becomes completely disposed (invisible) in the socket when positive latching occurs. Alternatively, the bushing can be provided with gauge tabs which become aligned with a witness line formed on the terminator when positive latching occurs.
US08399769B2 Cable management system and method of use
A cable management system and method of use integrated with the cable in general, a coiled cable; a bendable elongated member positioned on one section of the cable; a cover material to affix the elongated member to the cable; wherein the bendable elongated member integrated with the one section of the cable is configured to wrap around the coiled cable and, thus, functions to maintain the coiled cable in an organized manner ready for a subsequent use with minimum risk of cord entanglement.
US08399765B1 Safety outlet cover
A safety outlet cover assembly that includes at least one button opening on a side of the cover base and at least one button opening on an opposite side of the cover base through which buttons are coupled to the base. The safety cover assembly may also include a cover configured to slide along a track on the cover base such that the cover is slidably coupled to the cover base and covers a socket face of the receptacle. The buttons may be squeeze tabs and the cover may be a split cover or include a spring element that automatically returns the cover to a closed position from an open position when an electrical plug is removed from the receptacle.
US08399756B1 Guitar strip
A system for aiding in the teaching and playing of stringed instruments, allowing for easily understood, non-descript reference points. The system is a decal or series of decals or other printed thin attachable strips, depicting the notes on a given string corresponding to given fingering position. The decals are placed on the back of the neck near the top, or nut, allowing the player a clear view of the notes from a natural playing position, rather than having to look at the front of the fingerboard as in current systems. In a particular embodiment the printed notes correspond to the fret positions on a fretted instrument such as a guitar, or bass.
US08399753B2 Slide for use with fretted instruments
A tubular shaped slide having first and second spaced ends for use with a fretted musical instrument, the first end having a diameter greater than the second end. The slide is positioned on the finger of a wearer such that the wearer's fingertip extends beyond the second end of the slide; the second end of the slide being formed at an angle to the vertical. A sizing slot extends along the length of the slide.
US08399751B2 Functional abiotic nanosystems
The invention relates to imparting photoreactivity to target cells, e.g., retinal cells, by introducing photoresponsive functional abiotic nanosystems (FANs), nanometer-scale semiconductor/metal or semiconductor/semiconductor hetero-junctions that in this case include a photovoltaic effect. The invention further provides methods of making and using FANs, where the hetero-junctions bear surface functionalization that localizes them in cell membranes. Illumination of these hetero-junctions incorporated in cell membranes generates photovoltages that depolarize the membranes, such as those of nerve cells, in which FANs photogenerate action potentials. Incorporating FANs into the cells of a retina with damaged photoreceptor cells reintroduces photoresponsiveness to the retina, so that light creates action potentials that the brain interprets as sight.
US08399749B2 Tomato line FDR 16-2082
The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid EX01420200 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid EX01420200 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.
US08399738B2 Fructan biosynthetic enzymes
This invention relates to isolated nucleic acid fragments encoding fructosyltransferases. More specifically, this invention relates to polynucleotides encoding 1-FFTs, 6-SFTs, or 1-SSTs. The invention also relates to the construction of a recombinant DNA constructs encoding all or a portion of the fructosyltransferases, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the recombinant DNA construct results in production of altered levels of the fructosyltransferases in a transformed host cell.
US08399717B2 Method for purifying an alcohol from a fermentation broth using a falling film, a wiped film, a thin film or a short path evaporator
Method for purifying an alcohol from a fermentation broth comprising adding a heavy solvent, evaporating the alcohol to be purified, and mechanically drawing out of the crystallized salts by heavy solvent flow and scrapping on a falling film evaporator, a wiped film evaporator, a thin film evaporator or a short path evaporator.
US08399702B2 Process for the production of aromatic diisocyanates in the gas
Aromatic diisocyanates are produced by reacting in the gas phase the corresponding primary aromatic diamine with phosgene. The phosgene and the primary aromatic diamine are reacted within a mean residence time of from 0.05 to 15 seconds. The aromatic diamine used contains less than 0.05 mole % overall of aliphatic amine containing no keto groups, per mole of primary amino groups.
US08399697B2 Process for preparing polyol esters
The present invention relates to a process for preparing polyol esters by reacting polyols with linear or branched aliphatic monocarboxylic acids having 3 to 20 carbon atoms in the presence of an adsorbent and subsequent steam treatment in the course of workup of the crude ester.
US08399692B2 Epichlorohydrin, manufacturing process and use
Product containing epichlorohydrin, wherein the amount of trichloropropane is of less than 0.01 g of trichloropropane per kg of product, a process for manufacturing the product and its use in various applications.
US08399691B2 Method for resolution of a mixture of pinocembrin optical isomers, especially a pinocembrin racemate
The present invention relates to a method for resolution of a mixture of pinocembrin optical isomers, in particular a pinocembrin racemate, using a chiral primary amine or a chiral sulfinamide. The present invention also relates to a (R)-(+)-pinocembrin obtained by the method.
US08399690B2 4,5-dihydro-6-oxa-3-thia-1-aza-benzo[e]azulene compounds
Benzopyran and benzoxepin compounds of Formulas I and II, and including stereoisomers, geometric isomers, tautomers, solvates, metabolites and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are useful for inhibiting lipid kinases including p110 alpha and other isoforms of PI3K, and for treating disorders such as cancer mediated by lipid kinases. Methods of using compounds of Formulas I and II for in vitro, in situ, and in vivo diagnosis, prevention or treatment of such disorders in mammalian cells, or associated pathological conditions, are disclosed.
US08399683B2 IAP inhibitors
The present invention describes compounds, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use in therapy.
US08399664B2 Coloring matter, ink, ink for ink jet, ink jet recording method, color toner, and color filter
[Problem] To provide a coloring matter which has a good hue, and is capable of forming an image high in fastness property under various use conditions and environmental conditions, and particularly suitable for an ink.[Solving Means] A coloring matter represented by the following formula (I): wherein in the formula, G represents a heterocyclic group, and n represents an integer of 1 to 3; when n is 1, R, X, Y, Z, Q, and G each represents a monovalent group; when n is 2, R, X, Y, Z, Q, and G each represents a monovalent or divalent substituent, provided that at least one represents a divalent substituent; and when n is 3, R, X, Y, Z, Q, and G each represents a monovalent, divalent or trivalent substituent, provided that at least two each represents a divalent substituent, or at least one represents a trivalent substituent.
US08399661B2 Sulfur-containing compound, method of preparation and pharmaceutical uses thereof
The invention relates to a sulfur-containing compound and the preparation thereof. The invention also relates to the uses of the sulfur-containing compound in inhibiting inducible nitric oxide synthase and/or cyclooxygenase-2 and in treating the diseases associated with inducible nitric oxide synthase and/or cyclooxygenase-2. This invention also describes a series of chemical analogues of the said sulfur-containing compound and the preparation of these compounds.
US08399660B2 Process for the synthesis of triazoles
The present invention relates to processes for the preparation of triazoles. These compounds are useful as anti-infective, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and prokinetic agents.
US08399657B2 Methods for introducing mannose 6-phosphate and other oligosaccharides onto glycoproteins and its application thereof
Methods to introduce highly phosphorylated mannopyranosyl oligosaccharide derivatives containing mannose-6-phosphate (M6P), or other oligosaccharides bearing other terminal hexoses, to carbonyl groups on oxidized glycans of glycoproteins while retaining their biological activity are described. The methods are useful for modifying glycoproteins, including those produced by recombinant protein expression systems, to increase uptake by cell surface receptor-mediated mechanisms, thus improving their therapeutic efficacy in a variety of applications.
US08399652B2 Primers and probes for detecting genital HPV genotypes
The invention relates to oligonucleotides, which are suited as primers for amplifying DNA of genital human papilloma viruses (HPV), to oligonucleotides, which are suited for use as probes for typifying genital HPV genotypes, to methods for amplifying the DNA of genital human papilloma viruses (HPV), to methods for detecting and/or identifying genital HPV genotypes, to nucleotide microarrays containing the oligonucleotides, to kits and to the use of the oligonucleotides for amplifying or typifying genital HPV genotypes, for the diagnosis and/or early diagnosis of diseases and for producing agents for diagnosing diseases.
US08399649B2 Methods of detecting and controlling mucoid Pseudomonas biofilm production
Compositions and methods for detecting and controlling the conversion to mucoidy in Pseudomonas aeruginosa are disclosed. The present invention provides for detecting the switch from nonmucoid to mucoid state of P. aeruginosa by measuring mucE expression or MucE protein levels. The interaction between MucE and AlgW controls the switch to mucoidy in wild type P. aeruginosa. Also disclosed is an alginate biosynthesis heterologous expression system for use in screening candidate substances that inhibit conversion to mucoidy.
US08399645B2 Chimeric receptors with 4-1BB stimulatory signaling domain
The present invention relates to a chimeric receptor capable of signaling both a primary and a co-stimulatory pathway, thus allowing activation of the co-stimulatory pathway without binding to the natural ligand. The cytoplasmic domain of the receptor contains a portion of the 4-1BB signaling domain. Embodiments of the invention relate to polynucleotides that encode the receptor, vectors and host cells encoding a chimeric receptor, particularly including T cells and natural killer (NK) cells and methods of use.
US08399632B2 Method for the purification of recombinant blood coagulation factor IX enriched in sulfated and/or phosphorylated molecules
The present invention relates to a method for the purification of rFIX using anion exchange chromatography in the pseudo-affinity mode, wherein said method comprises a wash step with a wash buffer having a salt concentration of more than 200 mM. The purification according to the invention provides a method to enrich rFIX molecules which have been posttranslationally modified by sulfation and/or phosphorylation. The present invention further relates to purified rFIX compositions enriched in monosulfated and/or monophosphorylated rFIX molecules.
US08399630B2 Engineered anti-IL-13 antibodies, compositions, methods and uses
The present invention relates to engineered antibodies immuno specific for human interleukin-13 (IL-13) protein or fragment thereof, as well as methods of making and using thereof, including therapeutic indications.
US08399624B1 Acceptor framework for CDR grafting
The present invention relates to an antibody acceptor framework and to methods for grafting non-human antibodies, e.g., rabbit antibodies, using a particularly well suited antibody acceptor framework. Antibodies generated by the methods of the invention are useful in a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
US08399613B2 Tumour-associated peptides that bind to MHC molecules
The invention relates to a tumor-associated peptide containing an amino sequence, which is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1 to SEQ ID NO:79 of the enclosed listing. The peptide has the ability to bind to a molecule of the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-I. The invention also relates to the use of the peptides for manufacture of a medicament and for treating tumorous diseases. The invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition, which comprises at least one of the peptides.
US08399604B2 Sulfonation of conducting polymers and OLED, photovoltaic, and ESD devices
Conducting polymer systems for hole injection or transport layer applications including a composition comprising: a water soluble or water dispersible regioregular polythiophene comprising (i) at least one organic substituent, and (ii) at least one sulfonate substituent comprising sulfonate sulfur bonding directly to the polythiophene backbone. The polythiophene can be water soluble, water dispersible, or water swellable. They can be self-doped. The organic substituent can be an alkoxy substituent, or an alkyl substituent. OLED, PLED, SMOLED, PV, and ESD applications can be used.
US08399595B2 Two part polyurethane curable composition having substantially consistent G-modulus across the range of use temperatures
The invention is a two part composition comprising: A. an isocyanate functional group containing component comprising one or more polyisocyanates and one or more isocyanate functional group containing prepolymers having in its backbone the residue of one or more chains derived from polypropylene oxide, copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide or mixtures thereof wherein equivalent weight of the chains are predominantly about 780 or greater; B. an isocyanate reactive component comprising one or more polypropylene oxide, copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide or mixtures thereof having equivalent weights predominantly about 960 or greater and terminal groups which are reactive with isocyanate groups; C. one or more low molecular weight compounds having two or more isocyanate reactive groups and a molecular weight of 120 or less wherein the low molecular weight compounds are present as a residue in the isocyanate functional group containing prepolymer, as a component of the isocyanate reactive component or both; D. one or more catalysts for the reaction of isocyanate functional groups with isocyanate reactive groups wherein the catalyst may be located in the isocyanate functional group containing component or the isocyanate reactive component.
US08399594B2 Blocked-isocyanate silicone resins
This invention relates to new blocked isocyanate silicone resins which can be used to make shelf stable one part curable coating compositions. These coatings do not cure until heated. The coatings provide weather resistant protection for numerous substrates including automobile exteriors, leather fabric, electronic components, wood floors and surfaces.
US08399592B2 Polyhedral polysiloxane modified product and composition using the modified product
The present invention has its object to provide a liquid-form modified product of polyhedral polysiloxane which is excellent in moldability and transparency, and a composition produced using the modified product. In addition, the present invention can provide an easy-to-handle modified product and composition. The present invention provides a modified product of polyhedral polysiloxane which is obtainable by modifying a polyhedral polysiloxane compound (a) with a compound (b), and a composition containing the modified product. The polyhedral polysiloxane compound (a) has an alkenyl group and/or a hydrosilyl group, and the compound (b) has a hydrosilyl group and/or an alkenyl group each capable of hydrosilylation with the component (a).
US08399589B1 Methods of constructing polyolefins having reduced crystallinity using a late metal catalyst
The invention is a novel family of polyolefins characterized by chain-walking defects of the type that add extra backbone carbons per monomer. These polyolefins display a large decrease in crystallinity relative to polyolefins known in the art. Specifically, the reduction in crystallinity is much greater than for earlier polypropylenes with a matched content of stereo or 1-alkene type defects. The claimed polyolefins can be made by a late metal catalyst. The defects in the polyolefin backbone are generated by a chain walking mechanism in which three or more carbons per monomer are added to the polymer backbone instead of two, as in conventional polymerization or copolymerization methods of alpha olefins. The novel polyolefins can be used in applications such as plastic wrapping, thin films, co-extrusion layers or molded parts in the absence of polymer blending or copolymerization. The cost of materials production can be reduced.
US08399587B2 Mini-random copolymer resins having improved mechanical toughness and related properties suitable for thin wall thermoforming applications
Propylene random copolymer compositions are described herein. The compositions generally include a propylene random copolymer including from about 95.0 wt. % to about 99.0 wt. % propylene and from about 0.2 wt. % to about 0.8 wt. % ethylene, an additive selected from clarifiers, nucleators and combinations thereof and a stabilizer, wherein the propylene random copolymer exhibits a melt flow rate of from about 0.5 g/10 min. to about 4.0 g/10 min., a molecular weight distribution of from 5 to 10 and wherein the propylene random copolymer composition exhibits a flexural modulus of from about 180,000 psi to about 260,000 psi.
US08399579B2 Process for preparing an aqueous composite-particle dispersion
A process for preparing stable aqueous dispersions of composite particles.
US08399576B2 Phosphorus containing novalac phenol resins, methods for manufacturing the same, and formulae containing the same
Disclosed is a phosphorous containing phenol novolac resin, having a structure as below: In the above formula, Z is selected from — or —CH2—. Each Y is independently selected from —, —CH2—, —C(CH3)2—, —S—, —SO2—, —O—, —CO—, or —N═N—. Each X is independently selected from a hydrogen or phosphorous containing group, wherein the hydrogen and phosphorous containing group have a molar ratio of 1:0.1 to 0.1:1. Each R1 is independently selected from a hydrogen or C1-5 alkyl group. Each R2 is independently selected from a C1-5 alkyl group. m is an integer of 1 to 10, and n is 0 or 1.
US08399572B2 Vulcanizable halogenated elastomer compositions
The invention provides compositions comprising nitrogen containing chelating agents, which can be used to reduce the effects of zinc contamination on the vulcanization rates of polymercapto based cure systems for halogenated elastomers. Such chelating agents are effective at eliminating vulcanization rate inconsistencies due to zinc contamination, without inducing negative changes to the vulcanization reaction or the subsequent physical properties of the halogenated elastomer vulcanizate. The invention also provides methods of curing a halogenated elastomer using the inventive compositions, and for articles prepared from the same.
US08399568B2 Resin composition and molded article using the same
This invention provides a resin composition comprising a polyolefin-based polymer and an aliphatic polyester-based polymer, which has an excellent balance of impact resistance and rigidity and excellent properties, such as processability. The resin composition comprises a polyolefin-based polymer (A), an aliphatic polyester-based polymer (B), an elastomer (C), which has a melt flow rate (MFR), measured at 190° C. under a load of 21N, of 0.5 to 3.0 g/10 minutes, and an epoxy group-containing polyolefin-based polymer (D).
US08399561B2 Process for preparing high impact monovinylaromatic polymers in the presence of a borane complex
The present invention relates to a process for preparing a high impact monovinylaromatic polymer comprising admixing a rubber, at least one monovinylaromatic monomer and optionally one or more comonomer in the presence of at least a borane complex of the L-BH3 type wherein L is a Lewis base and polymerizing the monovinylaromatic monomer.The borane complex initiator, L may be an ether (e.g THF, tetrahydrofurane), a thioether (e.g dimethylthioether) or an amine. A preferred complex is an amine borane such as by way of example triethylamine borane.The present invention also relates to a high impact monovinylaromatic polymer having a weight ratio of grafted monovinylaromatic monomer and optional comonomer to the initial monovinylaromatic monomer and optional comonomer above 0.1%, advantageously above 2% and preferably in the range 2 to 4%.The invention is of particular interest to make high impact polystyrene.
US08399554B2 Use of highly branched polymers in polymer dispersions for gloss colours
The present invention relates to a method of producing coatings with increased gloss, to aqueous coating materials for such a method, and to the use of highly branched polymers as an additive for aqueous polymer dispersions for coating materials that lead to coatings having increased gloss.
US08399552B2 Lightweight structural finish
A lightweight finish composition, method of production and a method of application are provided. The lightweight finish composition comprises a resin dispersion or emulsion, alkali metal phosphate, alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer, and lightweight aggregate such as silica spheres. The lightweight aggregate has a density and weight that is less than those of sand. The combination of alkali metal phosphate and alkylolammonium salt of a polyfunctional polymer stabilizes the lightweight finish composition and may prevent the lightweight aggregate from continuously absorbing water over time, after production of the lightweight finish composition.
US08399544B2 Adhesive compositions
The invention is directed to composition, preparation and use of composite materials based on an adhesive with solids levels above 45% by weight that contain stable polyamidoamine-epihalohydrin resins (PAE resins) of solids greater than 40% where the relative high solids of the PAE enables the high solids content of the adhesive. Furthermore, at least 45% of the solids portion of the adhesive is made up of a combination of the solids of the PAE resin and the solids of the protein source. The invention is also directed an adhesive comprised of the PAE in combination with a soy protein source. The invention is also directed toward use of the adhesive in composite materials and in particular wood containing composite materials, and more specifically wood fiber or particle based composites.
US08399539B2 Soluble silicone prepolymers
In one aspect, the invention relates to silicon-based prepolymers. The disclosed prepolymers exhibit satisfactory solubility in aqueous solutions or hydrophilic solutions and can overcome undesirable shrinkage, expansion, and related problems possessed by conventional silicone monomers and related conventional polymerization techniques by producing hydrogels from a crosslinkable prepolymer. Also disclosed are polymers and molded articles produced from the disclosed prepolymers, which attain a satisfactory oxygen permeability. Also disclosed are methods for producing the disclosed prepolymers. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
US08399532B2 Polyol compositions, resin blend compositions, spray compositions, and methods of using each, and methods of making each
Embodiments of the disclosure include aromatic polyol compositions, resin blend compositions, and spray foam compositions.
US08399531B2 Foamable composition
A foamable composition comprises at least about 50 wt % of a copolymer of ethylene and alkyl (meth)acrylate having a broad chemical composition distribution (CCD), and having a melt index between about 7 and about 30; about 2 to about 40 wt % of a polyolefin having a carboxylic acid or carboxylic acid anhydride functionality; about 1 to about 10 wt % of one or more foaming agents; and about 1 to about 5 wt % of one or more crosslinking agents. This foamable composition combines ease of processing with good foaming characteristics while avoiding unwanted characteristics, such as fogging.
US08399529B2 Method of homogenization and, optionally, analysis for processing moist noble metal-containing recycling materials with an unknown noble metal content
For processing of noble metal-containing, moist recycling materials with an unknown noble metal content (hereinafter called “batch”), a moisture-binding agent is added for homogenisation and the batch is mixed with comminution of optionally pre-sent agglomerates to form a free-flowing and homogenous powder. Optionally, the following takes place subsequently for analysis: A at least one representative, volume-reduced sample is taken first of all, B the sample is dried, C the sample is optionally divided further and D the sample is analyzed and the noble metal content of the batch is calculated on the basis of the data a previously known or pre-calculated quantity of the moisture-binding agent being added before sampling (step A).
US08399525B2 Treatment of gaucher disease with specific pharmacological chaperones and monitoring treatment using surrogate markers
Provided is a method of monitoring the treatment of Gaucher disease with specific pharmacological chaperones using systemic and/or cellular surrogate markers. Also provided is a new biomarker that may be used to monitor the progress of such treatment.
US08399523B2 Quarternization of the additive amino alkylmethacrylate copolymer E for improving permeability and solubility of pharmaceuticals
The present invention relates to a strategy for improving the permeability and solubility of pharmaceuticals, based on adding a chemically modified amino alkyl methacrylate copolymer E, wherein the chemical modification is the quaternization of a fraction of the existing amino alkyl groups.
US08399522B2 3.2.1-bicyclo-octane compounds
The present invention pertains to a method of counteracting a malodor by introducing a malodor counteracting effective amount of a novel 3.2.1-bicyclo-octane compound represented by formula: wherein R is selected from the group consisting of carbonyl and [1,3]dioxolane; R′ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and allyl; or R and R′ taken together represent
US08399512B2 Biocompatible biodegradable fumagillin analog conjugates
Fumagillin analog polymer conjugates, methods of making fumagillin analog polymer conjugates, compositions comprising a polymer conjugate of a fumagillin analog, and methods for treating cancer, or treating angiogenic diseases comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a polymer conjugate of a fumagillin analog, are described. Also described are novel fumagillin analogs, methods of making fumagillin analogs, compositions comprising at least one fumagillin analog, and methods for treating cancer, or treating angiogenic diseases comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a fumagillin analog.
US08399509B2 Glucopyranoside derivatives
Novel compounds of the formula (I), in which X has the meaning indicated in Patent Claim 1, are suitable as antidiabetics.
US08399500B2 Method of synthesizing ergothioneine and analogs
The present disclosure relates to a method for synthesizing ergothioneine or one of the derivatives thereof of following formula (I): or a physiologically acceptable salt, a tautomer, a stereoisomer or a mixture of stereoisomers in all proportions thereof, from a compound of betaine type of following formula (II): or a physiologically acceptable salt, a tautomer, a stereoisomer or a mixture of stereoisomers in all proportions thereof, by cleavage reaction in the presence of a thiol, at a temperature above or equal to 60° C. The present disclosure also relates to compounds of formula (II) and the method of synthesis thereof.
US08399496B2 Inhalable aztreonam lysinate formulation for treatment and prevention of pulmonary bacterial infections
A method and a composition for treatment of pulmonary bacterial infections caused by gram-negative bacteria suitable for treatment of infection caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus influenzae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter species, Serratia marcescens as well as those caused by Burkholderia cepacia, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Alcaligenes xylosoxidans, and multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, using a concentrated formulation of aztreonam lysinate delivered as an aerosol or dry powder formulation.
US08399495B2 Talarazole metabolites
Novel metabolites of talarazole of formula (I) have been isolated and characterized, wherein R═H, OH, OSO3H or O-gly; R1, ═H, OH, OSO3H, O-gly or =0; and gly=a glucuronate, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds are targeted for the treatment of various skin-, hair- and nail-associated disorders.
US08399492B2 Pyridine derivatives as sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators
The present invention relates to novel pyridine derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals as modulators of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors.
US08399484B2 Combination therapy for treating HCV infection
The present invention relates to therapeutic combinations comprising (a) Compound (1), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as herein described, (b) an interferon alfa and (c) ribavirin. Compound (1) is a selective and potent inhibitor of the HCV NS3 serine protease. The present invention also relates to methods of using such therapeutic combinations for treating HCV infection or alleviating one or more symptoms thereof in a patient.
US08399480B2 Hydroxymethyl pyrrolidines as beta 3 adrenergic receptor agonists
The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I), pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and method of using the same in the treatment or prevention of diseases mediated by the activation of β3-adrenoceptor.
US08399478B2 Thiophene-carboxamides useful as inhibitors of protein kinases
The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of protein kinase represented by formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disease, conditions, or disorders. The invention also provides processes for preparing compounds of the inventions.
US08399465B2 Compounds with two fused bicyclic heteroaryl moieties as modulators of leukotriene A4 hydrolase
Compounds with two fused bicyclic heteroaryl moieties and their pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of using them as leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) modulators and for the treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions mediated by LTA4H.
US08399452B2 Dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepin-11-yl-N-hydroxybenzamides as HDAC inhibitors
This invention relates to compounds for the inhibition of histone deacetylase. More particularly, the invention provides for compounds of formula (I) wherein Q, J, L and Z are as defined in the specification.
US08399451B2 Heterocyclic compounds
Disclosed are compounds of Formula (I) or a stereoisomer or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: A is Q is a substituted 5-membered monocyclic heteroaryl group; W is CH2, O, or NH; and R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, m, n, t, and x are defined herein. Also disclosed are methods of using such compounds as selective agonists for G protein-coupled receptor S1P1, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds. These compounds are useful in treating, preventing, or slowing the progression of diseases or disorders in a variety of therapeutic areas, such as autoimmune diseases and vascular disease.
US08399450B2 Compounds and compositions as protein kinase inhibitors
The invention provides novel pyrimidine and pyridine derivatives and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods for using such compounds. For example, the pyrimidine and pyridine derivatives of the invention may be used to treat, ameliorate or prevent a condition which responds to inhibition of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) activity, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), zeta-chain-associated protein kinase 70 (ZAP-70), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1R), or a combination thereof.
US08399447B2 Metal triangulo compound and methods of using the same
The present invention relates to metal triangulo compounds. Provided herein are also methods of inducing apoptosis in a cell that comprise administering a metal triangulo compound and methods of preventing carcinogenesis in a cell that comprise administering a metal triangulo compound.
US08399445B2 Acetylcysteine composition and uses thereof
This invention relates to novel acetylcysteine compositions in solution, comprising acetylcysteine and which are substantially free of metal chelating agents, such as EDTA. Further, this invention relates to methods of making and using the acetylcysteine compositions. The present compositions and methods are designed to improve patient tolerance and compliance, while at the same time maintaining the stability of the pharmaceutical formulation. The compositions and methods of this invention are useful in the treatment of acetaminophen overdose, acute liver failure, various cancers, methacrylonitrile poisoning, reperfusion injury during cardio bypass surgery, and radiocontrast-induced nephropathy, and can also be used as a mucolytic agent.
US08399438B2 2α-methyl-19-nor-1α-hydroxy-homopregnacalciferol and its uses
This invention discloses 2α-methyl-19-nor-vitamin D analogs, and specifically 2α-methyl-19-nor-1α-hydroxy-homopregnacalciferol and pharmaceutical uses therefor. This compound exhibits pronounced activity in arresting the proliferation of undifferentiated cells and inducing their differentiation to the monocyte thus evidencing use as an anti-cancer agent and for the treatment of skin diseases such as psoriasis as well as skin conditions such as wrinkles, slack skin, dry skin and insufficient sebum secretion. This compound also has little, if any, calcemic activity and therefore may be used to treat autoimmune disorders or inflammatory diseases in humans as well as renal osteodystrophy. This compound may also be used for the treatment or prevention of obesity.
US08399436B2 N-pyrazolyl carboxamides as CRAC channel inhibitors
The present invention relates to amide compounds, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and to their use in the treatment of disorders, conditions or disorders such as allergic disorders, inflammatory disorders and disorders of the immune system.
US08399433B2 Amino pyrimidine anticancer compounds
Compounds of Formula 1, as shown below and defined herein: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, synthesis, intermediates, formulations, and methods of disease treatment therewith, including cancers mediated at least in part by FAK.
US08399425B2 Alleviating neuropathic pain with EETs and sEH inhibitors
The invention discloses methods of using cis-epoxyeicosantrienoic acids (“EETs”), inhibitors of soluble epoxide hydrolase (“sEH”), or a combination of an EET and an inhibitor of sEH, to alleviate neuropathic pain in subjects suffering from such pain.
US08399420B2 Azacytidine analogues and uses thereof
The present invention is directed toward compounds of Formula (I) as follows: wherein, R is H, R5C(O), R5CH2OC(O), or R5CH2NHC(O); R1 is where the crossing dashed line illustrates the bond formed joining R1 to the molecule of Formula (I); R2 and R3 are independently OH or H, provided that R2 and R3 are not simultaneously OH; R4 is H, R5C(O), R5CH2OC(O), or R5CH2NHC(O), provided that R and R4 are not simultaneously H; and R5 has the general formula: CH3—(CH2)n—(CH═CH—CH2)m—CH═CH—(CH2)k—; k is an integer from 0 to 7; m is an integer from 0 to 2; and n is an integer from 0 to 10, or a pharmaceutical salt thereof. Methods of making and using these compounds are also disclosed.
US08399419B2 Antibacterial aminoglycoside analogs
Compounds having antibacterial activity are disclosed. The compounds have the following structure (I): including stereoisomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof, wherein Q1, Q2, Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, R1, R2 and R3 are as defined herein. Methods associated with preparation and use of such compounds, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, are also disclosed.
US08399408B2 Method for treating diabetes using neurturin
The present invention relates generally to methods for preventing and/or treating pancreatic disorders, particularly those related to diabetes, by administering a neurturin protein product.
US08399404B2 Methods and uses for inhibiting platelet coagulation
The present disclosure provides methods and uses of Slit proteins and nucleic acids for inhibiting platelet coagulation and related disorders. Further provided is a vascular device coated with Slit protein or a cell expressing a Slit protein.
US08399403B2 Chemical linkers and conjugates thereof
The present disclosure provides drug-ligand conjugates that are potent cytotoxins, wherein the drug is linked to the ligand through either a peptidyl, hydrazine, or disulfide linker. The disclosure is also directed to compositions containing the drug-ligand conjugates, and to methods of treatment using them.
US08399402B2 Polypeptide as standard for proteome analysis
The present invention provides a polypeptide as standard for peptide analysis by mass spectrometry comprising at least 16 peptides selected from the group consisting of the peptides of SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 22 or variants thereof, together with an artificial protein comprising the polypeptide, a vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide, a kit for proteome analysis, a selection of peptides for calibration an devaluation of mass spectrometers and chromatographs for proteome analysis and uses thereof.
US08399399B2 3- and 4-methyl dodecenal and their use in fragrance and flavour compositions
3- and 4-Methyl-4-dodecenal, a method of their production and fragrance and flavor compositions comprising at least one of them.
US08399398B2 Organoleptic compounds and their use in perfume compositions
The present invention a method of improving, enhancing or modifying a fragrance formulation through the addition of an olfactory acceptable amount of the following compound: wherein R1 and R2 independently represent a straight, branched or cyclic hydrocarbon moiety consisting of less than 10, preferably less than 4, most preferably 1 of 2 carbon atoms.
US08399393B2 Combination of soluble lithium salt and soluble aluminum or silicate salt as a glass etching inhibitor
A warewashing detergent composition is provided including an alkalinity source, a corrosion inhibitor and optionally, a cleaning agent. The glass corrosion inhibitor includes at least a soluble lithium salt and optionally includes a soluble aluminum salt and/or a soluble silicate salt. The warewashing detergent composition has a pH of at least about 8.
US08399384B2 Focused libraries of genetic packages
Focused libraries of vectors or genetic packages that display, display and express, or comprise a member of a diverse family of antibody peptides, polypeptides or proteins and collectively display, display and express, or comprise at least a portion of the focused diversity of the family. The libraries have length and sequence diversities that mimic that found in native human antibodies.
US08399380B2 Herbicidal composition
A herbicidal composition for controlling weeds in orchard lands or non-crop lands which comprises (a) N-(7-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-3-oxo-4-prop-2-ynyl-2H-1,4-benzeoxazin-6-yl) cyclohex-1-ene-1,2-dicarboxamide and (b) 1-(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)-3-(2-ethylsulfonylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-ylsulfonyl)urea as active ingredients, and a mixing ratio (the weight ratio of the active ingredient (a) to the active ingredient (b) of which is from 1:0.1 to 10.
US08399369B2 Optical glass and optical element
An object of the present invention is to provide optical glass having improved glass-devitrification resistance and moldability without causing reduction in refractive index, and also provide an optical element using the optical glass as a raw material. Specifically, the present invention provides an optical glass containing components of, by mol %: B2O3: over 60% through 75%; Bi2O3: 24% to 39%; La2O3: 7% or lower; Gd2O3: 7% or lower; and ZrO2: 7% or lower.
US08399368B2 Nonwoven web material containing a crosslinked elastic component formed from a linear block copolymer
A nonwoven web material that contains an elastic component is provided. The elastic component contains a crosslinked network formed from a linear block copolymer having a monoalkenyl aromatic midblock positioned between conjugated diene endblocks (e.g., butadiene-styrene-butadiene (“B-S-B”) triblock copolymer). Prior to crosslinking, such linear block copolymers have a relatively low viscosity and thus may be readily formed into a precursor elastic component that is subsequently crosslinked to achieve the desired elastic and mechanical properties. Crosslinking is typically achieved through the formation of free radicals (unpaired electrons) that link together to form a plurality of carbon-carbon covalent bonds at the conjugated diene endblocks.
US08399363B1 Methods of forming oxide-filled trenches in substrates using multiple-temperature oxide deposition techniques
Methods of forming integrated circuit substrates include forming first and second trenches having unequal widths in a semiconductor substrate and then depositing a first oxide layer at a first temperature into the first and second trenches. The first oxide layer has a thickness sufficient to completely fill the first trench but only partially fill the second trench, which is wider than the first trench. A step is also performed to selectively remove a portion of the first oxide layer from a bottom of the second trench. A second oxide layer is then deposited at a second temperature onto the bottom of the second trench. The second temperature is greater than the first temperature. For example, the first temperature may be in a range from about 300° C. to about 460° C. and the second temperature may be in a range from about 500° C. to about 600° C.
US08399359B2 Manufacturing method for dual damascene structure
A manufacturing method for a dual damascene structure includes providing a substrate having a dielectric layer, a first hard mask layer and a second hard mask layer sequentially formed thereon, performing a first double patterning process to sequentially form a plurality of first trench openings and a plurality of second trench openings in the second hard mask layer, performing a second double patterning process to sequentially form a plurality of first via openings and a plurality of second via openings in the fist hard mask layer, and transferring the first trench openings, the second trench openings, the first via openings, and the second via openings to the dielectric layer to form a plurality of dual damascene openings.
US08399355B2 Stacked semiconductor package and method for manufacturing the same
A stacked semiconductor package includes a semiconductor chip module including at least two semiconductor chips, each semiconductor chip having a first face, a second face opposite to the first face, and a circuit part. A through portion passes through the first and second faces of the semiconductor chip. A recess part is formed in a portion of the second face where the second face and the through portion meet. A through electrode is electrically connected to the circuit part and is disposed inside of the through portion. A connection member is disposed in the recess part to electrically connect the through electrodes of adjacent stacked semiconductor chips. And the semiconductor chip module is mounted to a substrate. The stacked semiconductor package prevents both gaps between semiconductor chips and misalignment of the through electrode.
US08399352B2 Semiconductor device comprising self-aligned contact bars and metal lines with increased via landing regions
When forming metal lines of the metal zero level, a reduced bottom width and an increased top width may be achieved by using appropriate patterning regimes, for instance using a spacer structure after forming an upper trench portion with a top width, or forming the lower portion of the trenches and subsequently applying a further mask and etch regime in which the top width is implemented. In this manner, metal lines connecting to self-aligned contact bars may be provided so as to exhibit a bottom width of 20 nm and less, while the top width may allow reliable contact to any vias of the metallization system.
US08399348B2 Semiconductor device for improving electrical and mechanical connectivity of conductive pillers and method therefor
A semiconductor device has a semiconductor die having a first surface and a second surface wherein at least one bond pad is formed on the first surface. A passivation layer is formed on the first surface of the semiconductor device, wherein a central area of the at least one bond is exposed. A seed layer is formed on exposed portions of the bond pad and the passivation layer. A conductive pillar is formed on the seed layer. The conductive pillar has a base portion wherein the base portion has a diameter smaller than the seed layer and a stress relief portion extending from a lateral surface of a lower section of the base portion toward distal ends of the seed layer. A solder layer is formed on the conductive pillar.
US08399342B2 Method for fabricating semiconductor device with buried bit lines
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a plurality of bodies isolated by trenches by etching a substrate, forming a buried bit line gap-filling a portion of each trench, forming an etch stop layer on an upper surface of the buried bit line; and forming a word line extended in a direction crossing the buried bit line over the etch stop layer.
US08399337B2 Method for manufacturing SOI substrate and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A highly reliable semiconductor device capable of high speed operation is manufactured over a flexible substrate at a high yield. A separation layer is formed over an insulating substrate by a sputtering method; the separation layer is flattened by a reverse sputtering method; an insulating film is formed over the flattened separation layer; a damaged area is formed by introducing hydrogen or the like into a semiconductor substrate; an insulating film is formed over the semiconductor substrate in which the damaged area is formed; the insulating film formed over the insulating substrate is bonded to the insulating film formed over the semiconductor substrate, the semiconductor substrate is separated at the damaged area so that a semiconductor layer is formed over the insulating substrate; the semiconductor layer is flattened so as to form an SOI substrate; and the semiconductor device is formed over the SOI substrate.
US08399334B2 Method of manufacturing nano device by arbitrarily printing nanowire devices thereon and intermediate building block useful for the method
A method of manufacturing a nano device by directly printing a plurality of NW devices in a desired shape on a predesigned gate substrate. The method includes preparing an NW solution, preparing a building block for performing decaling onto the substrate by carrying an NW device, forming the NW device by connecting electrodes of each of building block units of the building block using NWs by dropping the NW solution between the electrodes and then through dielectrophoresis, visually inspecting the numbers of NW bridges that are formed between the electrodes of each of the building block units through the dielectrophoresis, grouping the building block units according to the numbers, and decaling the NW device formed on each of the building block units onto the gate substrate by bringing the grouped building block units into contact with the predesigned gate substrate and then detaching the grouped building block units.
US08399331B2 Laser processing for high-efficiency thin crystalline silicon solar cell fabrication
Laser processing schemes are disclosed for producing various types of hetero-junction and homo-junction solar cells. The methods include base and emitter contact opening, selective doping, and metal ablation. Also, laser processing schemes are disclosed that are suitable for selective amorphous silicon ablation and selective doping for hetero-junction solar cells. These laser processing techniques may be applied to semiconductor substrates, including crystalline silicon substrates, and further including crystalline silicon substrates which are manufactured either through wire saw wafering methods or via epitaxial deposition processes, that are either planar or textured/three-dimensional. These techniques are highly suited to thin crystalline semiconductor, including thin crystalline silicon films.
US08399330B2 Nano-wire field effect transistor, method for manufacturing the transistor, and integrated circuit including the transistor
A manufacturing method of the nano-wire field effect transistor, comprising steps of preparing an SOI substrate having a (100) surface orientation; processing a silicon crystal layer comprising the SOI substrate into a standing plate-shaped member having a rectangular cross-section; processing the silicon crystal layer by orientation dependent wet etching and thermal oxidation into a shape where two triangular columnar members are arranged one above the other with a spacing from each other so as to face along the ridge lines of the triangular columnar members; and processing the two triangular columnar members into a circular columnar member configuring a nano-wire by hydrogen annealing or thermal oxidation.
US08399329B2 Method for manufacturing SOI substrate and semiconductor device
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing an SOI substrate having an SOI layer that can be used in practical applications with high yield even when a flexible substrate such as a glass substrate or a plastic substrate is used. Further, it is another object of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing a thin semiconductor device using such an SOI substrate with high yield. When a single-crystal semiconductor substrate is bonded to a flexible substrate having an insulating surface and the single-crystal semiconductor substrate is separated to manufacture an SOI substrate, one or both of bonding surfaces are activated, and then the flexible substrate having an insulating surface and the single-crystal semiconductor substrate are attached to each other.
US08399322B2 Non-volatile semiconductor memory device and method of manufacturing the same
A non-volatile semiconductor memory device comprises a plurality of memory cells, each including a semiconductor substrate, a first insulating film formed on the semiconductor substrate, a floating gate formed on the semiconductor substrate with the inclusion of the first insulating film, a second insulating film formed on the floating gate, and a control gate formed on the floating gate with the inclusion of the second insulating film; an element isolation insulating film formed in the semiconductor substrate and extending in a gate-length direction to isolate between memory cells adjoining in a gate-width direction; and an air gap formed on the element isolation insulating film and between floating gates adjoining in the gate-width direction.
US08399318B2 Method of forming an electrical fuse and a metal gate transistor and the related electrical fuse
The present invention provides a method of integrating an electrical fuse process into a high-k/metal gate process. The method simultaneously forms a dummy gate stack of a transistor and a dummy gate stack of an e-fuse; and simultaneously removes the polysilicon of the dummy gate stack in the transistor region and the polysilicon of the dummy gate stack in the e-fuse region. Thereafter, the work function metal layer disposed in the opening of the e-fuse region is removed; and the opening in the transistor region and the opening in the e-fuse region with metal conductive structures are filled to form an e-fuse and a metal gate of a transistor.
US08399315B2 Semiconductor structure and method for manufacturing the same
The present application discloses a semiconductor structure and a method for manufacturing the same. The semiconductor structure comprises a semiconductor substrate; an epitaxial semiconductor layer formed on two side portions of the semiconductor substrate; a gate stack formed at a central position on the semiconductor substrate and abutting the epitaxial semiconductor layer, the gate comprising a gate conductor layer and a gate dielectric layer which is sandwiched between the gate conductor layer and the semiconductor substrate and surrounding the lateral surfaces of the gate conductor layer; and a sidewall spacer formed on the epitaxial semiconductor layer and surrounding the gate. The method for manufacturing the above semiconductor structure comprises forming raised source/drain regions in the epitaxial semiconductor layer utilizing the sacrificial gate. The semiconductor structure and the method for manufacturing the same can simplify the fabrication process for an ultra-thin SOI transistor and reduce the ON-state resistance and power consumption of the transistor.
US08399313B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device having first conductive layer including aluminum
A gate electrode is formed by forming a first conductive layer containing aluminum as its main component over a substrate, forming a second conductive layer made from a material different from that used for forming the first conductive layer over the first conductive layer; and patterning the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. Further, the first conductive layer includes one or more selected from carbon, chromium, tantalum, tungsten, molybdenum, titanium, silicon, and nickel. And the second conductive layer includes one or more selected from chromium, tantalum, tungsten, molybdenum, titanium, silicon, and nickel, or nitride of these materials.
US08399308B2 Method for forming semiconductor device having metallization comprising select lines, bit lines and word lines
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate including a first region having a cell region and a second region having a peripheral circuit region, first transistors on the semiconductor substrate, a first protective layer covering the first transistors, a first insulation layer on the first protective layer, a semiconductor pattern on the first insulation layer in the first region, second transistors on the semiconductor pattern, a second protective layer covering the second transistors, the second protective layer having a thickness greater than that of the first protective layer, and a second insulation layer on the second protective layer and the first insulation layer of the second region.
US08399301B2 Mounting structures for integrated circuit modules
A structure of an integrated circuit module includes a wiring board, a plurality of integrated circuits and at least one terminating resistance circuit. The wiring board has a mounting region on at least one surface thereof. The plurality of integrated circuits are mounted in the mounting region of the wiring board and spaced from one another in a first direction. The at least one terminating resistance circuit is arranged between at least two adjacent integrated circuits, and coupled to an output of a last of the plurality of integrated circuits.
US08399296B2 Airgap micro-spring interconnect with bonded underfill seal
A method of assembling a package includes aligning a pad chip with a spring chip to form at least one interconnect in an interconnect area, adhering the pad chip to the spring chip so that there is a gap between the pad chip and the spring chip, dispensing underfill material into the gap to seal the interconnect area from an environment external to the package, and curing the underfill material to form a solid mold.
US08399294B2 Semiconductor package for discharging heat and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor package for quickly discharging heat and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. The semiconductor package includes a semiconductor package module having a first insulation member and at least one fluid passage passing through the insulation member. Circuit patterns are formed on a first face of the first insulation member. Semiconductor chips are then disposed on the first face and are electrically connected with the circuit patterns respectively. A second insulation member is formed so as to surround the side faces of the semiconductor chips, the first insulation member, and the circuit patterns. Finally, a through electrode is formed passing through the second insulation member of the semiconductor package module and electrically connecting to the circuit patterns.
US08399291B2 Underfill device and method
An underfill device and method have been are provided. Advantages of devices and methods shown include dissipation of stresses at an interface between components such as a chip package and an adjacent circuit board. Another advantage includes faster manufacturing time and ease of manufacture using underfill devices and methods shown. An underfill assembly can be pre made with conductive structures included within the underfill assembly. Steps such as flowing epoxy and curing can be eliminated or performed concurrently with other manufacturing steps.
US08399290B2 Organic transistor with fluropolymer banked crystallization well
A method is provided for fabricating a printed organic thin film transistor (OTFT) with a patterned organic semiconductor using a fluropolymer banked crystallization well. In the case of a bottom gate OTFT, a substrate is provided and a gate electrode is formed overlying the substrate. A gate dielectric is formed overlying the gate electrode, and source (S) and drain (D) electrodes are formed overlying the gate dielectric. A gate dielectric OTFT channel interface region is formed between the S/D electrodes. A well with fluropolymer containment and crystallization banks is then formed, to define an organic semiconductor print area. The well is filled with an organic semiconductor, covering the S/D electrodes and the gate dielectric OTFT channel interface. Then, the organic semiconductor is crystallized. Predominant crystal grain nucleation originates from regions overlying the S/D electrodes. As a result, an organic semiconductor channel is formed, interposed between the S/D electrodes.
US08399280B2 Method for protecting an integrated circuit chip against laser attacks
A method for protecting, against laser attacks, an integrated circuit chip formed inside and on top of a semiconductor substrate and including in the upper portion of the substrate an active portion in which are formed components, this method including the steps of: forming in the substrate a gettering area extending under the active portion, the upper limit of the area being at a depth ranging between 5 and 50 μm from the upper surface of the substrate; and introducing diffusing metal impurities into the substrate.
US08399279B2 Fabrication method of carbon nanotube film and sensor based on carbon nanotube film
A method for fabricating a carbon nanotube film floating on a bottom is provided. The fabrication method of a carbon nanotube film comprises: forming electrodes on a substrate; arranging a suspension comprising a plurality of carbon nanotubes on the electrodes; and arranging the carbon nanotubes on the electrodes by applying a voltage to the electrodes.
US08399277B2 Compound semiconductor light-emitting diode and method for fabrication thereof
A compound semiconductor light-emitting diode includes a light-emitting layer (133) formed of aluminum-gallium-indium phosphide, a light-emitting part (13) having component layers individually formed of a Group III-V compound semiconductor, a transparent supporting layer (14) bonded to one of the outermost surface layers (135) of the light-emitting part (13) and transparent to the light emitted from the light-emitting layer (133), and a bonding layer (141) formed between the supporting layer (14) and the one of the outermost surface layers (135) of the light-emitting part (13) containing oxygen atoms at a concentration of 1×1020 cm−3 or less.
US08399262B2 Biosensor
Disclosed herein are biosensors for the detection of airborne biomolecules. The biosensors include a housing, a sensing component, and optionally a sample capture component. The biosensors may utilize a gel-based detection platform.
US08399248B2 Methods of using MIR34 as a biomarker for TP53 functional status
In one aspect, the invention generally relates to use of miR-34 as a biomarker to estimate TP53 function in a cell. In another aspect, the invention generally relates to multiple uses of miR-34 and siRNAs functionally and structurally related to miR-34 for the treatment of cancer.
US08399245B2 Rotation system for cell growth chamber of a cell expansion system and method of use therefor
A system and method for rotating a cell growth chamber of a cell expansion system includes a rotatable member for engaging a chamber coupling attached to the cell growth chamber. The rotatable member includes an independently operable mechanism for engaging a rotatable fitting associated with the chamber coupling. In at least one embodiment, the chamber coupling is selectively rotatable by turning the rotatable member, thereby rotating the cell growth chamber around a first axis. The cell growth chamber is also selectively rotatable around a second axis by turning the rotatable fitting associated with the chamber coupling. Other novel aspects include a way of attaching the cell growth chamber to the shaft assembly, and a new tube routing clip.
US08399243B2 Method of manufacturing a tissue-engineered prosthesis
Developing heart valves are exposed to dynamic strains by applying a dynamic pressure difference over the leaflets. The flow is kept to a minimum, serving only as a perfusion system, supplying the developing tissue with fresh nutrients. Standard heart valves were engineered based on B trileaflet scaffolds seeded with cells isolated from the human saphenous vein. Tissue compaction is constrained by the stent, inducing increasing pre-strain in the tissue. The dynamic strains the tissues are exposed to via the dynamic pressure difference, are estimated using finite element methods based on the mechanical properties of the neo-tissue, in order to get inside into the strain distribution over the leaflet.
US08399238B2 Shelf-stable product with living micro-organisms
The present invention relates to shelf-stable liquid products, for example diary products, comprising micro-organisms, especially probiotics. The micro-organisms are able to survive for several months at room temperature basically due to their inability to metabolise nutrients contained in the liquid product. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing the liquid product according to the invention.
US08399212B2 Bioluminescent assays utilising secreted luciferases
Disclosed herein are methods for determining the amount or activity of one or more luciferases and methods for measuring the luminescent signal generated by one or more luciferases in a sample, the methods comprising incubating the sample with a reactive substrate(s) of the luciferase(s) to be analysed and a reducing agent to inactivate a first luciferase, wherein the first luciferase, in its native form, is a secreted luciferase.
US08399210B2 Autoantigenes for improved diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of inflammatory neurological diseases
According to the invention, autoantibodies, the appearance of which is characteristic of neurological autoimmune diseases, especially multiple sclerosis, are detected and the respective autoantigens identified. It can further be shown that many of these autoantigens are expressed specifically in the brain. The identification of the autoantigens and autoantibodies is useful for diagnosis and treatment. A brain-specific expression of the autoantigens further emphasizes an important role of the antigens and antibodies in the origin and development of neurological autoimmune diseases.
US08399209B2 Homogeneous detection method
The invention relates to methods for the quantitative or qualitative detection of an analyte in an assay and adequate reagents therefor, particularly a homogeneous binding test. According to the invention, an analyte-specific binding partner R1 comprises more than one specific binding point for a specific binding partner X that is associated with a component of a signal-forming system while a second analyte-specific binding partner R2 comprises more than one specific binding point for a specific binding partner Y which is also associated with a component of a signal-forming system.
US08399208B2 Method and kit for the measurement of neutrophil cell activation
The present invention is related to accurate detection methods for the measurement only of myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels or neutrophils, preferably equine neutrophils, in complex biological samples. The present invention is further related to ELISA and SIEFED assays for such detection. SIEFED detection sensitivity of active peroxidase activity was found to be enhanced by the addition of nitrite. Such MPO measurement finds its use in many applications such as the prediction, diagnosis and/or monitoring of pathologies correlated with neutrophil activation and/or destruction; the evaluation of drugs and/or immunomodulators; the assessment of immune responses, either natural and/or after treatment with immunomodulators and/or drugs; and the study of cells and their ability to fight microorganisms and/or to destroy them.
US08399207B2 Monoclonal antibodies against osteopontin
The present invention relates to reagents and methods for the detection of osteopontin fragments and distinguishing them from each other and from the full-length osteopontin protein. The present invention also relates to assays for the determination of the presence of osteopontin fragments in samples obtained from subjects and, further, the correlation of osteopontin fragment levels fragment levels with disease detection, progression and prognosis.
US08399205B2 Device and method for separation, concentration, and/or purification of cells
The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for cell separation. In particular, the invention relates to separation of a particular cell type from a mixture of different cell types based on the differential rolling property of the particular cell type on a substrate coated with molecules that exhibits adhesive property with the particular cell type. The molecules can be directly coated on the surface or coated on nanoparticles that are adhered to the surface. This technology is adaptable for use in implantable shunts and devices for cell trafficking or tumor neutralization.
US08399194B2 Heteropolynucleotide duplexes with purine—purine base pairing
The present invention relates to stable anti-parallel heteropolynucleotide duplexes, comprising a plurality of complementary purine-purine nucleobase dyads, wherein the nucleobase is coupled to a pentose sugar backbone. The present invention further relates to methods of hybridizing two heteropolynucleotide molecules to form such purine-purine nucleobase dyads, as well as kits and solid supports comprising such purine-purine nucleobase dyads.
US08399192B2 Using populations of beads for the fabrication of arrays on surfaces
The present invention provides a method of creating an array of features. The method can include steps of (a) providing a plurality of beads, wherein each bead in the plurality of beads includes probe content; (b) contacting the plurality of beads with a surface to produce a layer of beads on the surface; and (c) transferring the probe content from the beads to the surface to create an array of spatially discrete features on the surface, wherein each spatially discrete feature includes probe content from a bead in the plurality of beads.
US08399191B2 Forensic identification
The invention provides allelic ladder mixtures and individual alleles suitable for use in such mixtures. The allelic ladder mixtures give improved identification and distinguishing capabilities, particularly suitable in forensic investigations.
US08399186B2 Simultaneous detection of metabolic enzyme activity and metabolite levels
Provided are methods for detecting a metabolic disorder in an individual using mass spectrometry. One method involves (a) contacting a sample containing (i) a metabolically indicative enzyme and (ii) a metabolic analyte, with a substrate for the enzyme to produce a reaction admixture, under conditions wherein the enzyme is capable of acting on a corresponding substrate to generate a product, and wherein a protease inhibitor is present; (b) contacting the reaction admixture with a reagent that inhibits the ability of the enzyme to act on a corresponding substrate, wherein the metabolic analyte and the product are soluble in the reagent; to produce a test sample and (c) determining the presence or amount of the metabolic analyte and the product contained in the test sample using mass spectrometry, wherein a determined presence or amount of the metabolic analyte and the product correlates with presence or absence of the metabolic disorder.
US08399185B2 Regulators of NFAT
Disclosed are methods of identifying an agent that modulates an NFAT regulator protein. One such method comprises contacting at least one test agent with a recombinant cell comprising at least one NFAT regulator protein or fragment or derivative thereof, assessing the effect of the test agent on an activity, interaction, expression, or binding to the NFAT regulator protein or fragment or derivative thereof, and identifying the test agent that has an effect on an activity, interaction, expression, or binding to the NFAT regulator protein or fragment or derivative thereof, whereby the identified test agent is characterized as an agent that modulates an NFAT regulator protein. Methods of identifying an agent that modulates intracellular calcium, methods to screen for an agent that modulates NFAT regulator function, methods to diagnose unexplained immunodeficiency in a subject, and methods for identifying an agent for treating or preventing a disease or disorder associated with a NFAT regulator protein or calcium signaling are also disclosed.
US08399184B2 Method for laser interference lithography using diffraction grating
A method for laser interference lithography using a diffraction grating includes (a) forming a photoresist layer on a work substrate to which a repeated fine pattern is to be formed; (b) forming a refractive index matching material layer on the photoresist layer; (c) forming on the refractive index matching material layer a diffraction grating layer having a period of diffraction grating within the range from λ/ng to λ/n0 (λ is a wavelength of laser beam, ng is a refractive index of the diffraction grating, and n0 is a refractive index in the air or in vacuum); and (d) exposing the photoresist layer by means of mutual interference of positive and negative diffracted lights with the same absolute value by inputting a laser beam perpendicularly to the diffraction grating layer. This method allows to realize an interference pattern with higher resolution and to use a laser source with lower coherence.
US08399182B2 Method of fabricating liquid crystal display device
A method of fabricating a transflective type liquid crystal display device includes: forming gate and data lines with a gate insulating layer therebetween on a substrate and crossing each other to define a pixel region that includes a switching region, a reflective region, and a transmissive region; forming a thin film transistor corresponding to the switching region and connected to the gate and data lines; forming a first passivation layer on the thin film transistor; forming a reflective plate on the first passivation layer in the reflective region; forming a second passivation layer on the reflective plate; forming a pixel electrode on the second passivation layer and connected to a drain electrode of the thin film transistor; forming a third passivation layer on the pixel electrode.
US08399181B2 Methods of fabricating photomasks for improving damascene wire uniformity without reducing performance
A method of improving damascene wire uniformity without reducing performance. The method includes simultaneously forming a multiplicity of damascene wires and a multiplicity of metal dummy shapes in a dielectric layer of a wiring level of an integrated circuit chip, the metal dummy shapes being dispersed between damascene wires of the multiplicity of damascene wires; and removing or modifying those metal dummy shapes of the multiplicity of metal dummy shapes within exclusion regions around selected damascene wires of the multiplicity of damascene wires. Also a method of fabricating a photomask and a photomask for use in improving damascene wire uniformity without reducing performance.
US08399180B2 Three dimensional integration with through silicon vias having multiple diameters
A method is disclosed which includes patterning a photoresist layer on a substrate of a structure, removing a first portion of the photoresist layer to expose a first area of the substrate, etching the first area to form a cavity having a first depth, removing a second portion of the photoresist to expose an additional area of the substrate, and etching the cavity to expose a first conductor in the structure and the additional area to expose a second conductor in the structure.
US08399172B2 Negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor and method of lithographic printing using same
A negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor is disclosed that can be developed on the press without going through a development processing step, and a method of lithographic printing is also disclosed that uses this negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor. Also disclosed are a negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor that can be developed by a water-soluble resin-containing aqueous solution and a method of lithographic printing that uses this negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor. A negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor is provided that exhibits an excellent fine line reproducibility in nonimage areas even when printing is performed using ultraviolet-curing ink (UV ink). Also provided is a negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor that exhibits an excellent combination of fine line reproducibility and printing durability and that resists the production of scum during on-press development. The negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor has a support and has thereon a photopolymerizable layer that contains a polymer compound that has the urea bond in the main chain and a hydrophilic group and a carboxylic acid content less than 0.05 meq/g. The method of lithographic printing uses this negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor.
US08399161B2 Transparent colourants and colourant compositions, and their use
A colorant composition comprising in a weight ratio of from 99:1 to 10:90, a pigment of average particle size from 10 to 200 nm and a compound of the formula
US08399155B1 Production of high efficiency diffractive and refractive optical elements in multicomponent glass by nonlinear photo-ionization followed by thermal development
Apparatus, methods and systems for production of high efficiency refractive and diffractive elements by providing a photo-sensitizer free multicomponent glass, exposing the multi component glass to pulsed laser radiation to produce refractive indexed modulation, and heating the exposed multicomponent silicate glass to produce the high efficiency refractive and diffractive elements. The pulsed laser radiation is infrared femtosecond pulses to ultraviolet nanosecond pulses which provide ionization of glass matrix. The multicomponent glass is a photosensitive glass with high transparency in ultraviolet spectral region, e.g. silicate glass which includes silver, fluorine and bromine and does not contain photosensitizers such as cerium and antimony, PTR glass, cerium free PTR glass and cerium+antimony free PTR glass.
US08399144B2 Membrane-electrode assembly for direct oxidation fuel cell and direct oxidation fuel cell
A membrane-electrode assembly for a direct oxidation fuel cell includes an electrolyte membrane, and an anode and a cathode sandwiching said electrolyte membrane. The cathode includes a catalyst layer in contact with the electrolyte membrane and a diffusion layer formed on the catalyst layer, and the catalyst layer contains 2 to 20% by volume of pores. A direct oxidation fuel cell including this membrane-electrode assembly has excellent power generating performance and durability.
US08399141B2 Fuel cell system and fuel cell power managing method
A fuel cell system and a fuel cell power managing method in which the fuel cell system controls a current output of a fuel cell by adjusting a target voltage value of the fuel cell according to a difference between a current value of the fuel cell and a target constant current value. By doing so, the fuel cell system may allow the fuel cell to stably and constantly output a constant current.
US08399136B2 Electrolyte solution for lithium ion secondary battery, lithium ion secondary battery, fluoroalkane derivative and gelling agent
The electrolyte solution for a lithium ion secondary battery according to the present invention contains a nonaqueous solvent, a lithium salt and a compound represented by the general formula (Z) shown below. Thereby, a lithium ion secondary battery having high battery characteristics and simultaneously achieving a high safety as well can be provided. R—SO2—Ar1—O—R1  (Z) wherein Ar1 denotes a substituted or nonsubstituted divalent aromatic group having 5 to 30 atoms of the nucleus(es); R1 denotes a saturated or unsaturated monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; and R denotes a saturated or unsaturated monovalent hydrocarbon group having a perfluoroalkyl group and having 2 to 22 carbon atoms.
US08399133B2 Electrode assembly and secondary battery having the same
An electrode assembly of a secondary battery includes a cathode including a cathode active material layer, an anode including an anode active material layer, and a ceramic coating layer formed on at least one of surfaces of the cathode and anode that face each other. The ceramic coating layer includes a ceramic powder and a binder. The specific surface area of the ceramic powder is more than 1.5 m2/g and less than 15.0 m2/g, and, in the particle size distribution of the ceramic powder, the D10 value is more than 0.05 μm and the D90 value is less than 3.0 μm.
US08399129B2 Negative electrode for lithium secondary battery, and lithium secondary battery including the same
A negative electrode for a lithium secondary battery of the present invention includes a current collector and a negative electrode active material layer carried on the current collector. The negative electrode active material layer includes a plurality of columnar particles. The current collector has a surface including a depression and a plurality of projected regions defined by the depression. The projected regions carry the columnar particles. Further, the present invention relates to a lithium secondary battery using the foregoing negative electrode. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a high-capacity negative electrode excellent mainly in cycle characteristics for a lithium secondary battery, and a lithium secondary battery including the same.
US08399124B2 Vapor transmission resistant seal members for nonaqueous electrochemical cells
A seal member having a thermoplastic body for an electrochemical cell containing a nonaqueous organic solvent electrolyte. In particular, the seal member is preferably one or more of (a) a seal located between a cell container wall and a cell cover and (b) a seal of a vent assembly, more particularly a ball vent assembly. The seal member has a composite construction including one or more vapor transmission barrier layers disposed on a portion of the thermoplastic body.
US08399114B2 Battery module
A battery module includes a first unit cell, a second unit cell, a first exhaust chamber, and a second exhaust chamber. The first unit cell is disposed so that a positive electrode terminal faces the first direction. The second unit cell is connected in series to the first unit cell, the negative electrode terminal is disposed so as to face the first direction, and the second unit is disposed so as to be adjacent to the first unit cell. The first exhaust chamber is disposed so as to face the positive electrode terminal of the first unit cell, and discharges a gas which is emitted from the positive electrode terminal of the first unit cell. The second exhaust chamber is disposed so as to face the positive electrode terminal of the second unit cell, and discharges a gas generated from the positive electrode terminal of the second unit cell. The end surface of the second unit cell in the first direction and the outer surface of the first exhaust chamber in the first direction are flush with each other. The end surface of the first unit cell in a second direction opposite to the first direction and the outer surface of the second exhaust chamber in the second direction are flush with each other.
US08399112B2 Battery module and battery pack using the same
A battery module 100 includes a plurality of batteries aligned and accommodated in a housing 20, wherein each batteries has an opening portion 17 at an electrode portion 16 of the battery to release gas generated in the battery outside the battery, the housing 20 is partitioned by a circuit board 30 disposed in contact with battery cases 5 around the electrode portions 16 of the batteries into a storage portion 54 in which the batteries are stored, and an exhaust chamber 24 via which the gas released from the opening portion 17 of the electrode portion 16 is exhausted outside the housing 20, the electrode portions 16 of the batteries are connected to a connector 32 on the circuit board 30, and the opening portions 17 of the electrode portions 16 are in communication with the exhaust chamber 24 via through holes 36 in the circuit board 30.
US08399108B2 Material for organic electro-optical device having fluorene derivative compound and organic electro-optical device including the same
The present invention relates to a material for an organic electro-optical device and an organic electro-optical device including the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a material having thermal stability of a glass transition temperature of 120° C. or more and a thermal decomposition temperature of 450° C. or more, and being capable of providing an organic electro-optical device having high efficiency and a long life-span due to less crystallization and improved amorphous properties in a material for an organic electro-optical device. The material for an organic electro-optical device can be used singularly or as a host material in combination with a dopant, and includes an asymmetric fluorene derivative compound. An organic electro-optical device including the material for an organic electro-optical device is also provided.
US08399107B2 Composition for making metal matrix composites
In one embodiment, a composition (10) to be mixed with a molten metal to make a metal matrix composite, the composition characterized by: a ceramic reinforcing filler (12), the ceramic reinforcing filler not being wettable by molten aluminum and/or not being chemically stable in molten aluminum, the ceramic reinforcing filler being coated with a ceramic material, the ceramic material being wettable by and chemically stable in molten aluminum. In a related embodiment, a composition (20) to make a porous preform to be infiltrated by molten metal to make a metal matrix composite, the composition characterized by: a ceramic reinforcing filler (23), the ceramic reinforcing filler not being wettable by molten aluminum, the ceramic reinforcing filler being coated with a ceramic material (22) and optionally with a metal (21) such as nickel, the ceramic material being wettable by molten aluminum. The ceramic material can be coated on the ceramic reinforcing filler by a vacuum deposition technique such as vacuum sputtering.
US08399106B2 Composition and method for treating wood
According to the invention, wood material is treated with a composition comprising at least one C1-C7 monocarboxylic acid or a salt, or mixtures thereof, and at least one chelating agent. These compounds are dissolved in a liquid aqueous vehicle. In this manner, the treated wood is endowed with excellent resistance against detrimental environmental effects.
US08399105B2 Polymer latex suitable for the preparation of dip-molded articles
The present invention relates to a polymer latex made by free-radical emulsion polymerization comprising polymer particles containing structural units derived from at least one conjugated diene component, whereby said polymer particles comprise at least one hard phase segment and at least one soft phase segment, wherein the polymer latex is particularly suitable for the production of dip-molded articles. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a process for making such a polymer latex, to the use of said polymer latex for the production of dip-molded articles, to a compounded polymer latex composition that is suitable for the production of dip-molded articles, to a method for making dip-molded latex articles, as well as to the latex articles obtained thereby.
US08399095B2 Solar cells modules comprising low haze encapsulants
A solar cell module comprises a solar cell layer and an ionomer sheet. The ionomer sheet comprises a first ionomer that is the neutralized product of a first precursor acid copolymer, which, in turn, comprises copolymerized units of ethylene and about 20 to about 30 wt % of copolymerized acrylic or methacrylic acid. The first precursor acid copolymer has a melt flow rate of about 70 to about 1000 g/10 min. When neutralized to a level of about 40% to about 90% and when comprising counterions that consist essentially of sodium cations, the first precursor acid copolymer produces a sodium ionomer that has a melt flow rate of about 0.7 to about 25 g/10 min and a freeze enthalpy that is not detectable or that is less than about 3.0 j/g. The ionomer sheet may further comprise a second ionomer that is different from the first ionomer.
US08399087B2 Stack of interfolded absorbent sheet products
A stack of interfolded absorbent sheet products comprises a plurality of absorbent sheets each of which is itself folded at least twice about axes that are perpendicular to one another. The absorbent sheets have an embossed surface relief of a predetermined pattern or design. Each of the absorbent sheets within the stack comprises at least one pair of panels sandwiched between a pair of adjacent panels of another of the absorbent sheets in the stack.
US08399085B2 Energy-absorbing pads
An energy-absorbing pad structure includes an energy-absorbing pad that is encapsulated by a polymeric film. The polymeric film is sufficiently air-permeable to permit air to escape during rapid compression of the pad structure, such as from a high-speed dynamic impact, but nonetheless is water resistant under ordinary conditions. It is desirable that the polymeric film is made from an elastic polymer. The air-permeability can be provided from a series of perforations such that the film's elastic quality tends to contract the perforations thereby impeding the progress of water through them under normal conditions. The energy-absorbing pad can be a semi-rigid viscoelastic foam.
US08399084B2 Resistive implant welding for assemblies of plastic components
A novel method and set of structures for performing resistive implant welding of two plastic components to form an assembly. A first one of the components to be welded includes a channel structure which receives the resistive implant and maintains it in a desired position until the welding operation is performed. The second component to be welded includes a complementary structure including a land which is sized to engage the channel structure and captive resistive implant on the first component. The two components are pre-weld positioned with the land in the channel structure and the positioned components are then placed in a press which exerts a pre-selected pressure on the interface between the channel and the land. Next, a pre-selected electric current is passed through the resistive implant to heat it and to bring the plastic material of the channel structure and the land to their molten points, where they intermingle through the resistive implant. The electrical current is removed and the weld is allowed to cool to its finished state and the welded assembly is removed from the press.
US08399082B2 High-clarity blended ionomer compositions and articles comprising the same
An ionomer blend composition comprises a blend of a first ionomer and a second ionomer that is different from the first ionomer. The first ionomer is derived from a first precursor acid copolymer that has a melt flow rate of about 10 to about 4000 g/10 min and that comprises copolymerized units of an α-olefin and about 20 to about 30 wt % of copolymerized units of an α,β-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid. Moreover, the first precursor acid can be neutralized to a level of about 40% to about 90% to form a sodium ionomer that has a MFR of about 0.7 to about 25 g/10 min and a freeze enthalpy that is less than about 3.0 j/g or that is not detectable, when determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A variety of articles may comprise or be produced from the ionomer blend composition, for example by injection molding.
US08399071B2 Process for producing polycrystalline silicon
The process for producing polycrystalline silicon by feeding a reaction gas containing a silane gas and a hydrogen gas into a reaction vessel equipped with silicon core members erected on the electrodes, heating the silicon core members by flowing an electric current thereto to a temperature at which silicon deposits, forming polycrystalline silicon rods by allowing the formed silicon to deposit on the silicon core members, and discharging the discharge gas after the reaction from the reaction vessel, wherein the discharge gas discharged from the reaction vessel is quenched so that the temperature thereof drops from 800° C. down to 500° C. in not longer than 0.1 second.
US08399068B2 Liquid crystal aligning agent, method of producing a liquid crystal alignment film and liquid crystal display device
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal aligning agent which contains at least one selected from the group consisting of a polysiloxane having a structure represented by the following formula (S-0) and synthesized through the step of hydrolyzing or hydrolyzing/condensing a silane compound in the presence of an alkali metal compound or an organic base, a hydrolysate thereof and a condensate of the hydrolysate: (in the above formula (S-0), R is a group having an alkyl group with 4 to 20 carbon atoms, a fluoroalkyl group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms or a cyclohexyl group, or a group having 17 to 51 carbon atoms and a steroid skeleton, and YI is a hydroxyl group, an alkoxyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or an aryl group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms).
US08399062B2 Elastomeric foam product
A surface is insulated by applying an elastomeric foam material. In one embodiment, the elastomeric foam material comprises a polyurethane foam that is formed on-site by reacting an isocyanate with a polyol. In one embodiment, the polyol may include a polyol chain extender and/or a plasticizer. In one embodiment, the elastomeric foam material forms an air barrier against a surface. After the elastomeric foam material is installed, a fibrous insulation material may be then placed over the foam layer.
US08399051B1 Method for making a patterned perpendicular magnetic recording disk having a FePt or CoPt chemically ordered recording layer
A method for making a bit-patterned-media (BPM) magnetic recording disk includes depositing a FePt (or CoPt) alloy recording layer, and then depositing a sealing layer on the FePt layer before high-temperature annealing. The high-temperature annealing causes the FePt to become substantially chemically-ordered in the L10 phase. After annealing, the sealing layer is removed. The sealing layer prevents nanoclustering and agglomeration of the FePt material at the surface of the FePt layer and the sealing layer, which would result in undesirable high surface roughness of the FePt, making patterning of the FePt layer difficult. The FePt layer can be patterned into the discrete islands for the BPM disk either before deposition of the sealing layer or after deposition and removal of the sealing layer. After patterning and removal of the sealing layer, the disk protective overcoat is deposited over the discrete data islands.
US08399046B2 Preparation method of metal oxide doped monolith carbon aerogel for capacitance capacitor
Provided is a preparation method of a metal oxide doped monolith carbon aerogel for a high capacitance capacitor, the including: preparing a monolith carbon aerogel by performing a thermal decomposition of a moist gel dried in condition of a atmospheric pressure and a room temperature in a nitrogen atmosphere; impregnating the monolith carbon aerogel into alcohol where a metal precursor is dissolved; and calcinating the monolith carbon aerogel where the metal precursor is impregnated in an atmospheric atmosphere. By impregnating the metal oxide into the monolith carbon aerogel, a limit of capacitance may be enhanced using a pseudo capacitance effect by an interfacial oxidation reduction reaction.
US08399045B2 Film formation method and film formation apparatus
A film formation method according to the present invention includes the step of forming a film of material powders 7 by introducing a carrier gas 5 to a first chamber 8 accommodating the material powders 7 intermittently and mixing the material powders 7 and the carrier gas 5 to generate a first aerosol, introducing the first aerosol to a second chamber 9 to generate a second aerosol, and jetting the second aerosol to a third chamber 13 to form a film of the material powders 7.
US08399044B2 Method for coating medication on medical article
A method for coating medication for a medical product is disclosed. A technique for coating gel in a viscous semisolid state is provided to facilitate coating of medication. Coating of medication on an article can be facilitated using gel, and coating of medication on an article such as an article made of silk and an article made of polypropylene can be further facilitated.
US08399043B2 Whey protein micelles
The present invention relates to whey protein micelles, particularly to whey protein micelle concentrates or powders thereof and to a method for producing them. The present invention also pertains to the use of these micelles concentrates or powders thereof in nutrition and/or cosmetics and/or pharmaceutics.
US08399036B2 Layered taco maker and method
A method for filling an edible shell, in particular, a taco shell is achieved by gathering a first filling ingredient for a taco and layering the first filling ingredient along a first plane, gathering a second filling ingredient for a taco and layering the second filling ingredient along a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane, and inserting the layered first and second filling ingredients within a taco shell. A template for the preparation of a layered taco is also provided. The template includes a guide member having a concave recess shaped and dimensioned for receiving the open end of a taco shell, the concave recess being defined by a facing wall in the generally shape of the open end of the taco shell. The template also includes a support shelf transversely positioned within the concave recess. At least one filling ingredient is placed upon the support shelf, the taco shell is slid within the concave section with the filling ingredient between the first and second shell walls and the support shelf is withdrawn such that the filling ingredient is released to lie within the taco shell.
US08399034B2 Miso
The present invention provides miso containing a flavonoid substance having a flavanone, flavone, or flavonol skeleton in an amount of 0.01 to 5% by mass (weight).
US08399032B2 Bruise amelioration composition and method of use
A bruise amelioration composition that can be applied for one hour to an affected site, such as a bruise, contusion or blister, in the form of a gel, liquid or adhesive bandage. The composition includes at least 40% by weight of glycerin and at least 2% by weight of primrose oil. Preferably, the composition includes a fragrance, such as peach oil and marjoram and 1% to 10% by weight of vitamins A, C, D, E and K.
US08399023B2 Crystallization method and bioavailability
Preparation, in-vitro and in vivo characterization of novel forms of (1-hydroxy-2-imidazol-1-yl-1-phosphono-ethyl)phosphonic acid, suitable for pharmaceutical compositions in drug delivery systems for humans.
US08399016B2 Sustained-release tablet composition of pramipexole
A sustained-release pharmaceutical composition in a form of an orally deliverable tablet comprises a water-soluble salt of pramipexole, dispersed in a matrix comprising a hydrophilic polymer and a starch having a tensile strength of at least about 0.15 kN cm−2 at a solid fraction representative of the tablet.
US08399003B2 Formulations and methods employing anhydrous disinfectant
Use of dried compositions of silver dihydrogen citrate along with citric acid in antimicrobial amounts directly as disinfectants is described.
US08399001B2 Cosmetic composition comprising at least one gellan gum or derivative thereof, at least one monovalent salt, and at least one suspension compound, processes using this composition, and uses thereof
Disclosed herein is a liquid or fluid aqueous cosmetic composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one gellan gum or derivative thereof, at least one monovalent salt, and at least one suspension compound chosen from silicones and fatty substances. Further disclosed herein is a process for shaping and/or holding a hairstyle, in which the cosmetic composition is used, as well as the uses of this cosmetic composition as a styling composition for fixing and holding the hair, a haircare composition, a hair conditioning composition for giving the hair softness, and a hair makeup composition.
US08398991B2 Modified ESAT-6 molecules and improved vaccine strains of Mycobacterium bovis BCG
A genetically modified strain of M. tuberculosis or Mycobacterium bovis BCG is provided, wherein the genetically modified strain comprises at least one modified sequence comprising SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, or both, having at least one mutation at T2, Q4, F8, A14, L28, L29, W43, G45, Y51, Q55, Q56, N66, M83, V90, M93, or F94 in SEQ ID NO:1; or at least one mutation at Q3, F7 A13, L27, W42, G44, Y50, Q54, N65, N67, M82, V89, M92, or F93 in SEQ ID NO:2, or a deletion at the terminal end of less than 20 amino acids. In a preferred embodiment, the mutation is at least one of T2H, Q4L, F8I, AI4R, L28A, L29S, W43R, G45T, Q55I, Q56A, N66I, N67A, M83I, V90R, M93T, or F94Q in SEQ ID NO:1, and Q3L, F7I, A13R, L27A, L28S, W42R, Q44T, Q54I, N65I, M82I, V89R, M92T, and F93Q in SEQ ID NO:2. Similarly, the genetically modified strain may also secrete ESAT-6 with a hexa-histidine tag, tetra-cysteine tag, or FLAG-tag, a GFP-fusion, or a short truncation at the C-terminal end of less than 20 amino acids.
US08398976B2 Antibodies to EGFL7 and methods for their use
The invention provides anti-EGFL7 antibodies, and compositions comprising and methods of using these antibodies.
US08398975B2 Antibodies directed to αVβ6 and uses thereof
Targeted binding agents, such antibodies directed to the antigen αVβ6 and uses of such agents are described. In particular, fully human monoclonal antibodies directed to the antigen αVβ6 are disclosed. Nucleotide sequences encoding, and amino acid sequences comprising, heavy and light chain immunoglobulin molecules, particularly sequences corresponding to contiguous heavy and light chain sequences spanning the framework regions and/or complementarity determining regions (CDR's), specifically from FR1 through FR4 or CDR1 through CDR3 are disclosed. Hybridomas or other cell lines expressing such immunoglobulin molecules and monoclonal antibodies are also disclosed.
US08398973B2 Methods and compositions for preventing adhesion
This invention provides methods and compositions for preventing post-surgical adhesion formation based on use of an interleukin-16 (IL-16) antagonist, including an IL-16 antagonist peptide and/or an IL-16 antagonist antibody.
US08398972B2 Methods of treating dementia using a GM-CSF antagonist
The invention is based on the discovery that GM-CSF antagonists can be used for the treatment of a patient that has Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia, or is at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. Accordingly, the invention provides methods of administering a GM-CSF antagonist, e.g., a GM-CSF antibody and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such antagonists.
US08398970B2 Method of preventing early Lawsonia intracellularis infections
The present invention relates inter alia to the use of a combination of a vaccine against Lawsonia intracellularis and an anti-Lawsonia antibiotic for the prevention or reduction of early, preferably fulminant Lawsonia intracellularis infections. The present invention relates particularly to the use of a live Lawsonia intracellularis vaccine in conjunction with an antibiotic that is effective against Lawsonia intracellularis, for the avoidance or reduction of early Lawsonia intracellularis infections in animals.
US08398960B2 Styling agents giving a high degree of hold in humid conditions
The invention relates to agents for temporarily shaping keratin fibers, said agents giving a very high degree of hold without impairing its flexibility and humidity resistance. The agents according to the invention contain, in a cosmetically acceptable carrier, a) at least one copolymer A which contains at least one structural entity of formula (I)— wherein R is a C1-C30 alkyl group, a C1-C4 aralkyl group, a C2-C6 alkenyl group or a C2-C6 hydroxyalkyl group and X− is a physiologically acceptable anion, and which contains at least one further structural entity of formula (II)— wherein n is 1, 2 or 3 as the number of methylene entities; b) and at least one acrylate polymer B, which is different from copolymer A, selected from b1) polyacrylic acid and/or b2) copolymers of methacrylic acid with acrylamidopropane sulfonic acid and/or b3) copolymers of acrylic acid with methacrylic acid and acrylic esters and/or b4) copolymers of acrylic acid with methacrylic acid with acrylic esters and methacrylic esters and/or b5) copolymers of acrylic esters with methacrylic acid.
US08398958B2 Carotenoid compositions useful for whitening skin
The present invention relates to use of carotenoid preparations for promoting skin whitening. Particularly, the present invention discloses that a combination of phytoene and phytofluene is effective in whitening skin. The present invention further relates to carotenoid compositions comprising a combination of phytofluene and phytofluene effective in whitening skin and at least one additional carotenoid, particularly carotenoids devoid of highly intense color.
US08398953B2 Method of preparing lithium titanate nanoparticles
A method of preparing lithium titanate nanoparticles, the method including: feeding reactants including lithium and titanium into a reactor, followed by mixing the reactants in the reactor at a molecular level; and generating a crystal nucleus by chemically reacting the reactants in the reactor.
US08398927B2 Carbon nanotube manufacturing apparatus, carbon nanotube manufacturing method, and radical producing apparatus
A carbon nanotube manufacturing apparatus includes a plasma generating unit that generates plasma including ions, radicals, and electrons, from gas; a carbon nanotube manufacturing unit that manufactures carbon nanotubes from the radicals; a shielding electrode unit that is provided between the plasma generating unit and the carbon nanotube manufacturing unit and prevents the ions and the electrons from entering the carbon nanotube manufacturing unit; and a bias applying unit that applies a voltage to the shielding electrode unit, wherein the shielding electrode unit includes at least two first shielding electrodes that are arranged one above another, each of the first shielding electrodes having at least one opening.
US08398926B2 Exhaust gas purifying apparatus
A plurality of catalytic units (42) and (43) are disposed in series with each other in a direction conforming to the direction (X) of flow of the exhaust gases (G) and include respective honeycomb carrier structure each having a catalyst deposited thereon. Of the plural catalytic units, at least two catalytic units (42) and (43), which are positioned downstream and upstream relative to each other with respect to the direction (X) of flow of the exhaust gases (G), respectively, are such that the downstream catalytic unit (42) has a higher cell density, a smaller capacity of the honeycomb carrier structure and a larger amount of an element, due to become a major catalyst, carried thereby per unitary capacity than those in the upstream catalytic unit (43).
US08398925B2 Washcoated particulate filter substrate
An apparatus comprises a particulate filter substrate for an internal combustion engine, the filter substrate is coated at least in part with a washcoat, and the washcoat comprises a relatively high density material having a density of at least 3.50 gcm−3.
US08398923B2 Air decontamination device
An air decontamination device comprises an air stream generator (20), a non-thermal plasma filter (22), an ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitting device (24), an ozone catalyzing device (26), and a hydrocarbon emitter (28). The air stream generator (20) generates and directs an air stream through or across the non-thermal plasma filter (22), the UV radiation emitting device (24), the ozone catalyzing device (26), and the hydrocarbon emitter (28). The plasma filter (22) produces free radicals by which contaminants in the air stream are neutralized. The UV radiation emitting device (24) breaks down ozone in the air stream, catalyzed by the ozone catalyzing device (26). The hydrocarbon emitter (28) discharges an aromatic hydrocarbon into the air stream to preferentially react with residual ozone so that the air stream becomes suitable for human exposure. A method is also provided.
US08398921B2 Chemical sensor using metal nano-particles and method for manufacturing chemical sensor using metal nano-particles
A chemical sensor using metal nano-particles and a method for manufacturing a chemical sensor using metal nano-particles are provided. The chemical sensor includes: metal nano-particles; single-ligand organic molecules (or a single molecule) that binds to the metal nano-particles by using a metal bonding functional group; a substrate bonding functional group formed at the metal nano-particles and the single-ligand organic molecules as bound to each other; a substrate; electrodes formed on the substrate and having an interdigitate (IDT) structure; and a substrate functional group formed on the substrate and positioned between the electrodes, wherein the substrate bonding functional group and the substrate functional group are covalently bonded.
US08398919B2 Method for repairing exterior wall structures
The invention relates to a method for repairing exterior wall structures. According to the invention, the transfer of moisture through external cladding to the wall structure is prevented by treating the external cladding with facade protection, after which holes are formed in the external cladding at a distance from each other and, through the holes, an insulation space behind the external cladding is dried and disinfected with disinfectant.
US08398914B2 Systems and methods for deforming an outer wall of pipe
A method of deforming an outer wall of polymer pipe is provided. The method includes: forming dual-wall pipe having a smooth wall and a corrugated wall; extruding an outer wall of pipe onto the corrugated wall of the dual-wall pipe; penetrating the outer wall of pipe with a vacuum punch; and drawing a vacuum between the corrugated wall and the outer wall via the vacuum punch; wherein the vacuum drawn between the corrugated wall and the outer wall causes the outer wall to deform in a direction towards the corrugated wall. An apparatus for forming an outer wall of pipe and a mold configured to form a coupling preform in a segment of continuously-extruded and molded polymer pipe are also provided.
US08398910B2 Method for manufacturing a fibre-composite component, fibre-composite component and fibre-composite fuselage component of an aircraft
A method for manufacturing a fiber-composite component with a cladding field and a primary component for reinforcing the fiber-composite component includes the steps of: applying a prepreg semifinished product to a mold to form the cladding field, where in the prepreg semifinished product fibers extend in some sections in a curved manner according to an assumed flow force path in the cladding field of the component to be manufactured; curing the prepreg semifinished product; applying layers of a semifinished textile product to the cured prepreg semifinished product to form the primary component; impregnating the semifinished textile product with matrix material; and curing the assembly comprising pre-cured prepreg semifinished product and semifinished textile product; a fiber-composite component with at least one structural component and a skin section connected to said structural component with a recess as well as a fiber-composite fuselage component of an aircraft with a shell component with at least one recess and with a structural component formed as a frame component.
US08398908B2 Plastics pipe
A method for the production of a plastics pipe (9) comprising an inner core and an outer removable skin bonded thereto, which method comprises co-extruding molten polymeric materials forming the inner core and the outer removable skin layer from one or more extruder dies, bringing the polymeric materials together and allowing them to solidify, and conditioning the solidified polymeric materials at a temperature and for a time sufficient to influence the adhesion of the outer skin layer to the inner core, such that on cooling the adhesion of the outer skin layer to the inner core is sufficient to prevent substantial undesired relative movement between the skin layer and the core during installation of the pipe (9), but insufficient to prevent the outer skin layer from being clearly removed by peeling, at least at the ends of the pipe (9), and insufficient to cause a substantial reduction in the impact strength of the inner core.
US08398905B2 Particle board
The present invention relates to a particle board comprising a lower and an upper surface layer (9, 11) having a finer fraction of particles (4), and between these surface layers (9, 11) an intermediate layer (13) having a coarser fraction of particles (5). The intermediate layer (13) has a varying density.
US08398903B2 Process for the production of contact lenses using plastic castings molds
The invention is concerned with the problem that with known plastic casting molds, especially those of polypropylene, the lenses produced with these molds have a slippery surface. The invention solves this problem through the use of polymers which are notable for their very low oxygen permeability.
US08398889B2 Electroluminescent adhesive masses
The invention relates to adhesive masses containing at least one electroluminescent additive, single and double-sided adhesive strips which are provided with adhesive masses of said type, and to the use of said adhesive masses for sticking together electronic components.
US08398885B2 Pore-forming precursors and porous dielectric layers obtained therefrom
The invention relates to porous dielectric layers obtained from pore-forming precursors and from matrix precursors. According to the invention, the pore-forming precursors used are chosen form molecules of myrtenol, ethyl chrysanthemumate, jasmine, trimethylbenzene, their positional isomers and their substituted or hydrogenated derivatives. The dielectric constant of the layer obtained is less than or equal to 2.5, starting from matrix precursors having a dielectric constant of less than or equal to 4.
US08398884B2 Method for producing electrode material for fuel cell, electrode material for fuel cell, and fuel cell using the electrode material for fuel cell
Disclosed is a method for producing an electrode material for fuel cells, which electrode material has excellent electrochemical catalytic activity and uses a non-carbon conductive oxide carrier having high durability. Specifically disclosed is a method for producing an electrode material for fuel cells, which comprises the following steps. (1) A step wherein carriers mainly composed of tin oxide are dispersed in a solution containing a noble metal colloid, and the noble metal colloid is reduced so that the carriers are loaded with noble metal particles (2) A step wherein the carriers loaded with the noble metal particles are separated from the liquid and dried (3) A step wherein the dried carriers loaded with the noble metal particles are subjected to a heat treatment at a temperature of not less than 80° C. but not more than 250° C. in the presence of a reducing gas.
US08398875B2 Method of orienting an upper electrode relative to a lower electrode for bevel edge processing
Methods for orienting an upper electrode relative to a lower electrode are provided. The lower electrode is configured to have a desired existing orientation in a process chamber to define active and inactive process zones in the process chamber for processing a wafer. The method includes configuring each electrode with a reference surface, where a lower electrode reference surface is in the desired existing orientation and an upper electrode reference surface to be oriented parallel to the lower electrode reference surface. Then, temporarily holding the upper electrode reference surface oriented parallel to the lower electrode reference surface, and securing the upper electrode to a drive to mount the upper electrode reference surface parallel to the lower electrode reference surface. Other method configurations are also disclosed and illustrated.
US08398873B2 Thin-sheet glass substrate laminate and method of manufacturing the same
There is provided a thin-sheet glass substrate laminate which is approximately 100% impermeable to gas or vapor and has a high transparency and a thin thickness, and a method of manufacturing the same. A support is temporarily attached to one surface of a glass substrate after forming a pattern P on the one surface, the glass substrate is thinned by etching another surface of the glass substrate, a film base is temporarily attached to the etched another surface, the temporarily attached support is peeled off from the one surface of the glass substrate, the one surface from which the support is peeled off is laminated to a surface of a cover glass, and the temporarily attached film base is peeled off from the another surface.
US08398864B2 Screened decanter assembly for a settling tank
A driven decanter assembly for a wastewater primary treatment system, comprising a longitudinal decanter disposable in the wastewater and having a longitudinal trough and a horizontal entrance weir, a polygonal or arcuate screen attached to the decanter and having at least two screen surfaces disposable below the surface of the wastewater outside of the trough, and a floating baffle pivotably mounted to the decanter and disposable in the wastewater outside of the screen. The driven decanter assembly can directly replace a prior art driven decanter in any waste water primary treatment system.
US08398851B2 Method of determining the fuel content in a combustion engine lubricating oil
The invention relates to a device and to a method for determining the proportion of fuel in a combustion engine lubricating oil. The device according to the invention comprises a column (12) with at least 22000 theoretical plates and a steady state phase capable of separating the fuel, the oil, the internal standard contained in the oil and the solvent, in which the oil and the internal standard are diluted, and a heating module (120) capable of causing an increase in the temperature of the column (12) at a rate of at least 350° C./min. In the method according to the invention, the column (12) is subjected to determined cycles during which the pressure of the carrier gas and the temperature are varied.
US08398848B2 Desulfurization of heavy hydrocarbons and conversion of resulting hydrosulfides utilizing copper metal
The present invention is a process for desulfurizing hydrocarbon feedstreams with alkali metal compounds and regenerating the alkali metal compounds via the use of a copper metal reagent. The present invention employs the use of a copper metal reagent to convert spent alkali metal hydrosulfides in the regeneration of the alkali hydroxide compounds for reutilization in the desulfurization process for the hydrocarbon feedstreams. Additionally, in preferred embodiments of the processes disclosed herein, carbonates which may be detrimental to the overall desulfurization process and related equipment are removed from the regenerated alkali metal stream.
US08398844B2 Method for diagnosing a NOx readings recorder
Method for diagnosing a NOx readings recorder which acquires a NOx concentration in an exhaust gas tract of an internal combustion engine and comprises two measuring chambers (110, 120), wherein the exhaust gas to be measured is supplied to the first measuring chamber (110) and an oxygen concentration is set by means of a first oxygen ion pump current (IP1), wherein the second measuring chamber (120) is connected to said first measuring chamber (110) and wherein both measuring chambers are disposed in a solid electrolyte, the oxygen content in the second measuring chamber (120) is determined; the oxygen content is additionally determined by a separate device; the two values characterizing the oxygen concentration are compared and a defective sensor is then suggested if the oxygen concentration value determined in the second measuring chamber (120) deviates from the oxygen concentration value determined by the separate sensor device by a predeterminable magnitude.
US08398841B2 Dual anodization surface treatment
A metal surface treated to have two anodized layers or regions may be used in electronic devices. The surface treatment may include performing a first anodization process to create a first anodized layer, removing the first anodized layer at select locations, and performing a second anodization process to create a second anodized layer at the select locations. The first and second anodized regions may have different decorative properties, such as color, and different structural properties, such as degree of abrasion resistance. One of the anodization processes may be hard anodization and the other may be standard anodization.
US08398838B2 Technical measure for gel electrophoresis shaping
A technical measure for gel electrophoresis shaping that can make the gel electrophoresis generate no bubbles including in the gel, and can make a gradient gel being more accurate and more stable in quality. When liquid gel enters a collecting trough under continuous driving of a roller in the collecting trough to be injected into a carrier sheet set from a gel output port and a narrow seam, former injected liquid gel can be pushed upwards by latter injected liquid gel, and an accomplished product of gel can be obtained. If the collecting trough is input with two liquid basic materials, the liquid gel continuously output into the carrier sheet set can have a gradient.
US08398834B2 Target utilization improvement for rotatable magnetrons
Rotatable magnetron sputtering apparatuses are described for depositing material from a target while reducing premature burn through issues. The rotatable magnetron sputtering apparatus includes electric coils wound on pole pieces to modulate the magnetic fields at the ends of the magnetron magnetic assembly. Changing the direction of electric current moves the sputtering region alternately around its normal central position to decrease the rate of erosion depth at the ends of the target material.
US08398829B1 System for electrocoagulation fluid treatment
A system for electrocoagulation fluid treatment having a tubular member with a plurality of electrocoagulation assemblies disposed therein. The assemblies having a first and second conductive plate that are angularly oriented in relation to one another. A non-conductive block is positioned between the plates to stabilize and orient them within the tubular member. The conductive plates may be provided with alternating negative and positive charges to combat corrosion.
US08398822B2 Thermally insulated Yankee cylinder
The Yankee cylinder (1) for drying webs of cellulose material comprises a cylindrical shell (3) with a substantially cylindrical outer surface, whereto end heads (5) are fixed by welding; the shell and the heads define a hollow inside volume of the cylinder and the heads have respective support journals (7). An insulation (17) of the end heads is further provided.
US08398819B2 Method of moist creping absorbent paper base sheet
A method of moist creping absorbent paper base sheet includes forming a nascent web including at least a major portion of flattened ribbonlike cellulosic fibers of recycled fiber. A creping adhesive coating including an admixture of polyvinyl alcohol and a polyamide crosslinked with epichlorohydrin is applied to a Yankee dryer. The nascent web is passed through a nip, defined between a suction pressure roll and the Yankee dryer, having a controlled loading. The nascent web is adhered to the Yankee dryer and dried on the Yankee dryer to a moisture content corresponding to a sheet temperature, immediately prior to the creping blade, of from about 110° C. to about 121° C. The nascent web is creped at a sheet temperature of from about 110° C. to about 121° C. from the Yankee dryer with an undulatory creping blade bearing against the Yankee dryer to form a moist biaxially undulatory web, which is dried.
US08398815B2 Plasma processing apparatus
A plasma processing apparatus includes a processing chamber, a first radio frequency power supply for outputting a first radio frequency power, the first radio frequency power supply being electrically connected to a first electrode arranged in the processing chamber, a heater power supply for supplying electric power to a heating element provided in the first electrode, first and second power supply lines for electrically interconnecting the heating element and the heater power supply, and a filter circuit provided in the first and second power supply lines for attenuating radio frequency noises coming from the heating element. The filter circuit includes a first and a second air-core coil respectively provided on the first and the second power supply line at an initial stage of the filter circuit when viewed from the heating element, the air-core coils being in a coaxial relationship with each other and having substantially the same winding length.
US08398809B2 Amorphous polyurethane polymer and its use in hotmelt adhesives
The present invention relates to innovative amorphous polyurethane polymers of the formula (I) and also to hotmelt adhesive compositions based on them. The compositions are notable for greatly improved dimensional stability after application, and are ideally suited to the adhesive bonding of transparent substrates. The polymers are notable for rapid, bubble-free curing.
US08398808B2 Method and device for attaching sealing profiles
A method for attaching a sealing profile to a vehicle body part includes the steps of pulling the sealing profile from a storage unit; passing the sealing profile through a first buffer which compensates for differences between incoming and outgoing speeds of the sealing profile; attaching an adhesive strip to the sealing profile continuously, the adhesive strip having a first adhesive layer facing the sealing profile and a second adhesive layer facing away from the sealing profile; passing the sealing profile with the attached adhesive strip through a second buffer which compensates for differences between incoming and outgoing speeds of the sealing profile; and rolling the second adhesive layer onto the vehicle body part. The adhesive strip is attached to the sealing strip in an assembly unit which heats the first adhesive layer as it moves around a press roller.
US08398806B2 Method for manufacturing joined sheet material, joined sheet material and method for manufacturing optical display unit
The invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a joined sheet product. The method comprising a first joining step including opposing a transverse end face of a first sheet product(1) to a transverse end face of a second sheet product(2) and joining release films of the first and second sheet products with a first joining member(30); a removing step including removing a portion of an intended member including at least a surface protecting member so as to leave at least the release film and a pressure-sensitive adhesive provided on the release film among the constituent members of both or any one of the first and second sheet products(1, 2), wherein the portion has a predetermined length from the transverse end face of the intended member; and a second joining step including providing a second joining member(40) on at least an exposed portion(40b) resulting from the removal of the intended member to join the surface protecting member sides of the first and second sheet products(1, 2).
US08398801B2 Method of making a molded composite mandrel
A composite mandrel includes a filament-wound composite tube, and composite material molded over the filament-wound composite tube. For example, the composite material includes chopped fibers and a matrix of thermoset resin. The chopped fibers are arranged in layers upon the filament-wound composite tube, and the chopped fibers in each of the layers are randomly oriented along first and second orthogonal directions in each of the layers. The composite material includes at least one sheet of the composite material wound over the filament-wound tube, and at least one strip of the composite material wound over the sheet of the composite material and forming a head on the composite mandrel. An internal cavity of the filament-wound composite tube may provide a lumen for the composite mandrel. The internal cavity may be threaded to receive a removable bridge plug.
US08398795B2 Method for producing a fiber connection component
In a process of producing a composite fiber component, fiber-containing layers pre-impregnated with resin and dry fiber-containing layers are alternately deposited on one another. The pre-impregnated fiber-containing layers have an excess of resin. The fiber composite component is integrated by causing the excess resin of the pre-impregnated layers to infiltrate the adjacent dry fiber-containing layers.
US08398792B2 Simulated brush stroke system
A laminated assembly (10) comprising a substrate (100) with an image (103) thereon, has a first film (20) with a brush stroke texture embossed therein (21), a second film (40) with a canvas texture embossed therein (41) to create a final product having the appearance of a piece of fine art.
US08398790B2 Proximally self-locking long bone prosthesis
A femoral stem hip implant for insertion into a surgically created aperture in a femur includes a monolithic femoral stem made of shape memory material. The stem is configured to be inserted into the aperture, has a proximal portion and a longitudinal axis. The shape memory material within the proximal portion has a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. At least a portion of the shape memory material within the proximal portion is in a compressed state by application of a plurality of compressive forces at a temperature below an austenitic finish temperature of the shape memory material so that the cross-section expands through shape memory effect via the formation of austenite in response to a temperature increase after insertion into the aperture thereby causing a locking-force to be exerted against an inner surface of the aperture, the locking force being sufficient to stabilize the implant in the aperture.
US08398783B2 Workpiece de-chucking device of plasma reactor for dry-cleaning inside of reaction chamber and electrostatic chuck during workpiece de-chucking, and workpiece de-chucking method using the same
A workpiece de-chucking device of a plasma reactor for dry-cleaning the inside of a reaction chamber and an ElectroStatic chuck (ESC) during workpiece de-chucking and a workpiece de-chucking method using the same are provided. The workpiece de-chucking device includes a lifting unit, an ICP source power unit, and a controller. The lifting unit lifts a workpiece mounted on a top surface of an ESC. The ICP source power unit forms a magnetic field in an inductive coil arranged outside a dielectric window. The controller outputs a source power control signal, a lift control signal, and a de-chucking control signal.
US08398780B2 Method for the pretreatment of polymer surfaces to be painted
A method and device for the pretreatment of polymer surfaces of components to be painted. At least one polymer surface of at least one component is preheated to a temperature that minimizes condensation on the component when the component is subsequently cleaned inside a pretreatment cell and then treated with an oxidizing flame. The cleaning of the polymer surface as well as the treatment of the polymer surface with an oxidizing flame are performed inside the same pretreatment cell.
US08398778B2 Control of bevel etch film profile using plasma exclusion zone rings larger than the wafer diameter
A method of cleaning a bevel edge of a semiconductor substrate is provided. A semiconductor substrate is placed on a substrate support in a reaction chamber of a plasma processing apparatus. The substrate has a dielectric layer overlying a top surface and a bevel edge of the substrate, the layer extending above and below an apex of the bevel edge. A process gas is introduced into the reaction chamber and energized into a plasma. The bevel edge is cleaned with the plasma so as to remove the layer below the apex without removing all of the layer above the apex.
US08398771B2 Substrate processing apparatus
A substrate processing apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a process chamber configured to accommodate a substrate, a gas supply line configured to supply a gas to an inside of the process chamber, and an exhaust line configured to exhaust the inside of the process chamber. The gas supply line of the substrate processing apparatus includes a preheating unit preheating the gas supplied from a gas source, a metal pipeline having an angled section wherein the metal pipe line connects the preheating unit and the inside of the process chamber to supply the gas preheated by the preheating unit into the process chamber, and a heat dissipation member covering the angled section to dissipate heat from the angled section.
US08398765B2 Controlling a melt-solid interface shape of a growing silicon crystal using an unbalanced magnetic field and iso-rotation
A system for growing silicon crystals that facilitates controlling a shape of a melt-solid interface is described. The crystal growing system includes a heated crucible including a semiconductor melt from which a monocrystalline ingot is grown according to a Czochralski process. The ingot is grown on a seed crystal pulled from the melt. The method includes applying an unbalanced cusped magnetic field to the melt, and rotating the ingot and the crucible in the same direction while the ingot is being pulled from the melt.
US08398763B1 Mixture and method for increasing traction
Embodiments include a method, mixture, and system for increasing a friction coefficient of a surface or increasing or maintaining traction of an object on the surface. In one embodiment, the mixture comprises pulverized lime, fine sand, granite fines, gypsum, and expanded perlite. The mixture may optionally further comprise dye. In an embodiment, the method comprises mixing pulverized lime, fine sand, granite fines, and gypsum with one another to form a first mixture; and mixing expanded perlite with the first mixture to provide a product mixture for increasing the friction coefficient of the surface or increasing or maintaining traction of an object on the surface. In some embodiments, the expanded perlite may be mixed with dye prior to mixing the expanded perlite with the first mixture.
US08398760B2 Energy activated compositions
A composition susceptible to changing color upon the application of energy, wherein the composition comprises a color former and a tinting colorant, wherein the tinting colorant has a complementary color to that of the composition comprising the color former without tinting colorant. Preferably, the composition 5 also comprises an energy absorbing additive. The invention also provides a method of improving contrast when a composition susceptible to changing color is imaged.
US08398753B2 System and method for removing contaminants
The invention provides a system and method comprising an apparatus for removing contaminants from a gas in a semiconductor processing device, which can include a filter unit having at least two parallel filter stages located therein. The filter stages are designed to remove a least a portion of the contaminants present in the gas flowing through them. The apparatus can also include a flow controller for distributing the gas flow among the filter stages. In one embodiment, the controller may consist of a diffuser plate. The invention also provides a sampling tube orifice for gas flow control in a system or method of the invention. In another embodiment, an apparatus for removing contaminants from a gas in a clean room comprises a filter unit having at least two parallel filter stages, which are used to remove a portion of the contaminants in the gas as it passes through the apparatus.
US08398747B2 Processes for purification of acetylene
This invention relates in part to a process for producing high purity acetylene by withdrawing a crude acetylene stream from a storage source, and passing said stream through an adsorbent bed that contains layered adsorption media to selectively remove moisture, solvent and carbon dioxide from the stream, thereby producing the high purity acetylene. The adsorption media is regenerated in-situ. The high purity acetylene product is useful as a source material for depositing carbon and carbon-containing films in semiconductor applications.
US08398746B2 Small area electrostatic aerosol collector
A small area electrostatic aerosol collector includes a collector housing, an inlet nozzle that extends from the housing and an exit port that provides an exit for air to flow back out of the housing. A pumping arrangement pulls air into the housing through the inlet nozzle. The sampled air is moved through ductwork such that particulates are collected on a substrate and the air is evacuated through the exit port after collection. The collector includes a charging device positioned within the ductwork to create an electric field defining a charging point that the air passes through between the inlet nozzle and the substrate. The substrate is held at a neutral or opposite charge relative to the electric field created by the charging device. Particulates are collected on the sample substrate by containing the aerosol in a small area and by forcing the aerosol to flow near the substrate.
US08398745B2 Substrate processing apparatus and exhaust method therefor
A substrate processing apparatus includes a processing chamber for accommodating therein a processing target substrate; a gas exhaust path through which a gas inside the processing chamber is exhausted; one or more exhaust pumps provided in the gas exhaust path; and a scrubber for collecting harmful components from an exhaust gas. The apparatus further includes an ionized gas supply unit for supplying to the gas exhaust path an ionized gas for neutralizing charged particles included in the exhaust gas flowing therethrough.
US08398733B2 Apparatus and method for a split type water extractor and water dispenser
A split type potable water extractor from ambient air and water dispenser is invented, comprising separate water generating block located outside a water use area and water dispensing block located inside a water use area. The water generator block cycles refrigerant through a condenser and an evaporator to create condensation by heat exchange with ambient air circulated by an intake airflow system. The condensate water is collected and purified in a cascade of bactericidal loop to remove impurities. The purified water is pumped to a dispensing apparatus that can be installed in the home or other area of water use separate from the water generating block. If any one of the functional parts or units of water generator is disabled the water generator immediately stops operating to deliver water to the tank of the dispensing apparatus.
US08398729B2 Gasification systems for partial moderator bypass
Methods and systems for a gasifier having a partial moderator bypass are provided. The gasifier includes a partial oxidation reactor including an inlet and an outlet and a primary reaction zone extending therebetween, the partial oxidation reactor configured to direct a flow of products of partial oxidation including fuel gases, gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation, and unburned carbon, and a secondary reaction chamber coupled in flow communication with the partial oxidation reactor, the secondary reaction chamber is configured to mix a flow of moderator with the flow of gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation and unburned carbon such that a concentration of fuel gases is increased.
US08398727B2 Method of manufacturing vacuum-sealing-type flexible-film primary battery
A method of manufacturing a flexible-film primary battery includes forming a first conductive carbon layer directly on a surface-treated inner surface of a first pouch film to form a positive electrode collector, and forming a positive electrode layer on the first conductive carbon layer to form a positive electrode plate. A second conductive carbon layer is formed directly on a surface-treated inner surface of a second pouch film to form a negative electrode collector, and a negative electrode layer is formed on the second conductive carbon layer to form a negative electrode plate. An adhesion/post-injection polymer electrolyte layer is inserted between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate to manufacture a battery assembly. An electrolyte is injected into the polymer electrolyte layer of the battery assembly. The battery assembly is sealed completely to form a primary battery.
US08398725B2 Light exposure apparatus and manufacturing method of semiconductor device using the same
When annealing of a semiconductor film is conducted using a plurality of lasers, each of the distances between laser irradiation regions is different. When a lithography step is conducted in accordance with a marker which is formed over a substrate in advance after the step, light-exposure is not correctly conducted to a portion crystallized by laser. By using a laser irradiation region obtained on a laser irradiation step as a marker, light-exposure is conducted by making a light-exposure position of a stepper coincide with a large grain size region in the laser irradiation region. A large grain size region and a poorly crystalline region are detected by utilizing a thing that scattering intensity of light is different between the large grain size region and the poorly crystalline region, thereby determining a light-exposure position.
US08398717B2 Partial or complete prosthetic replacement arthroplasty of the distal radioulnar joint
System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for replacement of at least one surface region of a distal radioulnar joint using at least one prosthesis. In some embodiments, the system may provide restoration of normal, unconstrained biomechanics of the joint, which may preserve rotation and translation and ensure durability of the joint.
US08398716B2 High performance knee prostheses with posterior cam
Knee prostheses featuring components that more faithfully replicate the structure and function of the human knee joint in order to provide, among other benefits: greater flexion of the knee in a more natural way by promoting or at least accommodating internal tibial rotation in a controlled way, replication of the natural screw home mechanism, and controlled articulation of the tibia and femur respective to each other in a more natural way. In a preferred embodiment, such prostheses include an insert component disposed between a femoral component and a tibial component, the insert component preferably featuring among other things a reversely contoured posterolateral bearing surface that helps impart internal rotation to the tibia as the knee flexes. Other surfaces can also be specially shaped to achieve similar results, preferably using iterative automated techniques that allow testing and iterative design taking into account a manageable set of major forces acting on the knee during normal functioning, together with information that is known about natural knee joint kinetics and kinematics.
US08398708B2 Retaining mechanisms for prosthetic valves
Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems used to deliver a prosthetic heart valve to a deficient valve. In one embodiment, for instance, a support member is positioned to at least partially surround the native leaflets of a valve. A locking member is used to couple both ends of the support member, forming a support band. An expandable prosthetic heart valve is delivered into the native heart valve and expanded while the expandable prosthetic valve is at least partially within the support band, thereby causing one or more of the native leaflets of the native heart valve to be frictionally secured between the support band and the expanded prosthetic heart valve.
US08398704B2 Stent for the positioning and anchoring of a valvular prosthesis in an implantation site in the heart of a patient
The present invention relates to a stent for the positioning and anchoring of a valvular prosthesis in an implantation site in the heart of a patient. Specifically, the present invention relates to an expandable stent for an endoprosthesis used in the treatment of a narrowing of a cardiac valve and/or a cardiac valve insufficiency. So as to ensure that no longitudinal displacement of a valvular prosthesis fastened to a stent will occur relative the stent in the implanted state of the stent, even given the peristaltic motion of the heart, the stent according to the invention comprises at least one fastening portion via which the valvular prosthesis is connectable to the stent. The stent further comprises positioning arches and retaining arches, whereby at least one positioning arch is connected to at least one retaining arch.
US08398699B2 Drawstring for removal of stent
A stent system includes a stent and a drawstring for removal of the stent.The drawstring includes an end string, a longitudinal string and a circumferential string. The end string is formed in an end of the stent body in an annular shape in such a way that the end string passes, in a zigzag manner, through mesh arranged in a circumferential direction of the stent body. A hook loop is formed by tying opposite ends of the end string to each other. The longitudinal string extends at a first end thereof from the end string in the longitudinal direction of the stent body. The circumferential string extends from a second end of the longitudinal string and is formed in an annular shape in such a way that the circumferential string passes, in a zigzag manner, through mesh arranged in the circumferential direction of the stent body.
US08398692B2 System for optical stimulation of target cells
Various systems and methods are implemented for controlling stimulus of a cell. One such method is implemented for optical stimulation of a cell expressing an NpHR ion pump. The method includes the step of providing a sequence of stimuli to the cell. Each stimulus increases the probability of depolarization events occurring in the cell. Light is provided to the cell to activate the expressed NpHR ion pump, thereby decreasing the probability of depolarization events occurring in the cell.
US08398691B2 Surgical device for treating flat feet, and a corresponding surgical kit
A surgical device for treating the pathology of flat feet, the device comprising an outer casing; and an expansion member suitable for moving inside said outer casing in a compression direction, for causing said outer casing to expand radially; the surgical device being provided with non-return check means shaped to allow the expansion member to move in the compression direction towards an operating position inside the outer casing and to oppose movement of the expansion member in the reverse direction once said operating position is reached, so as to prevent the expansion member from being expelled.
US08398685B2 Transbuccal plate holding cannula
The present invention relates to a transbuccal plate holding cannula used in osteofixation procedures. The transbuccal plate holding cannula of the present invention can be releasably secured to a bone plate such that tools and fasteners may be passed through the plate holding cannula in order to secure the bone plate to a bone.
US08398676B2 Closure device
A device for closing an opening in a wall of a body lumen includes a closure element with a first flange and a second flange. Both the first flange and the second flange may have a delivery cross-sectional dimension and a deployed cross-sectional dimension. The device for closing an opening further includes a first coupler element disposed on the first flange and a second coupler element disposed on the second flange, the first and second coupler elements cooperating to couple the first flange to the second flange.
US08398665B2 Lancing system for withdrawing a body fluid
Lancing system for withdrawing body fluid having a lancing element and a lancing instrument, which includes a lancing drive, by which a lancing movement of a lancing element is driven. The lancing drive comprises a drive source and a transmission having a housing coupling mechanism which includes at least two transmission links, a housing bearing, and a coupling element adapted for coupling a lancing element thereto. A lancing depth limiting stop is positioned in the housing so that a stop surface of the lancing element contacts the lancing depth limiting stop during the forward phase of the lancing movement. The housing coupling mechanism comprises a length compensation device to ensure a distance adaptation of the spacing between the lancing element and a housing bearing of the housing coupling mechanism during contact of the stops and further movement of the lancing drive.
US08398663B2 Valvulotome device and method
Valvulotome devices and methods are provided. Valvulotome devices include one or more valvulotome arms that have a u-shaped curved body with opposing arms and a base portion that extends between the arms. The valvulotome arm defines a notch open at one end on one of the arms and extending into the base portion of the u-shaped curved body. The notch defines an angled surface that provides a cutting edge. Methods of making valvulotome devices are also described.
US08398658B2 Device and procedure for minimally invasive closure of atrial septal defect without cardiopulmonary bypass
A surgical device for closure Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) with minimally invasive approach includes a head portion which is movable and includes a distal jaw that is distal relative to a person holding the surgical device, a guide rod which drives the distal jaw, and a plurality of first suture-guide channels attached to the distal jaw, and a body portion which is stationary and includes a cylindrical base, a proximal jaw attached to the cylindrical base, and a plurality of second suture-guide channels attached to the proximal jaw, in which the guide rod drives the distal jaw to pass a pericardium patch through a patient's ASD while the proximal end remains extracorporeal, and the first suture-guide channels and the second suture-guide channels guide a suture thread to suture the pericardium patch onto an ASD rim.
US08398654B2 Implantable access port device and attachment system
A system for attaching an access port to bodily tissue includes an access port assembly and including an access port having a generally central axis. The access port assembly further includes an attachment mechanism structured to enable the access port to be attached, for example, to an abdominal muscle of a patient. The delivery tool includes a handle having a generally longitudinal axis and a delivery head structured to engage the access port assembly, and an activation mechanism for enabling deployment of the attachment mechanism when the delivery head is so engaged with the access port assembly. The delivery tool is configured such that the longitudinal axis of the handle is spaced apart from the generally central axis of the access port when the delivery head is so engaged with the access port assembly.
US08398651B2 Viscoelastic applicator for IOL insertion apparatus
A system for preparing an intraocular lens (IOL) injector for receipt of an IOL. A manifold mates with an injector cartridge and easily distributes a lubricating agent to a load chamber of the cartridge. The IOL is then transferred into the load chamber. The cartridge may be rotatably coupled to the handpiece, and then converted from a preparation and load position to a delivery position. The manifold may remain external to the load chamber or fit within the load chamber and include a handle that remains outside. One or more internal channels in the manifold lead from one or more inlet ports to surfaces in the load chamber than contact the IOL.
US08398649B2 Articulating transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion inserter device and associated method of use
The present invention provides an articulating TLIF inserter device operable for placing, positioning, and inserting a spinal implant into an intervertebral space with minimum tissue disruption and maximum inline impaction forces, including: an elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axis; an ergonomic handle disposed at the proximal end of the elongate shaft; an articulating joint mechanism disposed at the distal end of the elongate shaft; and an inserter piece coupled to the articulating joint mechanism, wherein the inserter piece is operable for selectively retaining the spinal implant, and wherein the articulating joint mechanism is operable for selectively actuating the inserter piece between one or more substantially off-axis configurations and a substantially on-axis configuration with respect to the elongate shaft. The articulating TLIF inserter device also includes a release mechanism disposed one of at and near the ergonomic handle, wherein the release mechanism is coupled to and operable for selectively actuating the articulating joint mechanism.
US08398646B2 Patient-specific knee alignment guide and associated method
An orthopedic device for preparing a knee joint for a prosthesis in a patient includes a femoral alignment guide. The femoral alignment guide has a patient-specific three-dimensional curved inner surface preoperatively configured from medical image scans of the knee joint of the patient to nestingly conform and mate and match only in one position to a corresponding three-dimensional femoral surface of a joint surface of the patient. The femoral alignment guide has a first guiding aperture corresponding to a distal portion of the femoral surface and a second guiding aperture corresponding to an anterior portion of the femoral surface.
US08398643B2 Maxillary bone cutting and injection system and method of using the same
A bone cutting and injecting device for cutting maxillary bone and injecting a filler through the maxillary bone under a subantral membrane to separate the subantral membrane from the maxillary bone and fill the space formed therebetween. The device includes a hollow tubular element having a diameter sized to be inserted into a pilot hole in the maxillary bone, a piston longitudinally displaceable within the hollow tubular element, and a cutter mounted to the piston and operably disposed adjacent the distal end of the hollow tubular element. A fluid path is defined through the hollow tubular element for guiding the filler, and the cutter is configured to redirect the filler in a transverse or radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the tubular element.
US08398621B2 Device for treating the skin
A device for treating the skin, for instance for removing body hair. The device includes a working head, which includes an irradiating device for irradiating the skin surface to be treated, preferably by means of light; a contact surface surrounding the irradiating device for supporting the working head on the skin surface; and a safety device for controlling the irradiation and/or for providing a safety signal. The safety device includes a recording device for recording the support of the working head on the skin surface. The contact surface defines a bell-like pressure and/or sound chamber and the recording device encompasses an impermeability sensor device for determining the over-pressure and/or sound impermeability of the pressure and/or sound chamber.
US08398616B2 Safety layer for integrated insulin delivery system
An integrated diabetes management (IDM) system includes a safety layer which, in one configuration has two components, one located between a glucose sensor and a controller and a second component located between a controller and a pump, to monitor various aspects of signals and modify those signals for compatibility and safety purposes. In one application, the safety layer receives output control signals from a controller and modifies those control signals as a function of an actual amount of insulin delivered to the user. The safety layer allows for an increased level of safety in the IDM system and permits development of separate hardware and software upgrades with the safety layer assuring that compatibility between components will continue.
US08398605B2 Absorbent article having drawstring members
A wearable absorbent article, comprising a drawstring member that is at least partially inelastic. The drawstring member can include an inelastic material. The drawstring member can be substantially inelastic. The article can include a chassis with an edge, and a drawstring chamber disposed along at least a portion of the edge, wherein the drawstring member is disposed within the drawstring chamber.
US08398603B2 Leak sensor
The present invention relates to a method and dressing for detecting detachment of the dressing, which is applied to a surface of an at least partly electrically conductive object. The dressing comprises an adhesive for attaching the dressing to the electrically conductive object and at least two electrodes arranged in a distance from the electrically conductive object. A voltage is applied to the first and second electrode establishing an electrical circuit comprising a first capacitor between the first electrode and the electrically conductive object and a second capacitor between the second electrode and the electrically conductive object. Changes of the capacitance between at least one of the first and the second electrode and the electrically conductive object are detected, and an alarm is activated when the changes of the capacitance reach a predetermined value. This advantageously provides a method whereby a leak can be detected quickly. Furthermore, this advantageously provides a leak sensor with no direct physical or mechanical contact between the electrically conductive object, e.g. the skin, and the electrodes. This provides for a dressing comprising a leak sensor without compromising the comfort of the user.
US08398592B2 Medication data transfer system and method for patient infusions
A system and method are provided to associate a medication name with an infusion pump and to communicate that association to a patient data management system (“PDMS”) for display and monitoring. In the case where the infusion pump does not contain a library of selectable medical fluid names that includes the name of the medical fluid to be infused, a separate computer will display a list of medical fluid names for the infusion pump and the operator may select the name of the medical fluid for that infusion pump. The computer will then continually associate that medical fluid name with that infusion pump and communicate the association to the PDMS. In the case where the infusion pump is capable of accepting an upload of new medical fluid names, the computer will upload an abbreviated list of fluid names so as not to overburden the computer with the transfer of large amounts of data.
US08398588B1 System and method for inflation syringe with improved display and modularized component assembly
An inflation syringe having an improved display and modularized component assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for providing both numeric and non-numeric indications of an inflation pressurization associated with an inflation syringe. A modularized component assembly for an inflation syringe allowing independent components to be tested independent of the other components of the inflation syringe.
US08398586B2 Low profile, pivotal connection infusion assembly
This invention relates to therapeutic infusion assemblies, more specifically a device for the subcutaneous delivery of a fluid from a remote source. Applicant provides a base assembly which has a fluid channel therein and a cannula extending vertically downward from a flat bottom. A fluid connector member which receives a fluid bearing line from the remote fluid source and the fluid connector member pivotably and removably connects to the base member. The manner of connection is “hinged” allowing the fluid connector to move from a non-use position by rotation downward to a used position. In the use position a fluid channel in the fluid connector will connect with a fluid channel in the base to provide fluid to the cannula and to the patient.
US08398582B2 Fluid pressure sensing chamber
A pressure sensing chamber having a tubing extension with a reduced diameter portion extending through the chamber. The tubing contains a plurality of ports so as to allow the purging of air from the chamber, but the ports are sized so that bubbles entering the tubing cannot easily flow into the chamber. The reduced diameter portion creates a pressure differential between the holes. This differential pressure creates flow through the chamber under high liquid flow and turbulent liquid flow events.
US08398581B2 Fluid exchange catheter system
A catheter system that can be used for concurrent fluid infusion and aspiration in humans, animals and biological material, at a wide range of flow rates, without any blockage problems. The system has devices that control the infused liquid's pressure changes accordingly to the aspirated liquid's pressure changes, in order to allow accurate and safe fluid exchange flow control and create changes of pressures at the catheter's tip that do not allow the catheter's blockage.
US08398580B2 Methods and apparatus for treating rhinitis
Described here are devices and methods for the delivery of treatment agents simultaneously with capnic gases. Specifically, the treatment agents and capnic gases may be delivered to a mucosal membrane at a controlled flow rate to treat rhinitis. Exemplary capnic gases include carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, nitrous oxide, and dilute acid gases.
US08398571B2 Vibration pad cover and vibration treatment system
A cover (150) for a vibratory pad (10) comprises a pocket or pouch (158) faced with dressing fabric material and sized to accommodate a vibration pad, a closure (154e) to retain the cover on the pad, in use, and a strap (146,148) integral with the cover suitable for connecting the cover (and a pad retained therein) to the limb (29) of a patient. The strap has an (adhesive) connector (176) that is capable of being secured so as to pressure the pad against the limb and so that, once made, the connection cannot be unmade without disabling the connector against making subsequent connections. Thus the cover can only be used once. A system (12′150′) includes the vibration device and comprises means to disable the device after a cover has been employed for a period of time or number of treatments.
US08398558B2 Automatic transmission power adjustment for Doppler radar
The invention relates to a Doppler radar heart sensor comprising a radar signal emitter (102); a radar signal receiver (103); a signal pattern matcher (106); and a transmission power adjuster (108). The signal pattern matcher (106) is connected to the radar signal receiver (102) and arranged to analyze a received radar signal (105), to compare the received radar signal with signal patterns, and to issue a corresponding indication signal upon detection of a sufficiently high similarity between the received radar signal and at least one of the signal patterns. A transmission power adjuster (109) is connected to the radar signal emitter (102) and the signal pattern matcher (106), the transmission power adjuster being arranged to gradually modify a transmission power delivered to the radar signal emitter (102) until the signal pattern matcher issues the indication signal. The invention also relates to a corresponding method and a computer program product.
US08398555B2 System and method for detecting ventilatory instability
Embodiments described herein may include systems and methods for detecting events that may be associated with sleep apnea. Some embodiments are directed to a system and/or method for automated detection of reduction in airflow events using polysomnograph signals, wherein the reduction in airflow events may relate to sleep apnea. The PSG signals may be limited to four signals, including data from an airflow channel, a blood oxygen saturation channel, a chest movement channel, and an abdomen movement channel. Using information from these channels, some embodiments may automatically identify reduction in airflow events.
US08398550B2 Techniques to evaluate mechanical properties of a biologic material
A system includes an acoustic radiation force source that is structured to generate an acoustic radiation force at one or more frequencies. A shear wave transmission device is embedded in a mass including a biologic material. The shear wave transmission device is responsive to the acoustic radiation force source to transmit shear waves through the biologic material. A Doppler ultrasonic device detects the shear waves and generates data representative of the shear waves. A processing device determines one or more mechanical properties of the biologic material from the data.
US08398544B2 Surgical instrument equipment appropriate for mini-invasive surgery
A surgical instrument equipment appropriate for mini-invasive surgery, inserted through natural orifices or incisions, made up by a device to have access to the patient's body, that is comprised by a rigid ring from which at least two extensions stem out in distal direction, which extensions act as separators and a multivalve flexible head which, when in use, is provided enveloping the external side of said rigid ring, and that comprises: at least one operative conducting duct for the access of at least one working instrument; a connector to insufflate and irrigate fluids; and a funnel to retain fluids that holds said multivalve flexible head that envelops the rigid ring, defining when assembled, a passage for said working instrument that is provided within at least a conducting duct and, in turn, is comprised by a clamp handle, a movement transmission element made by an external tubular sheath, a driving chuck and a clamp head is including an intrahead device.
US08398541B2 Interactive user interfaces for robotic minimally invasive surgical systems
In one embodiment of the invention, a method for a minimally invasive surgical system is disclosed. The method includes capturing and displaying camera images of a surgical site on at least one display device at a surgeon console; switching out of a following mode and into a masters-as-mice (MaM) mode; overlaying a graphical user interface (GUI) including an interactive graphical object onto the camera images; and rendering a pointer within the camera images for user interactive control. In the following mode, the input devices of the surgeon console may couple motion into surgical instruments. In the MaM mode, the input devices interact with the GUI and interactive graphical objects. The pointer is manipulated in three dimensions by input devices having at least three degrees of freedom. Interactive graphical objects are related to physical objects in the surgical site or a function thereof and are manipulatable by the input devices.
US08398539B2 Phallus device and system with screw attachment
The present invention is a phallus device and system for attaching a phallus to a mounting base. By utilizing a male/female screw attachment system a phallus can be attached to a number of different mounting bases such as a harness, a motorized device or the like. the particular advantage of the system is that the attachment is easy to achieve but less likely to come apart during use.
US08398537B2 Peripheral seal for a ventricular partitioning device
A partitioning device for separating a patient's heart chamber into a productive portion and a non-productive portion which is suitable for treating patients with heart disease, particularly congestive heart failure. The partitioning device has a reinforced membrane with outwardly biased members to help seal the periphery of the membrane against the wall of the patient's heart chamber. In one embodiment, the outwardly biased member is an expansive strand that extends between adjacent ribs of an expandable frame which reinforces the membrane. In another embodiment, the outwardly biased member is a hydrophilic body such as foam which swells upon contact with body fluid such as blood in the heart chamber. The reinforced membrane has a central hub with a distally extending support stem with a plurality of feet which extend radially from a centerline axis and preferably have ends that are aligned in a common plane. The ends of the pods which extend radially away from the centerline axis may be interconnected by flexible struts and/or webs.
US08398524B2 Multi-speed transmission with eight torque-transmitting mechanisms
A transmission includes an input member, an output member, an intermediate shaft, and a simple planetary gear set, all of which are coaxial. A first and a second layshaft are arranged to define a second axis of rotation and a third axis of rotation, respectively. The transmission has five sets of intermeshing gears, some of which are arranged to transfer torque from the input member to the layshafts, and others of which are arranged to transfer torque from the layshafts to the intermediate member or the simple planetary gear set. The transmission has eight torque-transmitting mechanisms, including one torque-transmitting mechanism that is selectively engagable to connect the input member for common rotation with the intermediate member. The other seven torque-transmitting mechanisms are each selectively engagable to connect a different respective gear of the sets of intermeshing gears to a respective one of the layshafts or to a stationary member.
US08398523B2 Drivetrain for an all-wheel-drive vehicle, and method for controlling the same
A drivetrain for an all-wheel-drive vehicle which has a first driven axle and a second driven axle. A drive unit is connected to a multi-stage transmission which has a multiplicity of gear stages for generating different transmission ratios. A transmission output shaft of the multi-stage transmission is connected to the first driven axle. The drive unit is also connected to an activating arrangement, the output element of which is connected to the second driven axle. Thus drive power can be supplied to the first axle permanently via the multi-stage transmission and drive power can be supplied to the second axle on demand via the activating arrangement.The activating arrangement has a first activating friction clutch and a second activating friction clutch which are designed to supply drive power to the second axle via a first and a second transmission ratio stage, respectively. The first transmission ratio stage is assigned to at least one lower gear stage of the multi-stage transmission. The second transmission ratio stage is assigned to at least one higher gear stage of the multi-stage transmission.
US08398516B2 Avoiding coasting downshift torque reversal in an automatic transmission
A method for controlling a coast down downshift that is produced in an automatic transmission by disengaging an off-going control element and engaging an oncoming control element, including the steps of determining a first desired pressure magnitude of the off-going control element and a first desired pressure magnitude of the oncoming control element, executing the current downshift using said first desired pressure magnitudes, determining during execution of the current downshift corrections of said first desired pressure magnitudes that occur during the current downshift, determining a second desired pressure magnitude of the off-going control element and a second desired pressure magnitude of the oncoming control element, using said corrections and the second desired pressure magnitude to determine a subsequent desired pressure magnitude of the off-going control element and a subsequent desired pressure magnitude of the oncoming control element, and executing a downshift using said subsequent desired pressure magnitudes.
US08398515B2 Powertrain comprising an optimized energy recovery system
A powertrain includes a variable ratio transmission device having an input shaft coupled to an engine and an output shaft coupled to a driven unit, a three-way power split transmission device including three input/output couplings, a first of which is coupled to a flywheel and a second of which is coupled to an electrical machine. The third input/output coupling of the three way power split transmission device is mechanically coupled to the engine and to the input shaft of the variable ratio transmission device.
US08398512B2 Toothed belt pulley
The invention describes a belt pulley (1) for a wet belt application, with a pulley body (2) comprising toothing (5) incorporating teeth (6) on an end face (4) for a toothed belt, and a tooth gap (7) with a tooth gap base (12) is disposed between every two teeth (6), and optionally with at least one flange (3), which is disposed—in the axial direction—on the side of the pulley body (2) and extends beyond the toothing (5) in the radial direction. Grooves (9) are provided in the region of the tooth gap base (12) and/or on an inner surface (8) of the flange (3) facing the toothing (5) for feeding away a lubricant.
US08398500B1 Golf game system
The present invention features a golf game system 100 comprising a mat 210 for placing on a ground surface; a post 110 disposed at a first position on the mat, wherein the post 110 functioning as a target, wherein disposed on a first end of the pole 110 is a scoreboard system 220; and a first camera 310 extending from the first end of the pole 110 in a first direction, and a second camera 320 extending from the first end of the pole 110 in a second direction, wherein the cameras function to localize the ball and calculate its position.
US08398499B2 Rotary game table
A rotary game table includes a combination game table, two side support members, and at least one cross member. The combination game table includes one type of game on one side and another type of game on the other side. The at least one cross member is terminated on each end by a single side support member. The combination game table is pivotally retained by one side support member on each end thereof. A locking device is used to pivotally constrain rotation of the combination game table. At least one table cross member is used to internally brace the combination game table with at least one air passage formed therethrough. In another embodiment, a substantially U-shaped side member is attached to one cross member and one end of the two side support members. In another embodiment, a collapsible support is used to increase rigidity of the side support members.
US08398493B2 Torque transmission device
A torque transmission device includes a shaft, particularly a drive shaft for a drive train of a vehicle, and at least one coupling element which is connected with an end of the shaft. The shaft and the at least one coupling element each consists completely or at least partly of a fiber-reinforced plastic material.
US08398489B2 Sorting games of chance
In various embodiments a display may allow a secondary player to select a game of an appropriate primary player.
US08398487B2 Game device, method of controlling game device, program, and information storage medium
Provided is a game device which allows a reduction in processing load relating to the control of player characters belonging to one team, in a case where any one of player characters belonging to another team is in possession of a moving object. A selecting section (52a) selects one or more player characters from among player characters belonging to the team which is not in possession of a moving object. A player character control section (52) controls such that the player character selected by the selecting section (52a) approaches the moving object. In a case where the moving object or the player character in possession of the moving object is located within a restriction region, a restricting section (56) imposes a restriction on the control to be executed by the player character control section (52). A restriction region control section (54a) changes the size of the restriction region based on game situation information.
US08398484B2 Instant online lottery method and system
A system and method for an instant online lottery game is disclosed. The system for an instant online lottery game can comprise a server and a plurality of instant online lottery units. The server can store a progressive jackpot that can be won with an instant online lottery number, wherein the progressive jackpot can increase in size based on a portion of ticket sales revenue or the number of tickets sold. The server can have a first random number generator that can generate the instant online lottery number and a second random number generator that generates a plurality of game-play combinations. The instant online lottery number and the plurality of game-play combinations can be provided to the player at the time of purchase of the instant online lottery ticket.
US08398480B2 Gaming system and method of gaming
A gaming system is provided including a game controller arranged to control play of a game, and a display arranged to display a representation of play of the game. The game controller is arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for play of the game, and to control the display to display a plurality of the selected symbols. The game controller is arranged to control the appearance of at least one of the symbols of the set of symbols so that the appearance of the at least one of the symbols is indicative of a probability of winning a prize based on the at least one of the symbols.
US08398476B1 Electronic game, such as a computer game involving removing pegs
Peggle is a game that balances skill and luck. The Peggle board is made up of different types of pegs, some of which the player must clear. The player begins a turn by aiming a ball at the pegs. When the player releases the ball, the ball travels through the pegs, contacting some and eventually falling to the bottom of the board. The ball may bounce off many pegs, and those pegs that the ball contacts are removed. A score is calculated based on the number and types of pegs hit during a turn.
US08398467B2 Motorized device for making sausages
A motorized device for making sausages including a meat product situated inside a casing, the device has a first cutting element cutting a meat product; a second element carrying out an insertion of a product portion inside the casing and immediate twisting; and a single geared motor actuating both the elements.
US08398466B2 CMP pad conditioners with mosaic abrasive segments and associated methods
A CMP pad conditioner comprises a plurality of abrasive segments. Each abrasive segment includes a segment blank and an abrasive layer attached to the segment blank, the abrasive layer including a superhard abrasive material. A pad conditioner substrate is also provided. Each of the plurality of abrasive segments is permanently affixed to the pad conditioner substrate in an orientation that enables removal of material from a CMP pad by the abrasive layer as the pad conditioner and the CMP pad are moved relative to one another.
US08398465B2 Dust-protected hand-held power tool
A battery-operated hand-held power tool (2), especially an angle grinder, comprises a housing base (4) accommodating the electromotive drive components and air inlet openings (10) supplying the electromotive drive components with a cooling air flow. In order to protect the electromotive components from dirt, the hand-held power tool is designed in such a manner that a filter element (20) is provided in the area of the air inlet openings (10) and keeps dust, especially magnetizable dust, away from the electromotive drive components. The filter element (20) is retained by a filter retaining part (12, 30) which can be attached to the exterior of the housing base (4). The filter retaining part (14, 30) can be elastically deformed to such an extent that it is slightly deformed, especially expanded, when attached to the housing base, and engages behind or snaps into an element on the housing base.
US08398452B2 Single reed turkey gobble call
A single reed turkey gobble call includes a barrel through which a user blows air. A reed assembly is positioned in the barrel. The reed assembly includes a tone board and a reed positioned against the tone board. A wedge engages the reed, and the reed is partially clamped between the wedge and the tone board such that a distal end of the reed is free to vibrate against the tone board. A vertex is defined on the tone board at the location where the reed separates from the tone board. The wedge is axially offset from the vertex in the axial direction away from the distal reed end by a wedge offset distance to produce a gobble sound.
US08398446B2 Motorized watercraft system with interchangeable motor module
A personal watercraft body comprises a recess configured to receive similarly shaped cassettes. A first cassette may be motorized to propel the body relative to a body of water. A second cassette may be non-motorized and may include a storage space therein for storing personal items. An insert may be disposed between the cassettes and the recess to orient and fit the cassettes within the body.
US08398444B2 Nautical engine for boats with jet propulsion by combustion gases
A nautical engine comprising at least one combustion chamber provided with a first opening for feeding an air and fuel mixture, at least one spark plug for igniting the mixture, at least one second opening for exhausting the exhaust gas derived from the ignition of the mixture, a device adapted to feed at least one combustion chamber by the at least one first opening, a control device adapted to control the feeding device for feeding the mixture into the combustion chamber and for igniting the spark plug for igniting the mixture. The feeding device comprises a nozzle adapted to spray the mixture at a pressure to open the first valve of the chamber, and, after having closed the first opening of the first valve, the second valve, for exhausting the gas, can be opened by the gas produced by the ignition of the mixture in the combustion chamber.
US08398442B2 Terminal fitting and a method for assembling the same
A male terminal comprises an electrical contact portion and an insulating member made of insulating material. The electrical contact portion is inserted into and connected to a female terminal. The insulating member includes a to-be-received portion accommodated in the electrical contact portion and a to-be-exposed portion. The electrical contact portion includes a bottom wall upon which the to-be-received portion is disposed, and a top wall. The to-be-received portion is positioned between the bottom wall and the top wall having a securing engagement portion brought into engagement with the to-be-received portion. The male terminal is made by placing the to-be-received portion upon the bottom wall while the bottom wall, the top wall, and the securing engagement portion are flush with each other, bending them such that the to-be-received portion resides between the top wall and the bottom wall, and bringing the securing engagement portion into engagement with the to-be-received portion.
US08398433B1 Connector structure
A connector structure includes an enclosure; a plurality of ground units arranged in the enclosure and respectively including a carrier plate and a plurality of ground terminals electrically connected to one another and associated with the carrier plate; a plurality of signal units arranged in the enclosure side by side to locate between any two adjacent ones of the ground units, and the signal units respectively including a carrier plate and a plurality of signal terminals associated with the carrier plate; and a ground connecting member connected to the carrier plates of the ground units and the signal units. With these arrangements, the connector has simple structure and can be easily assembled for use, and the ground units are connected to the ground connecting member to thereby effectively prevent electromagnetic interference during signal transmission and ensure increased transmission rate.
US08398431B1 Receptacle assembly
A receptacle assembly includes a front housing configured for mating with a header assembly and a contact module coupled to the front housing. The contact module includes a conductive holder having a first side wall and an opposite second side wall and a front coupled to the front housing. The conductive holder holds a frame assembly having a plurality of contacts and a dielectric frame supporting the contacts. The dielectric frame is received in the conductive holder and the contacts extend from the conductive holder for electrical termination. A ground shield is coupled to the first side wall. The ground shield is electrically connected to the conductive holder. The ground shield has grounding beams extending therefrom that extend forward of the front of the conductive holder for electrical connection to an interior surface of a corresponding header shield of the header assembly. The ground shield has grounding fingers extending therefrom forward of the front of the conductive holder for electrical connection to an interior surface of the corresponding header shield of the header assembly.
US08398423B2 Contacting plug as well as contacting plug-in connection
A contacting plug for contacting a contract carrier, in particular a circuit board, includes two clamping claws able to be swiveled relative to each other, transversely to a plug-in direction, at least one of the clamping claws being implemented as contact holder carrying at least one flexible contact element, which contact holder is designed to rest on the contact carrier with a contact force and has spring devices for generating a clamping force which is independent of the contact force. The clamping claws have at least one stop face in each case, which rest against each other in the non-contacting state of the contacting plug and thereby prevent plastic deformation of the contact element.
US08398420B2 High temperature pothead
A technique enables protection of electrical conductors in a submerged environment, such as a wellbore environment. A connector system is employed to connect a submersible component with an electrical cable. The connector employs redundant seal systems designed to maintain functionality during the life of the system when utilized in high temperature environments. For example, the high temperature, redundant seal systems enable continued operation of the submersible component in a submerged environment of at least 600 degrees Fahrenheit.
US08398419B2 Electrical connectors for photovoltaic systems
An electrical connector system including first and second electrical connector members mated to one another to form a sealed connection in order to protect electrically-conductive components against the infiltration of moisture. The first connector member includes a socket with a first annular ridge at its tip, while a second annular ridge is formed within the socket at its base. An electrically-conductive pin is housed within the first connector member and extends into the interior of the socket. The second connector member includes a plug. An electrically-conductive socket, mated to the pin, is housed within the plug. When the plug of the second connector member is mated with the socket of the first connector member, the tip of the plug contacts the annular ridge at the base of the socket, which is deformed so as to form a water-tight seal between the tip of the plug and the base of the socket. Likewise, the annular ridge at the tip of the socket contacts the base of the recess and is deformed so as to form another water-tight seal between the tip of the socket and the base of the recess.
US08398417B2 Electrical connector having a shell member with a holding portion and a release portion connected by a connecting portion
An electrical connector comprising a housing provided on one of opposite end portions thereof with an opening through which a flat circuit device is inserted into the housing, a plurality of conductive contacts arranged on the housing for contacting with connecting terminals on the flat circuit device in the housing, and a shell member mounted on the housing and provided therein with a holding portion operative to hold the flat circuit device in the housing. A releasing portion extends from the shell member toward the outside thereof, and a connecting portion extends from the releasing portion in a direction perpendicular to a conductive contact arrangement and the holding portion extends from the connecting portion, so that a folded-back protrusion is constituted in a body in the shell member with the releasing, connecting and holding portions.
US08398414B2 Locking mechanisms and locking caps for connectors
According to various embodiments, an exemplary locking mechanism for a connector comprises a hook, a bracket at least partially inserted within the hook to form a first assembly, a holder enclosing at least a portion of the first assembly to form a second assembly, and a button enclosing at least a portion of the second assembly to form the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may include a cap enclosing at least a portion of the button to form a locking cap.
US08398410B2 Socket connector having carbon nanotube contacts for signal transmission and metallic contacts for power transmission
A socket connector includes a housing having a base and a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from the base. The base and the sidewalls define a receiving cavity for receiving an electronic package. A plurality of carbon nanotube contacts for signal transmission and a plurality of metallic contacts for power transmission are mounted within the housing respectively.
US08398409B2 Apparatus for producing a connection
An apparatus for producing a connection between an electric or electronic appliance and a cable is described and which includes magnetic elements which produce both a holding force, and at the same time, provide approximate guidance, and exact centering so as to reliably avoid electric shorts and insure correct contact-making, between the electric or electronic appliance and the cable.
US08398404B2 System and method for elevated speed firearms training
The system and method to advance human performance in sighting, tracking, recognizing, and reacting to (collectively “engaging”) moving and stationary objects, for example, advancing skill in engaging targets with a firearm. System components include software and hardware that provide target and non-target image stimuli that can be manually or automatically generated as stationary or moving stimuli in a blank or a rendered scene environment. The methods including increase stimuli movement speeds and/or reducing the interval between or the time for which stimuli are displayed until the trainee fails to properly engage the stimuli, then reduce the movement speeds and/or increase the interval time to levels at which the trainee properly engages the stimuli. By repeating training methods with increasing speed, the trainee will be conditioned to achieve proper stimuli engagement with increasingly elevated speed and accuracy.
US08398397B2 Dental intraligamentary injection needles and related methods of manufacture
Injection needle devices for administering a local anesthetic into tough, dense ligamentary tissue surrounding a tooth. The injection needle is a two-part needle that includes a proximal needle portion formed of metal, ceramic or rigid plastic and a distal needle portion formed of ceramic or hardened metal. The distal penetrating needle portion has an exposed length not more than about 8 mm, and an maximum outside diameter of about 25 gauge. At the transition between the proximal needle portion and the distal needle portion there can be an abrupt stop surface for limiting penetration through tissue. Alternatively, the proximal needle portion can have a tapered surface that permits penetration of the tapered surface into tissue. The injection needle device is designed to minimize pain and prevent buckling of the distal needle portion.
US08398394B2 Dental treatment center
A system for driving an electric handpiece in response to a pneumatic control signal may provide for fast interchange of handpieces, self-calibration and wide dynamic range of operation with precise speed control. The system may be incorporated into virtually any dental treatment center using traditional pneumatic drive handpieces, and a conversion kit may facilitate such conversion. The system may provide not only for controlling the speed and torque of a tool coupled to an electric drive handpiece responsive to a pneumatic control signal, it may also provide for coupling cooling air and treatment media, such as air and/or water to the handpiece. Coupling of a handpiece to an operating base of the system, including coupling of media lines and electrical connections may be made with a simple press and twist action using quick connection structure.
US08398391B2 Dry-cast concrete block molding machine
A dry-cast concrete block molding machine for molding concrete blocks. The machine includes a weigh hopper system which senses when the proper amount of concrete, as determined by the weight thereof, has been placed in the weigh hopper to dump the weigh hopper. The machine also includes end plates in the mold box thereof which may be interchanged so that the configuration of the concrete block may be easily changed. The machine also includes a conveyor system which not only conveys mold trays into the mold box of the machine but which also is used to push the molded block outwardly from the compaction chamber of the mold box when the block has been molded.
US08398385B2 Refrigerant compressor
Refrigerant compressor for a hermetically encapsulated small refrigerator, which has a piston (20) guided in a piston bore (3) of a cylinder housing (1), the cylinder housing being frontally terminated using a valve plate (7) having a pressure opening (17) and a suction opening (16) and also being frontally provided with holes (5), which each have a thread. In order to adapt refrigerant piston compressors having screwed-on cylinder head in such a manner that an energy-efficient redesign of the structure cylinder cover-valve plate-cylinder housing is possible, the changes on the structure required for this purpose simultaneously being minimized, it is provided that a first clamping element (11), which is screwed into the holes (5), is provided, which contacts the valve plate (7) and presses it against the cylinder housing (1) in the area of at least a section of the piston bore wall (14) and has a pre-tension in the direction of the valve plate (7) in the screwed-on state, the clamping element (11) having a clamping section (13), which is located above the piston bore wall (14) in the installed position and has the shape of an imaginary projection of the piston bore wall (14) on the first clamping element (11).
US08398381B1 Low friction, high flow pump
One embodiment of the pump system includes a cover housing and a main body affixed to one another for operation. A drive and idler gear may be mounted within a gear chamber in the main body for rotation there about, and inlet fluid may be provided on both the axial and radial surfaces of the drive and idler gear. The cover housing may be outfitted with one pressure relief channel or with two pressure relief channels of different geometric sizes and with different actuation pressures. The drive and/or idler gear may have dimples fashioned on an axial surface thereof, and lubricant troughs may be fashioned at various locations in the main body and/or the cover housing to reduce wear within the pump.
US08398373B2 Wind turbine blade pitch-control system, and wind turbine rotor and wind turbine generator provided with the same
A pitch-control system according to the present invention includes a cylinder support portion provided on a rotor hub, a support point thereof being located away from a front end face (unsupported end) of the rotor hub on the opposite side of the rotor hub; a decentered coupling point provided at a decentered location on a root-side end face of the wind turbine blade; and a cylinder that is installed so as to pass through the unsupported end of the rotor hub, a coupling portion that is provided on a portion that protrudes to the outer side from the unsupported end being coupled in a freely rotatable manner to the support point via a spherical joint, and a coupling portion that is on the inner side of the unsupported end being coupled in a freely rotatable manner to the decentered coupling point via a spherical joint.
US08398359B2 Exhaust diffuser
An exhaust diffuser including an outer flow guide surface and an inner flow guide surface defining an inlet, a first collection chute having an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet, the first collection chute operative to diffuse a flow of a fluid, a second collection chute having an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet, the second collection chute operative to diffuse the flow of the fluid, and the outer flow guide surface and the inner flow guide surface are operative to guide and direct the flow of the fluid to the first collection chute and the second collection chute.
US08398354B2 Bookbinding apparatus
A bookbinding apparatus for trimming sheets includes an adhesive applying device for applying adhesive to a back of the sheets; a trimming blade disposed in a trimming position; a bunch position changing device disposed in a transport path to change a position of the sheets in the trimming position; a blade receiving member having at least first and second blade receiving areas with different blade receiving surfaces contacting with the trimming blade; a driving device positioning the trimming blade between a cut position for bringing the trimming blade into contact with the blade receiving member and a spaced waiting position; a shift device selectively shifting one of the first and second blade receiving areas to a predetermined trimming position, and a control device for controlling the shift means and the driving means.
US08398345B2 Low profile dual-action disposable clamp
Disclosed is a clamp that includes a bolt, a spacer, a shank, an expander and a blocking means. The bolt includes a non-threaded undercut that permits the bolt to rotate in an internally threaded portion of the spacer without threaded engagement between the bolt and the spacer. When used as a clamp, the spacer, shank, expander and blocking means cooperate to deform the expander into a blind side flange and to clamp a work piece between the flange and the spacer. To remove the clamp, the bolt is moved away from the spacer while rotating the bolt in the expander to bring the external threads of the expander into threaded engagement with the internal threads of the spacer. This permits the extraction of the bolt from the blind side expander by maintaining rotational restraint of the expander with the spacer. In several embodiments, a compression spring is positioned between the head of the bolt and the spacer to automatically move the bolt when it is rotated in a loosening direction.
US08398335B2 Method for extracting landfill gas
An apparatus and method to internally provide apertures inside polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high density polyethylene (HDPE), or any polymeric pie, plastic pipe-riser (blank casing) in existing landfill gas recovery wells (extraction wells) that have been installed at Municipal Solid Waste Facilities are described. By creating additional apertures in landfill gas recovery well risers, landfill gas derived from the decomposition of waste is allowed to enter the existing riser and extraction/recovery system. This process saves time and cost associated with drilling additional wells to capture landfill gas from subsequent layers of the waste body. The process assists in maintaining regulatory compliance by capturing landfill gas and preventing it from being emitted into the atmosphere.
US08398328B2 Coupling arrangement and connection assembly
A coupling arrangement has a housing, a cylindrical supporting element having a center axis, which at least partly axially overlaps with the housing and contacts it at a first axial end area to disable movement at least in one direction along the center axis, the supporting element has at least a first protrusion, a connecting element with at least a second protrusion, which at least partly axially overlaps with the supporting element and which is arranged along the center axis facing away from the first axial end area, and a spring arranged and designed such that a first and a second axial end rest on the first protrusion and the second protrusion, respectively. The spring, the supporting element with its first protrusion and the connecting element second protrusion are designed and arranged such as to provide an axial force along the center axis at the first axial end area.
US08398326B2 Fluid dispensing oral care implement
A fluid dispensing oral care implement with fluid delivery system. The implement includes a storage member containing a fluid. A channel formed of one or more wicking or capillary members extends through at least a portion of the oral care implement to deliver fluid(s) through one or more fluid outlets via capillary action. In one embodiment, the fluid outlet is comprised of a wicking or capillary material and is disposed in the head of the implement. In some embodiments, the implement may include a valve and a specially configured storage cap. A variety of fluids can be administered for therapeutic, hygienic, and/or other benefits, such as fresh breath, tooth whitening, tooth sensitivity, plaque and/or tartar control, or producing sensations of heat, cool, or tingling.
US08398320B2 Non-transitory storage medium for rinsing or developing sequence
A non-transitory storage medium stores software for performing a rinsing process on a substrate, after a developing process is performed on a light-exposed pattern disposed thereon. The sequence includes throwing off a developing solution from the substrate after development; supplying a water-based cleaning liquid onto the substrate; supplying a surfactant-containing rinsing liquid onto the substrate to replace liquid remaining on the substrate with the surfactant-containing rinsing liquid; and rotating the substrate to expand and throw off the surfactant-containing rinsing liquid on the substrate.
US08398319B2 Developing apparatus, developing method, and storage medium
A developing apparatus including a substrate holder that holds a substrate horizontally; means for atomizing a surface treatment liquid used to improve wettability of the substrate with a developer; a first spray nozzle that sprays the atomized surface treatment liquid onto the substrate; and a developer supply nozzle that supplies a developer onto the substrate to which the substrate treatment liquid has been sprayed. The surface tension of the atomized surface treatment liquid with respect to the substrate is lower than the surface tension of the surface treatment liquid with respect to the substrate. The atomization suppresses the fact that the surface treatment liquid gathers on a certain portion of the surface of the substrate. The surface treatment liquid can be easily supplied onto the entire surface of the substrate, and improve wettability of the substrate with the developer.
US08398314B2 Optical universal serial bus (USB)
Embodiments of the invention are directed to an optical USB (OUSB) to enhance the data rate of USB by adding super-high data rate (e.g. 10 Gbps) optical communication on top of its current specification so that backward compatibility is achievable. Mechanical tolerances may be achieved by using embedded lenses to expand a beam emerging from the connector prior to entering its mating connector and using an identical lens in the mating connector to collimate the beam back onto a fiber.
US08398308B2 Disk drive device provided with fluid dynamic bearing unit
A bearing unit for a disk drive device is formed by a sleeve concave portion and a shaft concave portion, and is provided with a capillary seal portion in which the gap between the sleeve concave portion and the shaft concave portion is increased in diameter toward the hub side of the sleeve. Assuming that: the outer circumferential diameter at the tilt starting end on the base member side of the shaft concave portion is D0; the inner circumferential diameter at the tilt starting end on the hub side of the sleeve concave portion is D1; the facing outer circumferential diameter of the shaft concave portion, which faces, in the radial direction, the inner circumference at the tilt starting end of the sleeve concave portion, is D2; and the diameter of the most concave inner circumference of the sleeve concave portion is D3, D2 is smaller than D0, D3 is larger than D1, and the difference between D3 and D0 is larger than that between D0 and D2.
US08398301B2 Apparatus for determining downhole fluid temperatures
Apparatus for determining downhole fluid temperatures are described. An example apparatus for measuring a temperature of a downhole fluid includes a sensing element for measuring a physical or chemical property of the downhole fluid, and a plurality of electrical connections to enable the sensing element to measure the chemical or physical property and provide an output signal representative of the chemical or physical property, wherein at least one of the electrical connections is configured to function as a thermocouple to sense a temperature of the downhole fluid.
US08398300B2 Wearable article
A watch (100, 200, 300) is disclosed as including a case and a rotation module (106, 206, 306) with a longitudinal axis (L-L, N-N, P-P), in which the rotation module (106, 206, 306) is contained within the case and freely rotatable relative to the case about the longitudinal axis (L-L, N-N, P-P), the rotation module (106, 206, 306) including a number of movement parts (134, 234, 334), and, upon rotation of the rotation module (106, 206, 306) relative to the case, the movement parts (134, 234, 334) are each movable relative to the rotation module (106, 206, 306) and to-and-fro along a respective path (Lm1-Lm1, Lm2-Lm2, Lm3-Lm3, Lm4-Lm4, Nm1-Nm1, Nm2-Nm2, Nm3-Nm3, Nm4-Nm4, Pm1-Pm1, Pm2-Pm2, Pm3-Pm3, Pm4-Pm4).
US08398297B2 Electromagnetic stirring apparatus
The stirring apparatus is an electronic design that generates rotating magnetic fields to drive magnetic stir bars within vials placed above the cover of the stirring apparatus. Below the cover is a magnetics board containing multiple vial groups of four air core coils arranged in rectangular patterns. Each vial group has with two pairs of diagonal coils. The coils in each pair are wired in series and have opposite winding directions. Each pair is driven by a different phase of a stepper motor driver. The vial groups are spaced appropriately for placing one vial above each group. The adjacent coils of adjacent vial groups are driven by the same phase and have the same magnetic direction. The cover contains an array of pole standoffs that matches the coil pattern. The hollow center of each air core coil contains at least a portion of one pole standoff.
US08398293B2 Apparatus having sweeping impeller for mixing viscous material
An apparatus for mixing viscous material includes a chamber having a cylindrical sidewall and a bottom and receiving viscous material to be mixed; a cylindrical draft tube fixed at an inside center of the chamber to be spaced from the bottom and the sidewall and forming a space between the draft tube and the sidewall to allow passage of the viscous material, and including a heat medium passage therein; a carrying impeller installed in the draft tube and driven by a motor to transfer the viscous material above or below the draft tube and suck the viscous material in the space into the draft tube; and a sweeping impeller installed in the space and rotated in a circumferential direction by a motor to apply a pressure to the viscous material so that the viscous material in the space is not adhered to the draft tube and the sidewall.
US08398282B2 Vehicle front lighting assembly and systems having a variable tint electrowetting element
A vehicle front lighting assembly, or headlight assembly, that includes one or more variable tint electrowetting elements overlying a portion of the assembly lens surface. The variable tint electrowetting element is configured to operate to a transparent state whereby the hue of light passing therethrough is not changed, and a tinted state where the hue of light passing therethrough is changed. Alternatively, the variable tint electrowetting element is configured to operate to the tinted state and an opaque state where light is blocked from passing through the electrowetting element. The assembly may use light emitting diodes (LED) as an alternative to more conventional light sources.
US08398276B2 Wall mounted aisle, step and corridor light system
A wall light system including a single piece wall mount extrusion having a vertical rear mounting surface and a horizontally extending light shield. The interior of the vertical rear mounting surface has first and second projections extending therefrom defining a first slot, while the interior of the light shield has a downwardly extending vertical projection and a horizontal projection formed thereon, which together define a second slot. A lampholder has lower and upper tongues positioned to snap fit into the first and second slots, respectively, and mounts a circuit board which carries one or more LEDs.
US08398273B2 Surface-mounted or wall-mounted luminaire
The invention relates to an elongate light fixture having a substantially triangular cross-section. The light fixture is screwed to a supply duct with the rear wall thereof. A front rail runs parallel to the rear wall. Transparent panels and are inserted detachably between the rear wall and rail. In the interior of the light fixture, a fluorescent lamp is provided as the luminous element. The light emitted by said fluorescent lamp is reflected upward by way of reflector surfaces that open in the shape of a funnel and is scattered diffusely in the direction A by means of the frosted panel. The panel surfaces, which likewise open in the shape of a funnel, reflect the light exiting downward from the lamp in the direction toward the panel, the grooved structure of which ensures that the light is deflected substantially in the direction B, while the portion of the side light exiting in the direction C is reduced. With this reflector and panel configuration, firstly good illumination of the space and secondly specific and glare-free workplace lighting is made possible.
US08398268B2 Method and apparatus for attaching polyhedron cover to an illuminator and operating it
An illuminator base includes slots to enclose the flaps, locks to attach the flaps and a rotating actuator that is used as a rotating base for the illuminator to enable the rotation of the cover around a stand or a support to review the imprinted motifs or menus around the cover. The illuminator base further includes at least one switching device and the actuator includes activator for said switching device and the illuminator is actuated by rotating and pushing or pulling the cover.
US08398262B2 Low profile extrusion
The present invention provides various embodiments for apparatuses and methods of manufacturing low profile housings for electronic and/or optoelectronic devices. Some embodiments provide low profile housings with a hollow casing comprising a first surface, second surface, and at least one lateral side surface. The housing is substantially light-diffusive. At least one cap is provided for sealing an end of the casing, with the at least one cap being sized to account for variations in the casing. At least one light emitting device, such as an LED, may be mounted within the casing. A mounting means may be included for mounting the housing. In another embodiment, a low profile housing with a first casing and second casing surrounding a majority of the first casing may be provided. At least one light emitting device, such as a double-sided printed circuit board with a plurality of LEDs, may be provided in the first casing. One or more end caps may be provided for sealing both the first and second casings while providing a ventilation feature to allow for pressure equalization. Two different wavelengths of light may be emitted from either side of the housing.
US08398260B2 Heat-dissipation structure of LED lamp
A heat-dissipation structure of an LED lamp is disclosed. The LED lamp includes a metal profile, a lampshade attached to the metal profile from bottom, a lamp head mounted around the combined lampshade and metal profile, a printed circuit board set in receiving recesses bilaterally formed below the metal profile, and LEDs provided on a surface of the printed circuit board facing the lampshade. The heat-dissipation structure is characterized in a downward-bending accurate profile of the metal profile being formed between the receiving recesses, and two pads being each positioned between the flanges and the printed circuit board, the two pads serving to prop two lateral sides of the printed circuit board upward such that the printed circuit board fits the accurate profile and closely contacts the metal profile with increased contacting area. Thereby, the printed circuit board can have heat accumulated in operation rapidly dissipated from the metal profile.
US08398256B2 Magnetic accessory mounts
Apparatus for mounting accessories to guns. Some embodiments provide gun mounts each including a body and a magnet to magnetically couple the mount to the gun. The bodies are shaped and dimensioned to mechanically retain the accessories (which can be flash lights). The magnets are mechanically coupled to the bodies (and can be an integral portion thereof) and cause magnetic fields. Given the shapes and dimensions of the bodies, the positions of the magnets relative to the bodies and relative to the barrels of the guns when the bodies abut the barrels, the magnetic field strengths are within a range sufficient to releasably and magnetically couple the magnets and the barrels. In some embodiments the magnetic field strengths are sufficient to limit the ranges of motion of the mounts relative to the guns during the shock created by firing the gun.
US08398255B2 Wrist flex flashlight
The present invention relates to a wrist flashlight. The flashlight of the present invention sits partly on the wrist and partly on the hand and flexes at the wrist joint such that the beam of light is always pointing in the same direction as the hand.
US08398236B2 Image-guided docking for ophthalmic surgical systems
A docking method for an ophthalmic system may include the steps of aligning a docking unit of the ophthalmic system and an eye; generating an image of an internal structure of the eye by an imaging system; improving an alignment of the docking unit with the internal structure of the eye in relation to the generated image; and docking the docking unit to the eye. The generating the image step may include computing scanning data by a processor corresponding to a scanning pattern; storing the scanning data in a data buffer; transferring the scanning data by the data buffer to an output module; outputting scanning signals by the output module to one or more scanners based on the scanning data; and scanning an imaging beam with the one or more scanners according to the scanning signals.
US08398225B2 Image forming apparatus, and apparatus and method for applying foamed liquid
A foamed liquid coating apparatus prevents curling or warping of a sheet caused by coating irregularities when coated with a preprocessing solution using a coating roller or a liquid discharge head. The foamed liquid coating apparatus includes a container holding a liquid that can be foamed. A first foamed liquid producing/transporting unit produces a foamed liquid having a foam size greater than a required foam size from the liquid supplied from the container. A second foamed liquid producing/transporting unit produces a foamed liquid having the required foam size from the foamed liquid produced by the first foamed liquid producing/transporting unit. The foamed liquid produced by the second foamed liquid producing/transporting unit is applied onto a first coating roller. The foamed liquid is further supplied from the first coating roller to a second coating roller that coats a sheet with the foamed liquid.
US08398224B2 Heat activated printing process
Reactive inks and methods of generating an image on a substrate using both reactive and heat activated inks are presented. An image is printed on a substrate, without reacting the reagents in the ink. Subsequently, the reagents are reacted to fix the image to a substrate, with substantial permanency and fastness. Sublimation or similar heat activated dyes are printed are also printed on the substrate. The sublimation or similar heat activated dyes are activated, and have an affinity for polymer that is applied to the substrate.
US08398219B2 Ink jet printer module and printer using the same
An ink jet printer module has a module body, an ink inlet port, a washing liquid inlet port and a pneumatic inlet port connected with the main ink tank, the washing liquid tank and the pneumatic pump. A common flow path in the interior of the module body selectively communicates with either the washing liquid flow path or the washing liquid flow path. An ink opening and closing valve is provided at the module body. A pneumatic and washing liquid selection valve is provided in the module body An ink discharge port is provided in the module body discharges the ink of the ink flow path to the outside of the module body. A common discharge port is provided in the module body and discharges either the pneumatic or the washing liquid of the common flow path.
US08398216B2 Reservoir assembly for supplying fluid to printhead
A fluid reservoir assembly for supplying fluid to a printhead is provided. The assembly has a reservoir compartment in fluid communication with fluid channels for supplying the fluid to the printhead via a fluid outlet, the reservoir compartment having an air vent and a bypass fluid path interconnecting the fluid outlet and a well region within the compartment, and a valve in the bypass fluid path for priming the reservoir compartment with fluid via the bypass fluid path.
US08398215B2 Liquid ejecting head with a common liquid chamber
An intermediate liquid chamber is formed between an ink conducting path to which ink is supplied from an ink supply source such as an ink cartridge and a common liquid chamber to which ink to be provided to a plurality of pressure chambers is supplied. The intermediate liquid chamber communicates with both the ink conducting path and the common liquid chamber. The intermediate liquid chamber includes a conducting opening which communicates with the ink conducting path and a discharge opening which is opened to the common liquid chamber. The discharge opening is formed from one edge portion to the other edge portion of the common liquid chamber along a pressure chamber arrangement direction.
US08398208B2 Ceramic printed circuit board (PCB) and inkjet printhead assembly using the same
A ceramic printed circuit board (PCB) and an inkjet printhead assembly using the ceramic PCB. A ceramic PCB in which a plurality of layers are stacked includes a plurality of terminals to receive an electric signal from an external source, a plurality of circuit patterns connected to the plurality of terminals to transmit the electric signal, and a termination resistor having a predetermined thickness disposed between the plurality of circuit patterns, wherein the termination resistor is mounted between the plurality of stacked layers.
US08398206B2 Recovery processing method for print head, and inkjet printing apparatus using the same
Wet wiping processing is performed on an ink ejection opening forming surface of a print head by use of a wiper. Then, as bubble removal processing, the print head is heated by use of either an electrothermal conversion element or a heat generating element located inside the print head, and then a control unit causes the print head to perform preliminary ejection K1 and preliminary ejection K2.
US08398169B2 Furniture member having powered gliding motion
A furniture member having a powered gliding motion includes a frame having a plurality of upright posts. Individual ones of a plurality of links are individually rotatably connected to individual ones of the upright posts. An actuation mechanism is suspended from the upright posts at rotatably connected free ends of each of the links to permit forward and rearward gliding motions of the actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism includes a leg rest assembly movable between a fully retracted and a fully extended position. A powered glider drive assembly selectively connected to both the frame and the actuation mechanism successively moves the actuation mechanism in the forward gliding motion and the rearward gliding motion independent of the position of the leg rest assembly.
US08398166B2 Vehicle seat assembly
A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back and a seat base extending forward from a lower end of the seat back. The seat base is formed of a first foam member extending laterally across the seat base to absorb loads and a second foam member formed over the first member to form a seating surface of the seat base. The first foam member includes at least one channel for interlocking the first foam member and a second foam member.
US08398161B2 Sunroof headliner attachment system
A vehicle headliner attachment system for displaceable attachment of a headliner to a sunroof assembly frame. The attachment system includes at least one snap-in male connector including a distal insertion head adapted to be press fit into a corresponding elongated female acceptance slot disposed at a position adjacent to the perimeter of a sunroof opening. The male connector is releasably held at a support element secured to the headliner. The support element is oriented on the headliner such that the male connector is slideable along the elongated female acceptance slot without disengaging from the support element when the headliner is moved rearward relative to the assembly frame.
US08398160B2 Roof structure of a body of a motor vehicle
In a roof structure for the body of a motor vehicle with front roof pillars which are interconnected via a roof frame element, the roof frame element is arranged in a center section of the roof structure in relation to the connecting section thereof to the respective roof pillar so as to be set back in the longitudinal vehicle direction.
US08398151B2 Dumper body
Dumper body (1) comprising a front bottom part (2) and a rear bottom part (14), the front bottom part (2) and the rear bottom part (14) being connected to each other at a bottom angle less than 180°, the rear bottom part (14) ending in an opening (16) and accordingly leaning in relation to the front bottom part (2), as well as that a front end portion (21) in addition is connected to the front edge of the front bottom part (2) in order to limit the loading space of the dumper body in the forward direction, an intermediate part (19) being placed internally in the dumper body (1) between and on top of the front bottom part (2) and the rear bottom part (14) at a deviating bottom angle in relation to both the front bottom part (2) and the rear bottom part (14) in such a way that a hollow space (H2) is formed between the front bottom part (2), the rear bottom part (14) and the intermediate part (19).
US08398149B2 Door of a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a door of a motor vehicle having an outer panel (1), an inner panel (2), a plate-shaped member (6), which is arranged on the door inside, for various add-on and mounting units, and reinforcement regions (14 to 17) for door functional elements and an installed stiffening member (3, 4) as a side-impact protector. In order to optimize the ratio of stiffness to side-impact protection of the door and to optimize the production expenditure of the door, the inner panel (2) and the stiffening member (3, 4) are formed as an integral frame-shaped component (5) which includes the reinforcement regions (14 to 17) from high-strength to superhigh strength steel sheet, and that are hot-worked. In order to be able to install the add-on and mounting units with sufficient mounting length, the plate-shaped member (6) is fastened to the inner panel (2) by means of a holding frame (7) which provides the desired mounting depth.
US08398146B2 Method of joining a backlight cover and headliner clip for a convertible top
A convertible top has a convertible top cover, a backlight, and a headliner. A connector system includes a molded ring of material affixed to the backlight and the top cover. The connector system includes a clip attached to the headliner. The molded ring may have a slot formed on an interior surface between the backlight and the cover. The clip may be inserted into the slot to secure the headliner insider the top cover. A method of securing a headliner to a convertible top is also provided.
US08398144B2 Longitudinal adjustment device
The invention relates to a longitudinal adjustment device of a motor vehicle seat, comprising a stationary bottom rail connectable to a motor vehicle and a seat rail connectable to the vehicle seat and longitudinally displaceably supported on the bottom rail between a front and a rear end position. In order to provide a longitudinal adjustment device which protects the seat rail against a crash-induced displacement with respect to the bottom rail in the area of its rear end position, it is provided that the detachment lock in effective connection with the bottom rail and the seat rail in the area of their rear end position is formed in such a manner that it blocks a crash-induced separation of the seat rail from the bottom rail.
US08398128B2 Vehicle door latch system
A vehicle door latch system configured to temporarily prevent door latch mechanisms from unlatching during a predetermined event is provided. The vehicle door latch system includes a forkbolt pivotally mounted to a housing portion of the vehicle door latch. The forkbolt is capable of moving between a latching position and an unlatching position. The door latch system also includes a block out mechanism configured for movement between a blocking position and an unblocking position. The block out mechanism is configured to prevent the forkbolt from moving from the latching position to the unlatching position when the block out mechanism is in the blocking position. A biasing member biases the block out mechanism into the unblocking position. The door latch system also includes an activation mechanism for moving the block out mechanism to the blocking position when the activation mechanism is activated for a predetermined time period to overcome the biasing member and after the predetermined time period, the block out mechanism moves to the unblocking position by the biasing member.
US08398127B2 Opening and closing device for lids
The present invention relates to an opening and closing device of push-push type for lids, with particular reference to the lids of fuel tanks in cars and motorcycles, which uses a mechanism comprising a heart-shaped cam (6) and a roto-translating pin (3), in which the cam (6) is positioned in detached and parallel position with respect to the roto-translating pin (3) and in which the heart-shaped cam (6) and the pin (3) are connected by means of a rocker (8).
US08398126B2 Multipoint lock mechanism
A multipoint lock for sliding doors. The multipoint lock mounted to a sliding door generally includes an active locking device having an active latch, and two passive locking devices, each having a passive latch. The latches are independently depth adjustable relative to an edge of the sliding door. The active locking device further includes sets of fastener apertures for receiving and securing a handle assembly thereto in at least two different positions. A lever having an actuator pin of the handling assembly can be positioned at various locations on the handle assembly such that fastener apertures of the handle assembly align with a different set of handle apertures of the active locking device depending on the position of the lever, Actuation of the active locking device by movement of the lever shifts the active latch and the passive latches simultaneously between locked and unlocked positions.
US08398115B2 Vehicle steering wheel
A vehicle steering wheel with a steering wheel body, a movable element held movably on the steering wheel body, which element can be pressed down against the force of a restoring element against the steering wheel body, and with a horn contact which is closed by pressing down of the element. An economical design for constructing the horn contact is created in that the horn contact has two cable cores (44a, 44b) which are held in a holding element (32), and that a contact element (36a, 36b) which is likewise held by the holding element (32) extends into each of the cable cores (44a, 44b). The two contact elements (32a, 32b) come into electrical contact with each other here by the pressing down of the movable element.
US08398111B2 Pushchair frame
An improved pushchair frame (10) of a type that can be collapsed for ease of transport or storage etc. The frame comprising a push/pull handle (12), a front wheel frame (14) on which at least one front wheel (16) is rotatably mounted and a rear wheel frame (18) on which at least one rear wheel (20) is rotatably mounted. The frame comprising a seat mounting yoke (22) to which the front and rear wheel frames are coupled, at least one of the front and rear wheel frames being pivotably coupled to the yoke, the frames having an operating position in which they are spaced from one another and a stowed position in which they are generally adjacent one another. The seat mounting yoke is rotatable, relative to at least one of the front and rear wheel frames, between an operating position and a stowed position in which the yoke is located generally adjacent one of the front and rear wheel frames. A retaining means maintains the yoke and the front and rear wheel frames in their operating position. When the retaining means are released, the yoke and the front and rear wheel frames may be moved to their stowed positions, thereby folding the pushchair frame.
US08398107B2 Bicycle angle adjustment device for rotationally adjusting a first bicycle part in relation to a second bicycle part
The bicycle angle adjustment device according to the invention is suitable for rotationally adjusting a first bicycle part in relation to a second bicycle part. The first bicycle part is provided with a hole with an internal toothing. Also, an intermediate ring is provided with an external and internal toothing, wherein the intermediate ring's external toothing, when 5 mounted, meshes into the internal toothing of the first bicycle part. In this way, a first set of meshing toothings is formed. The second bicycle part is provided with an external toothing which, when mounted, meshes into the internal toothing of the intermediate ring, in such a way that a second set of meshing toothings is formed. The first set of toothings has a first minimum angular rotation and the second set of toothings has a second minimum angular 0 rotation. The first minimum angular rotation of the first set of toothings differs from the second minimum angular rotation of the second set of toothings.
US08398105B2 Methods and apparatus for suspension damping with reduced cavitation and effects
A method and apparatus for reducing cavitation and its effects in a damper. The damper includes a flow dividing structure. In one embodiment, the structure is disposed in a valve including an annular flow path constructed and arranged to separate fluid into substantially separate streams as the fluid passes through the annular path.
US08398102B2 Suspension arm for a motor vehicle wheel suspension and method for manufacturing same
A swing arm for a suspension of a vehicle comprises a substantially transversely outer arm portion having a free end for mounting of a support for supporting a wheel of the vehicle and a substantially transversely inner arm portion with a first branch and second branch. The first branch is substantially aligned with the outer arm portion and has a free end for mounting of a first connector for connection to a body of the vehicle, and the second branch extends along an arched path towards a rear part of the vehicle and has a free end for mounting of a second connector for connection to the vehicle body. A single-sheet metal piece includes a main portion having an open section and at least one secondary portion arranged in an edge zone of the swing arm, having a closed section, and formed by at least one strip of the metal piece folded onto the main portion and firmly secured with a free edge of the strip to the main portion. A method for manufacturing the swing arm comprises steps of obtaining the main portion by stamping of the metal piece, folding the strip of the metal piece so as to obtain the secondary portion, and firmly securing the free edge of the strip to the main portion.
US08398096B2 Pushing vehicle for transporting a child, modular supporting system, and components
A pushing vehicle is described for transporting at least one child, including: a wheeled chassis including a chassis frame and a plurality of wheels that are rotatably mounted relative to the chassis frame to support the chassis frame above a ground surface and which enable the chassis to be moved along the ground surface; a passenger support for supporting a child; wherein the passenger support is attachable to the frame in a mounting position by a single tool-less attachment mechanism for attaching an underside of the passenger support to the chassis frame, to support the passenger support generally above the wheeled chassis. Also described are related modular seating systems and a supporting compartment.
US08398088B2 Sealing ring
A sealing ring has a sealing element with at least one fastening part and at least one sealing part provided with a sealing edge. The sealing element is essentially of rotational symmetry. The sealing edge, at least over a portion of a circumference thereof, is positioned in a slanted position relative to a sealing ring axis at an angle different from a 90 degree angle, viewed in a projection onto an axial plane of the sealing ring. A support part is provided and the sealing edge is arranged on an inner side of the support part.
US08398066B2 Image forming apparatus with stapling function
An image forming apparatus with a stapling function is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a printing device and a stapling device. The printing device is used for printing images on plural papers. The printed papers are transmitted to the stapling device and stapled by the stapling device. The printing device has a printing device casing. The stapling device includes a minor casing and a main casing, which are respectively connected with a first surface and a second surface of the printing device casing. Since the stapling device is connected with two difference surfaces of the printing device casing, the overall height of the image forming apparatus is reduced.
US08398057B2 Stringing block for aerial electric conductor
A stringing block for aerial electric conductor or other aerial cable, intended for hanging to electric line structures, insulators etc., suitable for both manual and helicopter pilot line or conductor stringing, is disclosed. The block comprises one or more ring-shaped sheaves, each one running over one or two small wheels, installed on a small size frame and rotating around their axes. The block is light enough for to prevent conductor/pilot line escaping the shave groove and friction on the shave flange.
US08398049B2 Multi-functional infant care and organizer system and associated methods
A multi-functional infant care and organizer system includes a base member and an elongate main body member detachably connected to and extending upwardly from the base member. The system also includes unit carrying member that is moveably connected to the main body member and unit member slidably and rotatably connected to the main body member and supported by the unit carrying member when slidably connected to the main body member. The unit member can be a storage unit, a changing station, a table, a light, a hanger, a bath pod, entertainment unit, an infant hammock, an infant mobile, a music box, or a drawing surface. Any combination of unit members may be connected to the main body member.
US08398048B2 Structure for mounting an object on a vertical surface and method of making same
A picture hanger has a base portion having a hole for an elongated fastener (nail or screw). The base portion carries a member enclosing a front face or the entire base portion. The member has a through hole aligned with and on one or both sides of the fastener hole. The elongated fastener is held in place in the holes so that the fastener need not be manually held during driving thereof into a picture frame or wall. The member is injection molded on the base portion, and consists essentially of nylon-6,6 having a Shore A hardness in the range of 80-90.
US08398044B2 Longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat
A longitudinal adjuster for a vehicle seat (3) has a first seat rail (5) fixed to the vehicle structure and arranged on a vehicle floor (10) and a second seat rail (8) fixed to the seat and displaceable in relation to the first seat rail (5) and guided in same. A position detection device (20) is provided with a sensor (24), having a magnet and a Hall element. The sensor (24) is arranged in the interior of the second seat rail (8) and aligned with a flat area associated with the first seat rail (5) in which one end of the flat area corresponds to the end of the rail and the flat area forms a detection area. The sensor (24) is used to detect an end of the detection area. The sensor (24) has a certain detection range and the distance between the sensor (24) and the detection area lies within the certain detection range of the sensor (24). The distance between the sensor (24) and the vehicle floor (10) lies outside of the certain detection range of the sensor (24).
US08398040B2 Fastening apparatus for a pressurized-gas vessel
A fastening apparatus for pressurized-gas vessels is provided on a carrier. The fastening apparatus makes it possible to fasten a pressurized-gas vessel as well as to adapt the fastening apparatus to differently sized pressurized-gas vessels with one manipulative step. The fastening apparatus includes a carrier, a belt, a locking device, fastening points and redirection points for the belt.
US08398036B2 Post holder
A post holder for holding a safety post on a horizontal structure of a building is provided. The post holder has an elongate post reception portion an elongate central support portion, protruding from the post reception portion and perpendicular to the post reception portion, and first and second elongate side support portions protruding from the post reception portion laterally of the central support portion and in opposite directions. The central support portion comprises a fastening seat, which is arranged to receive a fastening member for fastening of the post holder to a base. Each one of said support portions comprises a support protrusion, which constitutes a fraction of the support portion at a bottom side thereof and protrudes at a bottom side thereof, thereby forming a lower most support surface of the support portion. The lower most support surfaces of the support portions are triangularly positioned.
US08398033B2 Cable clamp
A cable clamp for an electrical cable, comprising a first member and a second member that can cooperatively retain a cable between them; wherein the first member has been formed by extrusion in the general axial direction of a cable as it is to be retained in the clamp, at least a portion of the axial cross-section of the first member comprising a receiving part having a curved shape within which a portion of the cable is to be located, and a flange extending from either side of the receiving part; and the second member is attachable at either end to a flange of the first member so as to retain the cable within the receiving part of the first member.
US08398030B2 Control bar with outer steering line trim and sheeting system for sport kite
A kite control system having a control bar adapted with an internal sheeting system that provides trim/sheeting control by adjustment of outer steering lines which are attached at or near the rear corners of the kite. A tubular control bar is adapted such that the outer steering lines are routed through the interior of the control bar through openings at each opposing end. The outer steering lines are each joined to a sheeting control line which extends back out one of the opposing ends in either a left hand actuated or right hand actuated embodiment. A fixed pin located approximately mid-length within the control bar provides a fixed structure about which one of the outer lines and/or sheeting control line is routed in U-turn fashion. By pulling the sheeting control line from the end of the control bar, the rider can shorten the effective length of the outer steering lines thereby increasing the angle of attack so as to power up the kite. By releasing the sheeting control line such that it is drawn into the control bar, the ride can allow the outer steering lines to fully deploy thereby reducing the angle of attack so as to depower the kite. The control bar is equipped with means for selectively fixing the sheeting control line so as to achieve a desired angle of attack.
US08398022B2 Wide body aircraft architecture
A large-capacity airplane principally includes a fuselage which has no region of constant width between the front and the rear and a wing fixed to the fuselage. As a preference, the engines are fixed at the rear under a horizontal tail held above the fuselage by vertical stabilizers and maintenance wells are formed in the fuselage in vertical alignment with each engine to allow the engines to be fitted and removed. The width of the fuselage is determined, on the one hand, so that the airplane landing gear is fixed to the fuselage and in the up position is included within the interior volume of the fuselage and, on the other hand, so that the rear engines are above the fuselage in order to make use of the beneficial effects of this position.
US08398021B2 Compliant crown panel for an aircraft
An aircraft forward pressure bulkhead and an aircraft crown panel are described herein. The forward pressure bulkhead includes a malleable and deformable dome that is configured to “catch” foreign objects, such as birds. The dome is intentionally designed to deform in response to a foreign object strike that imparts at least a threshold amount of impact energy to the bulkhead. The dome is free of rigid stiffeners and non-deformable reinforcement members that would otherwise hinder the flexible characteristic of the dome. Practical embodiments of the bulkhead utilize fewer parts, are less heavy, and are less expensive than traditional bulkheads that utilize rigid stiffeners. The crown panel has similar compliant characteristics. The crown panel is designed to simultaneously deform and deflect in response to foreign object impacts such as birds and hail. The crown panel is formed from a monolithic one-piece material, such as aluminum, and various reinforcing features are integrally formed in the material.
US08398011B2 Fishing reel
A fishing reel for winding a fishing line includes a reel unit, a spool, a handle, a tension detection section, a temperature detection section, a detected tension correction section, and a corrected tension output section. The spool is rotatably attached to the reel unit and configured to wind the fishing line thereon. The handle is mounted to the reel unit, and configured to rotate the spool. The tension detection section is configured to detect tension applied on the fishing line by converting the tension into an electric signal. The temperature detection section is disposed to detect temperature of the tension detection section. The detected tension correction section is configured to correct the tension after being detected on the basis of the temperature of the tension detection section after being detected. The corrected tension output section is configured to output the tension after being corrected by the detected tension correction section.
US08398010B2 Polyester monofilament package
A polyester monofilament package is formed by reeling a polyester monofilament comprising polyethylene terephthalate and satisfies all of the following requirements (a) to (d): (a) the coefficient of dynamic friction between yarns of the polyester monofilament being 0.13 μd or less; (b) the package end being in a tapered shape with a taper angle (0) of 75° or less; (c) the variation gradient in unreeling tension (AT) being 0.02 cN/dtex-m or less; and (d) in a part of a reeling thickness of 1 mm in the inner layer of the package, the variation in contraction stress of the polyester monofilament being 3.0 cN/dtex or less.
US08398008B2 Force transfer system comprising a hydraulic cylinder and a thrust bearing
The invention relates to a force transfer system comprising a hydraulic cylinder (1) comprising a piston (10) which can be impinged with hydraulic fluid and a thrust bearing (2) which is in operative contact with the piston, said bearing comprising a first and a second glide surface for exerting a sliding motion. The thrust bearing comprises a pressure space (25) which is connected to the side of the piston (10) impinged with hydraulic fluid by way of at least one hole (11) made in the piston.
US08398006B2 Mechanized separation of mixed solid waste and recovery of recyclable products
The method and systems efficiently extract recyclable materials from a mixed solid waste stream. The methods and systems use sizing, density and dimensional separation to produce intermediate waste streams that are enriched in particular recyclable materials. The recyclable materials can then be efficiently sorted from the individual intermediate streams using mechanized sorting equipment.
US08398004B2 Hydraulic drive system for sand and salt spreaders
A hydraulic drive system for a spreader used to distribute a road surface treatment material, such as sand or salt, across a road surface. The hydraulic drive system enables the use of pressure-compensated proportional control valves in series relationship with the auger and spinner motors, by the provision of small restricted flow passages across the outlets of the valves.
US08397991B2 Protective device and method for preventing skimming on a card reader
A protective device (26, 28) is proposed that contains a protective generator (26) and an inductor (28) to generate an electromagnetic protective field (29) that is suitable for compromising the function of the spying device (SM), wherein the protective device (26, 28) generates an electromagnetic protective field (29) with a protective signal that simulates the type of signal that occurs when magnetic stripe cards are read. Through the protective field a special protective signal is induced in the potentially present skimming module to imitate the reading of the magnetic stripe card. The skimming card reader reads a pseudo magnetic stripe card, or is at least confused when spying on the genuine magnetic stripe card. In particular, the protective signal can contain pseudo data that are mixed with the actual card data at demodulation or suppress said data completely (capture effect) so that the third party ultimately obtains unusable data.
US08397989B2 Method and apparatus for using boarding passes to apply business rules
A capability is provided for using boarding passes to apply business rules for travelers. The information encoded in a region of a boarding pass of a traveler is read or otherwise accessed. The information from the encoded region of the boarding pass is propagated toward a system configured for determining whether to apply a business rule for the traveler. The system receives the information from the encoded region of a boarding pass of the traveler, and determines whether to apply a business rule for the traveler using at least a portion of the information from the encoded region of the boarding pass. The system, upon identifying a business rule to apply for the traveler, initiates a process for applying the business rule for the traveler. A business rule may indicate that an account of the traveler is to be credited or debited. A business rule may indicate that the traveler is entitled to remuneration, such as money, coupons, vouchers, discounts, offers, loyalty points, and the like.
US08397988B1 Method and system for securing a transaction using a card generator, a RFID generator, and a challenge response protocol
A system for securing a transaction comprises an authentication unit capable of processing an input and generating a dynamic card transaction code/virtual card code which is valid for a single transaction upon authentication; and a RFID generator capable of generating at least a dynamic RFID key for a predefined limited time period by using the dynamic card transaction code for the single transaction. The authentication of the input is performed locally with the authentication unit through an encrypted and unique RFID communication between the authentication unit and a third party by using a challenge response protocol. The authentication unit is capable of working alone and as a plug-in with at least any one of a personal digital assistant (PDA), a hand-held remote control, a cellular telephone, a fax machine, and a printer is used for securing the transaction.
US08397981B2 Television receiver and method for managing device-specific information
An electronic device includes a memory storing device-specific information, a display portion, and a control portion that reads the device-specific information from the memory and displays it on the display portion in a form automatically readable (e.g., bar-code form) by an external reading device (e.g., bar-code reader).
US08397957B2 Dispensing valve
A dispensing valve includes a resiliently flexible mounting portion, a resiliently flexible opening portion disposed radially inwardly of the mounting portion, and a resiliently flexible isolating portion disposed radially between and coupled to the mounting and opening portions. The isolating portion extends both radially outwardly and axially to form a first radial space between the opening and isolating portions, and is spaced radially inwardly of the mounting portion to form a second radial space between the mounting and isolating portions. The opening portion may include one or more slits.
US08397955B2 Liquid material discharge device with debubbling mechanism
A liquid material discharge device which can remove bubbles in a liquid material supplied to the device, can ensure a stable discharge amount of the liquid material, and can reduce the weight of a plunger section. The liquid material discharge device comprises a liquid material supply section for supplying the liquid material to be discharged, a measuring section having a measuring hole and a plunger sliding on an inner wall surface of the measuring hole to suck the liquid material into the measuring hole and to discharge the liquid material, a discharge section having a discharge port for discharging the liquid material, a valve section for changing over communication between the liquid material supply section and the measuring section and communication between the measuring section and the discharge section, and a debubbling mechanism provided in a flow path running from the liquid material supply section to the measuring section. The debubbling mechanism includes a first flow path (4) communicating with the liquid material supply section side, a second flow path (5) communicating with the measuring section side, and a body (3) for making the first flow path and the second flow path communicate with each other, the body having a greater width than the first flow path. A discharge port (6) of the first flow path is located above a suction port (7) of the second flow path.
US08397951B2 Device for containing fluid substances under airtight conditions and for dispensing them
A device for containing fluid substances under airtight conditions and dispensing them, comprising a rigid container (5) in which a bag (9) made of thermoplastic material is inserted having a flange (3, 3A) and a hole for housing the body of a (P), the body of the pump (P) being pressed to form a seal on said flange (3, 3A) of the bag (9) by a first ring cap (N), a second ring cap (G) being screwed onto the container neck (6) and secured to the bag (9), the first ring cap (N) being locked to the second ring cap (G), engagement means (13, 14) being provided between said first and second ring cap to make said first and second ring cap torsionally rigid with each other such that a rotation imposed on the first ring cap (N) of the pump results in a corresponding rotation of the second ring cap (G), hence facilitating extraction of the bag from the container consequent on the removal of the pump (P) from the container (5).
US08397946B2 Cartridge based dispenser system
A cartridge based dispensing system includes a cartridge having a rotatable compartmentalized receptacle for supporting a plurality of items in separate compartments along with a housing for removably supporting the cartridge. The housing includes an opening for enabling dispensing of an item from an aligned separate compartment and a mechanism is provided for rotating the receptacle within the cartridge in order to align compartments with the housing opening. The mechanism may be configured for causing different discrete angular rotations of the receptacle corresponding to compartment size.
US08397943B2 Apparatus for containing goods
A container including a bottom support member, a vertical portion attached to the bottom support member and defining a containment space therein, and at least two handle receptacles positioned on an interior surface of the vertical portion. Each of the at least two handle receptacles includes an interior channel and an interlocking tab. The interior channel accepts an interlocking end of a selectively removable handle. The handle includes at least protrusion. The protrusion and the interlocking tab cooperate to selectively secure the handle to the container.
US08397932B2 Plastic container having pearl-like appearance and process for producing the same
This invention provides a plastic container characterized in that an expanded layer comprising expanded cells having a flat shape with an average major axis of not more than 400 μm and an average aspect ratio (L/t) of not less than 6 as viewed in cross section of the container wall along the maximum stretch direction, which are oriented in the stretch direction and are distributed so as to be superimposed on top of each other in the thickness-wise direction, is formed within the container wall. In this container, expanded cells having a flat shape are distributed so as to orient in a given direction and, thus, has light shielding properties and has a pearl-like appearance, that is, has a very high commercial value. Further, since any colorant is not contained, the suitability for recycling is excellent.
US08397926B2 Nursing bottle assembly and a reusable liner therefor
A nursing bottle assembly includes a rigid outer casing, a flexible inner liner and a teat arrangement. The teat arrangement attaches to the outer casing and secures the inner liner in position within the outer casing. The flexible inner liner includes a container in the form of a bellows such that it expands and collapses in a predictable linear manner along its longitudinal axis. Preferably, the inner liner is moulded from a food-grade silicone or thermoplastic elastomer and includes a substantially cylindrical container formed with at least one projecting rib or groove about which the liner folds to enable it to expand and collapse in a predictable linear manner along its longitudinal axis.
US08397925B2 Holding device for coupler adapter used in railcar
A holding device holds a coupler adapter which is connectable to a coupler of a railcar. The holding device includes: a holding frame configured to detachably hold the coupler adapter; a holding frame supporting portion provided at a carbody end portion of the railcar to support the holding frame; a fixing member configured to fix the coupler adapter and the holding frame to the holding frame supporting portion; and a lifting and lowering portion connected to the holding frame to lift and lower the holding frame and the coupler adapter.
US08397920B2 Pleated filter element with tapering bend lines
A pleated filter element extends axially between an upstream inlet and a downstream outlet along a plurality of axially extending bend lines forming axial flow channels. The bend lines taper in a transverse direction and define a plurality of axially elongated tetrahedron channels facing oppositely to each other.
US08397916B1 High durability feet for corrugated shipping containers
A foot for a corrugated shipping container, comprising a spiral of corrugated board legs having a fastener retaining plank inner core. An inner layer of an impact absorbing foam can be used within the spiral. The inner core can also be a corrugated inner layer sandwiched between a pair of plywood planks. A plurality of legs is secured to a base member, corrugated or wood, by a plurality of fasteners, with each leg having a plurality of feet. The fasteners, such as nails, extend through the corrugated layers to the plank layer. A plywood plank can be placed between the base member and each of the legs. The feet can also be manufactured from a composite having a plurality of layers, including one or more planks, corrugated blank and an impact absorbing foam inner core. The base can be used to retain a corrugated shipping container.
US08397914B1 Heat shrunk, manually openable flexible film package
The present disclosure is concerned with heat shrunk sealed packages of flexible transparent thermoplastic film that easily opened by peeling. It involves lowering the peel strength of the heat seal between the two films used to form the package by providing one of them with a frangible layer by contaminating a layer with an incompatible polymer and providing a set of graspable tabs, one on each of the films, with which to initiate peeling of the heat seal. The tabs are heat set so that they do not shrink with the rest of the package. In a preferred embodiment, the package is provided with a second heat seal just inside the perimeter of the first and a stress concentrator, which may be a chevron, at the juncture of heat set tabs which lie with one atop the other with the first heat seal.
US08397912B1 Rotary toolbox
A rotary toolbox includes a box body defining a first opening and a second opening, a hollow shaft mounted in the box body in communication with the first opening and having a third opening on the periphery, a locking member having a first protruding rod inserted through the third opening, a compression spring stopped against the locking member, a tool tray having a through hole pivotally coupled to the hollow shaft and a first locating groove disposed in the through hole and providing a carrier portion, a spiral spring connected between the box body and the tool tray. After pressing the locking member to move the first protruding rod out of the locating groove, the spiral spring will bias the tool tray to carry the carrier portion to the second opening for allowing the user to store tool parts or to pick up storage tool parts.
US08397907B1 Toilet paper holding device
A toilet paper holding device for holding a spare roll of toilet paper or tissue is provided. The toilet paper holding device comprises a base plate and a top plate. A plurality of panels and a plurality of rods are mounted between the base plate and the top plate. The spare roll of toilet paper is visible between the panels and the rods. The lid sits on top of the toilet paper roll when inserted. When the holder is empty, the lid rests on the bottom of the device to serve as a reminder that the receptacle needs to be refilled.
US08397900B2 Traverse system
A traverse system for transporting a moving cart to working lines includes a base frame disposed along moving direction of the moving cart, a shuttle unit comprising a plurality of roller rotatably disposed on the base frame and a cover plate, and a moving unit disposed on the shuttle unit and configured to reciprocate along the base frame by operation of a cylinder so as to transport the moving cart.
US08397895B2 Banknote handling apparatus
A banknote handling apparatus 1 of the present invention includes: a recognition unit 6 for recognizing a kind of banknote; a stacking unit 32 to 36 for stacking a banknote of a predetermined kind recognized by the recognition unit 6; and a bundling unit 51 for bundling the banknotes stacked by the stacking units 32 to 36. The bundling unit 51 includes a tape setting unit 80 for setting a plurality of reeled tapes 52 and 53; a bundling mechanism 54 for bundling the stacked banknotes by using tape T1 or T2 pulled out from any one of the reeled tape 52 or 53 set in the tape setting unit 80; and a tape switching unit 96 for switching the tape T1 or T1 to be fed from the tape setting unit 80 in correspondence to the kind of banknotes recognized by the recognition unit 6.
US08397888B2 One-way clutch of roller type
The present invention provides a one-way clutch comprising an outer race, an inner race, a roller adapted to transmit torque between the outer race and the inner race, a cage having a window for holding the roller, a spring disposed in the pocket and adapted to bias the roller toward an engagement direction with respect to the cam surface, and a side plate provided at its inner diameter portion with spline grooves into which a crankshaft of an engine is fitted, and wherein the side plate is secured to the outer race by inserting rivets into through holes provided in the outer race and through holes provided in the side plate and by caulking the rivets.
US08397886B2 Torque transmission device
A torque transmission device (10), comprising a pump shell (12), a turbine shell (14) that is drivable by the pump shell, and a torsion vibration damper (11). The torsion vibration damper includes a damper input component (18) and a damper output component (20), wherein a vibration absorber (24) is configured on the damper output component.
US08397881B2 Parking brake apparatus
A parking brake apparatus may include a parking brake actuator that has a housing that is fixed to a transmission case and a piston including a piston rod, wherein the piston is mounted in the housing to reciprocate along the housing, a lever pivotally coupled to the transmission case, wherein one end portion of the lever is pivotally connected to the piston rod, a sprag rod that is pivotally connected to the other end portion of the lever, and an operational elastic member that is disposed around a rotary shaft of the lever and elastically supports the lever in one rotational direction against the transmission case, wherein the rotary shaft is rotatably coupled to the transmission case.
US08397879B2 Parking brake and method for operating same
A parking brake having an actuator, wherein the actuator is driven by a direct current motor which can be operated in two directions. The actuator moves, via a self-locking gear mechanism of the actuator, at least one brake shoe for applying or releasing the parking brake in the direction of a rotary element or away therefrom. A control unit for performing open-loop or closed-loop control of the movement of the direct current motor is also provided. The parking brake is designed such that, when the parking brake is applied or released, an application point of the brake shoes against the rotary element is generally overshot. In order to increase the accuracy and reliability of the setting of the brake-application force when the parking brake is applied or of the brake-application clearance when the parking brake is released, the control unit determines the application point by forming the first derivative over time of the electric current taken up by the direct current motor during the application of the brake. A corresponding method for operating such a parking brake is also described.
US08397869B2 Ladder device for construction machine
A ladder device includes a ladder main body, a hand railing, a driving mechanism and a coupling member. One end of the coupling member is pivotably supported by the ladder main body, while the other end thereof is pivotably supported by the hand railing. The coupling member is configured to: position the hand railing between the ladder main body and a walkway when the ladder main body takes the deployed posture; pivot the hand railing in conjunction with a pivot action of the ladder main body from the deployed posture to the retracted posture; and position the hand railing further inwards of the vehicle body than the ladder main body is when the ladder main body takes the retracted posture.
US08397864B2 Acoustical sound proofing material with improved fire resistance and methods for manufacturing same
A material for use in building construction (partition, wall, ceiling, floor or door) that exhibits improved acoustical sound proofing and fire resistance. The material comprises a laminated structure having as an integral part thereof one or more layers of intumescent viscoelastic material which also functions as a glue, energy dissipating layer, and a fire resistive layer; and one or more constraining layers, such as gypsum, cement, metal, cellulose, wood, or petroleum-based products such as plastic, vinyl, plastic or rubber. In one embodiment, standard wallboard, typically gypsum, comprises the external surfaces of the laminated structure.
US08397862B2 Sound and flash suppressor for firearms
A gun suppressor having a single or multiple vacuum chambers that create a vacuum enclosed volume for gases to expand into. Accordingly, the pressure of the gas that exits the suppressor is reduced significantly; therefore, the sound of the gun firing is more silent than conventional silencers. Prior to firing the gun, a vacuum seal is placed at the exit orifice of the suppressor and a vacuum is created inside of the suppressor with the use of a vacuum pump. The vacuum chamber reduces the pressure wave caused at the end of the firearm's barrel. When the firearm is discharged, the gases fill the vacuum chamber instead of exiting at normal atmospheric pressure level. As the bullet continues its travel through the end of the suppressor, it perforates the vacuum seal and continues its flight path.
US08397855B2 Four-wheel drive electric vehicles
A four-wheel drive electric vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises a chassis and a power system. The power system comprises batteries, an electric motor, a DC-DC converter and an electric motor controller which are electrically connected, and the chassis comprises a frame, a transmission/transfer case, a drive shaft, a front axle assembly as well as a rear axle assembly. The transmission/transfer case, the front axle assembly and the rear axle assembly are mounted on the frame. The transmission/transfer case is connected with the rear axle assembly directly and with the front axle assembly via the drive shaft. Under the control of the electric motor controller, the electric motor is driven to rotate by the batteries, whereby a power is transferred from the motor to the transmission/transfer case, and a part of the power is transferred to the rear axle assembly with the other part transferred to the front axle assembly via the drive shaft.
US08397853B2 Method of arranging an electric accumulating system close to a platform of a vehicle and hybrid propulsion vehicle
A method for arranging an accumulating device in proximity of a floor of a vehicle forming a bottom wall of a passenger compartment of the vehicle itself; the accumulating device has a heating base wall which is free from heat insulation, and a non-heating base wall which is parallel and opposite to the heating base wall and is provided with a heat-insulating material layer; and the method provides for the steps of arranging the accumulating device in a seating obtained in proximity of the floor; and implementing the accumulating device with a symmetry allowing the reversal of the accumulating device itself within the seating obtained in proximity of the floor in such a way that the heating base wall may be equally either facing upwards and then towards the passenger compartment or facing downwards and then towards the external environment.
US08397849B2 Hybrid propulsion road vehicle
A hybrid propulsion road vehicle having: a couple of rear driving wheels; a thermal internal combustion engine; a gearbox, which is arranged in rear position, receives motion from the thermal internal combustion engine and transmits motion to the rear driving wheels, and comprises a gear case housing all the moving parts; a reversible electric machine mechanically connectable to the rear driving wheels; an electric drive controlling the electric machine; and an accumulating system, which is able to store electric energy, is connected to the electric drive and is placed beside the gear case and on the opposite sides of the gear case so as not to longitudinally exceed the extension of the gear case itself.
US08397845B2 Drive apparatus for vehicle
In a drive apparatus having an integrated structure where a rotating electric machine and an inverter and a voltage converter for driving the rotating electric machine are integrally stored in a case, lubricant oil carried up by the rotation of the motor-generator flows into a storage chamber for a reactor from an opening. The lubricant oil flown from the opening is stored inside the storage chamber with the use of a dividing wall provided between a portion where the motor-generator is stored and the storage chamber, whereby at least part of reactor is immersed in the lubricant oil. Thus, the performance of cooling the reactor is ensured.
US08397839B2 Self-indexing down-the-hole drill
A down-the-hole drill (DHD) hammer having a casing, a drill bit proximate a distal end of the casing, a piston mounted within the casing and a self-indexing drive transmission is provided. The piston includes a plurality of helical and axial splines. The drive transmission includes a driver sleeve, a driven sleeve and a wrap spring clutch assembly. The driver sleeve and driven sleeve are housed within the casing and circumscribes the piston. The driver sleeve includes a plurality of openings for receiving a plurality of bearings. The driver sleeve bearings are configured to operatively engage the helical splines on the piston. The wrap spring clutch assembly includes a wrap spring circumscribing the driver sleeve and driven sleeve. The driven sleeve operatively engages the drill bit to rotationally index the drill bit.
US08397833B2 Construction apparatus with extendable mast and method for operating such a construction apparatus
A construction apparatus having an extendable mast with an upper mast element longitudinally displaceable relative to a lower mast element. A linear drive displaces the mast elements relative to each other, and has an upper drive part linearly actuable relative to a lower drive part of the linear drive, and a locking device for locking the two mast elements in an extended mast position. The upper drive part is fixable to the upper mast element, the lower drive part of the linear drive is displaceable longitudinally of the lower mast element and a securing device is provided on the lower mast element, with which the lower drive part is releasably securable to the lower mast element for displacement of the upper mast element. A method for operating a construction apparatus with an extendable mast can be carried out with a construction apparatus in accordance with the invention.
US08397825B1 Hydraulic lubricating system and method of use thereof
A hydraulic lubricator assembly includes a spool for enclosing a downhole tool, wherein the spool comprises an upper end and a lower end. The hydraulic lubricator assembly further includes a pressure isolation connector attached to the upper end of the spool, wherein the pressure isolation connector includes a lower packing gland and an upper packing gland. A hydraulic assembly is positioned above the pressure isolation connector, wherein the hydraulic assembly comprises a rod connected to the downhole tool, and wherein the hydraulic assembly lowers the downhole tool into the wellbore.
US08397824B2 Hydraulic control system for actuating downhole tools
A hydraulic control system (100) for actuating a downhole tool. The hydraulic control system (100) includes a plurality of valve members (124) operable to selectively allow and prevent fluid communication between high and low pressure sources (54, 56) and first and second sides (58, 60) of an actuator (64) operably associated with the downhole tool. In the hydraulic control system (100), a first valve member (124) is ported between the high pressure source (54) and the first side (58) of the actuator (64), a second valve member (124) is ported between the low pressure source (56) and the first side (58) of the actuator (64), a third valve member (124) is ported between the high pressure source (54) and the second side (60) of the actuator (64) and a fourth valve member (124) is ported between the low pressure source (56) and the second side of the actuator (60).
US08397823B2 Tubular actuator, system and method
A tubular actuating system includes, a tubular, a plurality of same plugs runnable within the tubular, and an alterable actuator disposed at the tubular. The actuator is alterable in response to passage of a first of the plurality of same plugs run into contact therewith. A second of the plurality of same plugs is seatingly engagable with the alterable actuator run thereagainst when in an altered condition such that pressure built up against the second of the plurality of same plugs causes actuational movement of the alterable actuator. A flapper seat is movably disposed at the alterable actuator between at least a first position defined by the alterable actuator in an unaltered position and a second position defined by the alterable actuator in an altered position.
US08397822B2 Multiphase conductor shoe for use with electrical submersible pump
A system for producing wellbore fluids. The system includes a pumping system deployable into tubing disposed in a wellbore, the pumping system includes a pump, a pump motor, a reservoir for containing purging fluid, and conductors in electrical communication with the pump motor. Electrical supply contacts are provided in the tubing and are connected to a downhole electrical power supply via a power cable extending along the tubing length from the surface. The conductors are engageable with the electrical supply contacts when the pumping system is landed within the tubing. Purging fluid in the reservoir can be flowed between the conductors and the supply contacts to remove conductive fluid prior to engaging the conductors and supply contacts. The conductors are selectively extended from a retracted position in the pumping system. In an alternative embodiment, the electrical supply contacts are provided at locations along the length of the tubing.
US08397820B2 Method and apparatus for wellbore fluid treatment
A tubing string assembly is disclosed for fluid treatment of a wellbore. The tubing string can be used for staged wellbore fluid treatment where a selected segment of the wellbore is treated, while other segments are sealed off. The tubing string can also be used where a ported tubing string is required to be run in a pressure tight condition and later is needed to be in an open-port condition.
US08397808B2 Bore-hole jet device for formation hydraulic fracturing and horizontal well examination and a method for the operation thereof
A jet pump body comprises nozzle and mixing chamber with diffuser, coaxially arranged, and a stepped through channel, tapers downward and provided with a seat between steps. The channel is made coaxially with a pipe string. Channels provided with return valve and restrictor for limiting locking member displacement of the return valve upward respective to the seat. A hollow stepped sealing unit with sealing element can be arranged in the through channel. An axial channel is made in the sealing element. A guiding separation bushing cantilever fitted by the top end thereof to the top part of the body of the pump mounts above the channel axially thereto in the pump body. Longitudinal slotted orifices are made in the separation bushing wall.
US08397801B2 System, method and apparatus for conducting earth borehole operations
A system for conducting earth borehole operations comprising a CT carrier, a reel of CT rotatably mounted on the CT carrier, a mast carrier, separate from the CT carrier, a mast mounted on the mast carrier and movable between a lowered position for transport and a position transverse to the horizontal, a top drive carried by the mast, the top drive being longitudinally movable along the mast and a CT injector on the mast carrier.
US08397796B2 Porous media cold plate
A heat exchanger for cooling a heat generating device including a base having a recess with a base coolant inlet opening and a base coolant outlet opening. A porous core is positioned within the recess of the base, and has a core coolant inlet opening and a core coolant outlet opening that are arranged in corresponding relation with base coolant inlet opening and a base coolant outlet opening so as to be in fluid communication. A porous gasket is pinched between the porous core and the base.
US08397790B2 Method of lost-wax manufacture of an annular bladed turbomachine assembly, metal mould and wax model for implementing such a method
A method of manufacture of a wax model of an annular bladed turbomachine stator assembly includes in succession the positioning, in a mold, of a core intended to form the impression of a cavity of a blade of the assembly, the injection of a wax in the mold, and the removal of the wax model fitted with the core from the mold. The core is manufactured in metal and is positioned such that its radially internal end is housed in the portion of the mold defining the blade including the cavity, away from the radially internal end of this portion of the mold.
US08397787B1 Door release mechanism
A door mechanism includes a bracket and a door shaft, rotationally mounted to the bracket, to operate a door. The door mechanism includes a gear assembly having a ring gear, set of planetary gears, sun gear, and drive sprocket. The ring gear fixed to the door shaft. The door mechanism includes a holding brake to counter the closing bias of the door. The door release has an engaged position in which rotation of the door shaft in the second direction is impeded by a first brake; and a disengaged position in which rotation of the door shaft in the second direction is unimpeded by the first brake. The door mechanism includes a link and a second brake. The link is configured to melt in response to a predetermined temperature. The second brake is configured to provide resistance in response to component rotation exceeding a predetermined speed.
US08397786B2 Method and apparatus of removing weft of cord fabric for topping sheet
The invention can firmly and easily remove a finely divided weft piece without leaving the weft piece by constituting a method and an apparatus of removing weft from a cord fabric for a topping sheet in a calender line for topping rubber on a number of pieces of aligned cords by a calender roll. In the midst of transferring a cord fabric transferred to a calender apparatus, weft is finely divided by passing the cord fabric through weft dividing means, thereafter, a plurality of blades arranged movably in a width direction on an upper face side of the cord fabric are reciprocally moved in the width direction over an entire width thereof to be brought into contact with the cord fabric, and the divided weft piece is wiped off to remove by respectively striking respective cords of the cord fabric by the respective blades.
US08397785B2 Transfer apparatus for multiple adhesives
Multiple types of adhesives contained in separate containers are transferred from a supply of adhesives to a substrate. A first stamping pin is moved to a position of a first container containing a first adhesive, and the first adhesive is transferred with the first stamping pin from the first container to the substrate before bonding a first die onto the first adhesive. A second stamping pin is then moved to a position of a second container containing a second adhesive, and the second adhesive is transferred with the second stamping pin from the second container to the substrate before bonding a second die onto the second adhesive.
US08397774B2 Tire inflation system with integrated wheel seal
An axle assembly includes a non-rotating component and a wheel hub supported for rotation relative to the non-rotating component about an axis. The wheel hub includes a hub air passage that has a hub inlet and a hub outlet to be fluidly connected to at least one tire. An air chamber is formed at least in part between the non-rotating component and the wheel hub. The air chamber receives air flow from an air source and directs air flow into the hub inlet. A seal assembly engages the wheel hub to seal the air chamber.
US08397772B1 Emergency tire support device for low air pressure tire
The emergency tire support device for a low air pressure tire includes an elongate belt formed by three layers of material that protects and supports a deflated tire. The belt wraps around the tire and is secured thereto by fasteners. The three layers include an outer layer of cloth, an inner layer of plastic, and an intermediate layer of cloth. A plurality of tacks extends through the inner layer, and the intermediate layer sandwiches the head of the tacks between the inner and intermediate layers. The tacks pierce the tread area of the tire as the tire rolls over the belt during installation, causing the belt to automatically wrap around the tire. The tacks also prevent slip. The inner and intermediate layers are stitched onto the first layer to form a plurality of longitudinal pockets. The pockets are filled with scrap rubber.
US08397767B2 Reinforcing bar binding machine
A reinforcing bar binding machine is provided with a pair of feed gears for feeding a wire from a wire reel mounted on a binding machine body; an electric motor for driving the feed gears; a partition plate provided between the feed gears and the electric motor to partition the feed gears and the electric motor; and first and second discharge portions for discharging wire shavings. The partition plate is surrounded by a wall except for portions of the partition plate being adjacent to the first and second discharge portions. The first and second discharge portions are disposed so that the partition plate positions between the first and second discharge portions.
US08397764B2 Safety cap for couplings and fittings
A system for protecting the end fittings of a fluid transport hose includes first and second protective caps for respectively engaging with first and second end fittings of the hose. Both the first and second protective caps include a disk that is oriented perpendicular to the hose axis when the cap is engaged with the respective end fitting. Importantly, the disk has a diameter DD that is greater than the diameter DH of the hose so the disk will extend radially outward from the hose to thereby protect the end fitting.
US08397752B2 Process for fabricating integral plastic faucet member and finished product thereof
A process for fabricating an integral plastic faucet member and a finished product thereof are provided. The process mainly includes two injection steps. A first plastic injection is used to mold a first part at a middle connecting part of a faucet member. The first part is then placed into a mold for a second plastic injection so as to mold a second part at two sides of the faucet member. The second part is properly wrapped around and bonded to the first part. Meanwhile, desired holes are reserved to serve as water inlets, water outlets, and valve seats. Through such a two-injection process, the conventional complicated and time-consuming copper casting process is simplified, which improves the production efficiency and product quality, lows the cost and defective ratio. Meanwhile, the product weight is also reduced, which greatly reduces the transportation cost.
US08397739B2 N-channel flow ratio controller calibration
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods of controlling gas flow in etching chambers. The methods generally include splitting a single process gas supply source into multiple inputs of separate process chambers, such that each chamber processes substrates under uniform processing conditions. The method generally includes using a mass flow controller as a reference for calibrating a flow ratio controller. A span correction factor may be determined to account for the difference between the actual flow and the measured flow through the flow ratio controller. The span correction factors may be used to determine corrected set points for each channel of the flow controller using equations provided herein. Furthermore, the set points of the flow ratio controller may be made gas-independent using additional equations provided herein.
US08397738B2 Modular system for concealment and shelter
An easy to use, universal, simple, lightweight, compact, portable and modular system of concealment and shelter. An operator can configure a number of concealment blinds or shelters using brackets, supports, segmented shafts, covers, curtains, and skirts, and more complex modules. The segmented shafts have both the ability to make an attachment to retain a particular configuration while being able to break down the shafts for transportation or storage. The brackets and supports can be used to secure a configuration to a tree, the ground, or a hand held device. More advanced modules include cover caps including domes, cylindrical arches, and pyramids. A configuration can include a removable floor. Guyline modules allow for sliding panels to be positioned over openings in a configuration. The system can be configured for placement on a hillside or over rough terrain and obstacles. Multiple modules can be carried by separate members of a group and combined together to form a more complex structure to meet the needs of the group.
US08397729B2 Surface structure on patient interface
The present invention relates to the surface structure of a plastic material and particularly of silicone surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to the surface structure of the surfaces of a breathing mask assembly or a patient interface to be used for supplying breathing gas to a patient. Such patient interface for providing respiratory gas to a patient comprises a contact surface for contacting a patient's skin, wherein at least a part of said contact surface is a structured surface.
US08397725B2 Respiratory treatment delivery system
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for delivery of oxygen or other treatment gases to a patient without requiring physical contact or enclosure of the patient. Embodiments can include a delivery hood, sensing components, and a gas distribution system including one or more gas delivery ports. Gas delivery ports may be individually controlled based on input from the sensing components to alter the volume and orientation of treatment gas flow directed at a patient. Sensing components can include cameras or other sensors that detect the position of a patient's head, and gas delivery ports may then be controlled to direct treatment gas flow in the direction of the patient's head. Embodiments and methods described thereby allow for efficient oxygen or other gas delivery to a patient without requiring contact or enclosure of the patient.
US08397721B2 System and method of administering a pharmaceutical gas to a patient
Methods and systems for delivering a total quantity of pharmaceutical gas to a patient. The methods and systems provide one of a low amount and high amount of pharmaceutical gas to a patient. The selection of the high amount or low amount may be determined by comparing the amount per unit of time of pharmaceutical gas delivered to the patient over the past number of breaths to the required quantity of pharmaceutical gas per unit of time. Upon completion of delivering the total quantity of pharmaceutical gas to the patient, the system can terminate, continue, activate and alarm, etc.
US08397711B2 Solar collector
A solar collector has a polygonal top panel forming a top face and having at least three edges, a similarly polygonal bottom panel forming a bottom face directed away from the top face and fitted congruently to the top panel to form a flow passage extending between the faces, and at least four connectors projecting from at least three of the edges.
US08397709B1 Indirect swimming pool water heating system
In an improved swimming pool water heating system, water in the pool circulates through a first loop from the pool to a surge pit and through a filter before returning to the pool. The heating system includes a second loop with a heat exchanger in the surge pit and a remote water heater. The pool water in the pit is heated by the heat exchanger. The first and second circulation loops are separate from one another. The heater may include multiple heating units which can be staged for sequential actuation, depending upon need. The second circulation loop is closed, such that the pool water does not flow through the heater, but rather is indirectly heated via the heat exchanger. The heater is isolated from the pool water.
US08397705B2 Pneumatic paintball marker
A novel and unique pneumatic paintball marker having a variety of novel features, the first being an on/off compressed air control valve, positioned at the front of the marker below the barrel and adjacent to an in-line pressure regulator. Major innovations have been made in reducing the size and weight of the body of the marker, along with the construction of a new bolt assembly consisting of just four components and only one moving part. An anti-chop eye electronic system insures that the paintballs are in proper position, and rubber ball detents are optionally added to hold the paintballs in place prior to firing the marker, so that the paintballs will not roll out the barrel.
US08397701B2 Fuel system for multi-fuel engine
A fuel system and a method of operation of the fuel system are described in the context of a multi-fuel internal combustion engine. In one example, the method includes varying a proportion of fuel supplied by a fuel pump to an engine and a fuel separator. The method may be particularly useful for a dual fuel engine.
US08397700B2 Abnormality diagnosis device for exhaust gas recirculation device
An abnormality diagnosis device for an exhaust gas recirculation device in an internal combustion engine is provided. The exhaust gas recirculation device has an exhaust gas recirculation valve that adjusts the amount of recirculation exhausts gas returned from an exhaust passage to an intake passage of the engine. The abnormality diagnosis device includes a control section that changes the exhaust gas recirculation valve to diagnose an abnormality in the exhaust gas recirculation device. When the abnormality diagnosis execution condition is met, the control section, prior to the execution of the valve closing operation, inhibits the opening degree adjustment and executes a valve opening process to increase the opening degree of the valve from the opening degree at the time to a second target opening degree greater than the first target opening degree.
US08397696B2 Comprehensive fuel pressure damper
A fuel pressure damper (10) includes a housing (14) defining an inlet (40) for receiving fuel from a fuel rail. A cover (12) is coupled to the housing to define an interior space (15). A flexible diaphragm (30) has a periphery (32) secured to at least the housing or the cover and has a freely movable central portion (28) that divides the interior space into first and second isolated chambers (42, 44). The diaphragm has a shaped feature (48) such that the central portion can be displaced over a distance. The inlet communicates with the second chamber (44). A spring cup (26) is in the first chamber (42) and is engaged with the central portion of the diaphragm. A variable rate compression spring (18) is in the first chamber and is disposed between the spring cup and the cover. The central portion of the diaphragm and spring are constructed and arranged to dampen low to high magnitude fuel pressure pulsations in the second chamber.
US08397690B2 Lubrication system and method configured for supplying pressurized oil to an engine
A lubrication system includes a rotary pump, an eductor, and a solenoid valve and is configured to provide pressurized oil to an engine. The rotary pump is configured to generate oil flow. A supplemental supply line selectively provides pressurized oil into the eductor. The solenoid valve is movable between a first position and a second position. The solenoid valve supplies a fluid signal that allows pressurized oil to flow from the supplemental supply line and into the eductor when the solenoid valve is in the first position to increase the volume of oil flowing from a sump of the engine into the rotary pump. When the solenoid valve does not supply a fluid signal, pressurized oil is prevented from entering the eductor and the volume of oil flowing from the sump and through the eductor to the rotary pump is not increased.
US08397684B2 Variable compression ratio apparatus
A variable compression ratio apparatus may include a connecting rod rotatably connected to the piston and the other end being eccentrically and rotatably connected to the crankshaft, an eccentric bearing link, a control link having both ends and a middle portion, the one end being rotatably connected to the other end of the eccentric bearing link, a first shake link having both ends, the one end being rotatably connected to the middle portion of the control link, a second shake link having both ends, the one end being rotatably connected to the other end of the control link, and a control shaft eccentrically connected to a first eccentric cam rotatably connected to the other end of the first shake link and a second eccentric cam rotatably connected to the other end of the second shake link respectively, and rotating together with the first and second eccentric cams.
US08397683B2 Variable compression ratio device for internal combustion engine
A variable compression ratio device for an internal combustion engine comprises a control shaft (7) that varies a compression ratio of the internal combustion engine in accordance with a rotational displacement, and a linear actuator (13, 16, 17, 18). A connecting link (12) connects a first point (14) offset from a rotation axis (7a) of the control shaft (7) to an actuator rod (13) of the linear actuator (13, 16, 17, 18). Thus, a bending load acting on the actuator rod (13) is reduced, and controllability of the compression ratio is improved.
US08397677B2 Thermal conductive cooling method and system for livestock farm operations
A system and method for the conductive cooling and warming of livestock. Heat exchangers are positioned beneath the cushion bedding areas of the animal so as to utilize on-site water, either in a single pass or a re-circulating system. In a single pass system the on-site water supply is diverted to the heat exchangers below the animal cushion bedding before returning to its original use for purposes such as drinking, wash down, or other processes. With the re-circulating system, a separate heat exchanger is located between the on-site water and the re-circulating water to the cushion bedding areas so as to exchange heat transferred from the animal lying on the cushion bedding above the heat exchanger.
US08397676B2 Drool stopper dog bowl
The instant invention describes a drinking container for dispensing limited amounts of a liquid to an animal, generally comprising a top portion constructed and arranged to engage a bottom portion, and a bottom portion. The bottom portion has a first end and a second end defined by a bottom wall. Linking the first end of the bottom portion to the bottom wall is a side wall, thereby defining a liquid reservoir for holding a liquid. Engagement of the top portion with the bottom portion defines a drool preventing container constructed and arranged for providing an animal access to a limited amount of liquid stored within the reservoir for holding a liquid, thereby preventing or limiting drool formation as said animal drinks therefrom. The drool preventing container further contains an animal access chamber having a main body defined by a first end linked to an opening centrally positioned along the top portion, and a second end. The second end of the animal access chamber terminates in an aperture and is constructed and arranged to prevent large amounts of water from being stored within the chamber and for reducing splashing water from exiting the device while the animal is drinking.
US08397673B2 Method of and system for supplying feed
Method of supplying feed to animals with the aid of a group of feed stations which are accessible to those animals, wherein the feed stations, following the identification of an animal, supply feed to that animal according to a feed program for that animal adjusted to that individual animal and taking into account data relating to earlier feed supplies to that animal, wherein data relating to a feed supply to an animal are made available to each feed station via data connections, and wherein, in the event of failure of the data connection for at least one of the feed stations, at least one of the feed stations is operated to switch over to a safety feed program to reduce the feed supply to an animal identified at that feed station.
US08397669B2 Method and arrangement for animal management
A method for management of animals in an area (11) including a plurality of grazing paddocks (12a-f), in which the animals graze, and a milking area (13), in which the animals are milked, wherein the milking area is accessible from each of the grazing paddocks and each of the grazing paddocks is accessible from the milking area via a sorting gate arrangement (17a, 17c). According to the method, each of a plurality of animals which have grazed in the grazing paddocks is identified (21) and milked (22) in the milking area. A nutritional need and/or a milk production capacity of each of the animals which have been identified and milked is/are established (23). Finally, each of the animals is automatically guided (24) by the sorting gate arrangement, subsequent to the milking of the animal, to enter a selected one of the grazing paddocks depending on the nutritional need and/or the milk production capacity of the animal.
US08397664B2 Golf ball coating system using magnetic levitation
A coating system for golf balls using magnetic levitation is described. Golf balls including magnetic material interact with a magnetic field generated by a magnetic field source with a platform. The interaction between the magnetic field and the golf ball causes the golf ball to levitate above the platform. A conveyor apparatus is used to move the golf balls and platforms through the coating system. The levitating golf balls are sprayed with coating material. Spraying the levitating golf balls allows for even and uniform coating of the golf ball. Additionally, imparting a spin or rotation to the golf balls assists with the even and uniform application of the sprayed coating material.
US08397663B2 Liquid body discharge device and method for discharging liquid body
A liquid body discharge device includes: a plurality of nozzles for discharging a liquid body to a liquid body discharged region of a substrate; and a plurality of heads including the plurality of nozzles. In the device, the liquid body is discharged to the liquid body discharged region of the substrate by moving one of the substrate and the plurality of heads. Further, an alignment direction of the plurality of nozzles provided to at least one of the plurality of heads is different from an alignment direction of the plurality of nozzles provided to a rest of the plurality of heads. Furthermore, the at least one of the heads moves in a moving path A and the rest of the plurality of heads moves in a moving path B that is a different moving path from the moving path A.
US08397662B2 Coating method and associated coating device
A coating device for coating parts, in particular body components for automobiles, has at least one piece of application equipment for applying a coating to the components and has a feed device for feeding the components into a suitable coating position relative to the coating equipment. It is proposed that the feed device has at least one handling robot which brings the components into the coating position. Furthermore, a corresponding method is disclosed.
US08397646B2 Railroad tanker car manway cover seal
A railroad tanker car 10 with a fluid cargo tank 11 and a manway assembly 12 is disclosed. The manway assembly 12 includes a nozzle 17 having a nozzle sealing surface 24 and a cover 18 having a cover sealing surface 33. An attachment device 19 supplies a closing force to bias the cover 18 toward the nozzle 17. A fluid seal 51 prevents egress of fluids from and ingress of contaminants into the tank 11. The seal 51 includes a cover seal member 54, a nozzle seal member 55, and an expander 56 that forces the members 54 and 55 against their respective cover and nozzle sealing surfaces. The fluid seal 51 also includes a compression limiting carrier 52 with integral locating tabs 53 that locates the seal 51 and controls the compression of the elastomeric components of the seal 51.
US08397644B2 Storage and retrieval machine
Storage and retrieval machine with a chassis (9) for supporting a mast (10), comprising at least one carriage (1) including guide elements (2, 2′), at least one drive element (3) assigned to the carriage (1) and including a drive motor (5), and with at least one rail (4) assigned to the carriage (1), wherein at least a partial area, seen in the installation orientation, directly above the rail (4) is free of guide elements (2, 2′).
US08397642B2 Method for the installation of railway tracks on ballast, without an auxiliary track
A method for installing railway tracks onto ballast beds avoiding the need for installing any type of auxiliary track. The method comprises successive stages to be carried out after having located the sleepers onto the ballast bed, consisting of fixing and laying of a pair of rails from a mini train, for the transport of the rails with the fastening and traction of same up to their complete unloading, the operation being guided by means of a discharge wagon; supporting the rails on rollers for the longitudinal movement thereof; cutting, squaring and fixing the adjacent ends to the consecutive rails; raising the rail with the help of a crane, and removing the rollers; partial fastening of the track and placement of the rollers for the next cycle, and removing the tractor from the mini train, and the final fastening of the rails.
US08397634B2 Anti-marking jackets comprised of fluoropolymer and methods of using in offset printing
In a printing press having a transfer cylinder for transferring a freshly printed substrate, an anti-marking device is provided. The anti-marking device comprises a flexible jacket comprised of fluoropolymer to engage the freshly printed substrate as it is transferred over the transfer cylinder, the anti-marking device removably attached with free play to the transfer cylinder. In an embodiment, a base cover is installed on the transfer cylinder between the anti-marking device and the transfer cylinder.
US08397630B2 Food cooker
A food cooker is provided that is configured to cook and infuse skewered food, the food cooker having perforated spines adjustably positionable on a sealable chamber that support the skewered food.The food cooker includes a bottom container, a cover connectable with the bottom container, a spine securable at adjustable positions along the cover, a spine, a securing mechanism. The spine has a hollow interior and perforations along an exterior surface. The securing mechanism seals the bottom container and cover to form a sealed inner chamber.
US08397623B2 Rifle and kit for constructing same
A rifle includes an upper receiver body, a lower receiver body detachably attached to the upper receiver body, a stock and a bolt carrier group. The upper receiver body has a bolt carrier receiving bore exposed at a stock engaging portion thereof. The stock includes a recoil spring receiving bore therein exposed at a mounting portion thereof. The mounting portion of the stock is engaged with the stock engaging portion of the lower receiver body in a manner whereby the recoil spring receiving bore is accessible from the bolt carrier receiving bore. A centerline axis of the recoil spring receiving bore is skewed with respect to a centerline axis of the bolt carrier receiving bore. The bolt carrier group has a bolt carrying structure slideably disposed within the bolt carrier receiving bore, a recoil spring engaging structure slideably disposed within the recoil spring receiving bore and a linkage member structure pivotably engaged between the bolt carrying structure and the recoil spring engaging structure.
US08397615B2 Thermally-insulating cover for firearm sound suppressor
A cover for use with a firearm sound suppressor comprises an insulating body and a retention apparatus attached to the insulating body. The insulating body includes one or more layers of thermally-insulating material. The insulating body is configured for being wrapped around the firearm sound suppressor. The retention apparatus includes a securing structure configured for being wrapped around the insulating body to secure the insulating body in a fixed position with respect to the firearm sound suppressor after the insulating body is wrapped around the firearm sound suppressor.
US08397598B2 Motor-vehicle gearbox
The gearbox comprises an engagement sleeve movable between a neutral position and one engagement position for engagement of one given gear, and a shift fork operatively connected to the engagement sleeve for controlling the movement thereof between the neutral position and the engagement position. The shift fork is slidably mounted on a stationary support rod, which is provided with a pair of bushes defining a first axial abutment surface for stopping the movement of the shift fork in the direction from the neutral position to the engagement position and a second axial abutment surface for stopping the movement of the shift fork in the direction from the engagement position to the neutral position. The neutral position of the shift fork is axially spaced from the second axial abutment surface.
US08397595B2 Drive unit for a motor vehicle
A drive unit comprises a clutch arrangement and a transmission which is connected to the clutch arrangement by way of a shaft arrangement. A fluid supply device is arranged radially inside the clutch arrangement and around the shaft arrangement, in order to supply the clutch arrangement with fluid. The shaft arrangement extends into the transmission. The transmission comprises a plurality of transmission components along the shaft arrangement. The components are supplied with fluid for at least one of lubrication and cooling purposes. A radial inlet duct leads from the fluid supply device into the interior of the shaft arrangement. An axial duct extends inside the shaft arrangement. At least one radial outlet duct inside the transmission leads from the axial duct to the transmission components, in order to supply these with fluid.
US08397593B2 Quick-set pipette with damped plunger
A volume adjustable pipette, comprising a plunger mounted for movement in a housing to and from a stop to aspirate a fluid into and dispense the fluid from a tip extending from the housing. The movement of the plunger is damped to reduce sudden plunger movements. An axially moveable volume setting member in the housing defines the stop and a volume setting for the pipette and is axially moveable by a user turnable volume setting member. Turning of the volume adjusting member also controls a coarse volume setting means and a fine volume setting means, the course volume setting means being responsive to a relatively small turning of the volume adjusting member for moving the volume setting member a relatively large axial distance and the fine volume setting means being responsive to a relatively large turning of the volume adjusting member for moving the volume setting member a relatively small axial distance.
US08397589B2 Systems and methods for measuring bearing endplay
A system for use in measuring an end play of a wheel hub assembly includes a cap attachable to a shaft of a wheel hub assembly. A frame has a cavity receiving a measurement probe extending outwardly from the cavity. The probe contacts the cap and is configured to measure movement of the cap to determine endplay of the bearing assembly on the shaft. The frame includes a plurality of legs extending from the frame to a hub mounted on the shaft and coupled to the bearing to support the frame relative to the hub. The handle is connected to the frame and extends substantially perpendicularly relative to an axis of the shaft and extends to opposite sides of the axis. The frame, the plurality of legs and the handle are sufficiently rigid to allow a user to apply a force to the handle to move the hub in an axial direction relative to the shaft until cessation of movement of the hub relative to the shaft.
US08397584B2 Fabricating method and testing method of semiconductor device and mechanical integrity testing apparatus
A fabricating method and a testing method of a semiconductor device and a mechanical integrity testing apparatus are provided. An object includes a wafer, an insulating layer, and a plurality of conductive posts is provided. A surface of the wafer has a plurality of first blind holes outside chip regions and a plurality of second blind holes inside the chip regions. The insulating layer is between the conductive posts and the walls of the first blind holes and between the conductive posts and the walls of the second blind holes. A mechanical integrity test is performed to test a binding strength between the insulating layer, the conductive posts, and the walls of the first blind holes. The conductive posts in the chip regions are electrically connected to an element after the conductive posts in the first blind holes are qualified in the mechanical integrity test.
US08397577B2 Rolling diaphragm pressure sensor
A system for measuring and indicating pressure that uses as its pressure sensing element an outer resilient tube, an inner resilient tube, and a rolling diaphragm connecting the inner and outer tubes, and held inside a protective enshrouding structure where pressure applied to the annulus between the tubes causes the diaphragm to deform and roll to axial extend the outer tube by an amount proportional to the applied pressure. The structure has features that enable visual correlation of the partially rolled tube's unrolled state with the applied pressure. The system can be incorporated into a syringe to create a pressure measuring syringe for inflating endotracheal cuffs while providing a reading of the cuff pressure.
US08397574B2 Ultrasonic transducer, ultrasonic probe, and ultrasonic imaging device
An ultrasonic transducer (100) includes a substrate (1) having a first electrode therein or on a surface thereof and a diaphragm (5) having a second electrode therein or on a surface thereof, with a cavity (4) therebetween. Further, at least one beam (7) is provided on a surface or inside of the diaphragm (5) or the second electrode.