Document Document Title
US08058427B2 Coumarin compounds and their use for treating cancer
Coumarin compounds of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and X are defined herein. Also disclosed is a method for treating cancer with coumarin compounds.
US08058426B2 Phosphorus-containing compounds and uses thereof
This invention concerns a new family of phosphorus-containing compounds containing a moiety JQA- in which:A is absent or is —O—, —S— or —NR2—;Q is absent or (if A is —O—, —S— or —NR2—) Q may be —V—, —OV—, —SV—, or —NR2V—, where V is an aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, aryl, or heteroaryl moiety, such that J is linked to the cyclohexyl ring directly, through A or through VA, OVA, SVA or NR2VA; K is O or S; each occurrence of Y is independently —O—, —S—, —NR2—, or a bond linking a R5 moiety to P; each occurrence of R2 and R5 is independently an aliphatic, heteroaliphatic, aryl, or heteroaryl moiety, or H; and each occurrence of R6 is independently —PK(YR5)(YR5), —SO2(YR5) or —C(O)(YR5); so long as any R2, or R5 moiety linked directly to P is not H; wherein two R2, R5 and/or R6 moieties may be chemically linked to one another to form a ring; each occurrence of G is independently —O—, —S—, —NR2— or (M)x; each occurrence of M is independently a substituted or unsubstituted methylene moiety, and any M-M′ moiety may be saturated or unsaturated; each occurrence of x is independently an integer from 1-6; and the other variables are as defined herein.
US08058419B2 Promoters for regulation of gene expression in plant roots
The present invention is directed to promoters isolated from maize and functional equivalents thereto. The promoters of the present invention have particular utility in driving root-specific expression of heterologous genes that impart increased agronomic, horticultural and/or pesticidal characteristics to a given transgenic plant. The present invention is also drawn to DNA molecules comprising the promoters of the invention and transformed plant tissues containing DNA molecules comprising a promoter of the invention operably linked to a heterologous gene or genes, and seeds thereof.
US08058418B2 Polynucleotides encoding heavy and light chains of antibodies to OPGL
Compositions comprising polynucleotides encoding heavy and light chains of antibodies that interact with osteoprotegerin ligand (OPGL) are described. Methods of making such antibodies are described.
US08058412B2 Dehydroxyfluorination agent
There is provided a novel, useful dehydroxyfluorination agent containing sulfuryl fluoride (SO2F2) and an organic base that is free from a free hydroxyl group in the molecule. According to the present dehydroxyfluorination agent, it is not necessary to use perfluoroalkanesulfonyl fluoride, which is not preferable in large-scale use, and it is possible to advantageously produce optically-active fluoro derivatives, which are important intermediates of medicines, agricultural chemicals and optical materials, for example, 4-fluoroproline derivatives, 2′-deoxy-2′-fluorouridine derivatives, optically-active α-fluorocarboxylate derivatives, and monofluoromethyl derivatives, even in large scale.
US08058409B2 Method of serum pre-treatment for glycomic analysis
A means for pre-treatment in glycomic analysis of a glycoprotein is provided by the present invention.A salt of the general formula (I): wherein Z, X, R1, R2, M, m and n are the same as described in DESCRIPTION, is useful as a protein solubilizer, and an oligosaccharide is efficiently released from a sample if reductive alkylation and/or digestion by a proteinase are carried out under the presence of the said solubilizer at the first step in the glycomic analysis of glycoprotein derived from a living body.
US08058406B2 Composition comprising antibodies to LINGO or fragments thereof
Endogenous LINGO-1 is a negative regulator for neuronal survival, axon regeneration, oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination. Molecules that block endogenous LINGO-1 function, such anti-LINGO-1 antibodies can be used as therapeutics for the treatment of neuron and oligodendrocyte dysfunction. The present invention provides antibodies specific for LINGO-1, and methods of using such antibodies as antagonists of endogenous LINGO-1 function. The invention further provides specific hybridoma and phage library-derived monoclonal antibodies, nucleic acids encoding these antibodies, and vectors and host cells comprising these antibodies. The invention further provides methods of promoting oligodendrocyte survival and myelination in a vertebrate, comprising administering to a vertebrate in need of such treatment an effective amount of an anti-LINGO-1 antibody.
US08058405B2 Antibodies specific for N-terminal truncated and pyroglutamate modified amyloid-beta peptides
The present invention pertains to novel diagnostic assays for the diagnosis of amyloidosis, in particular Alzheimer's disease, and related aspects. In particular, monoclonal antibodies and an antibody assay are provided.
US08058399B2 Multispecific reagent for selectively stimulating cell surface receptors
A multispecific reagent has at least one first binding site for a cell surface receptor which requires multimeric ligand binding to be stimulated. The reagent possesses a second binding site for a target antigen which is expressed on the same cell as the cell surface receptor.
US08058398B2 Modified G-CSF polypeptide
The present invention relates to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (“G-CSF”) hybrid molecules which retain the internal core helices of G-CSF. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions containing hybrid molecules.
US08058390B2 HDM2-inhibitor complexes and uses thereof
The present invention includes crystallized HDM2 peptides as well as descriptions of the X-ray diffraction patterns of the crystals. The diffraction patterns allow the three dimensional structure of HDM2 to be determined at atomic resolution so that ligand binding sites on HDM2 can be identified and the interactions of ligands with HDM2 amino acid residues can be modeled. Models prepared using such maps permit the design of ligands which can function as active agents which include, but are not limited to, those that function as inhibitors of MDM2 and HDM2 oncoproteins.
US08058385B2 Method for preparing conjugates using polymer maleimides
Methods for preparing conjugates using polymeric reagents bearing a maleimide are provided. Also provided are compositions comprising the conjugates.
US08058383B2 Arylene-fluorinated-sulfonimide ionomers and membranes for fuel cells
The preparation of aromatic sulfonimide polymers useful as membranes in electrochemical cells is described.
US08058378B1 Polyvinyl chloride formulations
An extrudable polyvinyl chloride composition comprising from 80 to 99.9 percent by weight polyvinyl chloride for use in extruding a first part and a second part, wherein a fusion joint between the first extruded part and the second extruded part is formed by: A) composition at least a portion of a first terminal edge of the first extruded part and a first terminal edge of the second extruded part; B) engaging the melted terminal edges; and C) maintaining pressure between the engaged terminal edges to create a fused joint having a strength that is at least 50% of the tensile strength of the extruded part as measured by ASTM D638-2a. The extruded parts can be pipe sections.
US08058375B2 Use of ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene carboxylic acids and salts as surfactants for aqueous emulsion polymerization of fluorinated monomer
Provided are polyfluorinated carboxylic acids and their salts containing an ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene moiety. The polyfluorinated carboxylic acids and salts are useful as surfactants in polymerization processes.
US08058373B2 Polypropylene solution polymerization process
A process for polymerization of propylene, optionally ethylene, and further optionally one or more C4-30 α-olefins and/or one or more conjugated or nonconjugated dienes under continuous, solution polymerization conditions to prepare a high molecular weight polymer or interpolymer, said process comprising conducting the polymerization in the presence of a catalyst composition comprising a hafnium complex of a polyvalent aryloxyether.
US08058370B2 Process for the production of polymer microparticles
The object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing high-quality polymer microparticles having uniform particle size of the order of several micrometers to tens of micrometers by inverse suspension polymerization at high productivity while keeping excellent dispersion stability without causing aggregation among particles. The process is one for the production of polymer microparticles by inverse suspension polymerization of a vinyl monomer and includes steps of preparing in a dispersing tank a water-in-oil (W/O) type emulsion in which an organic solvent is a continuous phase and an aqueous solution of a vinyl-based monomer is a dispersing phase, and conducting the inverse suspension polymerization while feeding the water-in-oil (W/O) type emulsion to a continuous stirred tank reactor.
US08058365B2 Proton conducting membrane and process for producing the same
A proton conductive membrane displays sufficient proton conductivity even at low humidities and low temperatures.The proton conductive membrane includes: a block copolymer including an ion conductive polymer segment (A) and an ion nonconductive polymer segment (B), the segment (A) and the segment (B) being covalently bound in a manner such that main chain skeletons of the segments are covalently bound at aromatic rings thereof through binding groups, (i) the membrane having a morphology including a microphase separated structure, (ii) the ion conductive polymer segment (A) forming a continuous phase.
US08058360B2 Polyester blends exhibiting low temperature toughness
Polymer blends suitable for packaging are disclosed that include one or more impact modifiers; and one or more polyethylene terephthalate homopolymers or copolymers obtained by a melt phase polymerization using a catalyst system comprising aluminum atoms in an amount, for example, from about 3 ppm to about 60 ppm and one or more alkaline earth metal atoms, alkali metal atoms, or alkali compound residues in an amount, for example, from about 1 ppm to about 25 ppm, in each case based on the weight of the one or more polyethylene terephthalate homopolymers or copolymers The polymer blends disclosed exhibit improved low temperature toughness compared with blends made using polymers prepared with conventional catalyst systems.
US08058356B2 Method for manufacturing hydrogenated block copolymer
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a substantially hydrogenated vinyl aromatic/conjugated diene block copolymer, which has a hydrogenation level of greater than 90 percent. The resulting substantially hydrogenated vinyl aromatic/conjugated diene block copolymer has advantageous physical properties suitable for use in discs, optical films, light guide plates, etc.
US08058355B2 Modified chlorinated carboxylated polyolefins and their use as adhesion promoters
The present invention provides solvent- and water-based primer compositions that include at least one chlorinated carboxylated polyolefin that has been modified with one or more polyfunctional alcohols. The chlorinated carboxylated polyolefins are obtained by the reaction of polyolefins with at least one of unsaturated carboxylic esters, unsaturated carboxylic acids, unsaturated carboxylic anhydrides, acrylic monomers, and mixtures thereof then chlorinated. The chlorinated carboxylated polyolefins are then further modified by reaction with one or more polyfunctional alcohols. These polyfunctional alcohol-modified chlorinated carboxylated polyolefins may also contain pendant carboxyl groups, which have the propensity to form hydrophilic salts with amines or inorganic bases, thereby rendering the polyfunctional alcohol-modified chlorinated carboxylated polyolefins water-dispersible. These primer compositions are useful for significantly improving the adhesion of paints, adhesives, and inks to various plastic and metal substrates.
US08058354B2 Modified carboxylated polyolefins and their use as adhesion promoters
The present invention provides solvent- and water-based primer compositions that include at least one carboxylated polyolefin that has been modified with one or more polyfunctional alcohols. The carboxylated polyolefins are obtained by the reaction of polyolefins with at least one of unsaturated carboxylic esters, unsaturated carboxylic acids, unsaturated carboxylic anhydrides, acrylic monomers, and mixtures thereof. The carboxylated polyolefins are then further modified by reaction with one or more polyfunctional alcohols. These polyfunctional alcohol-modified polyolefins may also contain pendant carboxyl groups, which have the propensity to form hydrophilic salts with amines or inorganic bases, thereby rendering the polyfunctional alcohol-modified polyolefins water-dispersible. These primer compositions are useful for significantly improving the adhesion of paints, adhesives, and inks to various plastic and metal substrates.
US08058353B2 Sulfonated block copolymers method for making same, and various uses for such block copolymers
A sulfonated block copolymer which is solid and non-dispersible in water having at least two polymer end blocks A and at least one polymer interior block B wherein each A block is a polymer containing essentially no sulfonic acid or sulfonate functional groups and each B block is a polymer block containing 10 to 100 mol percent sulfonic acid or sulfonate functional groups based on the number of monomer units of the B block, and wherein said A and B blocks do not contain any significant levels of olefinic unsaturation. Also claimed are processes for making such block copolymers, and the various end uses and applications for such block copolymers.
US08058349B2 Microwave heatable monovinyl aromatic polymers
A method for melt-processing a polymer of a monovinyl aromatic compound, such as styrene, is disclosed. The method may include heating a polymer of a monovinyl aromatic compound volumetrically with microwave energy, wherein the polymer of a monovinyl aromatic compound includes: a discontinuous rubber phase; and a continuous poly(monovinyl aromatic) phase comprising up to 49 weight percent of at least one of an acrylate comonomer and a vinyl cyanide comonomer.
US08058345B2 Curable adhesive compositions containing reactive multi-functional acrylate
Disclosed are adhesive compositions include polymerizable resin, preferably in an amount of from about 10 wt % to about 90 wt % and multifunctional acrylate, preferably in an amount of from about 5 wt % to about 30 wt %. The polymerizable resin can include free radical initiated vinyl addition resins. The adhesives in preferred embodiments exhibit enhanced bonding strength of the adhesive at high temperatures, such as at about 80° C., and enhanced the fire resistance.
US08058340B2 Propylene-based resin composition for pipe member and pipe member formed using the same
A propylene-based resin composition for a pipe member, and a pipe member and multi-layered pipe member formed using that the same, which is comprised of (a) 65 to 90 parts by mass of a propylene resin homopolymer, (b) 10 to 25 parts by mass of talc having an average particle size of 1 to 10 μm and (c) 1 to 10 parts by mass of at least one kind of a rubber component selected from an ethylene-propylene-based rubber, an ethylene-butene-based rubber, a styrene-butadiene-based rubber and a styrene-isoprene-based rubber as main components, wherein the MFR of a melt-kneaded mixture obtained by melt kneading these components (a) to (c) is from 0.01 to 2.00 g/10 minutes.
US08058336B2 Flame retardant polymer composition comprising polyolefin with high molecular weight distribution
The present invention relates to a flame retardant polymer composition, comprising (A) a polyolefin comprising a polyolefin with a molecular weight distribution Mw/Mn>20, (B) a silicone-group containing compound, and (C) an inorganic filler material, to an article, in particular a wire or cable, comprising said flame retardant polymer composition, and to the use of said composition for the production of a layer of a wire or cable.
US08058333B1 Flame retarding composite material
A flame retarding composite material includes at least a PC resin, an ABS resin, a flame retardant having a P═X double bond, and an additive. The PC resin in the composite material is in the range of 60 wt % to 80 wt %. The ABS resin in the composite material is in the range of 15 wt % to 35 wt %. The additive can includes 5 wt % to 37 wt % of glass fiber.
US08058331B2 Golf balls containing highly neutralized acid polymers and sugar ester HLB modifiers
A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer surrounding the core, where at least one of the core and the cover layer includes a polymer composition of a highly neutralized acid polymer and a sugar ester HLB modifier such that the sugar ester HLB modifier is present from about 15 wt % to about 40 wt % of the polymer composition.
US08058328B2 Cement admixture
A cement admixture object of the present invention can make slump-retaining ability excellent to retain fluidity and, at the same time, can realize a viscosity of cement compositions so that work becomes easy at a field handling them, can make the state of a cement composition better. The present invention relates to a cement admixture which comprises a polycarboxylic acid copolymer having a polyalkylene glycol side chain, said polycarboxylic acid copolymer being constituted of two or more species of copolymers with different acid values, and at least one of said two or more species of copolymers with different acid values having an oxyalkylene group containing 3 or more carbon atoms.
US08058327B2 Composition
The instant invention relates to highly filled epoxy resin compositions suitable as casting resins without the need of an extended curing step, to a casting process using said compositions and use of said compositions in a casting process not needing an extended curing step.
US08058326B2 Fluorescent poly(alkylene terephthalate) compositions
Fluorescent poly(alkylene terephthalate) compositions are provided. The fluorescent poly(alkylene terephthalate) compositions contain fluorescent poly(alkylene terephthalate)s and are made from fluorescent compounds and poly(alkylene terephthalate) oligomers, or by polymerizing amine and acid monomers in the presence of fluorescent compounds.
US08058323B2 Low-tack ophthalmic and otorhinolaryngological device materials
Disclosed are soft, high refractive index, acrylic materials. These materials, especially useful as intraocular lens materials, contain one or more aryl acrylic hydrophobic monomers as principal device-forming monomers and a tack-reducing macromer additive. In addition to their use as intraocular lens materials, the present materials are also suitable for use in other ophthalmic or otorhinolaryngological devices, such as contact lenses, keratoprostheses, corneal inlays or rings; otological ventilation tubes and nasal implants.
US08058322B2 Flame-retardant flexible polyurethane foam
A flexible polyurethane foam-forming composition and the flexible polyurethane foam obtained therefrom contain, as flame-retardant additive, a halogen-free phosphonate compound which is substantially unreactive for isocyanate, contains at least about 5 weight percent phosphorus, has an acid value of about 2 mg KOH/g or less, a volatility as measured by thermogravimetric analysis not exceeding a 5.0 percent weight loss at a temperature of about 150° C., and a weight average molecular weight of from about 200 to about 2000.
US08058315B2 Foaming alcohol compositions with selected dimethicone surfactants
Foaming alcohol compositions with selected dimethicone surfactants are disclosed. The dimethicone surfactants are PEG-8 to PEG-12 linear dimethicone surfactants and in particular PEG-10 linear dimethicone surfactant. The compositions are useful as antimicrobial products and in particular handcare or skincare products.
US08058309B2 Protein kinase modulators and therapeutic uses thereof
The present invention provides new tyrphostin derivatives acting as substrate competitive protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitors and receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitors, methods of their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions including such compounds, and methods of using these compounds and compositions, especially as chemotherapeutic agents for preventions and treatments of PTK and RTK related disorders such as metabolic, fibrotic, and cell proliferative disorders, in particular psoriasis and cancer.
US08058301B2 Salt hydrates
The invention relates to new forms of salts of valsartan or crystalline, also partly crystalline and amorphous salts of valsartan, the respective production and usage, and pharmaceutical preparations containing such a salt.
US08058300B2 Polycyclic antagonists of lysophosphatidic acid receptors
Described herein are compounds that are antagonists of lysophosphatidic receptor(s). Also described are pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments that include the compounds described herein, as well as methods of using such antagonists, alone and in combination with other compounds, for treating LPA-dependent or LPA-mediated conditions or diseases.
US08058298B2 Antimicrobial composition useful for preserving wood
Antimicrobial compositions useful for preserving wood, and comprising a variety of antimicrobial compounds.
US08058296B2 Treatment and prevention of deleterious effects associated with alcohol consumption
The present invention provides to methods and compositions that treat or prevent deleterious effects associated with alcohol consumption including alcohol-induced flush reaction and hangover. The methods and compositions include famotidine and optionally succinic acid. The present invention further demonstrates compositions that include famotidine are effective at treating symptoms associated with a flush reaction in subjects that are not significantly responsive to treatments with the H1 antagonist loratidine or the H2 antagonist cimetidine.
US08058292B2 Therapeutic agents useful for treating pain
The invention provides a compound of formula (I): (where R1, Q, A and R2 are disclosed herein) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof (a “Pyridine-alkynyl Compound”); pharmaceutical compositions comprising an effective amount of a Pyridine-alkynyl Compound; and methods for treating or preventing a condition such as pain, urinary incontinence, an addictive disorder, Parkinson's disease, parkinsonism, anxiety, epilepsy, a seizure, stroke, a pruritic condition, psychosis, a cognitive disorder, a memory deficit, restricted brain function, Huntington's chorea, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, dementia, retinopathy, a muscle spasm, a migraine, vomiting, dyskinesia or depression in an animal comprising administering to an animal in need thereof an effective amount of a Pyridine-alkynyl Compound.
US08058289B2 Pyridine methylene azolidinones and use thereof phosphoinositide inhibitors
The present invention is related to pyridine methylene azolidinone derivatives of Formula (I) in particular for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of autoimmune disorders and/or inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, bacterial or viral infections, kidney diseases, platelet aggregation, cancer, transplantation, graft rejection or lung injuries.
US08058286B2 Method for therapy of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel disorders
A method for therapy of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel disorders comprising as an effective ingredient a morphinan derivative having a nitrogen-containing cyclic group or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof is disclosed. The method for therapy of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel disorders comprises as an effective ingredient a morphinan derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, having a specific structure, such as N-(17-cyclopeopylmethyl-4,5α-epoxy-3,14-dihydroxy-morphinan-6β-yl)-3,4,5,6-tetrahydrophthalimide tartaric acid salt (Compound 10).
US08058283B2 7H-pyrido[3,4-D]pyrimidin-8-ones, their manufacture and use as protein kinase inhibitors
Objects of the present invention are the compounds of formula I their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, enantiomeric forms, diastereoisomers and racemates, the preparation of the above compounds, medicaments containing them and their manufacture, as well as the use of the above compounds in the control or prevention of illnesses such as cancer.
US08058282B2 2,4,8-trisubstituted-8H-pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one compounds and compositions for use in therapy
Novel substituted 2,4,8-trisubstituted-8H-pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one compounds and compositions for use in therapy as CSBP/p38 kinase inhibitors.
US08058281B2 Use of adenine-derived compounds for the treatment of lupus
The present invention is directed to a method of treating systemic lupus erythematosus comprising administering a compound of formula (I) wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of CF3, a C1-C5 alkyl, and (CH2)nR4, wherein n is between 0 and 4; R2 is selected from the group consisting of (CH2)mR4 and (CH2)mAr, wherein m is between 0 and 5; R3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl; R4 is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, OH, a C1-C3 alkoxy, a C1-C3 dialkylamino, piperidino, and N-methylpiperazino; Ar represents  wherein X is selected from the group consisting of F, C1, a C1-C3 alkoxy, and CF3. The compounds can be used in combination with a second compound used in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus.
US08058279B2 Insecticidal pyrimidinyl aryl hyrdrazones
Pyrimidinyl aryl hydrazones are effective at controlling insects.
US08058273B2 Histone deacetylases inhibitors
New inhibitors of histone deacetylases having antitumor activity, and the process of preparation thereof are herein described. These compounds belong to the structural formula (I) where R1 is a linear or branched chain containing at least two conjugated double bonds, A is an optionally substituted phenyl or pyridyl ring, Ar is an aryl or heteroaryl group, and R3 is hydrogen or alkoxyalkyl. The application also describes the use of said compounds in the treatment of diseases associated to the deregulation of histone deacetylases activity, such as tumors, as well as the relevant pharmaceutical compositions for administration to patients requiring said treatment.
US08058272B2 Organic compounds
The present disclosure relates to XIAP inhibitor compound of the formula I:
US08058270B2 Dihydropteridinones for the treatment of cancer diseases
Disclosed is the use of a compound of general Formula (1), optionally in form of its tautomers, racemates, enantiomers, diastereomers and the mixtures thereof and optionally in form of the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts, solvates, hydrates, polymorphs, physiologically functional derivatives or prodrugs thereof, for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of diseases characterized by abnormal cell proliferation in a human or non-human mammalian body by inhibition of polo like kinases as mitotic regulators.
US08058269B2 Oxindole derivatives
There is provided compounds of the formula wherein R6, V, W, X, Y, Q and n are as described. The compounds exhibit activity as anticancer agents.
US08058267B2 Steroids as agonists for FXR
The invention relates to compounds of formula (I): wherein R is ethyl and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates or amino acid conjugates thereof. The compounds of formula (I) are useful as FXR agonists.
US08058261B2 3′-ethynylcytidine derivative
To provide a compound which exhibits excellent anti-tumor activity and excellent oral absorption and which is a useful anti-tumor drug.The invention provides a 3′-ethynylcytidine derivative represented by formula (1): (wherein X represents a (substituted) alkylcarbonyl group, a (substituted) alkoxycarbonyl group, or a hydrogen atom; one of Y and Z represents a hydrogen atom or a group represented by (R1)(R2)(R3)Si— and the other represents a group represented by (R4)(R5)(R6)Si—; and R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 each represent a (substituted) alkyl group, a (substituted) cyclic alkyl group, or a (substituted) aryl group) or a salt thereof.
US08058260B2 2′-C-methyl-ribofuranosyl cytidine prodrugs, pharmaceutical compositions and uses thereof
The present disclosure provides 2′-C-methyl-ribofuranosyl cytidine prodrugs, methods of making 2′-C-methyl-ribofuranosyl cytidine prodrugs, pharmaceutical compositions of 2′-C-methyl-ribofuranosyl cytidine prodrugs, and methods of using 2′-C-methyl-ribofuranosyl cytidine prodrugs and pharmaceutical compositions thereof to treat viral diseases such as hepatitis C.
US08058258B2 Methods for cancer therapy and stem cell modulation
The present invention relates to a method of inducing apoptosis in a tumour cell as well as modulating pluripotency and/or self-renewing characteristics of a stem/progenitor cell. The method comprises administering to the respective cell a compound of general formula (I). In general formula A is C or N. R1, R4 and R5 are, independently selected, H or aliphatic, cycloaliphatic aromatic, arylaliphatic, or arylcycloaliphatic hydrocarbyl groups, that comprise 0-3 heteroatoms being N, O, S, or Si. R4 and R5 may optionally be linked so as to define an aliphatic hydrocarbyl bridge. R2 is H or a halogen, such as F or Cl. R3 is H, or an aliphatic or arylaliphatic hydrocarbyl group comprising 1-8 main chain carbon atoms and 0-3 heteroatoms being N, O, S, Si, or a halogen such as Cl or F. Also provided is a pharmaceutical composition for inducing apoptosis in a tumour cell and/or modulating pluripotency and/or self-renewing characteristics of a stem/progenitor cell. The pharmaceutical composition comprises a compound as defined above or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a carrier or diluent.
US08058251B2 Devices, systems and methods for improving memory and/or cognitive function through brain delivery of siRNA
The present invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for improving memory and/or cognitive function by brain delivery of compositions of small interfering RNA or vectors containing the DNA encoding for small interfering RNA. Such compositions can be administered using devices, systems and methods for direct delivery of the compositions to the brain, or using devices, systems, methods of delivery, and compositions that deliver small interfering RNA or vectors containing the DNA encoding the small interfering RNA across the blood-brain barrier. The present invention also provides valuable small interfering RNA vectors, and methods for reduction of BACE1 levels in the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, or other regions of the brain that have beneficial effects on improving memory and/or cognitive function in a subject.
US08058248B2 Foot and mouth disease virus vaccine comprising interferons
Early protection of susceptible animals against foot and mouth disease (FMD) may be achieved by inoculating the animals with a vaccine comprising an interferon DNA sequence. One day after inoculation, animals have been found protected from challenge with virulent foot and mouth disease virus. Co-administration with an effective foot and mouth disease virus vaccine provides protection prior to the development of specific immunity, a feature especially desireable during a FMD outbreak.
US08058247B2 Antibacterial agent and therapeutic agent for johne's disease containing the same
An antibacterial agent having high antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis is provided. Specifically, the antibacterial agent of the present invention having high antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis is a caprazamycin derivative represented, for example, by the following general formula (II): wherein Me is a methyl group; and R1 is a straight or substantially straight chain alkyl group having 5 to 21 carbon atoms, a straight or substantially straight chain alkenyl group having 5 to 21 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 5 to 12 carbon atoms, or a phenyl group substituted at the para-position with a straight chain alkyl group having 1 to 14 carbon atoms, a straight chain alkoxy group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms or a cycloalkyl group having 5 to 12 carbon atoms.
US08058246B2 Method and composition to achieve stable color of artificially colored hair
The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one amylose-containing starch, and its use in extending or improving the color durability and stability of artificially colored hair. Such compositions may be applied either as a leave-on or as a rinse-off composition.
US08058245B2 Fused heterocycle derivative, medicinal composition containing the same, and medicinal use thereof
The present invention provides fused heterocyclic derivatives represented by the following general formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, or prodrugs thereof, which exhibit an inhibitory activity in human SGLT and are useful as agents for the prevention or treatment of a disease associated with hyperglycemia such as diabetes, postprandial hyperglycemia, impaired glucose tolerance, diabetic complications or obesity, in the formula R1 to R4 represent H, OH, an amino group, etc.; R5 and R6 represent H, OH, a halogen atom, an option ally substituted alkyl group, etc.; Q represents alkylene, alkenylene, etc.; ring A represents an aryl group or a heteroaryl group; the following ring (R1) represents a group represented by the following ring (R2); G represents a group represented by the following general formula (G-1) or (G-2) (E1 represents H, F or OH; and E represents H, F, a methyl group, etc.), and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, and pharmaceutical uses thereof.
US08058241B2 Signal transduction protein TAB2
A novel signal transducer TAB2 which acts as an adapter molecule of TRAF6 and TAK1 and mediates the activation of TAK1 in the signal transduction of IL-1 was isolated. TAB2 induced the activation of NF-κB and JNK by IL-1. The signal transduction by IL-1 was inhibited by inhibiting the signal transduction of TAB2 with the use of a dominant negative mutant of TAB2. A compound inhibiting the signal transduction in TAB2 is useful as an anti-inflammatory drug.
US08058234B2 Lactoferrin as an agent in the prevention of organ transplant rejection and graft-versus-host-disease
The present invention relates to methods of using lactoferrin (LF) to treat, prevent or reduce the incidence of organ transplant rejection and graft-versus-host-disease. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods of reducing an immune response against miss-matched transplanted organs such as kidney, heart, lung, liver, pancreas and stem cells by administering a composition of lactoferrin to the recipient patients. In addition, this invention relates to the treatment of bone marrow transplant (BMT) donors with lactoferrin to attenuate the development of graft-versus-host-disease in the recipients. Moreover, this invention relates to the treatment of xenograft organ donors with lactoferrin to attenuate the development of graft rejection in the recipients.
US08058233B2 Modification of feeding behavior using PYY and GLP-1
Methods are disclosed for decreasing calorie intake, food intake, and appetite in a subject. The methods include peripherally administering PYY or an agonist thereof and GLP-1 or an agonist thereof to the subject, simultaneously or sequentially, thereby decreasing the calorie intake of the subject.
US08058228B2 Leptin peptide antagonists
Disclosed herein are peptides comprising a leptin sequence and methods for their use in preventing ObR signaling in a leptin-responsive cell. A leptin peptide of the present invention binds to but does not activate ObR signaling in a leptin-responsive cell, thereby inhibiting the up-regulatory effects of leptin on ObR signaling in the leptin-responsive cell. Administration of the peptide effectively prevents embryo implantation in a mammal to which the peptide has been administered. Also disclosed herein is a method for identifying a peptide antagonist of ObR, wherein the peptide comprises a leptin sequence.
US08058227B2 Method of treating fibrosis in a subject in need thereof comprising administering a composition comprising a CSD
Disclosed are compositions and methods for the treatment of fibrosis. Also disclosed are methods of screening for agents that treat fibrosis.
US08058223B2 Automatic or machine dishwashing compositions of sulfonated estolides and other derivatives of fatty acids and uses thereof
Sulfo-estolides and methods of making them are described. Useful methods include acid side bleaching, partial hydrogenation of the fatty acid, pretreatment of the fatty acid to provide color inhibition, acid side hydrolysis of the sulfo-estolides, or conversion of SHP to an essentially fully hydrolyzed product (HSHP) or a partially hydrolyzed product (PHSHP). Formulations and concentrated formulations of automatic dishwasher detergent or machine wash detergent compositions containing sulfo-estolides, among others, are also included.
US08058218B2 Composition based on glycerol ether/polyol mixtures
The invention relates to compositions which comprise one or more glycerol ethers together with one or more diol/diols and/or polyol/polyols. As a result, as well as good microbicidal effectiveness, whitening is reduced or avoided, drying-out of the skin is prevented, the moisture content is regulated and the skin is regreased to an adequate extent.
US08058216B2 Grease composition and grease-enclosed rolling bearing
The present invention provides a grease composition capable of securely preventing an abnormal noise from being generated when it is cold and having a long life at a high temperature, and a rolling bearing in which this grease is enclosed. The grease composition having heat-resistant properties and performance of preventing the generation of a low-temperature abnormal noise contains a base oil, a thickener, and an additive, and is used for a rolling bearing. A worked penetration of the grease composition at 25° C. is 300 or less, and an unworked penetration thereof at −20° C. is 200 or more. The grease-enclosed rolling bearing has an inner ring, an outer ring, rolling elements interposed between the inner ring and the outer ring, and the above-described grease composition enclosed on a periphery of the rolling elements. The grease-enclosed rolling bearing is used for an automotive electric auxiliary machine.
US08058215B2 Dry lubricant for conveying containers
The passage of a container along a conveyor is lubricated by applying to the container or conveyor a mixture of a water-miscible silicone material and a water-miscible lubricant. The mixture can be applied in relatively low amounts, to provide thin, substantially non-dripping lubricating films. In contrast to dilute aqueous lubricants, the lubricants of the invention provide drier lubrication of the conveyors and containers, a cleaner conveyor line and reduced lubricant usage, thereby reducing waste, cleanup and disposal problems.
US08058201B2 Clean, compressed sorbent tablets
A pressed sorbent form includes a sorbent and a binder. The sorbent is chosen from the group including silica gel, molecular sieve, activated carbon, and clay. The binder is powdered ethyl vinyl acetate.
US08058196B2 Optical glass
The present invention provides optical glasses containing Bi2O3 in which the optical glasses have at least one of the properties of being substantially free from opacification and being substantially devitrified within the glass body during reheating steps in production processes, superior chemical durability, and free from black coloring.The optical glass has a refractive index (nd) of no less than 1.75 and an Abbe number (νd) of no less than 10 as optical constants.The optical glass contains Bi2O3 in a content from no less than 10% by weight to less than 90% by weight, and has at least one of the properties of being substantially free from opacification and being substantially devitrified within the glass body under the conditions of a reheating test (a).
US08058194B2 Conductive webs
Conductive nonwoven webs are disclosed. The nonwoven webs contain pulp fibers combined with conductive fibers. In one embodiment, the webs are made in a wetlaid tissue making process.
US08058193B2 Thin-layer lignocellulose composites and methods of making the same
In one aspect, the present invention is a thin-layer lignocellulose composite having increased resistance to moisture. The thin-layer lignocellulosic composite includes a mixture of no more than about 95% by weight of a lignocellulosic fiber and at least about 5% by weight of an organic isocyanate resin. The mixture further includes short fibers and a release agent that does not interfere with subsequent processing of the thin-layer lignocellulosic composite. The mixture is pressed between two dies at an elevated temperature and pressure and for a sufficient time to form a thin-layer composite of predetermined thickness, and to allow the isocyanate resin to interact with the lignocellulosic fiber and short fibers such that the resultant thin-layer composite has a predetermined resistance to moisture.
US08058191B2 Multilayered ceramic matrix composite structure having increased structural strength
A multilayer ceramic matrix composite structure is disclosed. The ceramic matrix composite structure may include a three-dimensional weave fabric forming a core layer. The ceramic matrix composite structure may also include a two-dimensional weave fabric attached to an outer top surface of the three-dimensional weave fabric such that the two-dimensional weave fabric forms a top layer, and a two-dimensional weave fabric attached to an outer bottom surface of the three-dimensional weave fabric generally opposite to the outer top surface such that the two-dimensional weave fabric forms a bottom layer. The structure may include increased interlaminar shear strength.
US08058190B2 Curable coating compositions
A curable coating composition that exhibits improved cure and adhesion to various substrates, especially synthetic textiles used in the manufacture of air bags, comprises a composition curable by a hydrosilylation reaction, and includes a silicone resin, a hydrosilylation reaction inhibitor; and an adhesion promoting additive which comprises (i) an acryloxy functional alkoxysilane or a methacryloxy functional alkoxysilane, (ii) an alkenylsilanol, (iii) an organotitanium compound, (iv) a metal chelate compound, and (v) an epoxy functional alkoxysilane. A filler and a cyclic alkenyl group bearing polysiloxane can also be included in the curable coating composition. The curable coating composition is especially useful for application to synthetic textiles such as automotive air bags.
US08058177B2 Winged vias to increase overlay margin
Winged via structures to increase overlay margin are generally described. In one example, a method comprises depositing a sacrificial layer to an interlayer dielectric, the interlayer dielectric being coupled with a semiconductor substrate, forming at least one trench structure in the sacrificial layer wherein the trench structure comprises a first direction along a length of the trench structure and a second direction along a width of the trench structure wherein the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, depositing a light sensitive material to the trench structure and the sacrificial layer, and patterning at least one winged via structure in the light sensitive material to overlay the trench structure wherein the winged via structure extends in the second direction beyond the width of the trench structure onto the sacrificial layer.
US08058176B2 Methods of patterning insulating layers using etching techniques that compensate for etch rate variations
Methods of forming integrated circuit devices include forming an integrated circuit substrate having an electrically insulating layer thereon and forming a mask layer pattern having at least first and second openings of different size therein, on the electrically insulating layer. First and second portions of the electrically insulating layer extending opposite the first and second openings, respectively, are simultaneously etched at first and second different etch rates. This etching yields a first trench extending adjacent the first opening that is deeper than a second trench extending adjacent the second opening. Then, the bottoms of the first and second trenches are simultaneously etched to substantially the same depths using an etching process that compensates for the first and second different etch rates.
US08058171B1 Stirring apparatus for combinatorial processing
An apparatus and system for stirring liquid inside a flow cell. In one implementation, the apparatus includes a rotatable disc configured to receive liquid at a top side of the disc and distribute the liquid substantially evenly around a periphery of the flow cell. The disc has a triangular cross sectional area. The apparatus may further include a set of fins attached to a bottom side of the disc, wherein the set of fins is configured to draw the liquid from the periphery of the flow cell into the center of the flow cell.
US08058164B2 Methods of fabricating electronic devices using direct copper plating
The present invention relates to methods and structures for the metallization of semiconductor devices. One aspect of the present invention is a method of forming a semiconductor device having copper metallization. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a patterned wafer having a diffusion barrier for copper; depositing a copperless seed layer on the diffusion barrier effective for electrochemical deposition of gapfill copper. The seed layer is formed by a conformal deposition process and by a nonconformal deposition process. The method further includes electroplating copper gapfill onto the seed layer. Another aspect of the invention includes electronic devices made using methods and structures according to embodiments of the present invention.
US08058163B2 Enhanced reliability for semiconductor devices using dielectric encasement
A method and device for enhanced reliability for semiconductor devices using dielectric encasement is disclosed. The method and device are directed to improving the reliability of the solder joint that connects the integrated circuit (IC) chip to the substrate. The method comprises applying a layer of a photoimageable permanent dielectric material to a top surface of the semiconductor device, and patterning the layer of the photoimageable permanent dielectric material to have an opening over each feature. The method further comprises dispensing or stencil printing fluxing material into the permanent dielectric material openings, and applying solder, which contains no flux, to a top surface of the fluxing material. In one or more embodiments, the method further comprises heating the semiconductor device to a reflow temperature appropriate for the reflow of the solder, thereby causing the solder to conform to sidewalls of the permanent dielectric material openings to form a protective seal.
US08058160B2 Method of forming nonvolatile memory device
A method of forming the gate patterns of a nonvolatile memory device comprises stacking a gate insulating layer and a first conductive layer over a semiconductor substrate; forming isolation hard mask patterns over the first conductive layer; etching the first conductive layer using the isolation hard mask patterns as etch barriers, thus exposing the gate insulating layer; etching the gate insulating layer using the isolation hard mask patterns as etch barriers, thus exposing the semiconductor substrate; after exposing the semiconductor substrate, forming a passivation layer on the sidewalls of the first conductive layers and on the sidewalls of the gate insulating layers; and etching the semiconductor substrate using the passivation layer and the isolation hard mask patterns as etch barriers, thus forming trenches in the semiconductor substrate.
US08058157B2 FinFET structure with multiply stressed gate electrode
A semiconductor structure and its method of fabrication include a semiconductor fin located over a substrate. A gate electrode is located over the semiconductor fin. The gate electrode has a first stress in a first region located closer to the semiconductor fin and a second stress which is different than the first stress in a second region located further from the semiconductor fin. The semiconductor fin may also be aligned over a pedestal within the substrate. The semiconductor structure is annealed under desirable stress conditions to obtain an enhancement of semiconductor device performance.
US08058154B2 Methods for discretized processing and process sequence integration of regions of a substrate
The present invention provides methods and systems for discretized, combinatorial processing of regions of a substrate such as for the discovery, implementation, optimization, and qualification of new materials, processes, and process sequence integration schemes used in integrated circuit fabrication. A substrate having an array of differentially processed regions thereon is processed by delivering materials to or modifying regions of the substrate.
US08058151B2 Methods of die sawing
A structure includes a substrate having a plurality of scribe line areas surrounding a plurality of die areas. Each of the die areas includes at least one first conductive structure formed over the substrate. Each of the scribe line areas includes at least one active region and at least one non-active region. The active region includes a second conductive structure formed therein. The structure further includes at least one first passivation layer formed over the first conductive structure and second conductive structure, wherein at least a portion of the first passivation layer within the non-active region is removed, whereby die-sawing damage is reduced.
US08058149B2 Method for fabricating a semiconductor substrate
A method for fabricating a semiconductor on insulator substrate by providing a first semiconductor substrate with a first impurity density of a first impurity type, subjecting the first semiconductor substrate to a first thermal treatment to thereby reduce the first impurity density in a modified layer adjacent a surface of the first semiconductor substrate being treated, transferring at least partially the modified layer with the reduced first impurity density onto a second substrate, to thereby obtain a modified second substrate, and providing a further layer on a transferred layer of the modified second substrate with the further layer having a second impurity density of a second impurity type that is different than the first impurity type of the transferred modified layer. By doing so, a contamination by dopants of the second impurity type of a fabrication line using semiconductor material with dopants of the first impurity type, can be prevented.
US08058148B2 Methods and apparatus for producing semiconductor on insulator structures using directed exfoliation
Methods and apparatus provide for forming a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) structure, including subjecting a implantation surface of a donor semiconductor wafer to an ion implantation step to create a weakened slice in cross-section defining an exfoliation layer of the donor semiconductor wafer; and subjecting the donor semiconductor wafer to a spatial variation step, either before, during or after the ion implantation step, such that at least one parameter of the weakened slice varies spatially across the weakened slice in at least one of X- and Y-axial directions.
US08058145B2 Micro-electro-mechanical device and manufacturing method for the same
It is an object of the present invention to provide a micro-electro-mechanical-device having a microstructure and a semiconductor element over one surface. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for simplifying the process of forming the microstructure and the semiconductor element over one surface. A space in which the microstructure is moved, that is, a movable space for the microstructure is formed by processing an insulating layer which is formed in a process of forming the semiconductor element. The movable space can be formed by forming the insulating layer having a plurality of openings and making the openings face each other to be overlapped each other.
US08058140B2 Thickened sidewall dielectric for memory cell
Methods and devices are disclosed, such as those involving memory cell devices with improved charge retention characteristics. In one or more embodiments, a memory cell is provided having an active area defined by sidewalls of neighboring trenches. A layer of dielectric material is blanket deposited over the memory cell, and etched to form spacers on sidewalls of the active area. Dielectric material is formed over the active area, a charge trapping structure is formed over the dielectric material over the active area, and a control gate is formed over the charge trapping structure. In some embodiments, the charge trapping structure includes nanodots. In some embodiments, the width of the spacers is between about 130% and about 170% of the thickness of the dielectric material separating the charge trapping material and an upper surface of the active area.
US08058134B2 Junction profile engineering using staged thermal annealing
An annealing method includes performing an activation annealing on a wafer with a peak temperature of greater than about 1200° C., wherein the activation annealing has a first duration; and performing a defect-recovery annealing on the wafer at a defect-recovery temperature lower than the peak temperature for a second duration. The second duration is longer than the first duration. The annealing method includes no additional annealing steps at temperatures greater than about 1200° C., and no room-temperature cooling step exists between the activation annealing and the defect-recovery annealing.
US08058133B2 Method of fabrication of metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor
A method of fabrication of a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor includes first providing a substrate on which a gate structure is formed. Afterwards, a portion of the substrate is removed to form a first recess in the substrate at both ends of the gate structure. Additionally, a source/drain extension layer is deposited in the first recess and a number of spacers are formed at both ends of the gate structure. Subsequently, a portion of the source/drain extension and the substrate are removed to form a second recess in the source/drain extension and a portion of the substrate outside of the spacer. In addition, a source/drain layer is deposited in the second recess. Because the source/drain extension and the source/drain layer have specific materials and structures, short channel effect is improved and the efficiency of the metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor is improved.
US08058130B2 Method of forming a nitrogen-enriched region within silicon-oxide-containing masses
The invention encompasses a method of incorporating nitrogen into a silicon-oxide-containing layer. The silicon-oxide-containing layer is exposed to a nitrogen-containing plasma to introduce nitrogen into the layer. The nitrogen is subsequently thermally annealed within the layer to bond at least some of the nitrogen to silicon within the layer. The invention also encompasses a method of forming a transistor. A gate oxide layer is formed over a semiconductive substrate. The gate oxide layer comprises silicon dioxide. The gate oxide layer is exposed to a nitrogen-containing plasma to introduce nitrogen into the layer, and the layer is maintained at less than or equal to 400° C. during the exposing. Subsequently, the nitrogen within the layer is thermally annealed to bond at least a majority of the nitrogen to silicon. At least one conductive layer is formed over the gate oxide layer. Source/drain regions are formed within the semiconductive substrate, and are gatedly connected to one another by the at least one conductive layer. The invention also encompasses transistor structures.
US08058126B2 Semiconductor devices and structures including at least partially formed container capacitors and methods of forming the same
Methods of forming semiconductor devices that include one or more container capacitors include anchoring an end of a conductive member to a surrounding lattice material using an anchor material, which may be a dielectric. The anchor material may extend over at least a portion of an end surface of the conductive member, at least a portion of the lattice material, and an interface between the conductive member and the lattice material. In some embodiments, the anchor material may be formed without significantly covering an inner sidewall surface of the conductive member. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a barrier material may be provided over at least a portion of the anchor material and over at least a portion of an inner sidewall surface of the conductive member. Novel semiconductor devices and structures are fabricated using such methods.
US08058125B1 Poly resistor on a semiconductor device
The present disclosure provides a poly resistor on a semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the same. In an embodiment, a poly silicon resistor device is formed by providing a substrate having a first region and a second region. A dummy gate stack is formed on the substrate in the first region, wherein the dummy gate stack has a dummy gate stack thickness extending above the substrate. A poly silicon resister is formed on the substrate in the second region, wherein the poly silicon resistor has a poly silicon resistor thickness extending above the substrate a distance which is less than the dummy gate stack thickness. A dopant is implanted into the substrate in the first region thereby forming a source region and a drain region in the first region of the substrate. The dopant is also implanted into the poly silicon resistor. An inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer is formed on the substrate over the dummy gate stack and also over the poly silicon resistor. The ILD layer is planarized, thereby exposing the dummy gate stack and leaving a portion of the ILD layer over the poly silicon resistor. The dummy gate stack is replaced with a high k metal gate while using the portion of the ILD layer over the poly silicon resistor as a mask to protect the poly silicon resistor during replacement of the dummy gate stack with the high k metal gate.
US08058124B2 Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
The semiconductor device, which provides reduced electric current leakage and parasitic resistance to achieve stable current gain, is provided. A first polycrystalline semiconductor layer is grown on a p-type polycrystalline silicon film exposed in a lower surface of a visor section composed of a multiple-layered film containing a p-type polycrystalline silicon film and a silicon nitride film, while growing the first semiconductor layer on a n-type collector layer, and then the first polycrystalline semiconductor layer is selectively removed. Further, a second growing operation for selectively growing the second polycrystalline semiconductor layer and the third polycrystalline semiconductor layer on the exposed portion of the p-type polycrystalline semiconductor film exposed in the lower surface of the visor section without contacting the silicon nitride film, while growing the second semiconductor layer and the third semiconductor layer, so that the third semiconductor layer is in contact with the third polycrystalline semiconductor layer.
US08058119B2 Device scheme of HKMG gate-last process
The present disclosure provides a method for making metal gate stacks of a semiconductor device. The method includes forming a high k dielectric material layer on a semiconductor substrate; forming a conductive material layer on the high k dielectric material layer; forming a dummy gate in a n-type field-effect transistor (nFET) region and a second dummy gate in a pFET region employing polysilicon; forming an inter-level dielectric (ILD) material on the semiconductor substrate; applying a first chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process to the semiconductor substrate; removing the polysilicon from the first dummy gate, resulting in a first gate trench; forming a n-type metal to the first gate trench; applying a second CMP process to the semiconductor substrate; removing the polysilicon from the second dummy gate, resulting in a second gate trench; forming a p-type metal to the second gate trench; and applying a third CMP process to the semiconductor substrate.
US08058113B2 Printing method for high performance electronic devices
A method of depositing elongated nanostructures that allows accurate positioning and orientation is described. The method involves printing or otherwise depositing elongated nanostructures in a carrier solution. The deposited droplets are also elongated, usually by patterning the surface upon which the droplets are deposited. As the droplet evaporates, the fluid flow within the droplets is controlled such that the nanostructures are deposited either at the edge of the elongated droplet or the center of the elongated droplet. The described deposition technique has particular application in forming the active region of a transistor.
US08058100B2 Method for fabricating chip scale package structure with metal pads exposed from an encapsulant
A chip scale package structure and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. The method includes forming metal pads on a predetermined part of a carrier; mounting chips on the carrier, each of the chips having a plurality of conductive bumps soldered to the metal pads; forming an encapsulant on the carrier to encapsulate the chips and the conductive bumps; removing the carrier to expose the metal pads and even the metal pads with a surface of the encapsulant; forming on the encapsulant a plurality of first conductive traces electrically connected to the metal pads; applying a solder mask on the first conductive traces, and forming a plurality of openings on the solder mask to expose a predetermined part of the first conductive traces; forming a plurality of conductive elements on the predetermined part; and cutting the encapsulant to form a plurality of chip scale package structures.
US08058095B2 Encapsulated phase change cell structures and methods
Methods and devices associated with phase change cell structures are described herein. In one or more embodiments, a method of forming a phase change cell structure includes forming a substrate protrusion that includes a bottom electrode, forming a phase change material on the substrate protrusion, forming a conductive material on the phase change material, and removing a portion of the conductive material and a portion of the phase change material to form an encapsulated stack structure.
US08058092B2 Method and material for processing iron disilicide for photovoltaic application
A method for providing a semiconductor material for photovoltaic devices, the method includes providing a sample of iron disilicide comprising approximately 90 percent or greater of a beta phase entity. The sample of iron disilicide is characterized by a substantially uniform first particle size ranging from about 1 micron to about 10 microns. The method includes combining the sample of iron disilicide and a binding material to form a mixture of material. The method includes providing a substrate member including a surface region and deposits the mixture of material overlying the surface region of the substrate. In a specific embodiment, the mixture of material is subjected to a post-deposition process such as a curing process to form a thickness of material comprising the sample of iron disilicide overlying the substrate member. In a specific embodiment, the thickness of material is characterized by a thickness of about the first particle size.
US08058091B2 Front lit PIN/NIP diode having a continuous anode/cathode
A photodetector includes a semiconductor substrate having first and second main surfaces opposite to each other. The photodetector includes at least one trench formed in the first main surface and a first anode/cathode region having a first conductivity formed proximate the first main surface and sidewalls of the at least one trench. The photodetector includes a second anode/cathode region proximate the second main surface. The second anode/cathode region has a second conductivity opposite the first conductivity. The at least one trench extends to the second main surface of the semiconductor substrate.
US08058087B2 Method for fabricating thin film transistor array substrate
A method for fabricating a TFT array substrate includes following steps. A gate pattern and a first pad pattern are formed on a substrate. A gate insulation layer and a semiconductor layer covering the two patterns are sequentially formed. A patterned photoresist layer having different resist blocks is formed, and patterns and thicknesses of the resist blocks in different regions are adjusted. The semiconductor layer and the gate insulation layer above the first pad pattern are removed through performing an etching process and reducing a thickness of the patterned photoresist layer. After removing the patterned photoresist layer, a source pattern, a drain pattern, and a second pad pattern electrically connected to the first pad pattern are formed. A patterned passivation layer is formed on the gate insulation layer and has a second opening exposing the source pattern or the drain pattern and a third opening exposing the second pad pattern.
US08058083B2 Method for manufacturing flexible semiconductor device
It is an object of one embodiment of the preset invention to conduct separation without damaging a semiconductor element when the semiconductor element is made flexible. Further, it is another object of one embodiment of the preset invention to provide a technique for weakening adhesion between a separation layer and a buffer layer. Furthermore, it is another object of one embodiment of the preset invention to provide a technique for preventing generation of the bending stress on a semiconductor element due to separation. A semiconductor element formed over a separation layer with a buffer layer interposed therebetween is separated by dissolving the separation layer by using an etchant. Alternatively, separation is conducted by inserting a film into a region where a separation layer is dissolved by being in contact with an etchant and moving the film in a direction toward a region where the separation layer is not dissolved.
US08058081B2 Method of testing an integrity of a material layer in a semiconductor structure
A method comprises providing a semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure comprises a feature comprising a first material and a layer of a second material formed over the feature. The semiconductor structure is exposed to an etchant. The etchant is adapted to selectively remove the first material, leaving the second material substantially intact. After exposing the semiconductor structure to the etchant, it is detected whether the feature has been affected by the etchant.
US08058075B2 Molecular fluorescence sensor for highly sensitive and selective detection of mercury
A fluorescent sensor compound based on a perylene core is described and disclosed. The fluorescent sensor compound for detecting mercury can have a structure I: where A and A′ are linking groups, B and B′ are binding ligands which are selective for binding with Hg2+, and R1 through R8 are side groups. These fluorescence sensor materials are robust against photobleaching, while still providing exceptional detection sensitivity and selectivity.
US08058073B2 Immunodiagnostic test cards having indicating indicia
An immunodiagnostic test card includes a plurality of transparent chambers wherein each chamber includes a quantity of testing material that combines with a patient sample, when mixed, to produce an agglutination reaction. A plurality of indicia are disposed to aid in the manufacture and determining the usability of the cards prior to test and also in objectively grading the agglutination reactions that are formed or lack of agglutination.
US08058071B2 Downhole spectroscopic hydrogen sulfide detection
Methods and related apparatuses and mixtures are described for detecting hydrogen sulfide in a formation fluid downhole. A detection mixture is combined with the formation fluid downhole. The detection mixture includes metal ions for reacting with hydrogen sulfide forming a metal sulfide, and charged nanoparticles sized so as to inhibit significant aggregation of the metal sulfide so as to enable spectroscopic detection of the metal sulfide downhole. The combined mixture and formation fluid is then spectroscopically interrogated so as to detect the presence of the metal sulfide thereby indicating the presence of hydrogen sulfide in the formation fluid. The mixture also includes chelating ligands for sustaining thermal endurance of the mixture under downhole conditions.
US08058070B2 Method of determining the components of a fluoroolefin composition, method of recharging a fluid system in response thereto, and sensors used therefor
Disclosed are a method of determining the components of a fluoroolefin composition, a method of recharging a fluid system in which the composition is used, and sensors used therefor. In particular, the composition may be a fluoroolefin refrigerant composition used within a vapor compression system, where the refrigerant composition is useful in cooling systems as replacements for existing refrigerants with higher global warming potential. Such fluoroolefin refrigerant compositions have double bond structures which make them particularly well suited with sensing technologies, including: infrared sensors, UV/vis sensors, NIR sensors, ion mobility or plasma chromatographs, gas chromatography, refractometry, mass spectroscopy, high temperature thick film sensors, thin film field effect sensors, pellistor sensors, Taguchi sensors and quartz microbalance sensors.
US08058066B2 Cellular factor-containing solution compositions
The invention is directed to novel cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “CFS” compositions), including novel sustained-release cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “SR-CFS” compositions), methods of making such novel compositions and uses thereof.
US08058064B2 Sac-like structure enclosing hematopoietic progenitor cells produced from ES cells and method for preparing blood cells
An object of the present invention is to provide a sac-like structure enclosing hematopoietic progenitor cells and a method for preparing the sac-like structure as well as a method for efficiently preparing blood cells such as mature megakaryocytes and platelets from the sac-like structure. The present invention provides a sac-like structure enclosing hematopoietic progenitor cells, the sac-like structure being obtained by plating ES cells onto feeder cells and culturing the ES cells under suitable conditions for inducing hematopoietic progenitor cell differentiation. Moreover, the present invention provides a method for producing various blood cells, the method comprising further culturing hematopoietic progenitor cells enclosed in the sac-like structure under suitable conditions for inducing blood cell differentiation.
US08058062B1 Hybridoma producing antibodies to Lawsonia intracellularis
The present invention relates to the field of animal health and in particular to Lawsonia intracellularis. In particular, the invention relates to a method of diagnosing Lawsonia intracellularis infection and a diagnostic test kit using Lawsonia intracellularis-specific antibodies. The invention also relates to the use of the method or test kit for diagnosing Lawsonia intracellularis infections.
US08058059B2 Bio-wall
A bioremediation device in the form of a cylindrical cartridge having an open mesh side wall and end-caps forming an enclosed volume and which contains a suitable media. The cartridge is removeably mounted in and supported on opposite sides by wall halves in the form of near semi-circular housing halves. The wall halves further contain inlet and outlet openings to permit a liquid and gaseous flow through the cartridge and the contained media.
US08058058B2 Submerged membrane supported bioreactor for conversion of syngas components to liquid products
A submerged membrane supported bioreactor for anaerobic conversion of gas into liquid products including a plurality of membrane modules having a plurality of hollow fibers, each of the plurality of hollow fibers having a gas permeable hollow fiber wall defining a hollow fiber lumen and an outer surface; a membrane tank for retaining the membrane modules at least partially submerged in a process liquid for formation of a biofilm on the outer surface of the hollow fiber wall by interaction of microorganisms with a process gas and for the production of a liquid product that mixes with the process liquid, wherein the membrane tank retains the membrane modules in a common horizontal plane; a seal between contents of the membrane tank and ambient atmosphere; and a gas supply conduit for communicating the process gas with the hollow fiber lumens of the hollow fibers.
US08058057B2 Cell culture apparatus and method
A cell culture apparatus includes a housing, a bag and an inflatable bladder. The bag is disposed in the housing and has an interior surface defining a chamber for culturing cells. The bladder is disposed in the housing, external to the bag, and is sufficiently inflatable and expandable to exert pressure on the bag when the chamber is substantially free of fluid. The bladder may be inflated and expanded to reduce movement of the bag within the housing. Alternatively, or in addition, the bladder may be inflated and expanded to apply a mechanical stress on cells cultured within the chamber of the bag.
US08058055B2 High resolution chromosomal mapping
The present invention generally relates to spatial and structural genomic analysis compositions, which can be used for the mapping of chromosomes and structural analyses of chromosomal rearrangements, including the entire chromosome, as well as specific portions or regions of interest of the chromosomes. In some embodiments, multiple portions of the genome can be distinguished, for instance, using a first detection entity and a second detection entity different from the first detection entity. The detection entities may be immobilized relative to oligonucleotides, which may be selected to bind to different locations within the chromosome. For instance, the oligonucleotides may be at least substantially complementary to the chromosome, e.g., substantially complementary to a specific location of the chromosome.
US08058053B2 Modification of protein glycosylation in methylotrophic yeast
The present invention relates to methods and genetically engineered methylotrophic yeast strains for producing glycoproteins with mammalian-like glycosylation. The present invention also relates to vectors useful for generating methylotrophic yeast strains capable of producing glycoproteins with mammalian-like glycosylation. Glycoproteins produced from the genetically engineered methylotrophic yeast strains are also provided.
US08058052B1 Isolated genomic polynucleotide fragments from chromosome 12 that encode human carboxypeptidse M
The invention is directed to isolated genomic polynucleotide fragments that encode human carboxypeptidase M and human mouse double minute 2 homolog, vectors and hosts containing these fragments and fragments hybridizing to noncoding regions as well as antisense oligonucleotides to these fragments. The invention is further directed to methods of using these fragments to obtain human carboxypeptidase M and human mouse double minute 2 homolog and to diagnose, treat, prevent and/or ameliorate a pathological disorder.
US08058051B2 Bacterium belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium and utilization of the same
It is intended to provide Bifidobacterium bifidum which has an effect of killing Helicobacter pylori and shows high survivability even in the case of being stored in a fermented milk food or drink under aerobic condition. The Bifidobacterium bifidum has the following characteristics: (1) having an effect of killing Helicobacter pylori; and (2) showing a survival rate of 10% or higher in the case of being stored in a fermented milk drink or food under aerobic condition at 10° C. for 14 days.
US08058048B2 Chimeric infectious DNA clones, chimeric porcine circoviruses and uses thereof
The present invention relates to infectious DNA clones, infectious chimeric DNA clones of porcine circovirus (PCV), vaccines and means of protecting pigs against viral infection or postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) caused by PCV2. The new chimeric infectious DNA clone and its derived, avirulent chimeric virus are constructed from the nonpathogenic PCV1 in which the immunogenic ORF gene of the pathogenic PCV2 replaces a gene of the nonpathogenic PCV1, preferably in the same position. The chimeric virus advantageously retains the nonpathogenic phenotype of PCV1 but elicits specific immune responses against the pathogenic PCV2. The invention further embraces the immunogenic polypeptide expression products. In addition, the invention encompasses two mutations in the PCV2 immunogenic capsid gene and protein, and the introduction of the ORF2 mutations in the chimeric clones.
US08058047B2 α-galactosidase with transgalactosylating activity
The present invention concerns a new α-galactosidase with transgalactosylating activity isolated from Bifidobacterium bifidum. The α-galactosidase is capable of converting mellibiose to α-galactobiose disaccharides which may be incorporated into numerous food products or animal feeds for improving gut health by promoting the growth of bifidobacteria in the gut, and repressing the growth of the pathogenic microflora.
US08058046B2 Sesquiterpene synthases from patchouli
The invention relates to sesquiterpene synthases from Patchouli plants (Pogostemon cablin), and methods of their production and use. In one embodiment, the invention provides nucleic acids comprising a nucleotide sequence as described herein that encodes for at least one sesquiterpene synthase. In a further embodiment, the invention also provides for sesquiterpene synthases and methods of making and using these enzymes. For example, sesquiterpene synthases of the invention may be used to convert farnesyl-pyrophosphate to various sesquiterpenes including patchoulol, γ-curcumene and other germacrane-type sesquiterpenes.
US08058045B2 Pyrazin-2-yl-pyridin-2-yl-amine and pyrazin-2-yl-pyrimidin-4-yl-amine compounds and their use
The present invention pertains generally to the field of therapeutic compounds, and more specifically to certain biarylamine compounds (referred to herein as BAA compounds), and especially certain pyrazin-2-yl-pyridin-2-yl-amine and pyrazine-2-yl-pyrimidin-4-yl-amine compounds of formula (I), which, inter alia, inhibit Checkpoint Kinase 1 (CHK1) kinase function. The present invention also pertains to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and the use of such compounds and compositions, both in vitro and in vivo, to inhibit CHK1 kinase function, and in the treatment of diseases and conditions that are mediated by CHK1, that are ameliorated by the inhibition of CHK1 kinase function, etc., including proliferative conditions such as cancer, etc., optionally in combination with another agent, for example, (a) a DNA topoisomerase I or II inhibitor; (b) a DNA damaging agent; (c) an antimetabolite or TS inhibitor; (d) a microtubule targeted agent; and (e) ionisiπq radiation, wherein: —X═ is independently —CRA5═ or —N═; and the rest of the substituents are as specified in the claims.
US08058041B2 Concurrent saccharification and fermentation of fibrous biomass
A process for simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of a cellulosic solids fraction extracted from a lignocellulosic feedstock. The viscosity of the cellulosic solids fraction is reduced by intermixing with a liquid carbohydrate stream. A suitable liquid carbohydrate stream is a de-lignified liquids fraction that was previously separated from the solids fraction during processing of the lignocellulosic feedstock. Alternatively, the viscosity of the solids fraction may be reduced by commingling with a liquid carbohydrate stream comprising one or more monosaccharides. The reduced-viscosity cellulosic solids fraction is then commingled with a fermentative microbial inoculant and a cellulosic biomass-degrading enzyme composition. The commingled mixture is maintained in a pressurized reaction vessel under elevated temperatures to enable simultaneous enzymatic hydrolysis of the cellulosic solids to monosaccharides and fermentation of the monosaccharides to produce an ethanolic beer. The ethanolic beer is distillable for recovery of fuel-grade ethanol and a stillage that may be further processed.
US08058040B2 Fermentation of pentose sugars
The present invention relates to host cells transformed with a nucleic acid sequence encoding a eukaryotic xylose isomerase obtainable from an anaerobic fungus. When expressed, the sequence encoding the xylose isomerase confers to the host cell the ability to convert xylose to xylulose which may be further metabolized by the host cell. Thus, the host cell is capable of growth on xylose as carbon source. The host cell preferably is a eukaryotic microorganism such as a yeast or a filamentous fungus. The invention further relates to processes for the production of fermentation products such as ethanol, in which a host cell of the invention uses xylose for growth and for the production of the fermentation product. The invention further relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding eukaryotic xylose isomerases and xylulose kinases as obtainable from anaerobic fungi.
US08058036B2 Microorganism of Corynebacterium genus having enhanced L-lysine productivity and a method of producing L-lysine using the same
The present invention relates to a microorganism of Corynebacterium genus having enhanced L-lysine productivity and a method of producing L-lysine using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a recombinant microorganism of Corynebacterium genus having enhanced L-lysine productivity by inactivating endogenous NCgl2534 gene having the amino acid sequence containing repeated lysine residues and a method of producing L-lysine using the same.
US08058032B2 Method for amplifying unknown DNA sequence adjacent to known sequence
The present invention relates to a method for amplifying an unknown nucleotide sequence adjacent to a known nucleotide sequence, which comprises the step of (a) performing a primary amplification of said unknown nucleotide sequence using a DNA walking annealing control primer (DW-ACP) and a first target-specific primer; in which said step (a) comprises: (a-1) performing a first-stage amplification of said unknown nucleotide sequence at a first annealing temperature, comprising at least one cycle of primer annealing, primer extending and denaturing using a first degenerate DW-ACP containing a degenerate random nucleotide sequence to hybridize with said unknown nucleotide sequence and a hybridizing nucleotide sequence substantially complementary to a site on said unknown nucleotide sequence; and (a-2) performing a second-stage amplification at a second annealing temperature to render said first degenerate DW-ACP not to function as a primer.
US08058030B2 Methods of producing and sequencing modified polynucleotides
The present invention encompasses methods for producing a modified polynucleotide sequence that comprises a (e.g., one or more) phosphorothiolate linkage, methods for determining a polynucleotide sequence comprising a (e.g., one or more) phosphorothiolate linkage, and methods for separating forward and reverse extension products that comprise a (e.g., one or more) phosphorothiolate linkage. The invention also encompasses kits for producing and/or determining the sequence of a modified polynucleotide that comprises a (e.g., one or more) phosphorothiolate linkage.
US08058026B2 Microorganism and protease decomposing proteins recalcitrant to proteolysis
The invention provides novel biologically pure cultures of microorganisms high in protease activity and capable of decomposing proteins recalcitrant to proteolysis as contained in garbage, waste water, organic waste liquids, industrial wastes and the like, a protease produced by such microorganisms and capable of decomposing proteins recalcitrant to proteolysis, and a method of utilizing the same. The novel culture is of a soil-derived microorganism belonging to Streptomyces sp., or a strain derived therefrom, which produces a protease capable of efficiently decomposing proteins recalcitrant to proteolysis as contained in waste water, organic waste liquids, industrial wastes and so forth.
US08058025B2 Methods for determining efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents
An improved system for screening a multiple of candidate therapeutic or chemotherapeutic agents for efficacy as to a specific patient, in which a tissue sample from the patient is harvested, cultured and separately exposed to a plurality of treatments and/or therapeutic agents for the purpose of objectively identifying the best treatment or agent for the particular patient. Specific method innovations such as tissue sample preparation techniques render this method practically as well as theoretically useful. By subjecting uniform samples of cells to a wide variety of active agents (and concentrations thereof), the most promising agent and concentration for treatment of a particular patient can be determined.
US08058023B2 Assessment of cardiac health and thrombotic risk in a patient
The invention features methods and compositions for assessing risk, particularly immediate risk, of thrombotic events in patients with suspected or known vascular disease, and more particularly to assessing risk of thrombotic events in patients with coronary artery disease, particularly acute myocardial infarction, stroke, unstable angina, stable angina, or restenosis. Risk of thrombosis can be assessed by analysis of platelet reactivity and/or velocity of thrombin or fibrin formation, and determining whether the patient has a score associated above a risk threshold value. In other embodiments, risk of thrombosis in a patient is evaluated in the context of a profile generated from values obtained from one or more assays that evaluate various factors associated with thrombosis and/or atherosclerosis.
US08058015B2 Markers for chronic kidney disease
The present invention relates to a method for the determination or prediction of the progression of chronic kidney disease in a subject suspected to suffer from chronic kidney disease, said method comprising the step of determining the expression levels of at least one marker selected from (a) FGF23; and (b) adiponectin in a biological sample. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a use of a specific detection molecule for FGF23 or use of a specific detection molecule for adiponectin for the preparation of a diagnostic composition for the detection of chronic kidney disease or the progression of chronic kidney diseases in a subject suspected to suffer from said disease. In particular, the present invention also provides for use of FGF23 and/or of adiponectin as an in vitro marker for the presence, absence or progression of a chronic kidney disease and kits comprising a specific detection molecule for FGF23 or a specific detection molecule for adiponectin for use in the method of the present invention.
US08058012B2 Five-helix protein
Five-Helix protein, which comprises the three N-helices and at least two, but not three, of the three C-helices of the trimer-of-hairpin structure of HIV gp41, separated by linkers, such as amino acid residue linkers, is disclosed. Six-Helix protein, which includes the three N-helices and the three C-helices of the trimer-of-hairpin structure of HIV gp41, separated by linkers, is also disclosed.
US08058011B2 Method for the measurement of endocrine substances in an analyte
Methods for measuring an endocrine substance, such as feline insulin, in a biological sample taken from an animal with high accuracy, rapidity and brevity. The methods involve pre-treating a biological sample by removing an autoantibody bound to an endocrine substance present in a sample and measuring the endocrine substance after the pre-treatment. The methods can be used to measure autoantibody bound to an endocrine substance in the sample. Methods for diagnosis and treatment of diseases associated with endocrine substances are disclosed involving measuring an autoantibody value for an endocrine substance in a biological sample.
US08058009B2 Target protein and target gene in drug designing and screening method
The present invention provides target proteins and target genes for bioactive substances such as drugs, and means that enable the development of novel bioactive substances using the same. To be specific, the present invention provides target proteins and target genes for bioactive substances; screening methods for substances capable of regulating bioactivities; bioactivity regulators; a bioactive substance derivative production method; a complex comprising a bioactive substance and a target protein, and a method of producing the complex; and kits comprising a bioactive substance or a salt thereof; determination methods for the onset or risk of onset of a specified disease or condition, determination methods for susceptibility to a bioactive substance, and determination kits used for the determination methods, and the like.
US08058008B2 Method for extracting quantitative information relating to an influence on a cellular response
Cells are genetically modified to express a luminophore, e.g., a modified (F64L, S65T, Y66H) Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP, EGFP) coupled to a component of an intracellular signalling pathway such as a transcription factor, a cGMP- or cAMP-dependent protein kinase, a cyclin-, calmodulin- or phospholipid-dependent or mitogen-activated serine/threonin protein kinase, a tyrosine protein kinase, or a protein phosphatase (e.g. PKA, PKC, Erk, Smad, VASP, actin, p38, Jnk1, PKG, IkappaB, CDK2, Grk5, Zap70, p85, protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1C, Stat5, NFAT, NFkappaB, RhoA, PKB). An influence modulates the intracellular signalling pathway in such a way that the luminophore is being redistributed or translocated with the component in living cells in a manner experimentally determined to be correlated to the degree of the influence. Measurement of redistribution is performed by recording of light intensity, fluorescence lifetime, polarization, wavelength shift, resonance energy transfer, or other properties by an apparatus consisting of e.g. a fluorescence microscope and a CCD camera. Data stored as digital images are processed to numbers representing the degree of redistribution. The method can be used as a screening program for identifying a compound that modulates a component and is capable of treating a disease related to the function of the component.
US08058005B2 Method for single nucleotide polymorphism and mutation detection using real time polymerase chain reaction microarray
A method and apparatus for real-time, simultaneous, qualitative measurement of one or more single nucleotide polymorphisms in one or more target nucleic acids is provided. This method involves combining a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique with an evanescent wave technique.
US08058003B2 ADRB2 cancer markers
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for cancer diagnosis, research and therapy, including but not limited to, cancer markers. In particular, the present invention relates to ADRB2 markers for cancer.
US08058001B2 Oligonucleotide mediated nucleic acid recombination
Methods of recombining nucleic acids, including homologous nucleic acids, are provided. Families of gene shuffling oligonucleotides and their use in recombination procedures, as well as polymerase and ligase mediated recombination methods are also provided.
US08057998B1 Isolated genomic polynucleotide fragments from chromosome 19 that encode human syntaxin
The invention is directed to isolated genomic polynucleotide fragments that encode human resistin and human syntaxin binding protein 2, vectors and hosts containing these fragments and fragments hybridizing to noncoding regions as well as antisense oligonucleotides to these fragments. The invention is further directed to methods of using these fragments to obtain human resistin and human syntaxin binding protein 2 and to diagnose, treat, prevent and/or ameliorate a pathological disorder.
US08057997B2 Nucleic acid binding compounds containing pyrazolo[3,4-D]pyrimidine analogues of purin-2,6-diamine and their uses
The present invention is in the field of nucleic acid binding compounds comprising 7-substituted 7-deaza-8aza-2,6-diamino-purine bases, compounds useful for the preparation of such compounds, various uses thereof and methods for the determination of nucleic acids using said compounds in the field of diagnostics.
US08057988B2 Catalyst for microelectromechanical systems microreactors
A microreactor comprising a silicon wafer, a multiplicity of microchannels in the silicon wafer, and a catalyst coating the microchannels. In one embodiment the catalyst coating the microchannels comprises a nanostructured material. In another embodiment the catalyst coating the microchannels comprises an aerogel. In another embodiment the catalyst coating the microchannels comprises a solgel. In another embodiment the catalyst coating the microchannels comprises carbon nanotubes.
US08057985B2 Polymerizable anion-containing sulfonium salt and polymer, resist composition, and patterning process
A polymerizable anion-containing sulfonium salt having formula (1) is provided wherein R1 is H, F, methyl or trifluoromethyl, R2, R3 and R4 are C1-C10 alkyl, alkenyl or oxoalkyl or C6-C18 aryl, aralkyl or aryloxoalkyl, or two of R2, R3 and R4 may bond together to form a ring with S, A is a C1-C20 organic group, and n is 0 or 1. The sulfonium salt generates a very strong sulfonic acid upon exposure to high-energy radiation. A resist composition comprising a polymer derived from the sulfonium salt is also provided.
US08057982B2 Monomer, resist composition, and patterning process
A pattern is formed by applying a positive resist composition comprising a polymer comprising hydroxyalkylnaphthalene-bearing recurring units and acid labile group-bearing recurring units onto a substrate to form a resist film, heat treating and exposing the resist film to radiation, heat treating and developing the resist film with a developer to form a first pattern, and causing the resist film to crosslink and cure with the aid of heat or of acid and heat. A second pattern is then formed in the space area of the first pattern. The double patterning process reduces the pitch between patterns to one half.
US08057981B2 Resist composition, resist protective coating composition, and patterning process
A polymer obtained through copolymerization of a monomer having a hexafluoroalcohol pendant and a monomer having a hexafluoroalcohol pendant whose hydroxyl moiety has been protected is useful as an additive to a photoresist composition and as a protective coating material for immersion lithography. When processed by immersion lithography, the resist composition and protective coating composition exhibit good water repellency and water slip and produce few development defects.
US08057979B2 Photosensitive paste composition and plasma display panel manufactured using the same
A photosensitive paste composition for forming a black layer on top of plasma display panel (PDP) barrier ribs includes black pigment nanoparticles for contrast enhancement and a cyclic acid anhydride for fundamentally preventing the gelation of the paste composition. The photosensitive paste composition prevents electrical or optical crosstalk between adjacent discharge cells to achieve better contrast. The fundamental prevention of the gelation of the paste composition permits the paste composition to have good storage stability.
US08057976B2 Method for producing toner
A toner which can efficiently induce high-frequency magnetic induction heating by Neel relaxation and/or Brown relaxation is provided. A toner including a core particle containing a thermoplastic polymer material and superparamagnetic ferrite fine particles having a particle diameter of less than 100 nm which adhere to the surfaces of the core particle is manufactured by directly forming the superparamagnetic ferrite fine particles having a particle diameter of less than 100 nm on the surfaces of the core particle so that the superparamagnetic ferrite fine particles having a particle diameter of less than 100 nm are not in contact with each other. As a result, the toner is prevented from being scattered due to the influence of a magnetic field, so that a high quality image is formed.
US08057969B2 Dye-containing negative curable composition, color filter and method for producing the same
The present invention provides a dye-containing negative curable composition comprising at least two dyes (A), an oxime photopolymerization initiator (B) and a radical polymerizable monomer (C); or a dye-containing negative curable composition comprising at east two organic-solvent soluble dyes (A), an oxime photopolymerization initiator (B), a radical polymerizable monomer (C) and an organic solvent (D), wherein the moisture content of the composition is less than 1% by mass relative to the total amount of the composition.
US08057967B2 Process window signature patterns for lithography process control
A method for identifying process window signature patterns in a device area of a mask is disclosed. The signature patterns collectively provide a unique response to changes in a set of process condition parameters to the lithography process. The signature patterns enable monitoring of associated process condition parameters for signs of process drift, analyzing of the process condition parameters to determine which are limiting and affecting the chip yields, analyzing the changes in the process condition parameters to determine the corrections that should be fed back into the lithography process or forwarded to an etch process, identifying specific masks that do not transfer the intended pattern to wafers as intended, and identifying groups of masks that share common characteristics and behave in a similar manner with respect to changes in process condition parameters when transferring the pattern to the wafer.
US08057960B2 Electrode for fuel cells and method for manufacturing the same, and fuel cell using the same
Provided is a method for manufacturing an electrode for fuel cells which can manufacture an electrode having superior electric power generation characteristics by enlarging the contact area of a polymer electrolyte with catalyst particles to increase the area of the three-phase interface, resulting in improvement of availability of the catalyst particle surface. According to the method for manufacturing an electrode for fuel cells of the present invention, an electrode for fuel cells is obtained by: binding catalyst particles and porous carbon particles to a base material to form a catalyst porous structure; preparing an electrolyte precursor mixture containing a polymerizable electrolyte precursor represented by (R1O)3Si—R2—SO3H (wherein, R1 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and R2 represents an alkylene group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms), a polymerizable spacer precursor represented by (R3O)mSiR4n (wherein, R3 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and R4 represents —(CH2)x—(CF2)y—CF3), and a solvent; impregnating the catalyst porous structure with the electrolyte precursor mixture to form a catalyst-electrolyte precursor complex; and performing a copolymerization reaction of the aforementioned compounds in the complex to form a water-insoluble polymer electrolyte layer containing a copolymer.
US08057958B2 Electrode for fuel cell, membrane-electrode assembly comprising same and fuel cell system comprising same
An electrode for a fuel cell, and a membrane-electrode assembly and a fuel cell system including the same. The electrode for a fuel cell includes a supporter including a nano-carbon fiber, a nano-carbon grown from the nano-carbon fiber, and a catalyst disposed on the nano-carbon.
US08057957B2 Fuel source for a fuel cell
Fuel cells and methods of operating fuel cells are disclosed. In one aspect, the invention features a fuel source for a fuel cell including a housing having an outlet, a structure having a portion in the housing, the structure defining a cavity and having a surface defining an opening in fluid communication with the cavity, and a fuel in the housing. The fuel is in fluid communication with the outlet through the opening and the cavity of the structure.
US08057956B2 Fuel cell with fuel adjusting film
A fuel cell includes electromotive portions, a first sheet, a second sheet, a replenishing portion and a fuel adjusting film. The electromotive portions cause fuel and oxygen to react chemically with each other to produce electrical energy. The first sheet is provided to supply the fuel to the electromotive portions. The second sheet is provided to supply the oxygen to the electromotive portions. The replenishing portion is provided at a predetermined portion of the first sheet to replenish the first sheet with the fuel. The fuel adjusting film is inserted in the first sheet to adjust the amounts of the fuel to be supplied from the first sheet to the electromotive portions.
US08057954B2 Membrane-electrode assembly including guard gasket
Disclosed is a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) that prevents an electrolyte membrane from being damaged upon the fabrication of a single cell or a stack of fuel cells. The MEA further includes a guard gasket interposed between conventional gaskets, wherein the guard gasket has a thickness corresponding to 70%-95% of the thickness of the electrolyte membrane. The MEA ensures mechanical protection of the electrolyte membrane, and thus prevents the electrolyte membrane from being damaged by an excessive binding pressure upon the fabrication of a single cell or a stack of fuel cells. Furthermore, the contact resistance between the electrolyte membrane and the catalyst layer and the contact resistance between the gas diffusion layer and the catalyst layer can be minimized, thereby improving the quality of a fuel cell.
US08057953B2 Coupling structure of fuel cells
The coupling structure of fuel cells according to the present invention comprises a body and a plurality of channels. A first fuel cell is adapted on a first side of the body; a second fuel cell is adapted on a second side of the body. The plurality of channels penetrates through the first and the second sides. Each of the channels connects to a fuel-guiding inlet, a fuel-guiding outlet, an oxidant-gas-guiding inlet, and an oxidant-gas-guiding outlet of the first and the second fuel cells, respectively. The coupling structure has an insulation property with a conductive module embedded used for conducting a negative terminal of the first fuel cell and a positive terminal of the second fuel cell on the first and the second sides. By means of a coupling module, the internal wires can be used for cascading or isolating the positive and the negative terminals of the two fuel cells. The coupling structure has channels for fuel (anode) and oxidant gas (cathode), used for communicating the fuel or oxidant gas while cascading two or more fuel cells. Thereby, convenience of cascading planarly fuel cells can be enhanced.
US08057952B2 Polymer electrolyte membrane, method of manufacturing the same and fuel cell including the polymer electrolyte membrane
A polymer electrolyte membrane, a method of manufacturing the same, and a fuel cell including the polymer electrolyte membrane are provided, wherein the polymer electrolyte forms an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) of a polymer by simple blending of a hydrophobic polyimide having a reactive terminal group and a hydrophilic aromatic polymer having ion conductivity. The polymer electrolyte membrane has reduced swelling properties due to highly dense crosslinking of polyimide through the reactive terminal group, shows high ion conductivity at low humidity, and has methanol crossover suppressing ability. Accordingly, a fuel cell with improved electric and mechanical properties can be provided.
US08057951B2 Solid oxide fuel cell process and apparatus
Conveying gas containing sulfur through a sulfur tolerant planar solid oxide fuel cell (PSOFC) stack for sulfur scrubbing, followed by conveying the gas through a non-sulfur tolerant PSOFC stack. The sulfur tolerant PSOFC stack utilizes anode materials, such as LSV, that selectively convert H2S present in the fuel stream to other non-poisoning sulfur compounds. The remaining balance of gases remaining in the completely or near H2S-free exhaust fuel stream is then used as the fuel for the conventional PSOFC stack that is downstream of the sulfur-tolerant PSOFC. A broad range of fuels such as gasified coal, natural gas and reformed hydrocarbons are used to produce electricity.
US08057943B2 Fuel cell running system, and valve-freeze preventing method in the fuel cell running system
A fuel cell operating system which can prevent freezing of a valve and a method of preventing fixation of the valve in the fuel cell operating system are provided. In steps of the process of preventing freezing of a valve in the present invention, first, supply of hydrogen, which is a fuel gas, is stopped. Power generation is continued in a fuel cell stack until the fuel gas which has already been supplied is consumed by the fuel cell reaction. It is constantly judged whether or not the power generation is stopped. When it is judged that the power generation is stopped, a function of a water discharge process module executes a process to open a bypass valve. When the bypass valve is opened, a large amount of pressurized air is supplied to a bypass flow path, and water present in the bypass flow path and water present in an exit-side flow path are forcibly pushed and discharged.
US08057936B2 Nanoscale ion storage materials including co-existing phases or solid solutions
Nanoscale ion storage materials are provided that exhibit unique properties measurably distinct from their larger scale counterparts. For example, the nanoscale materials can exhibit increased electronic conductivity, improved electromechanical stability, increased rate of intercalation, and/or an extended range of solid solution. Useful nanoscale materials include alkaline transition metal phosphates, such as LiMPO4, where M is one or more transition metals. The nanoscale ion storage materials are useful for producing devices such as high energy and high power storage batteries, battery-capacitor hybrid devices, and high rate electrochromic devices.
US08057935B2 Lithium ion rechargeable battery
A high power lithium-ion secondary battery having an increased capacity and capable of maintaining high discharge voltage and repeating charging/discharging high current. A lithium-ion secondary battery having an electrode group formed by laminating or winding a negative electrode layer and a positive electrode layer so as to interpose a separator made of synthetic resin, the negative electrode layer containing a material capable of intercalating/deintercalating lithium-ion, and the positive electrode layer including a lithium-containing metallic oxide; and a non-aqueous electrolyte containing lithium salt, where the electrode group is immersed. The positive electrode material unit contains a fluorinated lithium-containing metallic oxide as a main material, and the separator possesses a hydrophilic group. Further, the positive electrode material preferably contains a main material including LiNixCoyMnzO2, where 0.6≦x<1, 0
US08057934B2 Nickel electrode for alkaline secondary battery and alkaline secondary battery
A nickel electrode for an alkaline secondary battery includes an electrically conductive base plate, and an active material particle supported on the conductive base plate and including a complex particle with a surface layer that mainly formed of a high-order cobalt compound whose oxidation number of cobalt is higher than +2 on a surface of a core layer particle that forms a high-order nickel hydroxide whose oxidation number of nickel is higher than +2. Lithium (Li) is contained to be a solid solution in the active material particle from 0.01 to 0.5 wt % of a converted amount as a lithium metal by weight of lithium metal divided by a total weight of the high-order nickel hydroxide, the high-order cobalt compound and the lithium metal.
US08057927B2 Magnetic recording medium and information storage apparatus
A magnetic recording medium includes a nonmagnetic granular layer that has a granular structure in which a plurality of nonmagnetic grains made of a nonmagnetic material are separated from one another by a Cr oxide. The magnetic recording medium further includes a magnetic granular layer that is formed on the nonmagnetic granular layer and has a granular structure in which a plurality of magnetic grains made of a magnetic material are separated from one another by a nonmagnetic material.
US08057926B2 Perpendicular magnetic recording medium
The present invention provides a perpendicular magnetic recording medium that can reduce noise by further size reduction and isolation of magnetic grains in a magnetic recording layer and can increase the recording density by improvement of the SNR. A typical configuration of a perpendicular magnetic recording medium according to the present invention is a perpendicular magnetic recording medium having a magnetic recording layer with a granular structure in which non-magnetic grain boundary portions are formed between magnetic grains that have grown continuously in a columnar shape, wherein the grain boundary portions contain a plurality of kinds of oxides.
US08057925B2 Low switching current dual spin filter (DSF) element for STT-RAM and a method for making the same
A dual spin filter that minimizes spin-transfer magnetization switching current (Jc) while achieving a high dR/R in STT-RAM devices is disclosed. The bottom spin valve has a MgO tunnel barrier layer formed with a natural oxidation process to achieve low RA, a CoFe/Ru/CoFeB—CoFe pinned layer, and a CoFeB/FeSiO/CoFeB composite free layer with a middle nanocurrent channel (NCC) layer to minimize Jc0. The NCC layer may have be a composite wherein conductive M(Si) grains are magnetically coupled with adjacent ferromagnetic layers and are formed in an oxide, nitride, or oxynitride insulator matrix. The upper spin valve has a Cu spacer to lower the free layer damping constant. A high annealing temperature of 360° C. is used to increase the MR ratio above 100%. A Jc0 of less than 1×106 A/cm2 is expected based on quasistatic measurements of a MTJ with a similar MgO tunnel barrier and composite free layer.
US08057918B2 Organic light-emitting diodes and methods for assembly and enhanced charge injection
New organic light-emitting diodes and related electroluminescent devices and methods for fabrication, using siloxane self-assembly techniques.
US08057914B2 Method for fabricating a medical component from a material having a high carbide phase and such medical component
A method of fabricating a medical implant component. The method may comprise producing a substrate from a first material in which the substrate has a bearing portion, and causing particles of a second material to be formed onto at least the bearing portion of the substrate. The second material may be formed from a biocompatible material and a carbide source, in which the carbide source is 6.17% or more of the second material by weight. The particles of the second material may be formed onto at least the bearing portion of the substrate by a predetermined spraying technique, a CVD process, a PVD process, or a carburization process. The biocompatible material may be cobalt chrome and the carbide source may be graphite.
US08057913B2 Steel sheet having high young'S modulus, hot-dip galvanized steel sheet using the same, alloyed hot-dip galvanized steel sheet, steel pipe having high young'S modulus and methods for manufacturing the same
One aspect of the steel sheet having high Young's modulus includes in terms of mass %, C: 0.0005 to 0.30%, Si: 2.5% or less, Mn: 2.7 to 5.0%, P: 0.15% or less, S: 0.015% or less, Mo: 0.15 to 1.5%, B: 0.0006 to 0.01%, and Al: 0.15% or less, with the remainder being Fe and unavoidable impurities, wherein one or both of {110}<223> pole density and {110}<111> pole density in the ⅛ sheet thickness layer is 10 or more, and a Young's modulus in a rolling direction is more than 230 GPa. Another aspect of the steel sheet having high Young's modulus includes, in terms of mass %, C: 0.0005 to 0.30%, Si: 2.5% or less, Mn: 0.1 to 5.0%, P: 0.15% or less, S: 0.015% or less, Al: 0.15% or less, N: 0.01% or less, and further comprises one or two or more of Mo: 0.005 to 1.5%, Nb: 0.005 to 0.20%, Ti: at least 48/14×N (mass %) and 0.2% or less, and B: 0.0001 to 0.01%, at a total content of 0.015 to 1.91 mass %, with the remainder being Fe and unavoidable impurities, wherein the {110}<223> pole density and/or the {110}<111> pole density in the ⅛ sheet thickness layer is 10 or more, and a Young's modulus in a rolling direction is more than 230 GPa.
US08057911B2 Twist-wrap film and use thereof as packaging film
The invention relates to a twist-wrap film (1, 2, 3) which is produced by coextrusion of a plurality of plastic layers. The inventive film is characterized in that at least a) one or more plastic layer(s) (4, 4′) consist of one or more semicrystalline polyolefin(s) having a uniform structure and b) at least one additional layer from an amorphous cycloolefin copolymer (5) having a uniform structure, the layers a) and b) being in direct contact. The selection of an amorphous cycloolefin copolymer having a uniform structure in at least one layer of the inventive twist-wrap film combined with a semicrystalline polyolefin having a uniform structure allows to provide a twist-wrap film that can be easily produced and that has the rigidity required for twist-wrap packagings and a satisfactory deadfold behavior, i.e., recovery behavior.
US08057910B2 Toughened thermoplastic polyamide compositions
Disclosed are high frequency-active blends comprising (a) copolymers of ethylene and maleic anhydride or its functional equivalents and (b) ethylene copolymers with polar comonomers such as ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene/alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers and ethylene/(meth)acrylate/carbon monoxide terpolymers; and films, powders, multilayer structures, and articles prepared therefrom.
US08057907B2 Optical film, coating composition, polarizing plate and image display device
An optical film, which comprises: a support; and a layer containing an electrically-conductive particulate material, in which an interior of the electrically-conductive particulate material is porous or hollow, wherein the optical film comprises a fluorine-containing silane compound.
US08057902B2 Epoxy phosphorous-containing resin, epoxy resin composition essentially containing the epoxy resin, and cured product of the epoxy resin composition
A novel phosphorous-containing epoxy resin having a naphthalene skeleton is suitable as an insulating material, such as a copper-clad laminate used in an electronic circuit board, and a sealing material, molding material, casting material, adhesive or film material used in an electric component. Furthermore, this epoxy resin is suitable as a material for an electrically insulating coating.
US08057898B2 Multi-functional hybrid fiber by simultaneous multi-component deposition, composite material with the same, and method for manufacturing the same
Provided are a multi-functional hybrid fiber, a composite material with the same, and a method of manufacturing the same. The multi-functional hybrid fiber includes a carbon fiber having a bundle of a plurality of continuous fibers, the continuous fiber having an external diameter of 5 μm to 10 μm, a nano particle attached to an outer surface of the carbon fiber by an electrophoretic deposition method, and a metal attached to the outer surface of the carbon fiber by an electroplating method. The nano particle and metal are mixed and attached to the outer surface of the carbon fiber by the simultaneous electrophoretic deposition and electroplating methods.
US08057896B2 Pull-tab sealing member with improved heat distribution for a container
A seal and method of manufacture is provided for sealing containers such as bottles, jars and the like. The seal (i.e., closure) is formed with a lower sheet-like structure having a non-foam, heat-distributing layer thereon. The lower structure includes a foil support layer and has a polymer layer, such as a PET layer disposed on its bottom surface. A heat-activated sealant layer is provided under the bottom surface of the PET layer to bond the seal to a container opening. The non-foam, heat-distributing layer is preferably a polyolefin film. Seals in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention also include a top portion, which is only partially bonded (directly or indirectly) to the bottom portion, so as to leave a tab portion extending from the seal. The top portion is advantageously bonded from periphery to periphery of the bottom portion and at or slightly offset from the diameter (middle) of the bottom portion. The top portion is advantageously formed with polymer material, such as an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) layer, having a layer of PET bonded on the top thereof. A release strip, which can have a release layer coated on the bottom thereof, is adhered to the top or bottom structures and used to prevent the tab from adhering to the lower structure.
US08057889B2 Method for producing anisoptropic bulk materials
A method is disclosed for manufacturing an anisotropic material comprising providing a viscoplastic material having a yield stress, and a plurality of magnetic particles disposed therein, and then subjecting the viscoplastic material to a magnetic field for a time sufficient to at least partially align at least a portion of the magnetic particles to at least one of a predetermined position or orientation. Also disclosed is an article having anisotropic properties comprising a viscoplastic material, and a plurality of magnetic particles distributed therein and at least partially aligned to a predetermined orientation. An article having anisotropic properties, comprising a fixed viscoplastic material, and a plurality of magnetic particles distributed and at least partially anisotropically aligned in the fixed viscoplastic material is disclosed.
US08057888B2 Toughened resin fiber laminates with titanium particles
A composite structure includes at least one resin matrix layer having a resin material and a plurality of fiber elements and a plurality of titanium particles provided in the resin material. A method of toughening a resin matrix layer is also disclosed.
US08057887B2 Composite materials including high modulus polyolefin fibers
Disclosed are composite laminates that can exhibit high strength and/or low dielectric loss and can also be lightweight. The laminates include layers formed of high modulus polyolefin fiber. The fibers can be woven or knit to form a fabric or can be included in a nonwoven fabric that can be one or more layers of the composite structures. The layers including the high modulus polyolefin fibers can include other fibers, such as fiberglass. The composites can also include layers of other materials, for instance layers formed of polyaramids, fiberglass, or carbon fiber wovens or nonwovens. The composites can advantageously be utilized in low loss dielectric applications, such as in forming circuit board substrates, or in applications beneficially combining strength with low weight, such as automobile and boat materials.
US08057886B2 Optical article having anti-theft feature and a system and method for inhibiting theft of same
A system for altering a functionality of an optical article from a pre-activated state to an activated state, comprising an optical article comprising an optical data layer for storing data, an external radiation source for generating an external stimulus adapted to interact with the optical article, such interaction causing a change in optical accessibility of optically stored data, a directing material, wherein said directing material is for directing the external stimulus to selective portions of the optical article, thereby altering the functionality of the optical article from a pre-activated state to an activated state; a convertible element capable of responding to the external stimulus to irreversibly alter the optical article from the pre-activated state of functionality to the activated state of functionality, wherein said convertible element comprises a color-shift dye, a magnetic material, a thermo-chromic material, a magneto-optical material, a light scattering material, a phase-change material, dye aggregates, or combinations thereof.
US08057881B2 Fungi resistant asphalt and asphalt sheet materials
A fungi resistant asphalt is combined with a base sheet to form a fungi resistant asphalt containing sheet material. Typically, the base sheet is a fibrous base sheet that, by itself, may or may not be fungi resistant. The fungi resistant asphalt is at least partially absorbed by the base sheet to form the fungi resistant asphalt containing sheet material and typically forms one or both major surfaces of the fungi resistant asphalt containing sheet material.
US08057877B2 Flexible hose with non-phthalate plasticizers additives for transporting food liquids
A flexible hose for transporting food liquids, particularly for irrigation or the like, comprising at least one outer protective layer (2) of a first flexible polymer material and at least one inner layer (3) in direct contact with the fluid to be transported, made of a second flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-containing polymer material. The second polymer material includes a plasticizer agent having as low a migration level as to maintain the flexibility of said second polymer material substantially unaltered with time. The plasticizer agent is selected from the group comprising non-phthalate additives, so that it can be non-toxic and non-polluting for the food products to be transported.
US08057876B2 Bioabsorbable stent with layers having different degradation rates
A bioabsorbable stent including a stent scaffolding formed from polymer layers with different degradation rates is disclosed. The polymer layers include an abluminal layer, a luminal layer, and optionally one or more middle layers. A degradation rate of the layers increases from the luminal layer to the abluminal layer.
US08057874B2 Article comprising light absorbent composition to mask visual haze and related methods
A transparent article includes a continuous polyester matrix having at least one incompatible filler dispersed therein. The incompatible filler provides domains in the polyester matrix, each domain having a particular dimension, thus providing a range of dimensions for the domains in the article. To create haze, the dimensions are within the range of from about 380 nm to about 720 nm. Once the range of dimensions is determined, a light absorbent composition can be found which absorbs light at a range of wavelengths that at least substantially covers the range of dimensions of the domains. In doing so, it has been found that the haze of the article can be substantially masked. Method for producing the article and for masking the haze are also provided.
US08057873B2 Injection molded article and method for the manufacture thereof
Injection molded articles having large, thin sections are prepared by injection molding of a composition that includes specific amounts of poly(arylene ether) and a rubber-modified polystyrene. The specific component amounts provide the composition with a shear thinning index of 6 to 17 measured at a temperature of 260 to 300° C. and shear rates of 100 and 10,000 second−1.
US08057872B2 Gas permeable membranes
Disclosed is a multilayer structure comprising a layer of humidity-dependent composition having a ratio of wet cup permeance to dry cup permeance greater than 10 and a layer of crystallizable polymer sufficiently permeable to oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapor, exhibiting an increase in permeability to at least one of oxygen and carbon dioxide by a factor of at least 2.5 over a temperature range of 10° C. between 0° C. and 40° C. Also disclosed are packaging materials comprising the multilayer structure and methods for storing respiring materials using the packaging materials.
US08057870B2 Composition for forming gate insulating layer of organic thin-film transistor and organic thin film transistor using the same
The present invention relates to a composition for forming a gate insulating layer of an organic thin film transistor comprising polyarylate, and an organic thin film transistor comprising a gate insulating layer, which is formed using the composition, in contact with an organic semiconductor channel.
US08057868B2 Composition for forming a liquid crystal alignment film, and liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides: a composition for forming a liquid crystal alignment film capable of forming a liquid crystal alignment film excellent in evenness; and a liquid crystal display device. The present invention provides a composition for forming a liquid crystal alignment film, wherein the composition comprises: a material for forming a liquid crystal alignment film; diethylene glycol diethyl ether; diisobutyl ketone; and at least one of γ-butyrolactone and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone as solvents.
US08057865B1 Polysilane compositions, methods for their synthesis and films formed therefrom
Polysilanes, inks containing the same, and methods for their preparation are disclosed. The polysilane generally has the formula H—[(AHR)n(c—AmHpm−2)q]—H, where each instance of A is independently Si or Ge; R is H, —AaHa+1Ra, Halogen, aryl or substituted aryl; (n+a)≧10 if q=0, q≧3 if n=0, and (n+q)≧6 if both n and q≠0; p is 1 or 2; and m is from 3 to 12. In one aspect, the method generally includes the steps of combining a silane compound of the formula AHaR14−a, the formula AkHgR1′h and/or the formula c—AmHpmR1rm with a catalyst of the formula R4xR5yMXz (or an immobilized derivative thereof) to form a poly(aryl)silane; then washing the poly(aryl)silane with an aqueous washing composition and contacting the poly(aryl)silane with an adsorbent to remove the metal M. In another aspect, the method includes the steps of halogenating a polyarylsilane to form a halopolysilane; and reducing the halopolysilane with a metal hydride to form the polysilane. The synthesis of semiconductor inks via dehydrocoupling of silanes and/or germanes allows for tuning of the ink properties (e.g., viscosity, boiling point, and surface tension) and for deposition of silicon films or islands by spincoating, inkjetting, dropcasting, etc., with or without the use of UV irradiation.
US08057863B2 Electrostatic force assisted deposition of graphene
An embodiment of a method of depositing graphene includes bringing a stamp into contact with a substrate over a contact area. The stamp has at least a few layers of the graphene covering the contact area. An electric field is developed over the contact area. The stamp is removed from the vicinity of the substrate which leaves at least a layer of the graphene substantially covering the contact area.
US08057860B2 Method for producing fiberglass materials and compositions resulting from the same
A method for reducing the amount of binder or resin used in glass fiber manufacturing while maintaining product performance is disclosed. The method generally reduces the amount of binder or resin used in a manufacturing process by adjusting other factors in the manufacturing process. Specifically, ramp moisture and/or silane content are factors that are adjusted to achieve the results of the disclosed method. Additionally, glass fiber compositions resulting from the method are disclosed.
US08057853B2 Method for applying a cured covering layer on a substrate
Provided are methods for applying a covering layer to a substrate, including applying an adhesive layer in non-cross-linked state to the substrate and applying thereto a cross-linked covering layer, characterized in that the covering layer is provided with openings, and methods for manufacturing a coating package, and using the coating package.
US08057852B2 Microdevice for a fluorescence-based assay, and a method for making the microdevice
Glass as a substrate for fluorescence-based assays is expensive. Disclosed is a poly(cyclic olefin) alternative to glass that is of comparable sensitivity. More specifically, disclosed is a method of making a microdevice for the immobilization of biomolecules for the purpose of carrying out a fluorescence-based assay, said method comprising providing a substrate comprising a poly(cyclic olefin); protecting the substrate from ultraviolet (UV) light; and subjecting a surface of said UV-protected substrate to ozone oxidation to activate said surface; wherein a content of intrinsic fluorophores on the surface of the substrate remains substantially unchanged after the ozone oxidation. Also disclosed is a microdevice for the immobilization of biomolecules for the purpose of carrying out a fluorescence-based assay, said microdevice comprising a body comprising a poly(cyclic olefin), said body having an ozone-activated surface substantially free of intrinsic fluorophores; wherein said activated surface is substantially free of intrinsic fluorescence during a fluorescence-based assay of said biomolecules bound to said activated surface.
US08057851B2 Ceramic wall cladding composites with electromagnetic shielding properties
The present invention relates to a method for coating substrates, comprising the steps of: a) preparing a substrate, b) applying a composition onto at least one side of the substrate, the composition containing an inorganic compound, the inorganic compound containing at least one metal and/or semimetal selected from the group Sc, Y, Ti, Zr, Nb, V, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Fe, Co, B, Al, In, Tl, Si, Ge, Sn, Zn, Pb, Sb, Bi or mixtures thereof and at least one element selected from the group Te, Se, S, O, Sb, As, P, N, C, Ga or mixtures thereof, and an electrically conductive substance selected from metals, particulate metals, metal alloys, particulate metal alloys, conductive compounds containing carbon or mixtures thereof, c) drying the composition applied in step b), d) applying at least one coating onto the at least one side of the substrate onto which the composition was applied in step b), the coating containing a silane of the general formula (Z1)Si(OR)3, where Z1 is R, OR or Gly (Gly=3-glycidyloxypropyl) and R is an alkyl radical having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms and all R may be identical or different, oxide particles selected from the oxides of Ti, Si, Zr, Al, Y, Sn, Zn, Ce or mixtures thereof, and an initiator, the coating preferably containing 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane and/or 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and/or N-2-aminoethyl-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, and e) drying the coating applied in step d), as well as to the coated substrate.
US08057848B2 Method of forming organic semiconductor layer pattern
A donor substrate and a method of forming an organic semiconductor layer pattern using the donor substrate, whereby a donor substrate is formed using an organic semiconductor precursor having a thermally decomposable substituent through a wet process, the organic semiconductor precursor substrate in the donor substrate is transferred to a receptor substrate as a pattern and heated, and thus is changed into an organic semiconductor. As a result, an organic semiconductor layer pattern is obtained. The method can be used in the manufacture of various devices such as organic light emitting diode and organic thin film transistor. A low-molecular weight organic semiconductor layer pattern can be formed through a wet process, not through deposition. Thus, using the method, a flat display device can be conveniently manufactured at low cost.
US08057843B2 Implant, in particular dental implant
A metal implant, in particular a dental implant, with a hydrophilic surface for at least partial insertion into a bone, and a method for the production of said implant are described. A particularly advantageous hydrophilic surface for improved osteointegration properties is made available if it is briefly treated, at least in some areas, in a weakly alkaline solution. These excellent osteointegration properties can be achieved in a method in which, optionally after a preceding mechanical surface modification by material removal and/or chemical surface modification, at least the areas exposed of this surface exposed to bone and/or soft tissue are chemically modified in an alkaline solution.
US08057839B2 Nanoparticulated whey proteins
The present invention relates to a method for producing whey proteins in nanoparticulated form and to the nanoparticulated whey proteins thus obtained. Specifically, the present invention pertains to the use of these nanoparticulated whey proteins as emulsifiers, fat substitute, micellar casein substitute, whitening, foaming, texturizing and/or filling agents.
US08057837B2 Microwave popcorn with viscous liquid fat and method of preparation
Disclosed are microwave popcorn articles including a thickened liquid (at room temperature) oil and their methods of preparation. The microwave popcorn articles comprise any conventional microwave popcorn bag or container, and a food charge disposed therein comprising kernel popcorn and/or puffable pellets; 1% to 45% liquid (at room temperature) oil; and, 0% to 4% salt. The oil ingredient has a melting point of ≦25° C. The oil ingredient includes an oil thickening ingredient especially a starch based oil thickening ingredient such as a cyclodextrin in amounts sufficient to dimensionally stabilize the oil. By avoiding hydrogenation to solidify the oil into a solid fat at room temperatures, finished popcorn products can be provided that are desirably low in trans fatty acid content. The methods of preparation include preparing a heated oil thickened with cyclodextrin complexed with the oil and adding the thickened oil to the microwave container.
US08057831B2 Digestive/laxative compositions
The use of actinidin as a digestive/laxative aid. Method of obtaining actinidin from fruit.
US08057819B2 Stability additives for dry DHA dosage forms
The use of additives to stabilize DHA when compressed into tablets, or filled as a powder into capsules, for oral administration.
US08057817B2 Intravaginal ringed mesh device and applicator therefor
This invention generally covers a ringed-mesh intravaginal device and applicator therefore wherein the ringed-mesh comprises a composite ring comprising a flexible matrix containing one or more bioactive agent or agents and needed excipients or modulators, and the said matrix is reinforced with a fibrous construct to provided needed initial and in-use biomechanical stability. Of special application of the medicated, ringed-mesh is its use for securing contraception relying on biomechanical, pharmacological, and biochemical means.
US08057816B2 Compositions and methods of administering paclitaxel with other drugs using medical devices
Systems and compositions comprising paclitaxel and a second drug, such as rapamycin, analogs, derivatives, salts and esters thereof are disclosed, as well as methods of delivery wherein the drugs have effects that complement each other. Medical devices comprising supporting structures capable of including or supporting a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient, which carrier or excipient can contain one or more therapeutic agents or substances, with the carrier preferably including a coating on the surface thereof, and the coating including the therapeutic substances, such as, for example, drugs. Supporting structures for the medical devices that are suitable for use in this invention include coronary stents, peripheral stents, catheters, arterio-venous grafts, by-pass grafts, and drug delivery balloons used in the vasculature. These compositions and systems can be used in combination with other drugs, including anti-proliferative agents, anti-platelet agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-thrombotic agents, cytotoxic drugs, agents that inhibit cytokine or chemokine binding, cell de-differentiation inhibitors, anti-lipaedemic agents, matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors, cytostatic drugs, or combinations of these and other drugs.
US08057807B2 Use of botulinum toxin therapy for treatment of recalcitrant voiding dysfunction
The present invention related to methods for treating neurological-urological conditions. This is accomplished by administration of at least one neurotoxin.
US08057806B2 Viruses comprising mutant ion channel protein
A method to prepare viruses lacking ion channel activity is provided.
US08057803B2 Attenuated negative strand viruses with altered interferon antagonist activity for use as vaccines and pharmaceuticals
The present invention relates, in general, to attenuated negative-strand RNA viruses having an impaired ability to antagonize the cellular interferon (IFN) response, and the use of such attenuated viruses in vaccine and pharmaceutical formulations. The invention also relates to the development and use of IFN-deficient systems for selection of such attenuated viruses.In particular, the invention relates to attenuated influenza viruses having modifications to the NS1 gene that diminish or eliminate the ability of the NS1 gene product to antagonize the cellular IFN response. The mutant viruses replicate in vivo but demonstrate reduced pathogenicity, and therefore are well suited for live virus vaccines, and pharmaceutical formulations.
US08057802B2 Treatment methods for fibrosis related disorders
The present invention relates to the ability of SAP to suppress fibrocytes. It also relates to the ability of IL-12, laminin-1, cross-linked IgG and IgG aggregates to suppress fibrocytes. Methods and compositions for suppressing fibrocytes using these proteins are provided. These methods are useful in a variety of applications including treatment and prevention of fibrosing diseases such as scleroderma, pulmonary fibrosis and asthma. Finally, the invention includes assays for detecting the ability of various agents to modulate differentiation into fibrocytes. Such assays may also be used to diagnose scleroderma, pulmonary fibrosis, or other fibrosing diseases.
US08057801B2 Tick galectin
A novel galectin, a polynucleotide encoding the same, a vector and a transformant comprising the polynucleotide, an antibody against the galectin, and a screening method for screening a substance capable of modifying the galectin, are disclosed. According to the galectin, polynucleotide, or vector, it is possible, for example, to exterminate ticks, or to treat or prevent tick-borne infections such as rickettsiosis, filariasis, Q fever, African recurrent fever, or viral encephalitis.
US08057799B2 ErbB interface peptidomimetics and methods of use thereof
Peptides, mimetics and antibodies of erbB, TNF, and IgSF receptors and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same are described. Methods of using such antibodies, peptides, and mimetics in therapeutic, prophylactic, imaging and diagnostic applications are disclosed.
US08057798B2 Vaccines based on targeting antigen to DCIR expressed on antigen-presenting cells
The present invention includes compositions and methods for increasing the effectiveness of antigen presentation using a DCIR-specific antibody or fragment thereof to which an antigen is attached that forms an antibody-antigen complex, wherein the antigen is processed and presented by a dendritic cell that has been contacted with the antibody-antigen complex.
US08057797B2 Method of preparing enriched antibodies for detecting mycobacterial infection
The disclosed technology provides an enriched antibody population, highly specific for an antigen of a surface polysaccharide, from a mycobacterium. In a related embodiment, the antibody is enriched by having been raised in an environment that maintains antigenically active antigen. These antibodies may be used in an immunoreactive environment for detecting the presence of a mycobacterial infection in a sample from a subject.
US08057795B2 Method of reducing the activation of Th2 lymphocytes
We previously reported that NKG2A, a key inhibitory ligand for HLA-E, is expressed on activated TH2, but not TH1, cells. Here we measured cytokine expression in ex vivo TH2 cells and in a mouse model of asthma upon activation with antiCD3/28 and challenge with an NKG2A-specific agonist. We show that signaling through NKG2A modulates Th2 cell effector function. This new molecular pathway data provides a novel explanation and treatment for respiratory virus-associated asthma. RSV and hMPV suppress IFN-γ and HLA-E expression and therefore decrease NKG2A signaling in activated TH2 cells. This results in a relatively robust Th2 response and an unfavorable shift in Th1/Th2 balance. The data presented here suggest that increasing signaling via the NKG2A receptor suppresses Th2 effector function and could positively impact Th1/Th2 balance in asthma.
US08057794B2 Antibody molecules which bind to human IL-17
The invention relates to antibody molecules having specificity for antigenic determinants of IL-17, therapeutic uses of the antibody molecules and methods for producing said antibody molecules.
US08057792B2 Use of an antibody that blocks TNF-alpha activity for treating a nerve disorder mediated by nucleus pulposus
The present invention relates to a method and a pharmaceutical composition for treatment of nerve disorders comprising administration of a therapeutically effective dosage of at least two substances selected from the group consisting of TNF inhibitors, IL-1 inhibitors, IL-6 inhibitors, IL-8 inhibitors, FAS inhibitors, FAS ligand inhibitors, and IFN-gamma inhibitors. Preferably, at least one of the substances is a TNF inhibitor.
US08057788B2 Placental stem cell populations
The present invention provides placental stem cells and placental stem cell populations, and methods of culturing, proliferating and expanding the same. The invention also provides methods of differentiating the placental stem cells. The invention further provides methods of using the placental stem cells in assays and for transplanting.
US08057785B2 Phototherapy compositions and methods
Compositions containing a photoactivable agent and an agent that absorbs or blocks extraneous radiation during phototherapy are useful and used in methods to treat leukocyte mediated autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, CTCL, and vertiligo.
US08057773B2 Reduction of greenhouse gas emission from petroleum refineries
The invention described herein relates to a novel process that eliminates the need for post combustion CO2 capture from fired heaters (at atmospheric pressure and in dilute phase) in a petroleum refinery to achieve environmental targets by capturing CO2 in a centralized facility and providing fuel gas low in carbon to the fired heaters. It combines the pre-combustion capture of carbon dioxide with production of a hydrogen fuel source within a refinery to drastically reduce the carbon dioxide emissions of the plant. The hydrogen fuel is utilized for the process fired heaters and the fuel quality (carbon content) can be set to meet the refinery's emissions objectives. Moreover, the carbon dioxide captured can be sequestered and/or utilized for enhanced oil recovery (EOR).
US08057772B2 Mesoporous silica particles and preparation method thereof
Disclosed are mesoporous silica particles and a preparation method thereof, particularly, a method of preparing mesoporous silica particles, including mixing a silica precursor, an alkylamine-based surfactant, and a phosphoric acid-based cosurfactant, thus preparing a mixture solution (a mother liquor); adding or not adding the mixture solution with an acid solution, and conducting stirring, thus providing mesoporous silica particles; and thermally treating the mesoporous silica particles. These mesoporous silica particles are prepared using a phosphoric acid-based cosurfactant for stabilizing the surface of the particles to prevent the aggregation thereof, thereby uniformly distributing the particles. Through a hydrothermal reaction, the mesoporous silica particles have various pore sizes, a large surface area, and a high pore volume, and thus are widely used in catalysts, adsorbents, low dielectrics, and separation and purification processes, and are useful as templates for the preparation of novel porous materials, including porous carbon.
US08057771B2 Process for recovering useful products and energy from siliceous plant matter
In the process disclosed herein, siliceous plant matter is steeped in water, soaked in an aqueous solution containing a solute which solubilizes inorganic oxides, soaked in an aqueous solution containing an oxidizing solute, rinsed, dried and thermally pyrolyzed to produce amorphous silica with of low carbon content, low water content, low inorganic impurity content and is of high porosity. Practice of the invention yields usable energy, does not produce carbonization of the atmosphere and is of lower nitrogen oxide and sulphur emission than currently used processes. By varying steps of the process herein disclosed, the carbon content, inorganic impurities and porosity of the resulting amorphous silica may be selectively controlled.
US08057768B2 Device for the purification of diesel exhaust gases
The invention relates to a special device for the purification of diesel exhaust gases, which device comprises, in the flow direction of the exhaust gas, an oxidation catalyst, a diesel particle filter with catalytically active coating, and, downstream of a device for introducing a reducing agent from an external reducing agent source, an SCR catalyst. The oxidation catalyst and the catalytically active coating of the diesel particle filter contain palladium and platinum. The ratio of the noble metals platinum and palladium in the overall system and on the individual components, oxidation catalyst and catalytically coated diesel particle filter, are coordinated with one another in such a way as to obtain firstly an optimum NO/NO2 ratio in the exhaust gas upstream of the downstream SCR catalyst, and secondly optimum heating and HC conversion behaviour during an active particle filter regeneration.
US08057767B1 Base metal oxides oxidation catalyst
Chemical species such as nitrogen oxide (NO), carbon monoxide, and low molecular weight hydrocarbons (e.g., C1-C5 and saturated or ethylenically unsaturated) in an oxygen-containing gas stream, such as the exhaust stream from a diesel engine, or other lean burn engine, may be oxidized using a mixture of MnOx with one or more other base metal oxides, with or without palladium. The oxidation is effective at temperatures above about 200° C. to convert about ninety percent or more of the carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and to consume the hydrocarbons. The oxidation is also effective to convert much of the NO to NO2. In general, the mixed base metal oxides may be used as catalysts for the oxidation of nitrogen oxide in hot gas streams containing oxygen. They may optionally be used in a combination with palladium or platinum. But platinum, which is very expensive, does not have to be used in such oxidation reactions.
US08057761B1 Detecting nerve agents and determining the types thereof
An embodiment of a chemical detector has at least one detection window and at least first and second ampoules selectively communicatively coupled to the at least one detection window. The first ampoule contains a first substance that can hydrolyze a nerve agent. The second ampoule contains a second substance that can react with a hydrolyzed nerve agent to produce a color change.
US08057759B2 Microfluidic system and apparatus and method of controlling the same
Provided are an apparatus and a method of controlling a microfluidic system, and the microfluidic system. The apparatus of controlling the microfluidic system includes a central control block controlling an operation of the microfluidic system, a rotator control block controlling a rotator, a position control block controlling the position of a moving unit, the moving unit moving to a position of the microfluidic structure, and a radiation energy source control block controlling energy of a radiation energy source, the radiation energy source using an electromagnetic wave to scan over a position of the microfluidic structure. Such a configuration allows effective control of a miniaturized portable microfluidic system.
US08057756B2 Sampling probe, gripper and interface for laboratory sample management systems
A self-contained sampling probe characterized by a drive module and a syringe module removably coupled coaxially to the drive module to allow for different syringe modules to be interchangeably coupled to the drive module. The coupling is effected by quick connect and disconnect devices, and the syringe module may carry an identifier. The probe is engageable by a gripper or insertable in an interface device, both of which provide for communication of the probe with other system components.
US08057755B2 Constructive disposition applied to sample collector for the purposes of feces parasitological exam
The present application is about a new construction disposition applied to sample collector for the purposes of feces parasitological exams, more precisely to one new construction form which is manufactured with a reduced number of parts, helping with its low cost, since it is a product discharged after its utilization; collector which includes a container which receives the attachment of a cover which contemplates a central conic sector from whose top a cylindrical duct is developed which can be closed by an over-cover or cap; it is predicted a concave filtering element, formed by polyester net or mesh in the order of 220 to 280μ, preferably 266μ, which represents the same radius of internal bending of the conic portion of the cover, affixed to it by means of fitting or another equivalent mean.
US08057750B2 High purity magnetite formation process and apparatus, and product thereof
A process of producing magnetite with a high purity of greater than 90% magnetite, more typically greater than 98% magnetite, by reducing powdered hematite into magnetite under maximum temperatures of about 700 to 1300° C. against a counter-current of or concurrent with methane or natural gas in a heating device. The amount of methane used to reduce the hematite may be about 0.18 and 1.8 standard cubic feet of methane per pound of hematite. A product of high purity methane produced from the process is also provided, where the magnetite is below 1 μM in diameter and has a magnetic saturation greater than 90.0 emu/g. Corresponding apparatus using an improved feeder system for powdered hematite is provided.
US08057747B2 Heat exchange system
The invention provides a method and apparatus for integrating the heat transfer zones of plate fin and tube and finned tube exchangers and a catalytic mass transfer zone. The invention also provides a method for in situ regeneration of existing coated surface and augmentation of existing coated surface, or catalyst performance.
US08057746B2 Carrier for exhaust-gas purification and exhaust-gas purifier having the carrier
A carrier for exhaust-gas purification is able to effectively protect against getting clogged with the particulate matters in a filter having carriers. The carrier is constituted with a web corrugated to have straight and/or zigzag ridges and then wound up into a column. The carrier for exhaust-gas purification is made of the web of wire netting or nonwoven metallic fabric, which is embossed to have ridges and grooves extending at least in a widthwise direction and further wound up spirally or stacked on top of the other into the column.
US08057744B2 Bubble column-type Fischer-Tropsch synthesis slurry bed reaction system
According to an exemplary embodiment, a bubble column-type slurry bed Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction process can be provided, in which synthesis gas supplied continuously from the bottom of a reactor contacts suspended catalyst particles to form liquid hydrocarbons, gaseous hydrocarbons and water. Additionally, a slurry of suspended liquid products and catalyst particles can move from the reactor to the lower portion of a separation vessel to separate the catalyst particles and gaseous products. Further, a process can be provided in which the liquid products formed are sent to the separation vessel a process in which liquid products can be derived. Additionally, a process can be provided in which a slurry in which catalyst particles are concentrated is derived from the bottom of the separation vessel and circulated to the bottom of the reactor, are driven by the driving force of synthesis gas without using an external drive power source.
US08057742B2 Conversion of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to nitric oxide (NO)
A nitric oxide delivery system, which includes a gas bottle having nitrogen dioxide in air, converts nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide and employs a surface-active material, such as silica gel, coated with an aqueous solution of antioxidant, such as ascorbic acid. A nitric oxide delivery system may be used to generate therapeutic gas including nitric oxide for use in delivering the therapeutic gas to a mammal.
US08057741B2 Gas sensor assembly
A gas sensor assembly may include a housing defining a chamber. A gas sensor may be mounted in the chamber. An inlet tube may be secured to the housing and extend into the chamber of the housing. The inlet tube may define a passage providing fluid communication between outside the housing and the chamber of the housing.
US08057740B2 Medical biosensor by means of which biological liquids are analyzed
Medical biosensor by means of which biological liquids are analyzed, having at least three layers; a functional layer to which a contact adhesive strip, adhesive on both sided, is applied, and a structural film applied to the contact adhesive strip.
US08057738B2 Cooling water scale inhibition method
Methods for inhibiting corrosion in aqueous evaporative systems where soluble silica (SiO2) is maintained at residuals between 10 Mg/L and saturation, but more preferably maintained at greater than 300 mg/L as SiO2, to provide corrosion inhibiting silica films that protect system metals. Silica is provided by evaporation of water and subsequent concentration and transformation of silica naturally contained in source water. The methods of the present invention provide highly effective inhibition of corrosion for mild steel, copper, stainless steel, aluminum, zinc, galvanized steel and various alloys of such metals. The methods of the present invention comprise pretreatment removal of polyvalent metal ions from the makeup source water, maintenance of concentration of monovalent metal ions, and controlling pH at a minimum of 7.0 in the presence of an elevated temperature aqueous environment. Thereafter, specified water chemistry residual ranges are maintained in the aqueous system to achieve inhibition of scale and corrosion.
US08057729B2 Method for making a forming structure
A method for making a forming structure. In one embodiment the method comprises the steps of (a) providing a base material having a thickness; (b) providing a laser source; (c) laser etching a plurality of spaced-apart apertures, each aperture extending through the entire thickness of the base material, such that the non-laser-etched portions of the base material define a continuous network; and (d) laser etching the continuous network to remove material in a pattern that defines a plurality of protrusions, each protrusion being generally columnar and pillar-like. The plurality of protrusions can be laser etched first, before laser etching the plurality of spaced-apart apertures. The base material can be cylindrical-shaped and the laser etching can be accomplished in a continuous process by rotating the cylindrical-shaped base material as a laser source is operatively translated while laser etching a path similar to “threads” of a screw.
US08057726B2 Screw designs having improved performance with low melting PET resins
Disclosed is a process for a melt processing a polyethylene terephthalate resin characterized by one or more of the following. The polyester particles may have at least two melting peaks wherein one of the at least two melting peaks is a low peak melting point with a range from 140° C. to 220° C., or from 140° C. to 230° C., and having a melting endothermic area of at least the absolute value of 1 J/g. The polyester particles may have one or more melting peaks at least one of which when measured on a DSC first heating scan has a heating curve departing from a baseline in the endothermic direction at a temperature of less than or equal to 200° C. The polyester particles may have an It.V. at their surface which is less than 0.25 dL/g higher than the It.V. at their center. The polyester particles may have not been solid stated. The melt processing device comprises a screw with a total length, L, a feed zone length in the range from 0.16L and 0.45L, a taper angle, φ, in the range from 0.5 degrees and 5.0 degrees and a compression ratio, CR, in the range from 2.0 and 5.0.
US08057723B2 Method of manufacturing insert-molded article and apparatus therefor
Provides is a method of manufacturing an insert-molded article enabling to perform resin molding and tie bar cutting in one step and so as not to expose the cut planes of the tie bars to the external surface of the resin. A lead frame 1 provided with easily breakable notches 3a at positions closer to the metal component than the interfaces of tie bars 3 to be resin molded is prepared and positioned by means of pilot pins 11 provided to a lower mold 10. A metal component 4 is sandwiched between support protrusions 13 and component fixing pins 24 by lowering an upper mold 20 with the lead frame being positioned. Tie bar cutting punches 23 provided to the upper mold 20 are pressed against the tie bars, the tie bars 3 are separated from the metal component 4 by breaking the notches 3a, and the surroundings of the metal component 4 are filled with resin while the molds are closed. By this, the cut surfaces between the metal component 4 and the tie bars 3 are buried in the molded resin 7.
US08057715B2 Method for making an optical device and system for privacy or contrast enhancement
The present invention relates to a method of making an optical device for contrast enhancement of a viewing display, such as a plasma display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, an inorganic light emitting diode display panel, or an organic light emitting diode display panel.
US08057714B2 Synthesis method of metal cyclopentadienide in bulk
The present invention relates to a synthesis method of metal cyclopentadienide by direct reaction of dicyclopentadiene with a group 1 metal in the presence of an aprotic solvent. Unlike the conventional method depending on retro Diels-Alder reaction of dicyclopentadiene to generate indirectly cyclopentadiene, the method of the present invention favors generation of cyclopentadiene and metal cyclopentadienide as well by adding dicyclopentadiene directly when the reaction temperature reaches to the boiling point of a reaction solvent.
US08057712B2 Radialene compounds and their use
The present invention relates to radialene compounds as well as to their use as doping agent for doping an organic semiconductive matrix material, as blocker material, as charge injection layer, as electrode material as well as organic semiconductor, as well as electronic components and organic semiconductive materials using them.
US08057711B2 Composite compound with mixed crystalline structure
A composite lithium compound having a mixed crystalline structure is provided. Such compound can be formed by heating a lithium, iron, phosphorous and carbon mixed compound with another metal compound together. The resulting mixed metal crystal can exhibit superior electrical property and is a better cathode material for lithium secondary batteries.
US08057710B2 Composite for electrode active material and secondary battery comprising the same
Disclosed are a composite which can be used as an electrode active material for a secondary battery, and the secondary battery comprising the same. The composite includes: a first material selected from the group consisting of metals and metalloids capable of being reversibly alloyed with lithium; a second material selected from the group consisting of metals incapable of being alloyed with lithium, compounds containing the metals, and compounds containing metals or metalloids capable of being irreversibly alloyed with lithium; and a third material which is at least one kind of metal having a higher electrical conductivity than the second material, wherein a content of the third material ranges from 10 to 10,000 ppm based on the total weight of the composite.
US08057705B2 Sialon phosphor
A SiAlON phosphor represented by a general formula (1) Lup(Si, Al)12(O, N)16:Euq  (1) wherein at least a main phase has an alpha SiAlON crystal structure; and 0.25≦p≦0.65.
US08057703B2 Three-band phosphor for multi-layer agricultural plastic film
A blue-green-red three-band phosphor for multilayer agricultural plastic film for converting near ultraviolet light in photosynthetic active radiation is disclosed. The substrate of the phosphor is prepared from the group IIA element SiO44−, having a total stoichiometric equation (ΣMe+2O)2α(SiO2)α, in which α=1, 2, 3, ΣMe+2=Ba+2 and/or Sr+2 and/or Ca+2 and/or Mg+2, having an orthorhombic crystal architecture, and generating a three-band spectrum when activated by d-f element selected from the group of Eu+2, Mn+2 and Sm+2. The maximum wavelength of the three-band spectrum is λ1=440˜460 nm, λ2=515˜535 nm and λ3=626˜640 nm. The maximum value and halfwave width of every spectrum are determined subject to the concentration of the activator and the phosphor synthesis technology. The three-band phosphor is prepared through a solid synthesis method in the form of high dispersed ultrafine powder having the average grain size of d≦0.8 μm. The use of an agricultural plastic film made according to the present invention in an enclosed soil equipment greatly raises the productivity of vegetable crop.
US08057699B2 Polymerizable liquid crystal composition and uses for the same
The polymerizable liquid crystal composition includes at least two selected from the group of compounds represented by the following Formulas (1) and (2): wherein m is 5 or 10; and wherein n is 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 or 9, and R is hydrogen or methyl wherein said composition includes at most only two compounds of Formula (1) in which m is 10; and wherein said composition does not include a compound of Formula (2) in which n is 3 and R is hydrogen.
US08057695B2 Antifreeze concentrate and coolant compositions and preparation thereof
A toxicological friendly antifreeze composition having improved thermal stability is provided. In one embodiment, the antifreeze composition comprises from 5 to 80 wt. % of an aqueous freezing point depressant selected from alkali metal salts of acetates, formates, proprionates, adipiates, and succinates, and mixtures thereof; 0.1 to 10 wt. % of at least one of a 2-ethylhexanoic acid, isononanoic acid and 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoic acid; and 0.1 to 10 wt. % of at least one of octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, undecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, neodecanoic acid, benzoic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, p-terbutylbenzoic acid, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the composition is employed as a concentrate in admixture with 10 to 90 wt. % water. The composition may be totally free of glycol, or, in an alternate embodiment, possess a glycol:non-glycol base ratio of 1:2 to 1:20.
US08057688B2 Purification method for effluent
A filtration appliance for wastewater purification, preferably for a sewage treatment plant, in particular for a small sewage treatment plant, including at least one ceramic-based membrane for separating off microorganisms, to a sewage treatment plant having such a filtration appliance, a method of purifying wastewater, in particular in a sewage treatment plant, wherein microorganisms present in the wastewater are separated off by means of at least one ceramic-based membrane, and also to the use of a ceramic-based membrane as filter for separating off microorganisms and, if appropriate, fine solids, from wastewaters.
US08057687B2 Liquid filter heat exchanger unit
A liquid filter heat exchanger unit has a heat exchanger having an inlet through which a liquid is supplied to the heat exchanger and a drain through which the liquid exits after having passed through the heat exchanger. The unit also has a liquid filter with a filter housing and a filter element exchangeably arranged in a receiving chamber, wherein the liquid is supplied through the drain of the heat exchanger to an unfiltered side of the filter element. A bypass connects an inlet passage for supplying the liquid to be filtered to the receiving chamber in the filter housing. A switching member opens and closes the bypass. The switching member is formed by the filter element such that the bypass is closed when the filter element is inserted in the filter housing and is opened when the filter element is removed from the filter housing.
US08057680B2 Cartridge for electrohemodialysis
The scope of the invention is to apply an electric current or to use a kind of iontophoresis system with the hemodialysis cartridge and system (the proposed method is also applicable to peritoneal dialysis or other similar methods) to remove unwanted molecules from blood, plasma or serum or other body fluids and to increase the effectiveness of the process. This cartridge can be used for patients with uremia and cartridge fixed to the conventional hemodialysis machine and additionally the electric current applied to the electrodes placed in to the cartridge or electrode connectors placed to the conventional cartridge. When the system activated, the molecules in the blood or other body fluid migrates to the hemodialysis solution. Charged ions or uncharged molecules move together with electroosmotic flow. The sterilized electrodes preferably made by Ag/AgCl to prevent pH changing effect. Other apparatus can also be used for providing an electropotential gradient.
US08057671B2 Closure device capable of removing TCA in a beverage container
A means of preventing TCA taint from contaminating liquid foods and beverages is provided by incorporating molecular sieves into the manufacturing process and/or packaging materials in order to selectively adsorb the taint molecules while preserving the food's or beverage's flavor and aroma profiles. Also provided are methods and devices for remediating TCA taint present in the consumer's liquid foods and beverages.
US08057668B2 Method and device for extracting an analyte
The invention provides extraction columns for the purification of an analyte (e.g., a biological macromolecule, such as a peptide, protein or nucleic acid) from a sample solution, as well as methods for making and using such columns. The columns typically include a bed of extraction media positioned in the column between two frits. In some embodiments, the extraction columns employ modified pipette tips as column bodies. In some embodiments, the invention provides columns characterized by low backpressure.
US08057667B2 Multiphase separation vacuum system
A vacuum system for wastewater removal and filtration, comprising: (1) at least one velocity reducing gravity separator, comprising: (a) a water input line; (b) a water velocity reduction mechanism at an end of the water input line; (c) a settling tank; and (d) a water output line; and (2) at least one negative pressure filter pump, comprising: (a) a water input line; (b) a water velocity reduction mechanism at an end of the water input line; (c) a filtration tank; (d) a filter cloth in the filtration tank; (e) a sump pump disposed on an opposite side of the filter cloth from the water input line; (f) a water output line connected to the sump pump; and (g) an air vacuum exit line.
US08057663B2 Method and apparatus for recycle of knockout drum bottoms
A process and apparatus for cracking a hydrocarbon feed in a steam cracking furnace by withdrawing a resid-rich stream from a resid knockout vessel and recycling the resid-rich stream through a convection heating section of the furnace.
US08057662B2 Pyrolysis of residual hydrocarbons
A process and apparatus for upgrading heavy hydrocarbons such as asphaltenes to lighter oil and gas components is disclosed. The process provides a reaction environment that promotes fast and selective cracking of heavy hydrocarbons, while minimizing coke formation and fouling and enhancing product yields.
US08057659B2 Detection of analytes in a dual-mediator electrochemical test strip
Determination of an analyte such as glucose in a sample is done making use of a plurality of electron transfer reagents, for example two electron transfer reagents, that work together to transfer electrons between the enzyme and the electrodes. The first electron transfer agent is a mediator that interacts with the enzyme after it has acted on the analyte to regenerate enzyme in its active form. The second electron transfer agent is a shuttle that interacts with the electrodes and optionally the mediator. The oxidation and reduction of the shuttle serves as the major source of current that is measured as an indication of analyte.
US08057658B2 Electrochemical method, apparatus and carbon product
In an electrolytic method for producing nano-scale carbon products, such as carbon nanotubes, first and second graphite electrodes contact a fused-salt electrolyte. A power supply is coupled to the electrodes and first and second voltages are alternately applied to the electrodes. The first voltage is applied such that the first electrode is at a cathodic potential relative to the second electrode, and the second voltage is applied such that the second electrode is at a cathodic potential relative to the first electrode. The method thus advantageously converts the carbon of both electrodes to nano-scale carbon products.
US08057647B2 Electrode mounting structure of surface treatment apparatus
An electrode mounting structure of a surface treatment apparatus in which a metal electrode is disposed so as to oppose to an inner-peripheral surface of a cylinder, the electrode and the cylinder are energized in a state where treatment liquid is interposed between the electrode and the cylinder inner-peripheral surface so as to perform pre-plating or plating to the cylinder inner-peripheral surface, and the metal electrode is detachably attached to a metal electrode holder member. The structure includes a resin coupler having a threaded portion engaged with a threaded portion formed on the electrode holder member.
US08057645B2 System and method for providing electrochemical machining of a device
A system and method for electrochemically machining a work-piece contains a fixture capable of receiving a work-piece and securing the work-piece to the fixture. An electrolyte source is also provided. In addition, the system contains a rotary drive subassembly capable of receiving a portion of the work-piece therein, motion of the rotary drive assembly being determined by a received control signal, wherein frequency and amplitude of the control signal increases and decreases motion of the rotary drive subassembly, and wherein the control signal is a trapezoidal waveform.
US08057643B2 Eco-friendly process for recovery of pyridine and/or its derivatives
A process recovers of pyridine and/or its derivatives from their aqueous mass and/or manufacturing reaction mass by liquid-liquid extraction employing an alkyl acetate. The process further involves effective recovering and recycling of solvents from the aqueous phase and other waste obtained during the process.
US08057641B2 Method and apparatus for pyrolysis of a biomass
A method and apparatus for effective pyrolysis of a biomass utilizing rapid heat transfer from a solid heat carrier or catalyst. Particularly, various embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatuses which incorporate progressive temperature quenching and rapid disengagement of the heat carrier material and reaction product.
US08057635B2 Method and system for the large scale collection, preparation, handling and refining of ligno-cellulosic biomass
A system for collecting ligno-cellulosic biomass over a large area to enable the commercial refining of biomass from 2,500 to in excess of 50,000 tons of biomass per day to produce ethanol or other products. The biomass is collected at a series of collection points and then transported through a network of conduit “loops” interconnecting each of the collection points and the central refining plant. The water used to transport the biomass, as a slurry, is recovered and sequentially recycled in the same pipeline system to push the biomass slurry around the system in a “loop”.
US08057633B2 Post-etch treatment system for removing residue on a substrate
A post-etch treatment system is described for removing photoresist and etch residue formed during an etching process. For example, the etch residue can include halogen containing material. The post-etch treatment system comprises a vacuum chamber, a radical generation system coupled to the vacuum chamber, a radical gas distribution system coupled to the radical generation system and configured to distribute reactive radicals above a substrate, and a high temperature pedestal coupled to the vacuum chamber and configured to support the substrate. The high temperature pedestal comprises a scored upper surface configured to minimize substrate slippage.
US08057632B2 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.
US08057630B2 Selective cure of adhesive in modular assemblies
Methods and systems for decreasing costs (expense, mass, and/or cure time) associated with use of adhesives when assembling modularized components, particularly for assemblies having many elements such as for example battery modules used in electric vehicles. The methods and systems enable use of high-wettability adhesives (defined generally in this application as low viscosity and/or low surface tension adhesives) for assembling such modularized components. A first method including (a) dispensing a high-wettability adhesive into a first module fixture populated with a plurality of elements wherein the first module fixture provides a plurality of bonding wells with each bonding well accepting a first portion of one or more of the elements with the module fixture including one more apertures communicated with one or more of the bonding wells, the adhesive being selectively curable upon application of a curing modality; (b) applying the curing modality selectively to a first portion of the dispensed adhesive in a seal zone, the seal zone including one or more regions surrounding the apertures wherein the dispensed adhesive in the seal zone is sufficiently cured to inhibit significant quantities of the adhesive from emerging from the apertures while the adhesive continues to be dispensed into the module fixture wherein the curing modality is not applied to a second portion of the adhesive outside of the seal zone; and (c) applying the curing modality to the second portion of the dispensed adhesive.
US08057627B2 Tape application method and tape application device
A method and device (1) are provided for applying laminated tapes (2, 3) with an adhesive tape (2) and a cover tape (3) on a surface (4). The tape application device (1) includes a frame (5), a tape winder (8) for the laminated tape (2, 3), a tape winder (9) for the pulled-off cover tape (3), a tape guide (14) and a pressure-exerting device (18) for pressing the adhesive tape (2) onto a surface (4). During application, the cover tape (3) is at some parts detached and guided away from the adhesive tape (2), wherein the adhesive tape (2) can be severed at the detachment point and can be pressed onto the surface (4) with two closely adjacent pressing elements (19, 20).
US08057626B2 Process and system for making noise absorber carpet and a noise absorber carpet made therefrom
A process for making a noise absorber carpet including a fabric layer portion and a resinous backing layer portion including the substantially concurrent steps of continuously feeding a softened resinous backing material from a backing resin feeder onto a backing roll to form a continuous resinous backing sheet thereon, and continuously feeding a heated continuous fabric sheet via a fabric roll onto the backing sheet continuously formed on the backing roll, wherein the backing roll includes spike depressions and perforation pins on its surface, and wherein the fabric roll is located close to the backing roll to press the fabric sheet against the backing sheet as the sheets proceed between the rolls and mold spikes and perforations on the backing sheet, the backing roll being cooled to a temperature range between 10 degrees Celsius and 50 degrees Celsius with a cooling medium to harden said spikes and perforations and provide bonding between the fabric sheet and the backing sheet.
US08057622B2 Process for the production of a laminated composite product and a composite product made by the lamination process
The invention is directed to a process for the making of a product out of laminated composite material. The process in general comprises preforming at least one layer of material such that it corresponds to a surface of a part; applying layers of fibers to the preformed layer of material; and bonding the fibers by a resin to form a laminated composite material.
US08057621B2 Apparatus and method for producing a corrugated product under ambient temperature conditions
A method and apparatus are useful to produce a corrugated product. They can be used to produce a corrugated product at low temperature, such as room temperature. A zero-contact roll is used to support a web of medium material on a cushion of air at a location prior to the web entering the corrugating labyrinth. The web is free to move toward or away from the surface of the zero-contact roll, on the cushion of air, in response to small oscillatory changes in downstream tension demand based on the fluting frequency in the corrugating labyrinth. A mechanism is also provided to precisely control the mean tension in the web prior to entering the corrugating labyrinth at a low value. Thus, mean web tension is precisely controlled and is low, tension oscillations can be damped, and low temperature corrugating can be achieved without significant fracturing in the corrugated web. A single-facer useful to apply a high-solids content adhesive, also desirable for low-temperature corrugating, is also provided.
US08057620B2 Unit and a method for forming absorbent pads used in nappies/diapers
Multilayer absorbent pads for nappy/diaper pants are manufactured on a unit (1) comprising a first device (3a) and a second device (3b) by which respective first and second layers (4a, 4b) of absorbent material (5) are taken up from two infeed stations, shaped, and transferred to two release stations. The devices (3a, 3b) are synchronized in operation, and associated by way of a transfer station (8) at which the first layer (4a) of absorbent material is joined directly to the second layer (4b), positioned selectively and with the second layer still retained by suction on the second device (3b); the two layers are thereupon compressed simultaneously to form an absorbent pad (2) that emerges from the unit as a stable, one-piece core.
US08057619B2 Manufacturing system for an optical display device, manufacturing method for an optical display device, excluding device and excluding method
An optical display device manufacturing system for bonding a first optical member to an optical display unit, comprising an excluding device for excluding a second optical member as an object to be excluded from a long release film that carries the first and second optical members, wherein the excluding device includes a tape member; a tape member rolling means on which the tape member is rolled; a roller for exclusion around which the tape member unrolled from the tape member rolling means is wound; a drive mechanism for shifting the roller for exclusion; and a take-up means for taking up the tape member wound around the roller for exclusion, wherein the excluding device being configured so that when the roller for exclusion is shifted, the second optical member is attached to the tape member and taken up.
US08057617B2 Method for producing tubular body made of fiber reinforced resin and tubular body produced by method
A method for producing a tubular body includes a step of winding at least one of winding bias prepregs, at least one of straight prepregs, and at least one of hoop prepregs round a core. At the winding step, after the hoop prepreg and/or the hoop prepreg are adherently layered in advance on a base prepreg consisting of the bias prepreg or the straight prepreg to form a laminate and/or a laminate, the laminate and/or the laminate are wound on the core so that the hoop prepreg and/or the hoop prepreg are wound on the core integrally with the base prepreg or the base prepreg.
US08057616B2 Nonwoven fabric and method and apparatus for manufacturing same
An apparatus for fabricating a unique nonwoven fabric which has the appearance of a woven fabric includes a supply station for parallel warp yarns, a support structure for orienting the parallel warp yarns into a cylindrical orientation, a weft yarn applicator for wrapping weft yarns around the cylindrically oriented warp yarns after an adhesive scrim has been overlaid onto the warp yarns, a heating station for activating the adhesive and a cooling station for setting the adhesive, and a cutter for severing the cylindrically formed fabric laminate so that it can be flattened and wrapped onto a take-up roller. The weft yarn applicator including a rotating drum wherein a plurality of spools of weft yarn material are mounted in circumferentially spaced relationship and a tensioner is provided for applying the weft yarn material around the warp yarns in a predetermined tension which may be the same as, greater than, or less than the tension in the warp yarns.
US08057614B2 Polymer/WUCS mat for use in sheet molding compounds
A method of forming a molding mat formed bundles of reinforcing fibers and bonding materials is provided. The reinforcing fibers are preferably wet use chopped strand glass fibers (WUCS). The bonding materials may be any thermosetting material having a melting point less than the reinforcing fiber. The molding mat may be formed by partially opening the wet use chopped strand glass fibers and filamentizing the bonding materials, blending the reinforcement and bonding fibers, forming the reinforcement and bonding fibers into a sheet, and bonding the sheet. During bonding, the sheet is heated to a temperature above the melting point of the bonding fibers but below the temperature of the glass fibers. The molding mat thus formed may be used as a reinforcement material in sheet molding compounds.
US08057612B2 Methods of forming a multi-composition pyrotechnic grain
A multi-composition pyrotechnic material is provided for an inflatable restraint device (for example, an airbag system or pretensioner for a vehicle). The multi-composition pyrotechnic material can be a gas generant, a micro gas generant, or an igniter, for example. The multi-composition pyrotechnic material comprises a first pyrotechnic material that defines one or more void regions. A second pyrotechnic material, compositionally distinct from the first pyrotechnic material, is introduced into at least one of the void regions and forms a second region of the pyrotechnic materials. The second composition can be introduced to the void regions in the form of a slurry. Methods of forming such multi-composition pyrotechnic materials are also provided.
US08057611B2 Multi-composition pyrotechnic grain
A multi-composition pyrotechnic material is provided for an inflatable restraint device (for example, an airbag system or pretensioner for a vehicle). The multi-composition pyrotechnic material can be a gas generant, a micro gas generant, or an igniter, for example. The multi-composition pyrotechnic material comprises a first pyrotechnic material that defines one or more void regions. A second pyrotechnic material, compositionally distinct from the first pyrotechnic material, is introduced into at least one of the void regions and forms a second region of the pyrotechnic materials. The second composition can be introduced to the void regions in the form of a slurry. Methods of forming such multi-composition pyrotechnic materials are also provided.
US08057610B2 Monolithic gas generant grains
A gas generant for an inflatable restraint device (for example, an airbag system for a vehicle) is a monolithic compressed solid that has a linear burn rate of greater than or equal to about 1.6 inches per second at a pressure of about 3,000 pounds per square inch. The gas generant can be in the form of an annular disk having a plurality of apertures. The gas generant may be substantially free of binder and may have a low initial surface area which progressively increases during burning. The gas generant provides a gas generation profile that improves restraint of vehicle occupants, including those occupants that are out-of-position. Additionally, the shaped gas generant decreases occupant exposure to toxic effluent combustion products and solid respirable particulates.
US08057608B1 Extraction device and methods
An extraction device for a filter element containing collected particles of target material and an extraction fluid, wherein the device may have a piston and a vibration apparatus for vibrating the filter element to cause particles to move from the filter element and into the extraction fluid. The piston may first create compressed air to urge a first amount of extraction fluid and particles out of the filter element, and may then compress the filter element to urge a second amount of extraction fluid and particles out of the filter element.
US08057605B2 Wind turbine tower washing apparatus and method
A system and method for cleaning tapered towers such wind turbine towers. A semicircular member hugs the tower surface. A plurality of nozzles affixed to the semicircular member sprays high pressure cleaning fluid on the tower surface as the semicircular member is raised and lowered. The spray nozzles are kept at a constant distance from the tower surface by a plurality of wheels affixed to the semicircular member. At least one constricting structure is used to force the plurality of wheels to be in constant contact with the tower surface. The constricting structure can be a spring loaded scissor apparatus and/or a bungee cord with rolling beads. A brush can be optionally added to the semicircular member to aid in cleaning.
US08057602B2 Apparatus and method for supporting, positioning and rotating a substrate in a processing chamber
Embodiments of the invention contemplate a method, apparatus and system that are used to support, position, and rotate a substrate during processing. Embodiments of the invention may also include a method of controlling the transfer of heat between a substrate and substrate support positioned in a processing chamber. The apparatus and methods described herein remove the need for complex, costly and often unreliable components that would be required to accurately position and rotate a substrate during one or more processing steps, such as an rapid thermal processing (RTP) process, a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process, a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process, atomic layer deposition (ALD) process, dry etching process, wet clean, and/or laser annealing process.
US08057601B2 Apparatus and method for supporting, positioning and rotating a substrate in a processing chamber
An apparatus and method for supporting, positioning and rotating a substrate are provided. In one embodiment, a support assembly for supporting a substrate includes an upper base plate and a lower base plate. The substrate is floated on a thin layer of air over the upper base plate. A positioning assembly includes a plurality of air bearing edge rollers or air flow pockets used to position the substrate in a desired orientation inside above the upper base plate. A plurality of slanted apertures or air flow pockets are configured in the upper base plate for flowing gas therethrough to rotate the substrate to ensure uniform heating during processing.
US08057600B2 Method and apparatus for an improved baffle plate in a plasma processing system
The present invention presents an improved baffle plate for a plasma processing system, wherein the design and fabrication of the baffle plate advantageously provides for a uniform processing plasma in the process space with substantially minimal erosion of the baffle plate.
US08057598B2 Manufacturing equipment for polysilicon ingot
Disclosed therein is an apparatus for producing a polycrystalline silicon ingot for a solar cell, which has uniform crystal grains formed by solidifying silicon melted in a crucible using a cooling plate. The polycrystalline silicon ingot producing apparatus includes: a crucible for melting silicon; conveying shafts for adjusting the height of the crucible; heaters for heating the crucible; and a cooling plate located below the crucible for cooling the crucible.
US08057596B2 Carbon-based composite particle for electron emission device, and method for preparing
Disclosed is a carbon-based composite particle for an electron emission source comprising: a particle of a material selected from the group consisting of metals, oxides, and ceramic materials; and a carbon-based material such as a carbon nanotube which is partially buried inside of the particle and which partially protrudes from the surface of the particle.
US08057592B2 Cationic electrodepositable coatings comprising rosin
Cationic electrodepositable coatings comprising rosin, wherein the rosin forms part of the cationic resin backbone, are disclosed.
US08057591B2 Non-asbestos organic friction material
To provide, without increasing the number of manufacturing steps, a friction material that can effectively inhibit water fade, provide good brake effectiveness and a good wear resistance, and give low aggressiveness against the mating surface. In the friction material comprising the inorganic abrasive material and lubricant, the inorganic abrasive material includes 0.5-10 volume % of the inorganic particle relative to the total amount of the friction material, with Mohs' hardness of 5-8 and the average particle diameter of 0.5-10 μm, and the graphite and the petroleum coke in amount of 8-15 volume % relative to the total amount of the friction material. Proportion of the graphite and the petroleum coke is 2:8-3:7 volume ratio, and the average particle diameter of the petroleum coke is 400-900 μm.
US08057587B2 Composition for coloring solder
A method of coloring solder is provided. The method includes providing an aqueous coloring agent solution essentially containing 31-32% wt of copper sulfate, 64-65% wt of water and 3-4% wt of salt and an anti-caking agent, drying a solder seam with a dry cloth to remove excess flux, applying the aqueous coloring agent solution directly onto the solder seam; and wiping away excess amounts of the aqueous coloring agent solution with a second dry cloth.
US08057586B2 Humidity control for product in a refrigerator
The invention provides a produce preserving article comprising a mixture of humectant and silica gel sorbent.
US08057584B2 Pressurised gas container or storage means containing a gas pressurised container with filter means
Hydrogen or methane gas pressure container having a minimum volume of 1 m3 a prescribed maximum filling pressure, has a filter through which oxygen, methane respectively, can flow during uptake. The filter has an adsorbent for adsorbing impurities selected from the group consisting of a higher hydrocarbon, ammonia, an odorous substance, hydrogen sulfide and a mixture of two or more of these substances. The pressure container and the filter comprise porous metal organic frameworks as adsorbent.
US08057582B2 System configuration of pulsed cleaned panel-style filter elements and methods
An air cleaner is provided including a housing having a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet, and an interior. A tubesheet is in the housing interior and has a plurality of openings. The tubesheet is oriented in one of either a generally horizontal or a generally vertical position. A plurality of panel-style filters is provided, with each filter being mounted in a respective one of the openings in the tubesheet. The air cleaner also has a plurality of blowpipes, with each blowpipe being oriented to direct a fluid pulse at a respective one of the panel-style filters at an angle that is: (i) not normal to a plane of the openings in the tubesheets; and (ii) not in line with a general direction of filtration flow through the respective panel-style filter. A method of pulse cleaning panel-style filters oriented in openings of a tubesheet is provided. The method includes directing fluid pulses at each of the panel-style filters at angle that is: (i) not normal to a plane of the openings of the tubesheet; and (ii) not in line with a general direction of filtration flow through the panel-style filters. The panel-style filters are oriented in the tubesheet, and the tubesheet is oriented in one of either a generally horizontal or a generally vertical position.
US08057581B2 Zoned electrical heater arranged in spaced relationship from particulate filter
A system comprises a particulate matter (PM) filter that comprises an upstream end for receiving exhaust gas and a downstream end. A zoned heater is arranged spaced from the upstream end and comprises N zones, where N is an integer greater than one, wherein each of the N zones comprises M sub-zones, where M is an integer greater than one. A control module selectively activates at least a selected one of the N zones to initiate regeneration in downstream portions of the PM filter from the one of the N zones and deactivates non-selected ones of the N zones.
US08057577B2 Desulfurizer for fuel gas for fuel cell and desulfurization method using the same
A desulfurizer for fuel gas for a fuel cell includes: a first adsorption tank including an adsorber having selective adsorption capacity for a thiophene-based compound and a second adsorption tank including an adsorber having selective adsorption capacity for a mercaptan-based compound. The desulfurizer uses separate adsorbers having selective adsorption capacity for a thiophene-based compound and a mercaptan-based compound, in multiple stages to perform a more efficient and economical desulfurizing of a fuel gas to remove various sulfur compounds, especially thiophene-based compounds and mercaptan-based compounds compared to a desulfurizer using a single adsorber.
US08057574B2 Membrane post treatment
The invention relates to polymeric ultrafiltration or microfiltration membranes of, for instance, Halar, PVDF or PP, incorporating PVME or vinyl methyl ether monomers. The PVME may be present as a coating on the membrane or dispersed throughout the membrane or both. The membranes are preferably hydrophilic with a highly asymmetric structure with a reduced pore size and/or absence of macrovoids as a result of the addition of PVME. The PVME maybe cross-linked. The invention also relates to methods of hydrophilising membranes and/or preparing hydrophilic membranes via thermal or diffusion induced phase separation processed.
US08057573B2 Ultrasonic treatment chamber for increasing the shelf life of formulations
An ultrasonic treatment system having a treatment chamber for treating a formulation to increase the shelf life thereof. In one embodiment, the shelf life is produced by degassing the formulation using the treatment chamber. Specifically, the treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which a formulation flows longitudinally from an inlet port to a first outlet port and a second outlet port thereof. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends within the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize the formulation within the housing. An elongate ultrasonic horn of the waveguide assembly is disposed at least in part intermediate the inlet and outlet ports, and has a plurality of discrete agitating members in contact with and extending transversely outward from the horn intermediate the inlet and outlet ports in longitudinally spaced relationship with each other. The horn and agitating members are constructed and arranged for dynamic motion of the agitating members relative to the horn at the predetermined frequency and to operate in an ultrasonic cavitation mode of the agitating members corresponding to the predetermined frequency and the formulation being treated in the chamber.
US08057569B2 Organic recycling with metal addition
The invention is directed to methods for producing a granular nitrogen fertilizer from an organic material comprising adding a metallic salt to said organic material to form a slurry. Preferably the organic material comprises dewatered biosolids and contains water from a scrubber. Metallic salts that can be used comprise a salt of iron, zinc, or a mixture thereof. Preferred iron salts comprises ferric sulfate or ferric oxide, and preferred zinc salts comprises zinc sulfate or zinc oxide. Preferably, the metallic salt is mixed with an acid such as sulfuric acid to form an acidified metal salt. Slurry pH ranges from approximately 2-2.5. The acidified metal salt is added to the organic material in sufficient quantity to lower viscosity of the slurry such that the resulting fluid does not hinder fluid flow during operation. When the metallic salt comprises acidified ferric sulfate or ferrous sulfate, sufficient iron can be present to produce a fertilizer product with 0.1 weight percent to 10 weight percent iron sulfate calculated on a dry weight basis. The invention is also directed to fertilizer products made by the methods of the invention. Preferred products are granules and the metallic salt increases product hardness. Fertilizer granules preferably contain metal that is bioavailable to a plant when used as a fertilizer. Solubility of the metal of the product in water is enhanced, and the product is low staining.
US08057565B2 Air conditioning apparatus
An air conditioning apparatus is disposed above an air conditioned space. The air conditioning apparatus includes a case, a bottom surface panel, a filter, and a filter support part. The bottom surface of the case is open. The bottom surface panel covers part of the open portion of the bottom surface of the case. The filter is accommodated within the case. The filter support part detachably supports the filter such that the filter is separated upward from the bottom surface panel by a predetermined gap.
US08057564B2 Exhaust trap device
Three exhaust trap units are arranged in series in an exhaust trap device for trapping substances solidified from exhaust gas and exhaust gas paths are formed inside the exhaust trap units. One or more collision plates are placed in each trap unit. The collision plates in each of the two upstream side exhaust trap units are arranged such that a space extending in the axial direction of the exhaust path is present therein without being blocked by any of the collision plates. The collision plates in the downstream side exhaust trap unit are arranged such that such a space is not present. Uneven distribution of the amount of accumulation of solidified substances is suppressed without performing complex control, and outflow of the solidified components to the downstream side of the exhaust trap device can be reliably reduced.
US08057563B2 Filter apparatus configuration of pulsed cleaned panel-style filters and methods
An air cleaner includes a housing with a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet, and an interior. A tubesheet is in the housing interior having a plurality of openings. A panel-style filter arrangement is oriented such that each one of the openings in the tubesheet is covered by the panel-style filter arrangement. A plurality of blowpipes are oriented to direct a fluid pulse at a respective one of the openings in the tubesheet covered by the filter arrangement. Preferably, each blowpipe is oriented to direct a fluid pulse at a respective one of the openings in the tubesheet covered by the panel-style filter arrangement at an angle that is: (i) not normal to a plane of the openings in the tubesheet; and (ii) not in line with a general direction of filtration flow through the panel-style filter arrangement.
US08057560B2 Fuel processor having movable burner, method of operating the same, and fuel cell system having the same
A fuel processor having a movable burner, a method of operating the fuel processor, and a fuel cell system having the fuel processor. The fuel processor includes a combustion chamber, a reformer burner, a portion of which is partially disposed inside the combustion chamber, a reformer which is heated by heat transfer from the combustion chamber, and a burner-moving apparatus that moves the reformer burner with respect to the combustion chamber. The method of operating the fuel processor includes determining the load on and a plurality of temperatures within the fuel processor and moving the reformer burner depending upon such information.
US08057559B2 Hydrogen generator and hydrogenation apparatus
The efficiency of dehydrogenation and that of hydrogenation are improved. A hydrogen generator for generating hydrogen by dehydrogenation of organic hydrides in the presence of a catalyst is characterized by comprising a reactor vessel (10) of a multi-tubular structure having a region (12) for supplying fuel to generate heat necessary for dehydrogenation, the region containing a combustion catalyst for combusting fuel, and a region (11) containing a dehydrogenation catalyst necessary for dehydrogenation, the regions being arranged radially side by side with a wall separating them. A hydrogenation apparatus which synthesizes organic hydrides by way of hydrogenation of unsaturated hydrocarbons in the presence of a catalyst is characterized by comprising a reactor vessel (10) of a multi-tubular structure having a region (12) for removing the heat generated by hydrogenation and a region (11) containing a hydrogenation catalyst necessary for hydrogenation, the regions being arranged radially side by side with a wall separating them.
US08057557B2 Fuel additive
A fuel additive for gasoline that increases automobile fuel efficiency and decreases carbon emissions. The fuel additive comprises a composition of olive oil and fuel oil in a ratio, by volume, of about 1 part olive oil to about 8 parts fuel oil. In the preferred embodiment the fuel oil is fuel oil no. 2-D.
US08057555B2 Outer casing of non-aqueous electrolyte battery and production method therefor
An outer casing of a non-aqueous electrolyte battery is capable of being mass-produced as well as thin and resistant to damage. The outer casing 4 comprises a casing body 4a and a cover 4b. After being internally packaged, a non-aqueous electrolyte battery 2, e.g. a lithium-ion polymer secondary battery, is sandwiched between the casing body 4a and the cover 4b, which are then joined together integrally. The cover 4b is formed from a film-shaped sheet material 4c of a synthetic resin to make the outer casing 4 thin. The casing body 4a and the cover 4b have a casing body outer peripheral frame 9 and a cover outer peripheral frame 10, respectively, formed by injection molding. Joint portions of the casing body 4a and the cover 4b have stepped portions 9a and 10a, respectively. The stepped portions ensure the mechanical strength against shock and impact. With this structure, the outer casing 4 is resistant to damage.
US08057553B2 Method for manufacturing solid electrolytic capacitor and solid electrolytic capacitor
A method for manufacturing a solid electrolytic capacitor having a solid electrolyte layer containing an electrically conductive polymer layer formed by electrolytic oxidative polymerization, comprising: forming a dielectric layer on a surface of an anode element containing a valve metal; forming an electrically conductive precoat layer on the dielectric layer; and performing electrolytic oxidative polymerization in an electrolytic polymerization solution containing a monomer, a dopant agent and a chelating agent to form the electrically conductive polymer layer on the electrically conductive precoat layer.
US08057543B2 Stent coating for eluting medication
A vascular stent comprising a drug-eluting outer layer of a porous sputtered columnar metal having each column capped with a biocompatible carbon-containing material is described. This is done by placing the stent over a close-fitting mandrel and rotating the assembly in a sputter flux. The result is a coating that is evenly distributed over the outward-facing side of the stent's wire mesh while preventing the sputtered columnar coating from reaching the inward facing side where a smooth hemocompatible surface is required. The stent is then removed from the mandrel, exposing all surfaces, and finally coated with a layer of carbon such as amorphous carbon or diamond-like carbon. The carbonaceous coating enhances biocompatibility without preventing elutriation of a therapeutic drug provided in the porosity formed between the columnar structures. The result is a stent that is adapted to both the hemodynamic and the immune response requirements of its vascular environment.
US08057542B2 Ossicular prosthesis having helical coil
An ossicular prosthesis includes a proximal end provided with an open conically helical coil for engaging a first ossicular structure, and a distal bell head, piston, or shoe for engaging a second ossicular structure. A connecting element extends therebetween the two to hold the helical coil structure which engages the second ossicular engagement structure in a preferably fixed relationship. The helical coil defines a plurality of spaced apart adjacent windings, with open spaces between the windings. Each adjacent winding decreases in diameter from the proximal to distal end. The windings of the coil may be adjusted relative to each other in length or angle to fit the anatomy. Embodiments of the prosthesis are provided for use as a PORP and a TORP. In accord with a one method of use, the helical coil and optionally other portions of the prosthesis function as an armature or endoskeleton. A cement is provided over the prosthesis to reconstruct the eroded or missing ossicles.
US08057540B2 Method of treating aortic stenosis using an implantable prosthetic valve
A method of implanting a prosthetic valve in a stenosed aortic valve via a catheterization technique. A balloon catheter is advanced into a patient's vasculature and a balloon is expanded within the stenosed aortic valve to push aside the calcified leaflets. The prosthetic valve is then introduced into a patient's vasculature through an 18 French arterial introducer. After advancement through the femoral artery and aorta, the prosthetic valve is radially expanded for implantation in the dilated aortic valve. The prosthetic valve includes a compressible and expandable frame and a valvular structure made with pericardial tissue. The prosthetic valve further includes an internal cover fastened to an internal surface of the frame between an inlet end of the frame and the valvular structure.
US08057536B2 Implant having a surface-proximal magnesium-containing diffusion layer and associated production method
An implant comprising an implant material forming a base made of one or more metallic elements; a diffusion layer covering the base made of at least one of the metallic elements of the implant material and at least magnesium; and, optionally, a metal layer covering the diffusion layer made of magnesium or a biocorrodible magnesium alloy.
US08057533B2 Apparatus with visual marker for guiding deployment of implantable prosthesis
An apparatus for use by an operator in a cavity of a mammalian body with a scope having a distal face providing a field of view. The apparatus includes a flexible elongate member having a distal extremity adapted for extending into the cavity and a proximal extremity accessible from outside of the mammalian body when the distal extremity is disposed in the cavity. An expandable prosthesis is releaseably secured to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member. A visual marker capable of being seen by the operator in the field of view is secured to one of the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member and the prosthesis for facilitating placement of the prosthesis in the mammalian body.
US08057532B2 Implantable frame and valve design
Implantable prosthetic valves comprising support frames are provided. The support frames may include a plurality of symmetrically arrayed interconnected U-shaped member structures. Preferred support frames are tubular structures enclosing a longitudinal axis and including a plurality of U-shaped member structures facing a distal or a proximal end of the support frame. Each U-shaped member structure may be connected to a single longitudinally adjacent U-shaped member facing in an opposite longitudinal direction, as well as two laterally adjacent U-shaped members.
US08057531B2 Stent having circumferentially deformable struts
A method of treating a bodily lumen with a stent including disposing a stent within a bodily lumen in which the stent has a plurality of deformable struts that are substantially circumferentially aligned is described. The deformable struts are configured to selectively deform in a circumferential direction in localized regions in the struts upon application of an outward radial force. The stent is expanded by applying the outward radial force which causes selective deformation of the deformable struts in a localized region in the struts.
US08057526B2 Drug-eluting stent and delivery system with tapered stent in shoulder region
A drug-eluting stent delivery system for the treatment of edge restenosis in a blood vessel. The drug-eluting stent delivery system has a balloon disposed about at least a portion of a catheter, the balloon having a first end and a second end and a working length therebetween, the first end and the second end each including a tapered portion, each tapered portion being attached to the catheter, the balloon being inflatable from a collapsed configuration to an inflated configuration. A drug-eluting stent contacts a wall of the blood vessel to maintain the patency of the vessel. The drug-eluting stent has a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end each including a tapered portion, wherein the drug-eluting stent is disposed over the balloon such that at least a portion of the first end and the second end of the balloon are covered by the tapered drug-eluting stent. A method for making the same is also disclosed herein.
US08057523B2 Set screw with deformable member
The present application is directed to set screws used with fasteners to capture and engage an elongated member. The set screws include a body sized to attach to a receiver of the fastener. A deformable member may be attached to an end of the set screw and provides for the set screw to more fully engage the elongated member to prevent potential damage to the elongated member and prevent the set screw from backing out of the fastener. In one embodiment, just the deformable member contacts the elongated member. In another embodiment, the deformable member and the body contact the elongated member. In yet another embodiment, a contact member is attached to the deformable member to contact against the elongated member.
US08057522B2 Methods and apparatus for providing a retainer for a bone stabilization device
A skeletal fixation apparatus includes: a plate having first and second spaced apart surfaces and a plurality of apertures extending through the surfaces of the plate, each aperture for receiving a respective fixation element for coupling the plate to one or more bones of a patient; and at least one retention element having an elongate member coupled to the plate at first and second ends thereof, wherein the first end of the elongate member is fixed in position and the second end of the elongate member is operable to rotate about the first end such that: (i) at least a portion of the elongate member overlies at least a portion of a first of the apertures when the second end is in at least one first rotational position to retain a first fixation element in the first aperture, and (ii) the elongate member does not substantially overlie the first aperture when the second end is in at least one second rotational position to permit the first fixation element to enter or exit the first aperture.
US08057519B2 Multi-axial screw assembly
The present application is directed to multi-axial screw assemblies to connect a longitudinal member to a vertebral member. In one embodiment, the multi-axial screw assembly includes a screw comprising a threaded shank and an enlarged head. The assembly may also include a body with an upper channel sized to receive the longitudinal member, a lower chamber to receive the head. The body is constructed to maintain the head in the lower chamber.
US08057507B2 Vascular filter
A vascular filter includes a proximal support hoop, a plurality of support struts, and a plurality of capture arms. The proximal support hoop extends around the internal wall of the inferior vena cava in a wave pattern having six distal peaks and six proximal peaks. The proximal support hoop includes an enlarged end element at each peak. The support struts extend longitudinally along the internal wall of the inferior vena cava in a curve. Two capture arms are connected to the proximal support hoop at each distal peak. Each capture arm extends from the distal peak to an apex in a curve. The concave portion of the first curve faces inwardly towards the concave portion of the second curve.
US08057505B2 Embolic protection device
An embolic protection device (2000) comprises a collapsible filter body (102), a filter support (103) for supporting the filter body (102), and a tubular member (108) to which the filter support (103) is mounted. The filter support (103) comprises two round wires (116). Each wire (116) has a “M”-shaped curve (120) in the wire (116) which acts as a strain distributing linking element. In an extended configuration, the concave portion of each curve (120) faces longitudinally in the distal direction. In a collapsed configuration, the concave portion faces radially inwardly towards the tubular member (108) and wraps around part of the tubular member (108) to define a compact, low-profile filter support (103). Tethers (500, 501) extend between the curves (120) and a sleeve (201) slidably mounted to the tubular member (108). The distal end of each tether (500, 501) is fixedly attached to the sleeve (201) and to the filter body (102). The sleeve (201) is slidable over the tubular member (108) between a pair of stops.
US08057501B2 Collapsible lancing device
A lancing device for use with a removable lancet having a sharp tip. The lancet includes a housing. The lancing device can include a handle connected to the housing for movement between a storage position, where the housing and handle are configured to be compactly stowed, and a use position, where the housing and handle are configured to be grasped by a user to perform the piercing operation. The lancing device can include an opening formed in the housing and a tray that is moveable with respect to the housing between an open position, where the lancet can be installed on or removed from the tray, and a closed position, where the lancet can be utilized to perform a piercing operation. The lancing device can include a structure moveable with respect to the housing between a first position, where a first piercing aperture is defined, and a second position, where a second piercing aperture is defined, where the second piercing aperture is larger than the first piercing aperture.
US08057499B2 Ergonomic hand instrument
An ergonomic hand instrument with a finger grip loop and a thumb grip loop also has a forefinger control surface on at least one of the instrument arms. The control surface may include a proximally facing curved wall surface to receive the distal end of the tip of the user's forefinger. Forward and downward pressure can be applied with the forefinger with improved control and stability.
US08057496B2 Mechanical thrombectomy device
A medical device for removing a thrombus from a blood vessel and a process thereof is presented. The device includes an outer sheath with a plurality of lumens. A wire guide inserted through one of the lumens is used to place the device proximate to a thrombus. A chemical lysing agent is used to at least partially lyse the thrombus. A wire basket extended through the first lumen proximate to the thrombus is translated back and forth to generate a force that may be transmitted to the partially lysed thrombus assisting in the formation of smaller fragments. A vacuum coupled to the distal end of the second lumen is used to remove the lysed thrombus fragments.
US08057489B2 Method and apparatus for passing a suture
A suture pushing device includes a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a suturing head at the distal end of the shaft. The suturing head includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw and/or the second jaw have a tissue cutting edge adapted to cut an opening in a tissue. A blunt suture pushing member advances from within the shaft, through the suturing head, and through the cut opening in the tissue to place a suture.
US08057487B2 Methods and apparatus for guiding a needle
A needle is guided to a target along a pre-determined needle insertion trajectory. A method that utilizes a fluoroscope can be used to locate the target. The target can be an internal structure within the human body. A device can be used with the fluoroscope to aim and insert a needle or sharp probe along the pre-determined trajectory to the target. By using the device with the fluoroscope, a user can receive real time visual confirmation of contact between the needle and the target.
US08057486B2 Apparatus and method for inserting implants into the body
An apparatus includes a first tubular member and a second tubular member coupled to the first tubular member. The first tubular member defines a longitudinal axis and a lumen substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis. The lumen of the first tubular member is configured to receive at least a portion of an elongate implant. A distal end portion of the first tubular member is tapered along the longitudinal axis. The second tubular member defines a longitudinal axis and a lumen substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the second tubular member. The second tubular member is coupled to the first tubular member such that the longitudinal axis of the first tubular member is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second tubular member. A distal end portion of the second tubular member is tapered along the longitudinal axis of the second tubular member.
US08057484B2 Retrieval device
An endoscopic surgical device for retrieving objects, such as for example, severed human tissue, foreign objects or impacted food bolus, from within a subject is disclosed. The device includes a body and handle movable relative to the body, a tubular member fixed to the body, a link having a first end fixed to the handle and a second end remote from the body, and a net including a loop and a net element. The loop is expandable and collapsible by action of the handle relative to the body. The loop retains an expanded configuration when deployed to allow for the capture certain objects that were otherwise difficult to capture because of positioning, location, or object characteristics. The loop may be constructed of flat wire and form a polygon shape when deployed. Structure at the distal end of the loop may propel and retain the loop into an open position when in use in narrow organs such as the esophagus.
US08057482B2 Surgical orientation device and method
A device for detecting and measuring a change in angular position with respect to a reference plane is useful in surgical procedures for orienting various instruments, prosthesis, and implants with respect to anatomical landmarks. One embodiment of the device uses three orthogonal rate sensors, along with integrators and averagers, to determine angular position changes using rate of change information. A display provides position changes from a reference position. Various alignment guides are useful with surgical instruments to obtain a reference plane.
US08057475B2 Threaded interbody spinal fusion implant
The present invention is directed to a variety of interbody spinal fusion implants having at least a partially frusto-conical configuration. An external thread is employed to increase implant stability and implant surface area, and for the purpose of advancing the spinal fusion implant into the fusion site. The spinal fusion implants of the present invention may be relatively solid or hollow and may have surface roughenings to promote bone ingrowth and stability. The spinal fusion implants of the present invention may have wells extending into the material of the implant from the surface for the purpose of holding fusion promoting materials and to provide for areas of bone ingrowth fixation.
US08057472B2 Skeletal manipulation method
A method of treating scoliosis in a subject includes securing a scoliosis treatment device to first and second locations on the subject's skeletal system, the scoliosis treatment device including a first portion, a second portion moveably mounted relative to the first portion, and an adjustment device disposed on the device and configured to change a distraction force between the first location and the second location, the adjustment device including a rotationally mounted magnetic element configured to move the second portion relative to the first portion in response to rotation of the magnetic element. An external adjustment device is provided external to the subject and is able to adjust the distraction force between the first location and second location.
US08057468B2 Method to generate a plasma stream for performing electrosurgery
An electrosurgical device to generate a plasma stream and method to perform endoscopic or laparoscopic surgery within a patient's body comprising an electrosurgical generator coupled to a electrical power source to supply power to the electrosurgical device and a plasma generator including an electrode operatively coupled to the electrosurgical generator to receive electrical energy therefrom and concentrically disposed within an inner noble gas conduit to form a plasma channel coupled to a noble gas source to feed noble gas to the inner noble gas conduit and an outer electronegative gas conduit disposed in surrounding coaxial relation relative to the inner noble gas conduit to cooperatively form an electronegative gas channel therebetween coupled to a gas source to feed electronegative gas to the electronegative gas channel or an outer aspiration conduit disposed in surrounding coaxial relation relative to the inner noble gas conduit to cooperatively form an aspiration channel therebetween coupled to a negative pressure source such that the electrode heats the noble gas to at least partially ionize the noble gas to generate the plasma stream to be directed to the surgical site to perform the surgical procedure while the electronegative gas sustains the plasma stream at the surgical site and dilutes the noble gas adjacent the surgical site or the negative pressure source removes fluid and solid debris from the surgical site respectively.
US08057464B2 Light transmission system for photoreactive therapy
A light transmission system to provide photodynamic treatment to a patient includes a single use integrated control module and catheter assembly having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) to transmit light toward target cells within a patient. The integrated light catheter and control module are used in combination with a light activated drug. Selected operating parameters may be programmed into the control module, or it may be wirelessly programmable in situ prior to use to allow user flexibility to tailor treatment for a particular patient or condition. Among the features that prevent reuse are that the control module lacks access to recharge the power source, and it may include a deactivation module that destroys circuitry or software when triggered. To prevent patient interference when in use, the control module may also be configured to selectively deactivate.
US08057463B2 Adaptive pattern correction for laser scanners
A system for adaptive laser scanning correction includes a laser scanner coupled to a controller. The controller develops control signals for the laser scanner for a directed scan pattern that is modified to compensate for a characteristic scan-pattern distortion introduced by the laser scanner. The laser scanner responds to the control signals to provide an actual scan pattern approaching a target scan-pattern shape. The system may be useful for ophthalmologic laser surgery and other applications requiring precise control over scan pattern shape and a high scanning speed.
US08057459B2 Method for delivering therapeutic or diagnostic agents
An agent delivery device includes an inner tubular body having a proximal end, a sharpened distal end, a delivery lumen extending therebetween, and one or more outlet ports on the distal end communicating with the delivery lumen. The device also includes one or more seals sealing the one or more outlet ports, the one or more seals capable of being melted to allow a fluid to be delivered from the delivery lumen through the one or more outlet ports. The agent delivery device may further include a monopolar or bipolar electrode and/or a radio-opaque marker carried at the distal end of the device. The inner tubular body can be made from a conductive material to thereby allow the inner tubular body to function as an electrode.
US08057455B2 Shorts type disposable diaper
An outer packaging sheet in a paper diaper is provided with: hip elastic bands including a plurality of hip elastic members arranged from one joint end portion individually at a front and at a back to the other joint end portion; curved elastic bands including a plurality of curved elastic members extending from one of the joint end portions individually at the front and at the back to the side of a crotch portion and arranged over the other joint end portion while bypassing that crotch portion; and an absorbent body arranged in the crotch portion. The curved elastic bands are formed to cover such areas of the outer packaging sheet substantially as are enclosed by the edge portions of the outer packaging sheet, the absorbent body and the hip elastic bands.
US08057454B2 Systems and methods for hydration sensing and monitoring
Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for determining hydration of an article and/or a person. The physical and/or electrical properties of a device in the absorbent article may be altered by hydration received in the absorbent article. The alteration of the physical or electrical properties may indicate the amount of hydration in the absorbent article. Furthermore, a time period for receiving the hydration in the absorbent article may also be determined. The hydration of the person may be determined based on a fluid output rate from the person computed using the amount of hydration output from the person and the time period for receiving the hydration.
US08057452B2 Brassiere for expressing milk
A brassiere for supporting the breasts of a wearer and for receiving and supporting a funnel for expressing breast milk, comprising a pair of cups, at least one of which includes a first portion and a second portion having at least one elastic band. The first and second portion of the cup are expandable to allow a funnel to be selectively inserted between and under said first portion and said second portion so as to contact said breast for expressing milk.
US08057449B2 Apparatus and method for administering reduced pressure treatment to a tissue site
The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to a system and method for administering reduced pressure at a tissue site. The apparatus includes a reduced pressure source. The reduced pressure source generates a reduced pressure. The apparatus includes a tube having a plurality of lumens. The plurality of lumens includes at least one collection lumen. The reduced pressure source applies the reduced pressure to the tissue site through the plurality of lumens such that the at least one collection lumen receives fluid from the tissue site. The at least one collection lumen stores the fluid received from the tissue site.
US08057444B2 Device for holding a cannula and for the releasable arrangement on an injection pen
A device for holding a cannula and for the releasable arrangement on an injection pen, with a basic body, wherein the cannula is arranged in the basic body in a manner such that it is substantially non-displaceable along the central axis thereof. Latching provisions are arranged on the circumferential surface of the basic body. The latching provisions are designed in order to be engaged behind by mating latching provisions of a release mechanism of a storage or disposal container for the device.
US08057440B2 Anchoring system for use with neonates
A catheter securement device holds a medical article by securing an anchor member to an attachment region of a neonate. The attachment region is located on the body of the neonate. The catheter securement device defines a central channel into which at least a portion of the medical article is inserted. The catheter securement device includes at least one mounting wing and a body member. The mounting wing contacts the anchor member over the attachment region and lifts the medical article away from the neonate's skin. At least a portion of the body member is located in a distal direction from the attachment region and does not directly contact the neonate's skin. A soft material may be inserted between the distal portion of the body member and the neonate's skin to further inhibit rocking of the medical article upon the neonate.
US08057438B2 Surgical system having a magnetic entry
A surgical portal apparatus for receiving medical instrumentation includes a portal member adapted for passage through tissue for providing access to an underlying tissue site, and having a longitudinal opening extending therethrough. The portal member has a magnetic material for creating a magnetic field adapted to urge magnetically responsive instrumentation at least toward the longitudinal opening to permit passage therethrough and use of the instrumentation in performing a medical procedure adjacent the tissue site.
US08057435B2 Fluid dispenser
A compact fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments, such as analgesics and like medicinal agents from the device reservoir which is provided in the form of a novel bellows-type assembly. The fluid dispenser includes a unique stored energy mechanism that provides the force necessary to continuously and substantially uniformly expel fluid from the device reservoir. The device also includes a novel adjustable flow rate control assembly that is disposed intermediate the fluid reservoir outlet and the outlet port of the device for precisely controlling the rate of fluid flow from the outlet port toward the patient.
US08057434B2 Injection apparatus having a needle cassette for delivering a pharmaceutical liquid
An apparatus for delivering a pharmaceutical liquid to a patient includes an outer casing; a needle cassette housed in the casing and containing a plurality of mutually parallel drug injection needles; a drug cartridge housed in the casing, containing a liquid and including a sealable aperture for accessing the liquid; a direct drive assembly housed in the casing and engageable with the drug cartridge to expel a measured dose of the liquid through the aperture; a lifter assembly housed in the casing and engageable with the needle cassette to drive one of the plurality of needles partially out of the casing and into a patient while also accessing the liquid in the drug cartridge through the scalable aperture, and thereafter to withdraw the needle from the patient while halting access of the liquid through the sealable aperture after the measured dose of the liquid has been administered through the needle; motor means in the casing for driving the direct drive assembly and the lifter assembly; computer means for activating the direct drive assembly and the lifter assembly; and a control panel for enabling a user to activate the apparatus.
US08057431B2 Hinged cap for needle device
A hinged cap device for use with a syringe includes a base defining an interior cavity for mounting onto a tip and a cap connected to the base by a living hinge. The cap is moveable from a ready position to an open position to expose a needle, and from the open position to a secured position to prevent relative rotation between the cap and the base. A first latching mechanism is on the cap for engaging the needle, the first latching mechanism locatable on a first side of the needle in the ready position and locatable on a second side of the needle in the secured position. The needle is disengageable from the first latching mechanism in the ready position, and the needle is not disengageable from the first latching mechanism in the secured position. The hinged cap device may also include a second latching mechanism to further prevent relative rotation between the cap and the base.
US08057427B2 Drug delivery system with a small amount of a therapeutic agent
A drug delivery system includes an automatic injector that can deliver a small, precise amount of a therapeutic agent. The automatic injector includes a chamber for containing a liquid component and a thin porous member that carries thereon and/or therein the small, precise amount of therapeutic agent. Upon activation of the automatic injector, a flow path opens from the chamber through the porous member, enabling the liquid component to rapidly mix with the therapeutic agent before being injected.
US08057424B2 Loop-tip catheter
A hemodialysis catheter, including an elongate body with an outer wall enclosing an arterial lumen and a venous lumen, and a method of making same. A loop extends from a distal end of the body and defines an enclosed opening. An arterial inlet in fluid communication with the arterial lumen, and a venous outlet in fluid communication with the venous lumen, are positioned on the loop.
US08057423B2 Dialysis system having disposable cassette
A dialysis system includes a dialysis instrument; a disposable cassette, the cassette including a rigid portion defining at least one pumping chamber, a pouch fitted over the rigid portion, the pouch including at least one flexible sheet sealed so as to provide a sealed environment inside the pouch; and wherein the instrument is configured to press the at least one flexible sheet against the pumping chamber to seal the pumping chamber for operation.
US08057421B2 Modular arterio-venous shunt device and methods for establishing hemodialytic angioaccess
The present invention provides an implantable modular AV shunt device, which is capable of monitoring and reporting its own patency, and which comprises a plurality of modular components that may be assembled and adjusted by the vascular surgeon during the implantation procedure, using well-known surgical techniques, in order to provide a custom fit and arrangement for the particular patient involved. The device comprises an arterial anastomotic valve that permits blood flowing through an artery to pass into the shunt device, a venous anastomotic valve that permits blood flowing through the shunt device to pass into a vein, a medial flow control unit, a first flexible shunt that carries blood from the arterial anastomotic valve to the medial flow control unit, a second flexible shunt that carries blood from the medial flow control unit to the venous anastomotic valve, and a valve control system. The valve control system is operable to control both the rate at which blood is permitted to enter the shunt device via the arterial anastomotic valve, as well as the rate at which blood is permitted to exit the shunt device via the venous anastomotic valve.
US08057419B2 Blood perfusion system
An extracorporeal blood perfusion system includes a disposable assembly and a control unit having a control interface region. The interface region includes pump assemblies for selective pumping of venous blood, arterial blood, cardioplegia solution, suctioned blood and blood removed from the left ventricle. Valve assemblies control the flow of fluids through the assembly and to/from the patient and sensors monitor various fluid parameters including temperature and pressure within the various fluid circuits. The user interface is a functional screen interface for effecting the operation of the control unit and valve assemblies. The screen interface may be a touch screen having objects that corresponds to the component interface region. The display may be selectively controlled to provide graphic depictions of disposable assembly components with corresponding narrative instructions.
US08057418B2 Devices and methods for extracorporeal ablation of circulating cells
Methods and devices are provided for the extracorporeal ablation of target cells circulating in blood of an organism. Exogenous material introduced into the blood preferentially associates with target cells (e.g. cancer cells, bacteria, viruses) in the blood. An extracorporeal continuous flow pathway accesses the patient's blood to apply an external energy source to the blood at an ex vivo ablation device in a portion of the extracorporeal continuous flow pathway. The exogenous material interact with the applied energy so as to result in the damage or death of the target cells. The blood is then returned to the body in a continuous-flow pattern. By applying the energy while the blood is in the ex vivo ablation device, shielding of the target cells by the body is reduced and detrimental effects on the organs and tissues of the body are avoided or mitigated.
US08057415B2 Trauma cervical stability device and methods of using same for diagnostic purposes
Trauma cervical stability devices for use by ambulatory personnel arriving at the scene of an injured patient are disclosed. The trauma cervical stability devices comprise a cap element, releasable and adjustable head straps, a shoulder harness, and at least one adjustable member operatively connected to the cap element and the shoulder harness. The trauma cervical stability devices are compact, easy to use, inexpensive to manufacture, and can be placed on a patient with little or no movement of the patient. The trauma cervical stability devices are also useful in diagnosing the severity of damage to a neck and the stability of the patient's neck by applying forces to the patient's head using the trauma cervical stability device. In another embodiment of the devices the devices comprise head straps 210, shoulder harnesses 220, lateral head elements 212, and adjustable pressure fixation elements 214. The fixation elements may be vacuum pillows.
US08057408B2 Pulsed cavitational ultrasound therapy
Therapy methods using pulsed cavitational ultrasound therapy can include the subprocesses of initiation, maintenance, therapy, and feedback of the histotripsy process, which involves the creation and maintenance of ensembles of microbubbles and the use of feedback in order to optimize the process based on observed spatial-temporal bubble cloud dynamics. The methods provide for the subdivision or erosion of tissue, liquification of tissue, and/or the enhanced delivery of therapeutic agents. Various feedback mechanisms allow variation of ultrasound parameters and provide control over the pulsed cavitational process, permitting the process to be tuned for a number of applications. Such applications can include specific tissue erosion, bulk tissue homogenization, and delivery of therapeutic agents across barriers.
US08057404B2 Blood sensor, blood testing apparatus, and method for controlling blood testing apparatus
A blood sensor including a base (12), a detection part (16) disposed on the base (12), a blood collection needle (13) disposed at a front end (12a) of the base (12), a negative pressure generation part (17) for applying negative pressure to a portion of the blood collection needle (13), and a supply path (15) for supplying blood collected by the blood collection needle (13) to a detection part (16).
US08057400B2 System and method of measuring changes in arterial volume of a limb segment
A medical diagnostic device performs diagnostics for assessing the ability of the arteries to respond to an increase in blood flow. The medical diagnostic device determines relative changes in arterial volume of the limb segment during a time period after a stimulus relative to the arterial volume of the limb segment during a baseline period using the amplitudes or other portions of the component pulse waves (such as early systolic components) of volume pulse waves during the baseline period and after the stimulus.
US08057399B2 Anchor for an implantable sensor
An anchor for an implantable medical device, for example, and implantable physiologic sensor, includes a proximal hub portion, an intermediate portion extending radially and distally from the hub portion, and a distal portion extending distally from the proximal portion and adapted to engage an inner surface of a target vessel for securing the implantable medical device therein. The anchor can assume a collapsed configuration for delivery through a catheter, and an expanded configuration for fixation within the vessel once deployed. The intermediate portion extends from the proximal portion at an oblique angle, allowing the anchor to be retracted and re-collapsed within the delivery catheter after initial deployment, if re-positioning or removal of the implantable medical device is necessary or desired.
US08057398B2 Method, system, and apparatus for cardiovascular signal analysis, modeling, and monitoring
Disclosed embodiments of the invention include a method, system, and apparatus to monitor cardiovascular signals such as arterial blood pressure (ABP), pulse oximetry (POX), and intracranial pressure (ICP).The system can be used to calculate and monitor useful clinical information such as heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse pressure variation (PPV), harmonic phases, pulse morphology, and for artifact removal. The method uses a statistical state-space model of cardiovascular signals and a generalized Kalman filter (EKF) to simultaneously estimate and track the cardiovascular parameters of interest such as the cardiac fundamental frequency and higher harmonics, respiratory fundamental frequency and higher harmonics, cardiac component harmonic amplitudes and phases, respiratory component harmonic amplitudes and phases, and PPV.
US08057396B2 Device for assessing a cardiac valve
Devices for assessing the size, shape, and topography of vessel lumens and hollow portions of organs are described. The devices are particularly adapted for determining the size, shape, topography, and compliance of the native heart valves to facilitate the later implantation of a prosthetic heart valve. The devices are typically catheter-based having an assessment mechanism fixed to a distal end of the catheter. The assessment mechanism generally includes an expandable member, such as a balloon. The assessment mechanism may also include an imaging member, a physical assessment member, an electronic mapping construction, an alignment mechanism, a valvuloplasty balloon, or any combination thereof.
US08057395B2 Resolution optical and ultrasound devices for imaging and treatment of body lumens
A rotationally vibrating imaging catheter and method of utilization has an array of ultrasound or optical transducers and an actuator along with signal processing, display, and power subsystems. The actuator of the preferred embodiment is a solid-state nitinol actuator. The actuator causes the array to oscillate such that the tip of the catheter is rotated through an angle equal to or less than 360 degrees. The tip is then capable of rotating back the same amount. This action is repeated until the desired imaging information is acquired. The rotationally vibrating catheter produces more imaging points than a non-rotating imaging catheter and eliminates areas of missing information in the reconstructed image.Rotationally vibrating catheters offer higher image resolution than stationary array catheters and greater flexibility and lower costs than mechanically rotating imaging catheters.The rotationally vibrating array carried on a catheter is vibrated or rocked forward and backward to allow for acquisition of three-dimensional information within a region around the transducer array.The addition of adjunctive therapies to the imaging catheter enhances the utility of the instrument. Examples of such therapies include atherectomy, stent placement, thrombectomy, embolic device placement, and irradiation.
US08057390B2 High-resolution mapping of bio-electric fields
A current source density mapping system includes an ultrasound transducer emitting an ultrasound wave traveling along an ultrasound beam directed at a mapping field in a region of living tissue and an ultrasound pulser delivering a transmit pulse to said ultrasound transducer. The system includes a timing device producing controlled excitation of the transmit pulse; a plurality of recording electrodes positioned in contact with the living tissue detecting an acoustoelectric voltage signal generated at a bioelectric current source and within a focal zone of said ultrasound beam. An amplifier operatively connected to the recording electrodes amplifying the acoustoelectric voltage signal at a predetermined gain; and an analyzing component comprising a digitizer, a sampling device, a signal processor and a display unit operatively connected to the amplifier determining the location of the bioelectric current source by analyzing the acoustoelectric voltage signal detected by the recording electrodes in response to an interaction between the ultrasound wave and the presence of a current source in the mapping field.
US08057387B2 System, method and apparatus for regulating vacuum supplied to surgical tools
A system, method and apparatus for regulating vacuum applied to surgical suction devices allowing the use of a single vacuum regulator and associated canister to provide vacuum to two suction devices, such as a suction stabilizer and a suction retractor. Vacuum controllers may be placed in the vacuum lines provided to each of two or more suction devices, or may be placed only in the vacuum line of the suction device believed most likely to detach during the procedure. Each vacuum controller is provided with a primary vacuum line, coupling its associated suction device to the output of the vacuum regulator and a pilot passage, also coupling the suction device to the vacuum regulator. The controller closes a valve in the main vacuum line in response to loss of vacuum attachment, which valve remains closed until attachment is reestablished. Closure of the valve results in substantial or complete blockage of the main vacuum line. The pilot passage, which may be part of the valve or a separate vacuum line, serves to allow reestablishment of vacuum attachment while the valve is closed. The pilot passage is configured so that airflow through the pilot passage is low enough that the other suction device or devices coupled to the vacuum regulator can still maintain vacuum attachment.
US08057386B2 Integrated endoscope and accessory treatment device
An integrated endoscope and accessory treatment device is provided. The device employs a medical treatment device at its distal end that is combined with the endoscope as a complete system. The treatment device is controlled by integrated elements at the proximal end of the endoscope. The treatment devices may include tissue apposition devices, tissue cutting devices, forceps and others.
US08057384B2 Methods and devices for reducing hollow organ volume
Methods and devices for providing a minimally-invasive placement of a mechanical structure for reducing the volume of a hollow body organ. Intragastric bands may be secured within the hollow body organ and then reduced in diameter to form a stricture within the hollow body organ. The strictures may be placed anywhere within the hollow body organ, and more than one stricture may be formed within the hollow body organ.
US08057382B2 Implantable article and method
An implantable article and method are disclosed for treating pelvic floor disorders such as vaginal vault prolase. A surgical kit useful for performing a surgical procedure such as a sacral colpopexy is also described.
US08057380B2 Process for operating an open thermotherapy device
A process is provided for operating a thermotherapy device with a bed surface (10) and with discharge channels for conditioned air in the longitudinal direction of the bed surface (10) and on the foot side (3) thereof as well as with an exhaust unit (11) above the bed surface (10). The air being discharged from the discharge channels is directed towards the exhaust unit (11) such that the discharge angle α changes continuously as a function of the distance between the exhaust unit (11) and the site of the discharge flow from the discharge channels, the elevation angle β changes continuously as a function of the distance between the exhaust unit (11) and the site of the discharge flow from the discharge channels, and the value of the velocity of the discharge flow changes continuously as a function of the site of the discharge flow from the discharge channels.
US08057374B2 Ergonomic tool lifting machine and method
An ergonomic tool lifting machine and method particularly useful for manipulating a machine tool or another heavy object. In one embodiment of the invention, the machine tool is a large milling cutter. The ergonomic tool lifting machine generally includes an articulating arm attached at a fixed end to a vertical lift mechanism, and at a free end to a grasping device or tool holder adapted for gripping and retaining an object of interest. When the object is a milling cutter, the ergonomic tool lifting machine may be used to transfer the cutter between a stored position and an installed position in a milling machine. Consequently, the tool holder of this embodiment is preferably able to rotate between a pick-up/drop-off position and an installation/removal position associated with the cutter. In general, the ergonomic tool lift machine allows heavy loads to be accurately moved with very little effort required on the part of an operator.
US08057372B2 Resistance chair with wheels
A resistance chair with wheels assists users with performing correct abdominal crunches by guiding the user's effort. The resistance chair includes a seat connected to a hinged back with back support that extends to support the user's back and assist in the crunch recovery following the crunch extension.
US08057369B1 Buoyant aquatic exercise chair
Floatable chair devices, apparatus, systems and methods of using the chair having buoyant material in the headrest as well as the arm rests to provide for a stable floatation platform that would suspend the user to “lounge” or relax or engage in various exercises. The chair can be adjusted by moveable and extendable outrigger floats and/or a head rest, Parallel sideway extending gripping handles can provide the ability to maintain control of the chair and prevent the user from drifting out of the chair during various rigorous exercises. The seat can incorporate unique features to hold the user in place to facilitate the various exercise and prevent “drift” out of the chair yet not secure the individual to the seat in a way that would prevent rapid separation from the device in case of capsize or a compromised position that could increase the risk of drowning. The chair can be easily maneuvered around a swimming pool by kicking with the legs or propelled forward or backward by arm movements. The chair can include a molded back and torso section to the seat to optimize range of motion of the upper extremities and in the lower seat portion of the chair range of motion of the lower extremities. Additional resistance elements, such as but not limited to weighted bands and elongated resistance bands can be used. Methods of doing exercises in one's legs, arms, stomach, and the like, can be used.
US08057368B1 Three-point adjustable multi-purpose exercise machine
A multipurpose exercise machine requiring only three points of adjustment centrally located. It has a one point height adjustment and two adjustments for the rotating arm assemblies. Dip and chin up bars are attached to the arm assemblies. The machine contains an integrated swingable workout bench. Through the use of a pulley system and counter balance assembly, the cable system maintains tension and provides a constant length of cable.
US08057365B1 Method and means for recording and displaying martial arts achievements
A method for recording and displaying achievements on a martial arts belt is provided with a base member, which is removably or permanently coupled with the martial arts belt. A plurality of achievement indicators are provided to releasably engage the base member and display indicia relating to particular achievements. Indicia may be disposed along the base member and read using an electronic scanner that is coupled with a computer to track individual student attendance. Software may be provided for storing and organizing data relating to the achievements and attendance of each student.
US08057363B2 Home ARC exercise machine
An exercise device comprising: a foot support arranged on a frame for supporting a user standing upright on the foot support, the foot support being movable on the frame back and forth between a rearward position and a forward position along an arcuate path; the foot support being supported in a cantilevered arrangement on a rear linkage that is pivotally mounted on the frame for back and forth movement.
US08057351B2 Planetary gear device with two sun gears having different diameters
A planetary gear device having two sun gears with different diameters that engage with double planet gears having a first gear teeth area, which interacts with the fist sun gear, and a second gear teeth area, which interacts with the second sun gear. The double planet gears are continuous helical gear wheels. The crown circle diameters of the gear teeth areas of the double planet gears and the crown circle diameters of the sun gears are adapted such that the pitch circle diameters between the double planet gears and the sun gears are arranged in the center between the crown circle diameters and the effective root diameters of the gear teeth areas of the double planet gears and the sun gears.
US08057350B2 8-speed transmission
The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting mechanisms, two fixed interconnections and two grounded members. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The five torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
US08057349B2 Multi-speed transmission
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices are clutches and brakes.
US08057347B2 Power transmitting apparatus
A power transmitting apparatus can be configured to switch between 2-wheel drive mode and 4-wheel drive mode and to lock and unlock a differential device. The power transmitting apparatus can comprise an input shaft connected to a driving power source i.e. an engine of vehicle and rotated around one rotational axis, a pair of output shafts of left and right sides for driving front wheels or rear wheels of vehicle when driving force is transmitted from the input shaft, a differential device arranged between the input shaft and the output shafts for absorbing the difference of rotation between the output shafts by differential action thereof, an operational shaft for performing connection and disconnection between the input shaft and output shafts by connecting and disconnecting the input shaft and the output shafts and also performing locking and unlocking of the differential means, a driving means for arbitrarily driving the operational shaft, and a case mounted on a vehicle and containing the differential means and the operational shaft characterized in that the input shaft extends from a rear side of the case facing toward the engine substantially in parallel with the operational shaft; and that the driving means is arranged on the rear side of the case.
US08057346B2 Automatic stepless transmission
An automatic stepless transmission includes a driving shaft, a driving disk rotatable by the driving shaft, and a clutch assembly rotatable by the driving disk. Two parallel guiding slots are provided on the driving shaft. An eccentric plate with a notch is sleeved onto the driving shaft. A compressible resilient regulation mechanism is disposed between the notch and the driving shaft. The driving disk is installed on the eccentric plate via a bearing. The eccentric plate offsets in relation to the axis of the driving shaft, and at the same time the eccentric plate drives the driving disk offset. The automatic stepless transmission can compress or release the resilient regulation mechanism according to loads. The eccentricity between the eccentric plate and the driving shaft can therefore be adjusted, and the eccentric plate can drive the driving disk to move. Thus, the eccentricity of the driving disk can be regulated without manual work. The transmission has a simple structure and can be operated easily. It can adjust the transmission ratio automatically. Therefore the cost and the failure rate can be reduced efficiently.
US08057342B2 Plate-link chain for a motor vehicle drive system
A plate-link chain for a motor vehicle drive system. The chain includes a plurality of link plates hingedly connected with each other by rocker members that extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the plate-link chain and are positioned in openings of the link plates. The rocker members and link plates each have curved contact surfaces. The rocker members also have curved rolling surfaces along which the rocker members roll against each other. The rocker members are shaped asymmetrically in the height direction, and the contact surfaces are provided on upper and lower contact surface regions. The rocker members also have at least two regions with different curvatures in the regions of their rolling surfaces.
US08057338B2 Bicycle sprocket apparatus with reinforcement between sprockets
A bicycle sprocket apparatus comprises a sprocket support, a first sprocket coupled to the sprocket support at a plurality of circumferentially spaced first sprocket mounting locations, a second sprocket coupled to the sprocket support at a plurality of circumferentially spaced second sprocket mounting locations, and a reinforcement member other than the sprocket support. The reinforcement member is disposed between the first sprocket and the second sprocket between a pair of the first sprocket mounting locations and between a pair of the second sprocket mounting locations.
US08057335B1 Brake actuation assembly
An emergency braking system for use in connection with a drive apparatus including a drive belt and pulley system for transferring power from a prime mover to a transmission or transaxle. The braking system includes a pulley engaged to the drive belt and a spring engaged to the pulley to provide a bias force thereto. When tension from the belt is removed from the pulley, the spring forces the pulley into engagement with an actuator to engage a brake mechanism.
US08057334B2 Accessory drive tensioner assembly
An accessory drive tensioner assembly may include a bracket assembly, a fastener and a tensioner hub. The bracket assembly may include first and second bearings axially spaced from one another. The fastener may extend through the first and second bearings to rotationally couple the bracket assembly to an engine structure and may define a rotational axis for the bracket assembly. The tensioner hub may be coupled to the bracket assembly and may be located axially between the first and second bearings.
US08057330B2 Adaptors for mounting arrowheads to arrow shafts
Adaptors for mounting arrowheads to arrow shafts are disclosed. Example embodiments include an outer attachment portion that engages the outer surface of a hollow arrow shaft, and an inner attachment portion that engages the inner surface of the hollow arrow shaft. Other embodiments may include single-piece adaptors configured to receive the end of a hollow arrow shaft, and adaptors with arrowhead receiving portions. Still other embodiments may include an inner attachment portion that is inserted into the hollow of a hollow arrow shaft and an outer attachment portion that surrounds and receives the outer surface of the hollow arrow shaft.
US08057329B2 Retractable court standard and methods of use
An improved retractable court standard is described. The retractable court standard typically comprises a plurality of elongated tubular sections and an elongated top section. Each of the elongated tubular sections has a top end and a bottom end, and different dimension. Additionally, the elongated top section typically has a top end and a bottom end, and a net securing assembly coupled proximal the top end. At least one elongated tubular section is slidably and rotatably disposed within another circumferentially adjacent elongated tubular section. Importantly, the at least one elongated tubular section has one of at least one rotational locking channel and at least one securing pin. The circumferentially adjacent elongated tubular section has the other of the at least one rotational locking channel and the at least one securing pin. Methods of extending, retracting, and storing the improved retractable court standard are also described.
US08057328B2 Concept for making goal decisions by means of magnetic fields
A method for deciding whether a movable object has been brought through a goal having a goal area defined by the goal, an internal magnetic field being measurable, within the goal area or in parallel with the goal area, which is larger than an external magnetic field present outside the goal area, the method including a step of generating the internal magnetic field within the goal, a step of providing information about a magnetic field experienced by the movable object, and a step of evaluating the information about the magnetic field to provide a goal statement by means of a detection that the movable object has passed through the internal magnetic field.
US08057327B2 Method of custom fitting a golf club or like game implement
A method of custom fitting a golf club or like implements having a shaft and a club head at a lower end thereof. The method utilizes the centerline of the shaft to determine the proper lie angle and true playing length for the shaft. A pointing device is attached to the shaft such that a projected point thereof is aligned with the centerline of the shaft to extend the centerline to the sole of the club head. The club head is placed on a universal setup mat with the club face aligned with the baseline thereof and the projected point on a target line where the sweet spot of the club head should hit a ball. A lie angle protractor on the mat is folded upward so the lie angle can be read from the protractor. The method also determines the proper grip size for the handle of the shaft.
US08057325B2 Golf balls having two or more core layers formed from HNP compositions
The present invention is directed to golf balls consisting of a dual-layer core and a cover. The core consists of an inner core layer formed from a relatively hard HNP composition and an outer core layer formed from a relatively soft HNP composition. The outer core layer has an outer surface hardness less than the outer surface hardness of the inner core layer.
US08057322B2 Golf club head
A golf club head according to one or more aspects of the present invention may include a strike face, a rear wall behind the strike face, and a perimeter-weighting element at least partially surrounding the rear wall. The club head may further include a preload spacer associated with the rear wall and a resilient component associated with the perimeter-weighting element. The preload spacer engages the resilient component to provide positive reinforcement of the coupling between the resilient component and the perimeter-weighting element.
US08057321B2 Golf alignment device and method
A portable, expandable golf training device that can be placed on the ground to provide alignment. The present invention can supply a plurality of light beams produced by lasers or other light sources or a plurality of extendable tapes to provide alignment both in the direction of play and perpendicular to it. The device can be used by placing it on the ground in front of the golfer (between the golfer's feet and the ball. Two lines can project outward perpendicular to the direction of play, and two or four lines can project into and away from the direction of play. These lines provide alignment for the golfer. The tape can be a flat, elongated flexible tape similar to a measuring tape.
US08057320B2 Interchangeable shaft and club head connection system
Disclosed herein is a golf club including a shaft, a club head and several devices for releasably connecting the shaft to the club head.
US08057319B2 Training balls for pool
A training ball for pool type games. The training ball may comprise an array of visually coded bounded shapes disposed on the spherical exterior surface, wherein each one visually coded bounded shape has a characteristic visual coding such as color, and a diametrically opposed corresponding visually coded bounded shape having substantially identical characteristic visual coding, and wherein the array covers substantially all of the spherical exterior surface of the solid sphere. All of the visually coded bounded shapes display characteristic visual coding which is easily visually discernible from each adjacent one of the visually coded bounded shapes. In an associated method of play or practice, a player may visually hypothesize a straight line passing through the center of the training ball using the opposed similar visually coded bounded shapes, mentally set up a shot, and then execute that shot.
US08057316B2 Bumper boat amusement attractions, methods and systems and water effect device usable in same
An amusement device that is added to a new or existing bumper boat attraction, consisting of a singular or plurality of targets, lights, water effect devices, and a control system or module. The target may be comprised of a mechanical switch, pressure switch, sensor, optical beam, or any other device for detecting a participant signal. When a participant operating a bumper boat, bumps (or sprays if equipped with onboard squirt guns), or enters into the sensor area of pool, a signal is sent to a control module or control system. The control module or system will in turn send a signal to a water effect device, actuating a singular or plurality of valves. The water effect device will be directed over the pool or arena area such that there is a possibility of other participants getting wet. A water effect device may consist of a water cannon, water blast, mist, air assisted mist, dumping of water or water spray.
US08057315B2 Shaft assembly
A shaft assembly, comprising: a generally hollow shaft having first and second ends and at least one internal tube positioned within the shaft so as to be adapted to be placed under tension to control the natural frequency of the shaft. The shaft assembly has a predetermined length and the series of internal tubes has a cumulative length that is greater than the predetermined length of the shaft.
US08057312B2 Tripod constant-velocity joint
A needle bearing functioning as a rolling element comprises a uniform-diameter body part and bottom surfaces shaped in flat surfaces. A tapered reduced-diameter part and a chamfered part are interposed between the body part and the bottom surface. A gentle reduction in diameter is first made by the tapered reduced-diameter part, and then a relatively sharp reduction in diameter is made by the chamfered part. Consequently, in the needle bearings adjacent to each other, their tapered reduced-diameter parts are separated from each other.
US08057311B2 Sliding block for a torsional vibration damper, separator sheet comprising a sliding block, torsional vibration damper comprising a sliding block and method for producing a sliding block
A torsional vibration damper includes at least one spring element and a sliding block. The sliding block includes a first surface section that operatively faces an adjacent spring element, is harder than another surface section of the sliding block, has first and/or second supporting surfaces for radial support of the spring element, and has first and/or second supporting surfaces for axial support of the spring element. A second surface section has a sliding surface for sliding support of the sliding block, and a basic body includes plastic. The first and/or second surface section(s) is/are formed by at least one first insert that is harder than the plastic. The first surface section is formed by at least two elongate second inserts that are spaced apart from one another and projected and on which the spring element can be supported in a centering manner in a radial direction.
US08057310B2 Integrated damper and starter ring gear for a hybrid vehicle
A vehicle assembly includes an engine having a damper assembly secured to the engine. The damper assembly includes a ring gear. A hybrid transmission having an input shaft is mounted on the mounting shaft of the damper assembly. The damper assembly includes an engine face plate and a transmission face plate secured to the engine face plate. The ring gear is secured to at least one of the transmission face plate and the engine face plate.
US08057309B1 Versatile toy capable of activating electronics and launching components thereof
A toy capable of interchangeably activating an electronic controller and a projectile launching component through the same trigger mechanism providing for a fun and interesting toy with a variety of play modes. A holder assembly including a receiving compartment is capable of accepting the electronic controller and the projectile launching component. The electronic controller includes at least one human user interface input button for controlling an electronic game, and the projectile launching component includes a mechanical actuator for launching a projectile. The trigger mechanism is in mechanical communication with the holder assembly for engagement with the human user interface input button for controlling the electronic game and the mechanical actuator for launching the projectile.
US08057308B2 Gaming system having multiple gaming devices that share a multi-outcome display
A gaming device system in which a plurality of gaming devices are linked by a common bonus event is provided. In one embodiment, the linked gaming device system includes a shared symbol generation display that is positioned adjacent to each of a plurality of associated gaming devices and has a plurality of sections and values displayed at each section. Upon a triggering of the bonus event, any player eligible to participate in the bonus may achieve an outcome generated from the bonus event including the shared display. When the shared display is activated, it simultaneously generates a separate or individual outcome associated with each of the gaming devices. The outcomes are spatially related to one another so that a random generation of an outcome associated with one gaming device automatically generates random outcomes associated with each gaming device. Each gaming device however receives the outcome only if it has participated in the random generation.
US08057307B2 Handling of players and objects in massive multi-player on-line games
The disclosed massive multi-player on-line gaming environment and method eliminate the coordination and synchronization problems between servers by assigning each game user to a specific client proxy server for game duration and utilizing a space information distribution center to indicate client specific changes in game space. Such configuration eliminates the need to use “grey” areas around partitioning boundaries and servers having to “own” client objects thereby improving massive multi-player on-line gaming scalability.
US08057305B2 Gaming system having dynamically changing image reel symbols
A system for dynamically changing the graphical content on mechanical slot machine reels is disclosed herein. The system includes mechanical slot reels, flexible display panels, and data transmission techniques which provide for dynamically updating or changing the graphics on the spinning mechanical reels in a slot machine. In one system for dynamically changing graphical reel content, new image content is placed on the reels at any time, even while the reels are spinning. The system may even be used to give the appearance of rotation to a stationary reel.
US08057299B2 Gaming machine accepting side bet and control method thereof
A gaming machine according to the present invention includes: a gaming portion where a plurality of main dice roll and stop; a station having an input device with which a player can place a normal BET and a side BET different from the normal BET, based on a prediction of the outcomes of dice, and an image display capable of displaying an image; and a controller programmed to execute the processing of (C) rolling and stopping the plurality of the main dice in the gaming portion, (D) determining the outcome of an N-sided (N being an integer of seven or more) sub die to be displayed to the image display provided in the station, and (E) displaying at least an image showing the state of stopping of the sub die with the outcome determined in the processing (D), to the image display provided in the station where the side BET has been input.
US08057296B2 Gaming device including a card processing assembly having vertically-stacked card holders operable with thermally-printable data cards and portable card changeover machines
A gaming device having a card management system which is operable to manage a plurality of circulating data cards. The gaming device includes a card read-write device for reading data cards, a plurality of vertically-stacked card holders for holding a plurality of data cards and one or more card transporters for moving data cards to and from the card holders. The gaming device is operable with a portable card changeover machine. The present invention increases the convenience and efficiency for playing and managing gaming devices.
US08057291B2 Fantasy sports confidence scores
Methods, systems, and interfaces are provided for enabling a user to adjust confidence rankings of predictions of outcomes of fantasy sports games. The methods include causing display in a graphical user interface of an ordered list of at least two confidence score indicators, receiving selection of a first confidence score indicator and a second confidence score indicator selected from a first position and a second position, respectively, in the ordered list, moving the first confidence score indicator to the second position, moving the second confidence score indicator by at least one rank in the direction toward the first position to a third position, wherein the third position is adjacent to the second position, and moving one or more confidence score indicators located between the first position and the second position toward the first position, wherein the one or more confidence score indicators include a third confidence score indicator that moves from a position adjacent the first position to the first position.
US08057286B2 Sanding blocks for use with adhesive-backed sandpaper
A sanding block and a kit for sanding curved surfaces are provided. The sanding block includes an elongated body which has a first sanding surface; and a sandpaper removably affixed to the first sanding surfaces wherein the body is elastically deformable such that the block can conform against a curved surface to be sanded.
US08057278B2 Wire-free brassiere
A lightweight, substantially unpadded, comfortable, push-in, wire-free bra has, when worn by a female wearer, a front including a pair of cups. Each cup defines upper inner and outer portions, lower inner and outer portions, a top, and a bottom, and is configured and dimensioned to hold substantially one breast of a female wearer. Each cup includes a sling portion that is designed to provide lateral support to the respective breast. In this manner, the sling portions bias the cup upper outer portions inwardly to provide push-in cleavage on the wearer's breasts. Straps are secured to the front for releasably supporting it on a female wearer with the breasts of the female wearer substantially within the cups.
US08057277B2 Toy car wheel with adjustable center of gravity
The present invention provides a toy car wheel with an adjustable center of gravity. The middle of the toy car wheel defines a through hole. At least one spoke is distributed between the rim of the toy car wheel and the through hole. At least one channel is defined in each spoke. At least one spherical body is disposed in each channel. When a toy car decelerates, a momentum of the toy car decreases, the at least one spherical body descends in a corresponding channel, and the center of gravity of the toy car wheel descends.
US08057275B2 Toy with pivoting portions capable of rolling over and methods thereof
A toy employing a simple yet unique pivoting mechanism to provide back and forth and side to side pivoting movements and operable to wiggle, twist back and forth, and roll the toy over numerous times imitating a playing, cuddling and rolling over puppy or the like. The toy includes a body portion, a first pivoting portion, and a first linkage coupling the body portion to the first pivoting portion at an angled pivot point offset from a vertical axis intersecting the point at which the body and the first pivoting portions are coupled. An angled surface is included at the first pivoting portion and a gear mechanism is coupled to the body portion and operable to pivot the first pivoting portion with respect to the body portion driving the pivoting action at the angled surface of the first pivoting portion providing back and forth and side to side pivoting movements.
US08057274B2 Doll and flotation device-combination for demonstrating water safety
A combination of doll and flotation device for demonstrating water safety employs a doll of human-like form sufficiently heavy to sink in water. A removable flotation device which fits the doll, such as a life jacket is designed to be placed on the doll and secured by fasteners such as the Velcro® fixed to opposed edges along the closure gap in the life vest. The life vest, or other flotation device, must be sufficiently buoyant to support the doll as well as it's own weight. The combination has utility in teaching children and adults life saving using familiar devices used in water safety. It allows the student to apply the flotation device to the doll, and remove it as required, and place the doll in the water to float with the flotation device or sink without it.
US08057272B1 Infant flotation device
An infant flotation device for use in a marine environment comprises a body, having an outer surface defining a recessed area configured to receive an infant, and a hollow chamber opposed with the outer surface of the body and surrounded by the body. The body also defines a pivot mount that can extend into the cavity in juxtaposition with the outer surface. The infant flotation device further includes a swingable weight comprising a first end having an attachment mount pivotally received by the pivot mount for pivotal movement with respect to the body, and a second end having a weight thereon. The swingable weight can provide the infant flotation device with self-righting movement and stability.
US08057270B2 Contact device
A contact device that has decreased contact pressure against a conductor caused by elastic repulsion force of a spring contact, to thereby enable suppressing friction and reducing electrical-resistance. The contact device includes first and second conductors arranged on a same axis and moved in their axis direction to fit to each other, a spring contact fitted to an installation groove of the second conductor, and a conductive contact piece arranged between a fitting face of the first conductors and the spring contact, so that electric current flows in a pair of conductors through the conductive spring contact and the conductive contact piece. The spring contact has an elliptical cross section formed of a bare wire being spirally wound with tilting against the winding axis thereof, and the contact piece is divided into a plurality of segments in a direction of the winding axis of the spring contact, and configured to line-contact or face-contact the other of the conductors.
US08057268B2 Retaining device for cable lugs
The invention relates to a holding arrangement for at least two electrical connection elements, such as cable lugs, for example, which each have an electrical connection section and a line section, with a base part and a cover part, which can be connected to the base part to form the holding device, the connection sections being inserted axially one on top of the other in the holding device and being fixed axially, and the line sections extending in the radial direction from radial openings of the holding device, the radial openings being designed in such a way that the connection sections cannot be withdrawn from the radial openings, in addition an axial opening being formed on the base part and/or the cover part, via which axial opening electrical contact can be made with at least one connection section of the inserted connection sections, the holding device having centering means for centering the connection sections in the holding device, and the centering means acting on the outer circumference of the connection sections.
US08057264B2 Multi-purpose power plug with improved locking device
This Utility Model is a multi-purpose plug. It includes a pedestal (1) which is used to connect with the electric equipment. Its feature is that it also includes a number of different-typed plug connectors (2) which are detachably connected with the described pedestal (1). This multi-purpose plug includes a number of different types of plug connectors. They are suitable for various sockets thus making them more convenient to use.
US08057263B1 Edge connectors having stamped signal contacts
An electrical connector including a connector housing having opposite mating and loading faces that are configured to engage board edges of first and second circuit boards, respectively. The connector housing includes a contact channel that extends through the connector housing between the mating and loading faces. The electrical connector also includes a signal contact that is stamped from sheet material along a stamped edge. The signal contact includes a contact body having opposite sheet surfaces. The stamped edge defines a shape of the contact body that includes first and second contact fingers. The signal contact is disposed within the contact channel so that the stamped edge along the first contact finger electrically engages the first circuit board and so that the stamped edge along the second contact finger electrically engages the second circuit board.
US08057260B2 Cable assembly having improved insulative holding device and method for making the same
A cable assembly (100) includes an interior printed circuit board (13) with a number of conductive pads (132), a cable (2) and an insulative holding device (25). The cable (2) includes a number of conductors (21), a conductive sheath (22) shrouding the conductors (21) and an insulative sheath (23) shrouding the conductive sheath (22). Each conductor (22) has a soldering tail (24) extending to the outside of the insulative sheath (23) and soldering to the conductive pad (132). The insulative holding device (25) encloses the insulative sheath (22) and the conductors (21).
US08057259B2 Receptacle connector, plug connector and connector apparatus
A receptacle connector prevents a plug from being obliquely inserted with a simple configuration. Receptacle connector 100 has: a hollow rectangular shape shield case (120) which is made by machining a metal plate and which includes fitting slot 101; and a housing (110) which is covered by the shield case (120) and in which contacts (130) to be connected with terminal parts (230) of an inserted plug (200) are disposed. In the shield case (120), a projecting part (124) is formed extending along one side of the fitting slot (101) by denting an upper plate part (122), which defines the accommodating part (104) accommodating the plug (200), to project toward an accommodating region (104). An end surface (124a) of this projecting part (124) on the fitting slot (101) side is closer to the fitting slot (101) side than the contacts (130) and forms a plane orthogonal to the upper plate part (122).
US08057258B2 Shielded connector
A shielded connector achieving sufficient contact load between a shielded conductor and a crimp portion of an outer conductor shell without influence such as deformation of cross sections on signal wires when the crimp portion is crimped onto the conductor, and enhanced pull-out strength of a shielded cable against the shell. The shell includes a tubular connection portion having an arc-shaped cross section and arranged to be inserted into the conductor end portion exposed by stripping off a sheath portion at the cable end portion, shielded conductor crimping portions opposed to the connection portion and arranged to be crimped onto the conductor end portion into which the connection portion has been inserted, and fitting spaces provided to an inside of the conductor crimping portions at positions opposed to the tubular connection portion. Upper ends of the connection portion and the conductor are inserted into the spaces during crimping process.
US08057257B2 Dual type BNC connector
A dual type BNC connector comprises an insulating housing, two BNC plugs and a plurality of conducting wires; a rear end of the housing is disposed with at least one pick-up plate; the pick-up plate is disposed with a plurality of engagement grooves; the plurality of engagement grooves are respectively engaged with the plurality of conducting wires electrically connected to at least one BNC plug to allow the plurality of conducting wires to be respectively retained at specific positions, not to inclined to influence the stability of the signal transmission and not to contact one another to form a short circuit and to be convenient for being respectively inserted into a plurality of slots on a circuit board simultaneously.
US08057253B2 Contact and cable assembly with the contact
A contact used in a cable assembly for connecting to cables includes a flat portion extending along a horizontal direction, a flat connecting portion forward extending from the flat portion, a pair of fastening arms respectively extending from two sides of the flat portion along a vertical direction and a mating portion formed by two curving pieces and respectively forwardly extending from the fastening arms; wherein said cables are soldered on the contacts.
US08057251B2 Stay-tight mechanism for coaxial gradient coil terminals
A stay-tight mechanism for a plug to be fixed with a union nut to a socket is provided. The mechanism has a first securing part having a flat engagement contour which engages with a flat of the union nut and having at least one recess. The mechanism has a second securing part having at least one recess and having an engagement contour which engages with an element on the connector when the first securing part is connected to the second securing part.
US08057246B2 Compact multiport test jack
A multiport test jack that supports the testing of a number of individual telephone lines in an interface device, such as a network interface device or an optical line terminal, has a physical structure that is smaller in size than the size of a corresponding number of individual test jacks.
US08057240B2 Circuit board for an electrical connector assembly
An electrical connector assembly includes an electrical connector having a mounting face and signal terminals extending from the mounting face. The electrical connector assembly also includes a circuit board having an upper surface and a lower surface with vias extending at least partially through the circuit board along parallel via axes. The vias are at least partially filled with conductive material to create signal columns, wherein the signal terminals are set in corresponding signal columns. The signal terminals are electrically connected to the signal columns.
US08057238B2 Magnetically actuated visual display board
A magnetically actuated visual display board comprises a grid array of open ended chambers. Display configurations in each chamber utilize a magnetically responsive sliding element to move a display loop to alternate between two different display surfaces to create a desired visual array. A magnetic rod passing a chamber moves the sliding element within the chamber.
US08057237B2 System for evaluating skills of to-be-examined person
According to a question displayed on a computer screen, a to-be-examined person selects, out of constituent elements (components) displayed on the screen, constituent elements that he considers optimum for the question and then makes a design by constructing them on the screen, and the content of the design on the screen is evaluated by using predetermined evaluation data. Further, there is provided a system which enables assembling an actual apparatus (an apparatus to be evaluated) according to the content of design, measures the performance of the assembled actual apparatus and evaluates the ability of the to-be-examined person to assemble the actual apparatus from the measured data by using a computer.
US08057233B2 Manipulable interactive devices
A manually manipulable device adapted to present an individual characterization to a user comprising a processor, a power source, a communications unit, a response generator, and a proximity sensor adapted to sense the close proximity of a similar device, such that a user can manipulate the device and generate a sensory response in the response generator or a response generator of another, at least similar, device, in accordance with the proximity of the other device.
US08057232B2 Kit with integral sketching device
A kit for guiding a user is drawing a trace includes a sketching device coupled to a paper tablet. The sketching device comprises a first pattern of raised bumps sized and positioned to form a plurality of intersecting grooves along the surface of the sketching device.
US08057231B2 Direct press on veneer
A direct resin veneer (2) for creating a veneer on a tooth surface comprising a thin planar expanse of an uncured restorative material, or direct resin veneer (4). The veneer (4) has a generally tooth configuration that is generously sized to permit adequate coverage for any tooth. Adhered to at least one side of the restorative material is a flexible pliant non-sticky planar sheath (6). The sheath (6) material has a curved gingival arch contour (10) for gum line alignment and various tab-like protrusions that permit placement upon a tooth. An inferior peeling tab (12) allows for sheath to be separated from the resin veneer (4) subsequent to tooth surface placement. And the lateral grasping tabs (16) permit delivery to a tooth's surface.
US08057228B2 Intraoral device
An intraoral device includes a one-piece, flexible, injection molded body made of a single homogeneous material. The body includes upper front and rear flaps, and lower front and rear flaps. Upper edges of the front flaps and lower edges of the lower flaps are sealed by respective upper and lower parts of a patient's mouth to form upper and lower evacuation channels when the body is disposed within the patient's mouth. Evacuation holes in the flaps are in communication with the evacuation channels. A connection section is in communication with the evacuation channels and is configured to extend outside of the patient's mouth to connect with a vacuum source for evacuating fluid from the patient's mouth through the evacuation holes and the evacuation channels.
US08057221B2 Method and burner for burning with oxygen
A method and a burner for combustion in a heating furnace of a fuel with an oxidant in the form of oxygen gas, wherein fuel and oxidant are supplied to a burner head. Fuel and oxidant, respectively, are injected via the burner head through at least two pairs of nozzles, wherein one nozzle pair is defined by a separate fuel nozzle and a separate oxidant nozzle. The nozzles of the nozzle pairs are uniformly distributed over the furnace-interior-facing surface of the burner and within the circumference of the burner head. An oxidant nozzle is provided on each side of a fuel nozzle.
US08057220B2 Air assisted simplex fuel nozzle
Disclosed is an air-assisted simplex spray nozzle assembly for a fuel burner that includes, inter alia, a nozzle body that has opposed upstream and downstream ends, wherein the downstream end of the nozzle body defines a fuel outlet, an adapter member that is engaged with the upstream end of the nozzle body and defines concentrically positioned air and fuel inlets for the nozzle assembly and an air cap that is positioned over the downstream end of the nozzle body. The nozzle assembly further includes a fuel circuit and a first air circuit. The fuel circuit directs fuel from a fuel pump toward the fuel outlet of the nozzle body. The fuel circuit extends from the fuel inlet of the adapter member through the nozzle body to the fuel outlet. The first air circuit directs assist air towards the fuel exiting from the fuel outlet. The first air circuit extends from the air inlet of the adapter member, through a gap defined between the air cap and the nozzle body and merges with the fuel emitted from the fuel outlet of the nozzle body. In certain embodiments, the assist air is provided to the first air circuit by an auxiliary pump.
US08057219B1 Dual fuel vent free gas heater
A dual fuel vent free gas heater having at least one gas burner with a plurality of gas outlet ports. The gas outlet ports are in flow communication with at least one pilot flame burner. At least one fuel injector feeds fuel to the burner providing for introduction of more than one fuel to the burner. Optionally, an oxygen detection system, manual control valve, linkage, and/or shut off control system may be incorporated into the dual fuel vent free heater.
US08057216B2 Ejector for injection molding machine and moving plate including the same
Disclosed herein is an ejector for an injection molding machine used to extract a molded product formed inside a die, the ejector including: a first ejector plate which is movably installed in a moving plate for fixing the die; a second ejector plate which is separably connected to the first ejector plate; and an ejector pin which is installed in at least one of the first and second ejector plates so as to push outward the molded product.
US08057212B2 Forming machine that quickly compacts hollow materials and automatically recycles the materials
A forming machine that quickly compacts hollow materials and automatically recycles the materials includes molds, each of which is provided with a feeder having a hollow hole. An opening of the feeder is exactly located at a hollow position of a food product to be formed, and an upper end of the hollow feeder is connected with recycling tubes coming from a feed tank. When a cope and a nowel compact and form the materials into the hollow food products, the feeders will automatically push upward remainders at hollow places of the food products that are stacked constantly, enabling the remainders to enter into the feed tank along the recycling tubes, so as to achieve effects of quickly compacting and processing the materials and automatically recycling the remainders.
US08057208B2 Installation for the manufacture of ceramic products
An installation (100) for the manufacture of ceramic products comprises a mold (1) divided into at least two parts (2, 3) forming an internal cavity (C) where the ceramic product is formed, and mobile towards and away from each other, under the action of respective drive means (4) acting in both directions along a predetermined clamping line (S), in such a way as to join or detach the parts (2, 3) to/from each other; each part (2, 3) of the mold (1) comprises at least one rear outside surface (2p, 3p) and one lateral outside surface (2s, 3s); at least one of the parts (2, 3) is equipped with means (6) for containing and controlling a fluid and encompassing the rear (2p, 3p) and lateral (2s, 3s) outside surfaces of the mold (1) part (2, 3); the containment means (6) are associated with the part (2, 3) of the mold (1) in such a way that during the product casting cycle the forces (SF) acting on the part (2, 3) of the mold (1) are constantly compensated by correlated forces (FR).
US08057207B2 Method and apparatus for making frozen comestibles
An apparatus for preparing frozen comestibles including a container having an interior portion holding a refrigerant solution, and a mold insert attached to the container. The mold insert includes a base, molding cavities extending therefrom, and a heat exchanger in communication with the molding cavities. The mold insert is received within the container such that the molding cavities are housed within the interior portion of the container and the heat exchangers are submerged within the refrigerant solution. The molding cavities include exposed openings that receive fluids to be frozen. When the refrigerant solution is at a sufficiently cool temperature, the fluids freeze into a shaped frozen comestible.
US08057205B2 Apparatus for manufacturing nonwoven fabric
The invention provides a method for manufacturing spun-bonded nonwoven fabrics that can reduce the diameter of a filament without decreasing productivity and can stably produce nonwoven fabrics, comprising: quenching a multiple number of continuous melt-spun filaments through spinning nozzles with quench air fed to a quenching chamber, drawing the filaments, and depositing the filaments on a moving collector surface, wherein the quench air fed to the quenching chamber is divided into at least 2 streams in vertical direction, and an air velocity of the quench air in the lowermost stream is set higher than that of the 50 quench air in the uppermost stream. The invention also provides an apparatus for manufacturing spun-bonded nonwoven fabrics, wherein quench air fed to the quenching chamber is divided into at least 2 streams in the vertical direction, wherein the velocities of the quench air are independently controllable in the respective streams.
US08057204B2 Tire curing bladder
An expandable bladder for shaping a pneumatic tire is provided. The bladder in an unmounted, relaxed state has a shaped body having a pair of opposed annular beads, said body further comprising a central portion, sidewall portions, and shoulder portions interposed between the central portion and the sidewall portions, wherein the body is defined by an outer contour surface and an inner contour surface, wherein the central portion has gauge which increases to a maximum value axially inward of the shoulder portion, and wherein the bladder gauge in the shoulder is less than the maximum value, and wherein the bladder gauge increases from the shoulder to the bead.
US08057202B2 Tip seal for a scroll compressor
A scroll compressor including a non-orbiting and an orbiting scroll member having mating involute wraps extending therefrom. In one exemplary embodiment, at least one of the non-orbiting and orbiting scroll members includes an inner wall forming a groove in an end of the involute wrap and extending substantially entirely along the length thereof. Positioned within the groove is a tip seal having outwardly extending projections configured to engage the inner walls of the involute wrap along at least a portion thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, the tip seal has a length that is less than the length of the groove. As a result, a gap is formed at the innermost portion of the involute wrap between the end of the groove and the end of the tip seal.
US08057200B2 Structure of discharging refrigerant for linear compressor
The present invention discloses a linear compressor in which a piston is linearly reciprocated inside a cylinder, for sicking a refrigerant into a compression space between the piston and the cylinder, and compressing and discharging the refrigerant, and especially, a structure of discharging the refrigerant for the linear compressor which can reduce a pulsation of a high pressure discharged refrigerant, by making the refrigerant compressed in the compression space flow from a sub-discharge space with a relatively small volume to a sub-discharge space with a relatively large volume in a discharge chamber. As a result, the structure of discharging the refrigerant for the linear compressor can efficiently reduce noise and vibration.
US08057199B2 Centrifugal drainage pump with shock absorbing coupling arrangment
A pump assembly constructed to allow unloaded starting of the pump. The assembly includes a pump body, a permanent magnet rotor, a rotor shaft, a pump cover, a shaft sleeve and an impeller. The impeller includes a holding chamber for holding the shaft sleeve which is arranged proximate a center of the impeller. A stopping rib extends inwardly from an internal wall of the holding chamber of the impeller. The shaft sleeve includes a tubular body with a starting rib extending laterally from the body. During operation of the pump, the starting rib interferes with the stopping rib. A number of shock absorbing pads are disposed between the starting rib and the stopping rib and maintained thereat by a notch and ridge association that extends along each rib and pad. The pump includes a space that allows rotation of the starting rib relative to the stopping rib which provides unloaded starting of the pump.
US08057198B2 Variable displacement piezo-electric pumps
A variable displacement piezo-electric pump which includes a pump housing having a side housing wall defining a pump chamber, an inlet line and an outlet line communicating with the pump chamber, a flexible pump diaphragm spanning the side housing wall in the pump chamber, a diaphragm-stroking mechanism such as a piezo-electric stack engaging the pump diaphragm and a diaphragm support provided between the diaphragm-stroking mechanism and the side housing wall of the pump housing.
US08057195B2 Outer rotor type fan-motor
An outer rotor type fan-motor includes: a rotational shaft; a bearing assembly that rotatably supports the rotational shaft; a stator installed at an outer side of the bearing assembly; a permanent magnet assembly that covers an outer side of the stator at a certain distance and is installed at the rotational shaft; and a fan that includes a shaft fixing part for fixing the rotational shaft, a hub for covering an outer side of the permanent magnet assembly at a certain distance and blades formed around the hub. An insulation space is formed between the permanent magnet assembly and the fan to prevent transfer of vibration and noise of the permanent magnet assembly to the fan, and vibration or noise of high frequency can be reduced.
US08057193B2 Screw compressor comprising a relief valve
A compressor arrangement includes a compressor housing, an intake region defined in the compressor housing, a control pressure connection in communication with the intake region, a control pressure chamber in communication with the control pressure connection, a control piston disposed in the compressor housing beneath the control pressure chamber, a guide element securing the control piston in the compressor housing, at least one sealing element disposed between the control piston and the guide element, and a feed pressure connection defined in the compressor housing to supply compressed air beneath the control piston. In a closed position, the control piston closes the feed pressure connection when in the closed position. In an opened position, the control piston opens the feed pressure connection when in the opened position, thereby permitting air to vent from the feed pressure connection via a venting connection.
US08057187B2 Steam turbine rotating blade for a low pressure section of a steam turbine engine
A steam turbine rotating blade for a low pressure section of a steam turbine engine is disclosed. The steam turbine rotating blade includes an airfoil portion. A root section is attached to one end of the airfoil portion. A dovetail section projects from the root section, wherein the dovetail section includes a skewed axial entry dovetail. A tip section is attached to the airfoil portion at an end opposite from the root section. A cover is integrally formed as part of the tip section. The cover comprises a first flat section, a second flat section, and a depression section located laterally between the first flat section and second flat section. The depression section is located below the first flat section at a first end where the first flat section and depression section are contiguous. The depression section rises above to the second flat section at a second end where the second flat section and depression section are contiguous. The second flat section is raised above the first flat section. The cover is positioned at an angle relative to the tip section, wherein the angle ranges from about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees.
US08057182B2 Metered cooling slots for turbine blades
A metered cooling slot disposed in a wall comprising an outer surface that is exposed to a hot gas stream and an inner surface that defines an internal coolant chamber through which a coolant passes, the metered cooling slot comprising: a slot formed within the outer surface elongated in a first direction, the slot comprising a pair of spaced apart, opposing, slot surfaces and a base, the slot surfaces intersecting the outer surface to form a slot outlet opposite the base; and two or more metering apertures formed within the wall, each metering aperture intersecting the inner surface of the wall to form a metering aperture inlet and intersecting one of the pair of slot surfaces to form a metering aperture outlet; wherein: D represents the approximate diameter of at least two of the metering apertures; P represents the approximate distance between the center lines of at least two neighboring metering apertures; and P/D comprises a value within the range of about 4 to 6.
US08057177B2 Turbine blade tip shroud
A turbine blade that may include a tip shroud, the tip shroud having one or more cooling cavities defined therein, an airfoil, the airfoil having at least one coolant passage defined therein, and a plurality of exit apertures defined through an outer wall of at least one of the cooling cavities that, in use, may allow a pressurized coolant to exit at least one of the cooling cavities. The coolant passage may extend through the airfoil such that the coolant passage is in fluid communication with the cooling cavity. And, the plurality of exit apertures may include at least one round exit aperture and at least one non-round exit aperture.
US08057174B2 Method for controlling a wind turbine using a wind flow model
A control device is provided which is adapted for controlling at least one operational parameter of a wind turbine including a machine nacelle and a rotor having at least one rotor blade. The control device includes an input adapted for inputting a signal which is indicative of environmental data of the wind turbine, an evaluation unit adapted for generating at least one control signal on the basis of currently acquired environmental data and on the basis of previously acquired environmental data, and an output adapted to output the control signal adapted for adjusting the at least one operational parameter of the wind turbine.
US08057169B2 Airfoil core shape for a turbine nozzle
An article of manufacture includes an object having an airfoil core shape. The airfoil core shape has a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y, and Z set forth in TABLE 1 where X and Y are distances in inches which, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z in inches. The profile sections at the Z distances are joined smoothly with one another to form a complete airfoil core shape.
US08057165B1 Sensor for detecting hydrocarbon in a seal
A hydrocarbon presence sensor used to detect for the presence of a fuel in a buffer cavity of an inter-propellant seal. A sensor is formed on a rotor shaft in the buffer cavity and an optical imaging device is used to view a change in appearance of the sensor when a hydrocarbon forms on the surface. In one embodiment, the sensor is a coating of porous silicon. In other embodiments, the sensor can be a mirrored or frosted surface on the shaft. A white light source or a laser is reflected off of the sensor and an optical imaging device reads the reflected light to detect for a change in color or intensity of the light to indicate if a hydrocarbon is present on the sensor surface.
US08057161B2 Fan with integrated nonreturn flaps
A fan structure, suitable for rack-mounting adjacent to heat-generating electrical equipment, features an improved noise-damping outflow baffle containing a plurality of non-return flaps, serving to prevent reverse flow of air when fan activity is interrupted. In a preferred embodiment, four generally sickle-shaped flaps are used, each connected, along a straight edge thereof, by a pair of elastomeric hinge connections to a surrounding frame. The hinge connections urge the flaps closed whenever they are not forced by airflow into an open orientation. The axes of rotation of the flaps are chosen to keep them from jamming against one another. Since the flaps act as vanes, tending to straighten out an originally helical flow of air induced by the fan, they minimize the pressure drop which has therefore been associated with outflow baffles. The use or elastomers at critical points in the structure reduce noise and clatter.
US08057154B2 Device for moving a printed product
A device (1) for moving a book (2) with a clamping device (3) moved by a first drive (22, 23) and having two clamping jaws (3a, b) that can be displaced in a parallel to open and close the clamping device, with a gear mechanism (8) on the moving clamping device (3) that converts a rotative movement into a linear adjusting movement for the clamping jaw (3a, b) which can be displaced in parallel, with a controllable second drive (21) that is arranged stationarily, and with a permanent driving connection (13, 14, 15) between the second drive (21) and the gear mechanism (8). The second drive (21) is not arranged on the moving system, such that the clamping device (3) can be realized in a lightweight construction. Pneumatic and electric connecting lines and signalling lines (35a, b) for the second drive (21) can be permanently installed.
US08057148B2 Roofing material fasteners, applicators and method of installation
A roofing material fastener comprises a shank having a length dimension and a point. The shank is adapted to enable it to be driven through at least a first course of roofing material and into a roof deck. A fastener head is positioned in a region of the shank distal from the point. A spike protrusion projects from the distal region of the shank to a terminus. The length of the spike protrusion is less than one half the length of the shank, measured from the point to the fastener head. The spike protrusion is adapted to penetrate a depth less than the full depth of a second course of roofing material installed above the first course. The spike protrusion is shaped to inhibit sawing through the second course of roofing material by the spike protrusion.
US08057147B2 Self-drilling anchor
A self-drilling anchor for use in a friable material or a semi-rigid material comprises a body having an axis, an axial bore adapted to receive a fastener, a proximal end, a drilling end, a proximal portion adjacent the proximal end having high threading having a crest diameter for engaging the friable or semi-rigid material, and a drilling portion adjacent the drilling end, an additional thread proximate the proximal end, the additional thread continuing between turns of the high threading, and a head at the proximal end having an outer diameter that is smaller than the crest diameter. The anchor additional thread is configured to engage either the friable material or, additionally, to firmly engage the semi-rigid material.
US08057144B2 Sealed, blind fastener assembly
A sealed attachment fastener assembly with a receiving member and a cap that can be inserted into an opening in a work piece and fixed therein from only one side of the work piece. A portion of the fastener assembly on the blind side of the work piece is collapsible into a flange. In addition, another portion of the fastener assembly is contemporaneously radially expandable within the opening of the work piece to at least rotationally secure the fastener assembly with respect to the work piece. The radial expansion will result in a high interference fit of the fastener in the work piece, which may enhance the fatigue of the installation. A cap completes the fastener assembly to substantially prevent fluid from leaking through the fastener assembly opening. The cap can be assembled with the receiving member after the internal threads within the receiving member have been machined.
US08057141B2 Cargo support device
The invention relates to a cargo support device in a vehicle, which device is provided in a load floor of a load compartment. The cargo support device comprises a frame, which is foldable between a horizontal rest position, and an operative position, angled in relation to the load floor. The load floor is provided with a recess wherein the frame is arranged in the rest position. The frame is provided with an arm, foldable to an angled position in relation to the frame, in the operative position.
US08057138B2 Stackable armored vehicle
Embodiments comprise a stackable vehicle which may be supported from, or serve as support to, another like vehicle. The vehicle includes a frame and a body supported from the frame. The body includes a weight bearing roof Wheel assemblies are mounted for rotation on the frame. The body includes recesses from the roof of the body to accommodate location of wheel assemblies of a like vehicle supported on the roof Support and mounting points are located on the roof and on the frame respectively to fix location of a vehicle to be carried on top of a supporting vehicle.
US08057134B2 Chuck assembly
A chuck assembly configured to provide a shorter longitudinal profile. The chuck assembly includes a chuck body with a support bearing mounted to a rear portion of the chuck body and mounted to a portion of a housing such that a cavity is defined axially rearward of the support bearing and is configured to receive the jaws when the rear portion of the jaws extend axially rearward.
US08057133B2 Machining of aluminum surfaces
Machining of aluminum workpieces with diamond or diamond-like carbon-surface coated tools may be conducted in an atmosphere containing hydrogen gas at a partial pressure effective for hydrogen to react with carbon atoms at the surface to form C—H bonds that resist adherence of aluminum to the tool surface. Suitably, hydrogen or a hydrogen-containing gas mixture is confined at the interface of tool and workpieces at the machining site. Hydrogen partial pressure may be determined for a tool-workpiece-machining temperature combination by calculation or experiment.
US08057130B2 Metal cutting system for effective coolant delivery
A metal cutting system with a tool holder, a shim, an insert with a top depression, a top piece and a clamp. A rake face cooling channel for fluid delivery is formed between the top piece and the depression in the insert. A primary discharge slot at the end of the rake face cooling channel delivers fluid from below the cutting edge of the insert. A second cooling channel for delivery of fluid to the flank face is formed between the insert and the shim or is formed between the shim and the tool holder with a portion of the cooling channel passing through the shim.
US08057128B2 Truss shoe with wedge retaining sleeve and method of assembling same
A truss shoe for a roof support system includes a bolt receiving section, an intermediate section, and a cable engaging section. The cable receiving section has a passageway having a first open end spaced from, and in facing relationship, to the bolt receiving section and an opposite second end, wherein the passageway has a cone-shaped portion having a decreasing diameter as the distance from the first end of the passageway increases to receive a wedge shaped cable retention assembly. The surface of the intermediate section includes a cut out portion that extends from the first opening of the passageway toward the bolt receiving section and terminating at a riser. A locking tube has one end in the passageway in facing relationship to the retention assembly and the other end in engagement with the riser to prevent the retention assembly from moving out of the first opening of the passageway.
US08057125B2 Vibratory percussion rammers and methods of making vibratory percussion rammers
Vibratory percussion rammers and methods of making vibratory percussion rammers are provided. In one example, a vibratory percussion rammer includes a gear box, a percussion delivery unit extending downwardly from the gear box, and one or more slide bearings disposed in the percussion delivery unit between adjacent surfaces of reciprocating metal components. The slide bearings include a sheet of non-metal material that is curved into the shape of a tube having a C-shape in cross section. Slide bearings according to this design can be disposed in the percussion delivery unit to eliminate some or all of the metal-on-metal contact between reciprocating components, including between the ram and shaft assembly, spring box and the guide cylinder, the spring separator and the spring box, and the shaft of a ram and shaft assembly and an upper end of the spring box.
US08057122B2 Assembly unit
An assembly unit attachable to a base structure has at least one assembly part with a through opening and at least one fastener with a radially expanded head and a shaft that is provided with a fastening section extends through the through opening and is held captive therein. The shaft is encircled by a sleeve and the head of the fastener projects in a radial direction over the sleeve. Two stop elements project from the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve. An axial catch projects from the wall of the through opening. The axial catch and the stop elements are embodied such that they can be moved past each other in axial direction. The axial catch inside the through opening and the second stop element on the outer circumferential surface are respectively arranged in an axial position. The fastening section is arranged in a specific axial position relative to the surface of the assembly part that is facing away from the head.
US08057114B2 Wet-processing apparatus, wet-processing method and storage medium
A wet-processing apparatus includes module groups each including plural processing modules and a shared nozzle device to be used in common by the processing module of the module group. The wet-processing apparatus includes plural processing modules not less than four processing modules, for example, six processing modules. The six processing modules are divided into two module groups, namely, first and second module groups each of the three processing modules. Each of the first and the second module group is provided with a nozzle device for pouring a processing solution onto a wafer. The first wafer is delivered to the first processing module, the second wafer is delivered to the processing module of the second module group, the third wafer is delivered to the processing module of the first module group. Thus the successive wafers are delivered alternately to the first and the second module groups.
US08057112B2 Camera multi-mount
A multi-mount apparatus for devices such as camera heads or lights on the end of a crane arm is disclosed. The multi-mount can include two substantially parallel side plates connected together with internal support members. A top mounting plate can be rotatably attached to the multi-mount at a top pivot point on the side plates. The multi-mount contains a leveling head, which can include a motor that drives a worm gear engaged with a moon gear. A bottom mounting plate can be attached to the moon gear, which is rotatably attached to the multi-mount at a bottom pivot point on the side plates. A motor drives a moon gear to rotate and maintain the bottom mounting plate at a desired orientation. In some embodiments, one or more push/pull rods rotatably attached to the bottom and top mounting plates also cause the top mounting plate to be maintained at the same orientation as the bottom mounting plate.
US08057111B2 Lens barrel assembly and camera including the same
A lens barrel assembly and a camera including the lens barrel assembly are provided. The lens barrel assembly includes a barrel case accommodating at least one optical lens, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) configured to transmit signals between an area inside of the barrel case and an area outside of the barrel case. The barrel case comprises an outlet slit formed in the barrel case. The outlet slip being configured for extending the flexible printed circuit board to the area outside of the barrel case. Accordingly, the lens barrel assembly has an improved extension structure for extending the flexible printed circuit board which is configured to transmit signals between the inside and the outside of the lens barrel assembly.
US08057095B2 Multiple use temperature monitor adapter, system and method of using same
Device for adapting a temperature probe for a use in a port in a heart-lung machine. An adaptor slip is tapered at an adaptor taper angle less than a port taper angle. The adaptor slip is sized such that the exterior wall of the adaptor slip provides an interference fit with at least a portion of the fluid port. The adaptor slip has an external shoulder abutting the end of the fluid port. The adaptor slip additionally has a sleeve having a closed end having a position with respect to the end of the adapter slip. A probe is configured to be seated in a lumen of the adaptor slip with a proximate end of the probe being proximate to the closed end of said sleeve.
US08057094B2 Power semiconductor module with temperature measurement
A power semiconductor module with temperature measurement is disclosed. One embodiment provides a conductor having a first end and a second end. The second end is thermally coupled at a substrate. A device including temperature sensor is thermally coupled at the first end and configured to determine a temperature at the second end using the temperature sensor.
US08057092B2 Disposable spinner flask
The present invention relates generally to a cell culture stirring vessel and associated impeller. More particularly, it relates to a fully integrated, disposable spinner flask vessel having a suspended impeller assembly permanently integrated therein. The invention is particularly suitable for use in applications where cells are suspended within a liquid medium with minimal shear forces.
US08057089B2 Inverter cover shield for liquid crystal display module
An inverter cover shield device includes a receiving portion for receiving an inverter; a wire guiding portion for guiding at least one internal wire extending from the inverter, the wire guiding portion including a contact portion and a non contact portion, the contact portion supporting the at least one internal wire, and the contact portion being positioned between the non-contact portion and the receiving portion.
US08057087B2 Light source module with light emitting diodes
An exemplary light source module includes a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), a number of light emitting diodes (LEDs), and a light guide plate (LGP). The LEDs are mounted on the PCB, which is capable of switching each of the LEDs on and off. The LGP includes a light input surface and a number of light output surfaces. The light input surface is opposite to the LEDs. The LEDs face the light input surfaces, and at least one light guide structure is defined at the light input surface so that a majority of light beams from each LED pass substantially perpendicularly through a corresponding portion of the at least one light guide structure and exit from a corresponding light output surface.
US08057079B2 Interior illumination apparatus
An interior illumination apparatus includes a design member fixed to an interior side of a member of a vehicle, and which has a switch operating portion disposed movably on a housing of the design member, a function attaching member attached to an exterior side of the design member, and a function member attached to the function attaching member by an attaching unit, and which has a switch portion connected to the switch operating portion. The design member has a positioning portion which positions the function member.
US08057075B2 Lamp device
A lamp device includes a housing having first and second ends spaced in an axial direction. The housing further includes an air inlet portion and an air outlet portion. A circuit board is mounted in the housing and electrically connected to an electrical connection portion on the first end of the housing. The circuit board includes a substrate having first and second sides spaced in the axial direction and respectively facing the second and first ends of the housing. The circuit board further includes electronic elements. One of the electronic elements having the largest height in the axial direction is mounted on the first side. A heat dissipating module is mounted in the housing and between the air inlet portion and the air outlet portion. A lighting element is coupled to the heat dissipating module and electrically connected to the circuit board.
US08057074B2 LED street light
This invention relates to a kind of LED light, comprising: front housing, rear housing, light pole fixation base, clear cap; also comprising the transformer fixed on the rear housing and the LED panel connected with the front housing; there are couples of heat sinks on external surface of the rear housing; the internal surface of the foresaid front housing is equipped with minimum one slot with couples of heat sinks in; the heat sinks are designed for conducting heat from the LED light panel to the air for timely eliminating heat for the LED. By this way, it guarantees a sufficient heat elimination for the LED street light achieving a longer lifespan of the LED street light and a less light degradation that can be even neglected. Therefore, the brightness of the LED street light is ensured.
US08057071B2 End-side heat extraction light emitting diode (LED) lamp
The present invention provides an end-side heat extraction light emitting diode or LED lamp. The LED lamp includes a lamp housing, a cooling module, and an LED lighting set. The cooling module is configured inside the housing space of the lamp housing, having a cooling fan and a cooling base. The LED lighting set is configured on the LED joint surface of the cooling base. The end-side heat extraction LED lamp also includes a circular frame and an end-side heat extraction airflow guidance passage. The circular frame forms a space extending and expanding to the end side. The end-side heat extraction airflow guidance passage forms an airflow guidance space extending and expanding to the end side, forming a heat radiating path where the heat extraction airflow generated by the running cooling fan of the LED lamp can be exhausted from the light projection end of the lamp housing.
US08057070B2 Self-ballasted solid state lighting devices
A lighting device, comprising a light engine housing, a light engine comprising one or more solid state light emitters, a diffuser and an energy forwarding element which receives AC voltage and supplies power to the light engine. The light engine housing comprises an electrical connection region which is engageable with an electricity supply device. The light engine housing comprises a first compartment, in which the light engine is positioned and a second compartment. The light engine housing comprises a flange region. The first compartment has an opening which is covered by the diffuser. The lighting device can be mounted such the only elements which are visible from a room are the flange region, a front side of the diffuser and any portion of the first compartment which is between the opening and the open end of the light engine housing. The light engine housing can comprise heat-dissipating fins.
US08057065B2 Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display includes: a liquid crystal panel; a plurality of lamps supplying light to the liquid crystal panel; external electrodes provided at both ends of the lamps; common electrodes including a plurality of electrode holders for fixing the external electrodes of the lamps in a surrounding manner and supplying power to the lamps; a first support side disposed on the external electrodes provided at the plurality of lamps and the common electrodes; and a common electrode support extending from the first support side to support the common electrodes and having a heat circulation passage.
US08057064B2 Lighting fixture for lamp tube
A lighting fixture for improving the luminance of a lamp tube includes a curved reflecting plate and a lampshade. The lampshade has partition plates with arc surfaces, side plates with inclined planes and end plates with curved surfaces. The lamp tube is disposed at a longitudinal axis of the curved reflecting plate. The reflecting plate reflects the light emitted from the lamp tube and the light reflected from the partition plates to the environment. The side plates are inclined with a certain angle for guiding light, and the end plates with curved surfaces are used to enhance the reflecting light. Thus, light output efficiency is improved and glare is reduced.
US08057053B2 Device for controlling temperature of an optical element
A device serves for controlling temperature of an optical element provided in vacuum atmosphere. The device has a cooling apparatus having a radiational cooling part, arranged apart from the optical element, for cooling the optical element by radiation heat transfer. A controller serves for controlling temperature of the radiational cooling part. Further, the device comprises a heating part for heating the optical element. The heating part is connected to the controller for controlling the temperature of the heating part. The resulting device for controlling temperature in particular can be used with an optical element in a EUV microlithography tool leading to a stable performance of its optics.
US08057052B2 Laser projector
Disclosed in a laser projector to display an image by projecting a laser beam from a laser light source to a projection screen including an electromagnetic driven scan mirror to scan the laser beam from the laser light source, a detection unit to detect a back EMF which is generated by a drive of the electromagnetic driven scan mirror at a time of start-up of the laser projector, a first determination unit to determine whether a value of the back EMF which is detected by the detection unit exceeded a predetermined threshold or not and a light source control unit to start a lighting of the laser light source when the value of the back EMF is determined as exceeding the predetermined threshold by the determination unit.
US08057050B2 Height adjustment apparatus for projection device
A height adjustment apparatus for a projection device comprises a socket, an engaging member, and a lifting member. The projection device comprises a housing having a front and bottom plate perpendicular to each other, the bottom and front plate defining a first and second opening therein, respectively. The socket comprising a locating portion is located on an inner surface of the bottom plate, covers the first opening and defines a third opening therein. The engaging member comprises a main portion, an engaging portion and a deformable portion. The main portion is inserted through the second opening. The engaging portion connecting the main portion defines a fourth opening aligning with the third opening. The deformable portion has a movable portion located in the locating portion. The lifting member comprises an upright lifting portion passing through the third opening and having a toothed face engaged by the engaging portion.
US08057048B2 Projector
A projector includes an optical arrangement and a cooling arrangement. The optical arrangement includes a light source, a filtering component, a light modulation component and a projection lens. The filtering component filters the light emitted by the light source. The light modulation component modulates the light filtered by the filtering component to form an image. The projection lens projects the image formed by the light modulation component. The cooling arrangement is arranged relative to the optical arrangement to cool the optical arrangement. The cooling arrangement includes a blower, an air duct and a heat sink. The blower blows cooling air. The air duct guides the cooling air from the blower to the filtering component along an cooling air path. The heat sink is disposed in the cooling air path within the air duct and fixedly attached to the light modulation component to thermally contact with the light modulation component.
US08057046B2 Projector device having assembly of reflection type light emitting diodes
A laminate type light emitting diode device having excellent heat radiation performance and high output capability is provided. A plurality of reflection type light emitting diode units 10 each of which includes a light emitting diode 2 and a dichroic mirror 3 in a hollow metal holder case 5 having high thermal conductivity so as to face each other are joined to one another through joint members 4 formed of electrical insulating material, thereby constructing the laminate type light emitting diode device 100.
US08057044B2 Projection display device
In a projection display device, a polarization converting element is provided between an imager and a refracting optical system for converting a polarization direction of light after modulation into a direction radially extending from the center of the optical axis of the refracting optical system. Light transmitted through the polarization converting element is incident onto the refracting optical system in a state of P-polarized light or a state close to the state of P-polarized light. Thereby, the transmittance of light through the refracting optical system is made substantially uniform and increased.
US08057039B2 Fundus imaging apparatus
A fundus imaging apparatus comprises: an irradiation optical system comprising a light source which emits a laser beam and a scanner which two-dimensionally scans the laser beam on a fundus of an examinee's eye, the irradiation optical system being adapted to focus the laser beam emitted from the light source on the fundus to form a confocal region; an imaging optical system comprising a photo-receiving element which receives reflection light of the laser beam reflected from the fundus, the imaging optical system being adapted to focus the reflection light from the fundus and receive the reflection light by the photo-receiving element; and a beam restriction member placed in an optical path of the imaging optical system, the beam restriction member comprising: one of an opening through which part of the reflection light from the fundus outside the confocal region is allowed to pass toward the photo-receiving element and a mirror part which reflects the part of the reflection light from the fundus outside the confocal region toward the photo-receiving element; and a light shielding part which shields the reflection light from the fundus in the confocal region and the part of the reflection light from the fundus outside the confocal region. The light shielding part includes a first light shielding part placed in a conjugate position with a focus point of the laser beam on the fundus and a second light shielding part placed in a nearly conjugate position with the fundus and adapted to shield part of an optical path of the reflection light, the second light shielding part is formed around the first light shielding part.
US08057031B2 Method of forming a phase change ink image on a self-laminating recording medium
A method of creating an image on a recording medium including a support having thereon a porous fusible layer, using an ink composition that is solid at room temperature and liquid at elevated temperature including the steps of generating droplets of the ink composition with an ink jet print head, transferring the droplets of the ink composition to the surface of the fusible layer, thermally treating the recording medium such that the ink transferred to fusible layer passes into the medium away from the surface of the fusible layer while the fusible layer remains substantially unfused, and when the ink has passed into the medium, treating the recording medium to fuse the fusible layer to become a protective overcoat. The present invention also pertains to a system for creating an image on a recording medium.
US08057030B2 Ink supplying system for ink jet printer, ink supplying method for ink jet printer, and ink jet printer
An ink supplying system has a first pipe having one end that connects to a main ink tank storing ink containing no air and another end that removably connects to a primary auxiliary ink tank that receives ink from the main ink tank. A second pipe has one end that removably connects to the primary auxiliary ink tank. An ink jet head is connected to another end of the second pipe for performing printing by ejecting ink on a printing medium. A secondary auxiliary ink tank has a capacity smaller than that of the primary auxiliary ink tank and is selectively exchangeable with the primary auxiliary ink tank for removing air in the ink supplying system prior to printing by the ink jet head. The secondary auxiliary ink tank has a connection pipe that removably connects to the another end of the first pipe and to the one end of the second pipe in fluid communication therewith. The connection pipe has the same sectional area as that of the first and second pipes.
US08057029B2 Printing apparatus
A printing apparatus for printing on a medium through which ink ejected onto the surface of the medium is allowed to seep to the back side of the medium. The printing apparatus includes an inkjet head for ejecting ink in accordance with an inkjet method, an ink receiver that is arranged at a position facing the inkjet head across the medium during printing to receive the ink dripping from the back of the medium, and a wiper member as an ink removing device for removing the ink in the ink receiver from the ink receiver.
US08057027B2 Ink cartridges
An ink cartridge has a case having an ink chamber defined therein, and a pivotable member positioned in the ink chamber. The pivotable member has an opening formed therethrough, and the pivotable member pivots about the opening of the pivotable member. The ink cartridge also has a supporting shaft having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The supporting shaft is positioned within the opening of the pivotable member. The ink cartridge further has a supporting member that supports at least one of the first end and the second end of the supporting shaft, and a projection extending from the supporting member toward the pivotable member.
US08057026B2 Liquid container with structure for controlling leaked liquid
Liquid packs provided with the liquid leading members are stored in a container case that is constituted by fitting a case main body portion and a lid case in fitting portions, support portions, which positions the liquid leading members so as to be opposed to liquid introducing members attached to a cartridge inserting portion, are provided on a front surface of the container case, the fitting portions traverses the support portions, and space portions having a gap larger than a gap formed in the fitting portions are formed near the support portions in the fitting portions due to the capillarity is retained by the space portions and never flows to the fitting portions further extending from the space portions.
US08057021B2 Bubble-bursting box for an ink supply system
A bubble-bursting box for bursting bubbles of a liquid entering the box. The box comprising has one or more bubble-bursting chambers; each chamber has a respective chamber inlet for connection to a liquid conduit. The chamber inlets are defined in a base of each chamber. The box also has a common air chamber in fluid communication with each bubble-bursting chamber, the air chamber having an air outlet defined in the base. A cover for the bubble-bursting chambers and the air chamber; the cover forms a roof of the box. The cover has one or more air channels that provide in fluid communication between a respective bubble-bursting chamber and the common air chamber.
US08057019B2 Liquid ejection apparatus and initial filling method of the same
A liquid ejection apparatus including an ejection head having a nozzle in which liquid is ejected through the nozzle, a plurality of cartridges that retain the liquid and supplies the liquid to the ejection head, and a switching mechanism that switches liquid to be supplied to the ejection head from a plurality of types of liquid supplied from the cartridges. The switching mechanism includes a body having a communication passage in communication with the ejection head, a first diaphragm chamber and a second diaphragm chamber that communicate with each other through the communication passage and located to facing each other, a first diaphragm and a second diaphragm arranged in the first diaphragm chamber and the second diaphragm chamber, respectively, and capable of opening and closing the communication passage, and an operation mechanism provided in the communication passage. The operation mechanism includes a first operation end and a second operation end that operate the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm, respectively, when the communication passage is opened to allow communication between at least one of the first and second diaphragm chambers and the ejection head, and an urging member that urges the first and second operation ends in a direction in which the communication passage is opened by the first and second diaphragms.
US08057017B2 Ink jet recording head with ink supply ports having a cross-section with varying width
A manufacturing method for a substrate for an ink jet head, including formation of an ink supply port in a silicon substrate, the method includes a step of forming, on one side of the substrate, an etching mask layer having an opening at a position corresponding ink supply port; a step of forming unpenetrated holes through the opening of the etching mask layer in at least two rows in a longitudinal direction of the opening; and a step of forming the ink supply port by crystal anisotropic etching of the substrate in the opening.
US08057015B2 Liquid ejecting head unit and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head unit including a plurality of liquid ejecting heads is disclosed. A platform on which the plurality of the liquid ejecting heads are mounted in a staggered arrangement in the first direction, each liquid ejecting head being partially adjacent to each in a second direction, which is orthogonal to first direction. A common trunk passage communicates with the liquid passage ports. A plurality of branch passages communicates with the trunk passage. A plurality of branch circuit wiring sections connects to connectors of the liquid ejecting heads. The plurality of liquid ejecting heads are mounted such that liquid passage ports of each partially adjacent liquid ejecting head are not adjacent to each other in a second direction, and such that the connectors of each partially adjacent liquid ejecting head are not adjacent to each other in the second direction.
US08057013B2 Ink-jet printhead and manufacturing method thereof
An inkjet printhead and a method of manufacturing the printhead. The inkjet printhead includes a substrate through which an ink supply passage is formed, a chamber plate stacked on the substrate having an ink chamber filled with ink supplied through the ink supply passage and heating resistors to heat the ink formed in the ink chamber, a nozzle plate formed on the chamber plate and through which a plurality of nozzles through which ink is ejected are formed, and a water repellent layer formed on the nozzle plate, wherein portions of a covalent bond formed by reaction between the material forming the nozzle plate and a hydrolysis material used to form the water repellent layer are discontinuously formed.
US08057012B2 Pagewidth inkjet printer for printing cartridge-fed sheets
A pagewidth inkjet printer includes a chassis. A pagewidth inkjet printhead is mounted on the chassis to carry out a printing operation on sheets of media fed through the printer. A cover assembly is mounted on the chassis to accommodate operative location of a printing cartridge in which the sheets of media are stored and in which an ink supply for the printhead is carried. A printed circuit board is mounted on the chassis and is connected to the printhead to control operation of the printhead. An ink supply manifold is connected to the printhead to supply the printhead with ink. Ink conduits are connected to the ink supply manifold for connection to the ink supply in the cartridge. A print media feed arrangement is mounted on the chassis to feed print media from the cartridge and through the printer operatively with respect to the inkjet printhead.
US08057011B2 Fluid dispensing device
A fluid dispensing device and method to wick fluid, to be ejected or expelled by a fluid ejecting device, along a capillary slot.
US08057010B2 Method and printer for multi-pass page-wide array printing
A method of printing an image on a substrate using a page-wide-array printer and a page wide array printer is provided. The method includes printing a first portion of the image as relative movement occurs between the substrate and the print heads, and printing a second portion of the image as relative movement occurs between the substrate and the print heads, such that there exists an area of overlap between the first portion of the image and the second portion of the image. The substrate may be moved in a first direction relative to the print heads whilst the first portion of the image is printed, moved in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and moved in the first direction again whilst the second portion of the image is printed. The substrate may be printed whilst the substrate is moved in the second direction.
US08057006B2 Fluid ejection device
A fluid ejection device for use with a print system to eject fluid onto a substrate includes a fluid reservoir and an identifier associated with the fluid reservoir, wherein the identifier is fixed and specifies a nominal fluid ejection rate of fluid from the fluid reservoir.
US08057004B2 Printhead assembly having selected interconnected controllers
A printhead assembly is provided having a plurality of print nozzle integrated circuits, an electrical connector for connecting electrical signals to the print nozzle integrated circuits, and drive electronics having electrical contacts for electrical connection to the electrical connector, input contacts for receiving print data, and a plurality of controllers for processing the print data. Each controller is connected to a predetermined number of the print nozzle integrated circuits via the electrical contacts and being interconnected to the other controllers. The drive electronics are selected from a range of drive electronics, each having a different number of the interconnected controllers configured to each process the print data applicable to a selected number of the print nozzle integrated circuits such that the ratio of controllers to print nozzle integrated circuits can be varied to change the print speed of the printhead assembly.
US08057003B2 Method and apparatus to provide variable drop size ejection with a low power waveform
In one embodiment, a method for driving a droplet ejection device having an actuator includes applying a low power multi-pulse waveform having at least two drive pulses and at least one intermediate portion to the actuator. The method further includes alternately expanding and contracting a pumping chamber coupled to the actuator in response to the at least two drive pulses and the at least one intermediate portion. The method further includes causing the droplet ejection device to eject one or more droplets of a fluid in response to the pulses of the low power multi-pulse waveform. In some embodiments, at least one intermediate portion has a voltage level greater than zero and less than or equal to a threshold voltage level in order to reduce the power needed to operate the droplet ejection device.
US08057001B2 Imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus is provided that includes a liquid discharge head configured to discharge recording liquid as one or more recording liquid droplets; a drive waveform generating unit configured to generate a drive waveform including at least two drive signals within one printing period; a drive unit configured to input tone data, select a relevant drive signal from the drive waveform via a switch that switches on/off according to the tone data, and apply the selected drive signal to the liquid discharge head; and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the tone data to the drive unit plural times within one printing period, the tone data being configured at a plurality of bits per channel.
US08057000B2 Element substrate, printhead, head cartridge, and printing apparatus
This invention relates to an element substrate capable of confirming an electrical connection status before a printhead malfunctions. The element substrate is a substrate for a printhead, which is detachable from a printing apparatus and includes a plurality of printing elements, a logical circuit for controlling the printing elements, and a voltage application terminal for applying a driving voltage to drive the printing elements. The logical circuit is driven at a voltage lower than the driving voltage. The element substrate includes a connection status output circuit which outputs a signal reflecting the electrical connection status between the printhead and the printing apparatus on the basis of the driving voltage.
US08056998B2 Image-forming apparatus
An image-forming apparatus is capable of performing a non-margin recording operation without a margin on a recording medium and providing a waiting time between a moment of termination of a movement of a carriage in one of opposite directions and a moment of initiation of a subsequent movement of the carriage in the other direction, if the non-margin recording operation is performed during the movement of the carriage in the above-indicated one direction. The carriage is moved in the other direction (returned) at a speed lower than that of the movement in the above-indicated one direction, so that the back surface of an edge portion (e.g., leading end portion) of the recording medium is protected from contamination with an ink mist produced from the ink droplets. The waiting time and the return speed of the carriage can be manually selected or changed by using an operator's control panel, so that the non-margin recording operation can be performed in a desired manner (in a high-image-quality mode or a high-speed mode).
US08056994B2 Positioning device for a drawer
A positioning device for a drawer includes a base, a handle and a pair of connecting members. The base comprises a fixing plate, an engaging arm and a resilient member. The engaging arm comprises a tenon, a first side, a second side opposite to the first side, a first end connected to the fixing plate, and a second end connected to the resilient member. The tenon is disposed on the first side of the engaging arm adjacent to the second end. The second end of the engaging arm is formed with a first through hole. The handle is formed with a second through hole corresponding in position to the second end of the engagement arm. The handle is provided with a recess to accommodate the resilient member. The connecting members insert through the second through hole and the first through hole. By assembling the above parts with the drawer, the tenon engages with an engaging hole of the drawer slide.
US08056989B2 Child-proof safety latch
A latch is provided for engagement between the closure member of an enclosure and the frame of the enclosure, the latch comprising a member with a first portion, including a hook portion to engage the frame and prevent the closure member frame from fully opening. The first portion and a complementary second portion each may include buttressing wall sections, one of which must be deflected from alignment with the other to allow the hook portion to be deflected and clear the frame. The latch may be useful as a childproof device to prevent unwanted entry into the enclosure. In addition, a pin may extend from the hook portion and engage a hole in the frame to provide a third feature which must be actuated in order to fully open the closure member.
US08056988B2 Cabinet assembly
A cabinet assembly has at least one cabinet. Each cabinet is a frame and has multiple erect bars, a front board, a rear board, a bottom board, a left opening, a right opening, a wheel assembly and an inner chamber. The wheel assembly is mounted on a lower surface of the bottom board and has multiple wheels and a substrate. The wheels are mounted on the lower surface of the bottom board. The substrate is mounted below the bottom board and contacts to the wheels, allows the wheels to slide on the substrate and holds the cabinet. The inner chamber is formed between the front board, the rear board and the bottom board and communicates with the left opening and the right opening. Therefore, users put the objects from both the left opening and the right opening, so the cabinet assembly is very convenient for the users.
US08056986B2 Wheel for vehicle
The present disclosure relates to a wheel for a vehicle, in which burrs that are created in forming vent holes do not contact with the inner circumference of rim when disc is combined with rim, such that it is possible to prevent damage to the inside of rim due to burrs. Further, a hub cap is formed for covering a hub hole and separably combined with a cylindrical protrusion of disc, such that it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost and the weight, and improve the fuel efficiency. Furthermore, a plurality of water discharge holes is formed along the joint of rim and disc, such that the water discharge holes make it possible to prevent water from collecting again at the joint of rim and disc after a process of removing water.
US08056985B2 Vibratory machine
A vibratory milling machine has a vibratory housing confined to substantially linear reciprocating motion relative to a base, causing a tool carried by the housing to impact a mineral formation or other work piece substantially in a primary milling direction. The vibratory motion may be generated by two or more eccentrically-weighted rotors rotated by a common drive mechanism. The rotors may be arranged in pairs with the rotors of each pair rotating in opposite directions about parallel axes so that lateral oscillations cancel and longitudinal vibrations in the milling direction reinforce one another. In one embodiment, a hydrostatic fluid bearing is provided between the outer surface of each rotor and the housing.
US08056983B2 Lumbar support and head rest adjustment mechanism
A furniture member mechanism includes upper and lower housing structures, the lower housing structure including first and second side frames. A mechanism is disposed within both the upper and lower housing structures, including first and second lever arms having an upper end, a body extending into both the upper and lower housing structures, and a lower end positioned in the lower housing structure and rotatably connected to the first and second side frames. A bracket is connected to the first and second side frames. First and second biasing members are connected to the first and second lever arms and the bracket. The first or second biasing member extends when the first or second lever arm is rotated from an initial position in a lever forward direction. A biasing force of the first or second biasing member biases the first or second lever arm toward the initial position.
US08056979B2 Supporting device
An assembly for supporting a user in multiple positions relative to a surface, the assembly including a frame positioned on the surface, a support being movably coupled to the frame, a first connector extending from beneath the support and being movable with the support as the support moves relative to the frame, and a second connector positioned beneath the support. The first connector is movable relative to the second connector as the support moves relative to the frame, and the first connector is selectively secured to the second connector in different positions, each of the different positions corresponding to a different position of the support relative to the frame.
US08056976B1 Chair with multiple pivot axes
A chair apparatus is provided with multiple pivot axis for improving core strength, posture, and circulation of the user. The chair apparatus includes a seat portion that is capable of pivotal movement about multiple pivot axes and along a surface. The chair apparatus further includes a frame coupled to the seat portion, wherein the frame limits the pivotal movement of the seat portion only when the chair apparatus is placed in a supported orientation.
US08056974B2 Foldable bleacher seats
A foldable seat for a bleacher seating arrangement includes a seat or seat structure fixedly disposed at a deck portion and a seat back pivotally disposed at a rear portion of the seat portion. The seat back is pivotable between an upright position, where a person may sit at the seat structure and may lean back against the seat back, and a folded down position, where the seat back may lay generally on top of or at least partially over the seat structure. The seat back may be pivotally mounted relative to the deck portion and may be substantially freely pivotable between the upright and folded down positions. The bleacher seating arrangement may include a plurality of deck portions that may be retracted to a nested position when the seat backs are in their folded down position.
US08056969B2 Collapsible articles of furniture
Collapsible articles of furniture are provided which have at least one leg assembly which includes a first leg and a second leg. The first leg has a first upper leg segment and a first lower leg segment coupled to the upper leg segment by a first link and the second leg has a movable second upper leg segment and a fixed second lower leg segment coupled to the upper leg segment by a second link. The two links are pivotally connected to each other for movement between an open position wherein the first and second legs cross each other to form a generally X-shaped configuration and a closed position wherein the upper and lower leg segments are aligned with each other and the upper leg section of the first leg is received within the lower leg section of the second leg and is aligned with and telescopically received within the lower leg section of the first leg. The pair of control links pivotally supported in a space between the link plates move in response to movement of the plates prevent telescopic connection between the upper and lower leg segments and prevent the upper leg segments from being telescopically received within the lower leg segments until a predetermined condition of alignment between the upper and lower leg segments has been attained.
US08056967B2 Ceiling decorative panel
There is provided a ceiling decorative panel that can be carried easily and reliably even if a dome lamp is disposed in an opening portion. The ceiling decorative panel of the present invention is disposed on an inside of a roof panel of a vehicle body. The ceiling decorative panel includes a recessed portion protruding toward a back face side of the ceiling decorative panel and having the opening portion at a bottom face. The recessed portion retains the dome lamp in itself. A grip that can be raised in a direction same as a protruding direction of the recessed portion so as to be gripped is disposed to be adjacent to the opening portion.
US08056962B2 Energy absorber
An energy absorber in which an energy-absorbing property in a collision can be set to a predetermined property is provided. An energy absorber (1) which is installed between an auto body panel and an interior member of an automobile, so as to absorb impact energy of a collision includes a base (2) which is fastened between the auto body panel and the interior member; and a plurality of projections (3) which projects from the base and is formed into a hollow conical shape or a hollow circular truncated cone shape, wherein the plurality of projections has different heights and different number of liner convex ribs (4), the rib projecting from an outer circumferential face of the projection and extending from a leading end of the projection to the base, the projections next to each other are not coupled via the rib, and the rib is not provided on a line connecting the centers of the projections next to each other.
US08056959B2 Selectively removable side fairing for a vehicle
A detachable side fairing for a vehicle in one form comprises a panel body that can include steps. An access opening is defined by the panel body and is opened and closed by a door, such as the riser of a step, to allow access to the rear of the panel. A latch actuator can be accessed through the access opening for use in operating a latch to allow movement of the panel body away from the vehicle. The latch actuator can comprise first and second actuators comprising respective first and second elongated handles that each actuates an associated latch to release the panel body. The handles can be configured to prevent closing of the door when the actuators have not been moved to a position that completes the latching of the panel body to the vehicle.