Document | Document Title |
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US07947963B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring radioactivity
A method of measuring radioactivity includes determining a fitted spectral distribution region for recorded counts data of at least a first activity peak determining characteristic data of the fitted spectral distribution region, and using the characteristic data to determine a spectral distribution region of a second activity peak. |
US07947955B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting terahertz wave
A terahertz wave detecting apparatus includes a semiconductor chip 12, a two-dimensional graphene 14, a conductive source electrode 15, and a drain electrode 16 and a gate electrode 17. The two-dimensional graphene 14 is connected to the source electrode and the drain electrode. The apparatus further includes a SD voltage detection circuit 18, a gate voltage applying circuit 19 and a magnetic field generating device 20. |
US07947953B2 |
Charged particle detection apparatus and detection method
A detection apparatus for use in a charged particle beam device is provided. The detection apparatus includes a separation field generating portion adapted to generate a separation field separating positively and negatively charged secondary particles, at least one first detector for detecting positively charged particles, at least one second detector for detecting negatively charged particles, wherein the detection apparatus is adapted to simultaneously detect the positively charged secondary particles in the at least one first detector and the negatively charged secondary particles in the at least one second detector. Further, a method of simultaneously detecting negatively and positively charged particles is provided. The method includes providing a separation field, providing at least one first detector and at least one second detector, separating the negatively charged particles from the positively charged particles in the separation field, simultaneously detecting positively charged particles with the at least one first detector and negatively charged particles with the at least one second detector. |
US07947952B1 |
Nanomachining method and apparatus
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for nanomachining operations. Excitation energy settings are provided to minimize machine induced scan cutting. Cut operations can be operated in a feedback mode to provide controlled cutting operations. Measurement and sweep techniques to facilitate nanomachining operations are disclosed. |
US07947951B2 |
Multi-beam ion/electron spectra-microscope
This invention is a multi-beam charged particle instrument that can simultaneously focus electrons and a variety of positive and negative ions, such as Gallium, Oxygen and Cesium ions, onto the same material target. In addition, the instrument has provision to simultaneously capture the spectrum of both secondary electrons and ions. The highly dispersive, high resolution mass spectrometer portion of the instrument is expected to detect and identify secondary ion species across the entire range of the periodic table, and also record a portion of their emitted energy spectrum. The electron energy spectrometer part of the instrument is designed to acquire the entire range of scattered electrons, from the low energy secondary electrons through to the elastic backscattered electrons. |
US07947949B2 |
Sample processing system and sample processing method for trace detector
A sample processing system and a sample processing method for a trace detector are disclosed. The system comprises a sampling substrate for collecting a substance or substances from the surface of an object to be tested by contacting the sampling substrate with the surface of the object, and a trace detector. The trace detector includes a sample feeding device provided with a sample feeding part. The substance collected by the sampling substrate can be transferred to a surface of the sample feeding part so that the substance transferred to the surface of the sample feeding part can be detected. With the configuration of some embodiments of the present invention, a sampling substrate made of chemical fiber is used to collect a sample from the surface of an object to be tested by contacting the sampling substrate with the surface of the object to be tested. The sample collected by the sampling substrate is mechanically transferred to a metal film or mesh of the sample feeding device of the trace detector. Then, the metal film or mesh of the sample feeding device is heated to vaporize the sample and to release the sample vapor into the trace detector. Therefore, the efficiency of sample collection and desorption processes can be improved. In addition, the direct heating of a sampling substrate can be avoided so as to decrease the interference of the sampling substrate with trace detection. |
US07947944B2 |
Laser transmitter, laser receiver and method
A combination of a laser transmitter and a laser receiver and a method determine the elevation of the receiver with respect to the transmitter. The laser transmitter includes a a laser light source for providing a beam of laser light and an element for directing the beam. The beam diverges vertically and varies in intensity vertically. A laser receiver includes an array of laser beam detectors for detecting the beam and the variations in the beam intensity in a vertical direction. The vertical position of the laser receiver with respect to the laser transmitter can be determined in this manner. The beam varies in intensity vertically in a predetermined vertical pattern, and the laser receiver detects at least a portion of the pattern defined by the beam such that the portion of the beam detected by the laser receiver may be determined. |
US07947942B2 |
Photoconductive element and sensor device
There is provided a photoconductive element capable of generating and detecting broadband electromagnetic waves such as terahertz waves at a comparatively high efficiency by decreasing or avoiding the absorption of electromagnetic waves into a substrate. A photoconductive element 1 includes a photoconductive film 5 exhibiting conductivity by the radiation of light, a substrate 6 holding the photoconductive film and a thin film sandwiched between the photoconductive film 5 and the substrate 6, the thin film being different in composition from the photoconductive film 5 and the substrate 6. The photoconductive film 5 is provided with an antenna 7 having a gap portion 2 and an electrode 4 electrically connectable to the antenna 7. At least a part of the photoconductive film where the gap portion 2 of the antenna 7 is located is single crystal. The substrate 6 has an opening portion 3 at a part corresponding to a part of the photoconductive film 5 where the gap portion 2 of the antenna 7 is located. |
US07947939B2 |
Detection of optical radiation using a photodiode structure
The central idea of the present invention is that a readout result of an optical detection unit which is based on accumulating photocharges can be improved when the charge carriers accumulated on a photodiode capacitance can be transferred to a readout capacitance before being read out by a readout unit, and when the state of the readout capacitance can be read out in a non-destructive manner by the readout unit, so that a noise portion in the readout signal can be corrected by reading out the readout capacitance during charge accumulation and again reading out the readout capacitance after the end of charge accumulation. Additionally, it becomes possible by the transfer to the readout capacitance to vary the sensitivity of the optical detection device within broad limits and to record a sequence of successive light pulses, without having to reset a photodiode before recording every single light pulse. |
US07947935B2 |
Microwave oven and latch board in the microwave oven
A latch board of a microwave oven is provided. The latch board includes a first lever for controlling on/off operation of a monitor switch. The first lever is formed in an approximate triangular shape and has a hinge formed at a first edge, a pressing part formed at a second edge to come in contact with the monitor switch, and a protrusion part formed at a third edge to come in contact with the latch more rapidly. In the latch board, a difference in operation time of the monitor switch and the circuit switch can be increased such that the operation stability of the microwave oven is improved. |
US07947934B2 |
High frequency cookware
To provide a high-frequency cooking apparatus of which installation performance, handling performance, and quality can be enhanced. A high-frequency cooking apparatus 10 for heat-processing an object to be heated, by supplying high frequency and steam into a heating chamber, is provided with a water tank 13 which stores water for generating the steam. The water tank 13 is detachably assembled toward the front to a lower part of a body 11 of the high-frequency cooking apparatus which has the heating chamber, and a tray 12 is integrally assembled to the water tank 13. |
US07947932B2 |
Open coil electric resistance heater with offset coil support and method of use
An open coil electrical resistance heater uses a number of offset insulators to support the coil of the heater. The offset insulators configure the run of coil in a sinusoidal shape to hold the insulators in a more secure manner and reduce vibration and noise generation during heat operation. The sinusoidal configuration of the coil also reduces the problem of shadowing of portions of the resistance wire coil. |
US07947930B2 |
Method and circuit for controlling at least a heating element of a heating device
The invention relates to a circuit layout for controlling at least one heating element, in particular a heating element for an electric cooking and/or baking device, with at least one electric temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heating element and/or a surface heated by said heating element and with safety electronics for automatic shut-off of the heating element when the temperature measured by the at least one sensor reaches and/or exceeds a temperature threshold value (TS). |
US07947917B2 |
Wire-cut electric discharge machine having water level abnormality detection function and water level abnormality alarm generation cause specifying method
For specifying a cause of generation of a water level abnormality alarm in a wire-cut electric discharge machine, stopping supply of a machining liquid to a machining tank when the alarm is generated, draining the liquid; measuring an amount of change in the water level per unit time that is detected by the water level detecting unit; and displaying a question to an operator about the measured amount of change in water level and the state of a water level adjusting mechanism. The operator manually inputs an answer to the displayed question, and specifies, from the answer input by means of the inputting unit, a part which causes the generation of the alarm. |
US07947915B2 |
Keypad assembly
Disclosed is a keypad assembly including a light guide panel, light, at least one light extracting pattern provided on the light guide panel so that light propagating inside the light guide panel is directed out of the light guide panel, a switch board having at least one switch; and at least one light source for coupling light to the inside of the light guide panel, wherein the light guide panel has a thickness of 0.03-0.6 mm. |
US07947914B2 |
Bicycle shift operating device
A bicycle shift operating device is provided with a mounting part, a first operating member and a first signal generator. The first operating member is movable from a first operation start position such that the first operating member returns to the first operation start position upon completion of a shifting operation. The first signal generator generates a signal for changing a shift position of the bicycle shift operating device by one shift position in a first direction from a current shift position in response to the first operating member being moved from the first operation start position to a first position. The first signal generator generates a signal for changing the shift position by two shift positions from the current shift position in response to the first operating member being moved from the first operation start position to a second position located beyond the first position. |
US07947913B1 |
Slide bar interlocking device
A slide bar interlocking device includes a first group of constrained switch actuators and a second group of unconstrained switch actuators. Only one unconstrained actuator in the first group may be thrown in combination with any switch actuator in the second group and any combination of switch actuators in the second group. A base plate has a fixed position and a movable plate is slideably mounted to the base plate. A plurality of elongate slots is formed in the movable plate and at least one truncate slot is formed in each of the elongate slots. The movable plate has first, second, third, and fourth positions where a switch actuator in the first group is in alignment with a truncate slot so that the aligned switch actuator can be thrown and where all other switch actuators in the first group cannot be thrown. |
US07947911B1 |
Anti-tamper mesh
A method of forming an anti-tamper mesh on an electronic device. The method includes forming at least one terminal on the electronic device and forming a conductive mesh on at least one surface of the electronic device, wherein the conductive mesh is in electrical contact with the terminal, and wherein the terminal facilitates electrical conduction between the conductive mesh and an electrical detection circuit. |
US07947909B2 |
Substrate panel
A substrate panel is disclosed. The substrate panel may include a pair of clamp contacts, a plurality of bus lines located between the pair of clamp contacts, and a plurality of substrate units supplied with an electric current by way of the plurality of bus lines, where the bus lines closer to the proximal clamp contact are arranged with larger intervals. |
US07947906B2 |
Printed circuit board and manufacturing method thereof
A multi-layer printed circuit board and a method of manufacturing the multi-layer printed circuit board using a metal substrate as a core member and having an electronic component embedded in the metal substrate, the method including anodizing the metal substrate such that an anodic oxide layer is formed on upper and lower sides of the metal substrate, respectively; forming an inner layer circuit on upper and lower anodic oxide layers, respectively; etching the metal substrate to form a cavity in correspondence with a position where the electronic component is to be embedded; mounting the electronic component in the cavity with a chip bond adhesive; and forming an outer layer circuit on upper and lower sides of the metal substrate, respectively, such that a multi-layer circuit is formed. |
US07947905B2 |
Method and apparatus for joining ends of wires and the like
A joined wire fastener combination includes an outer sleeve having a pre-mounted implosive charge layer. A pair of enlargement members is provided. Each enlargement member is configured to be individually inserted into an adjacent, respective end of an associated stranded conductor. Each enlargement member has an outer diameter that is less than an outer diameter of at least one of the adjacent, respective ends of the stranded conductors, prior to insertion of the enlargement member into the respective end. Each enlargement member is individually inserted into the adjacent, respective end of the associated stranded conductor without the removal or partial removal of any strands of the associated stranded conductor. |
US07947903B2 |
Snap-on wall plate assembly
The wall cover plate assembly includes a base and a cover for connecting to an electrical box and an electrical wiring device. The base is connected to the electrical box and/or the electrical wiring device by suitable fasteners. The base includes a first coupling member positioned along opposite side edges and second coupling members positioned at each corner of the base plate. A cover includes a first coupling member for engaging the first coupling member on the base plate and connectors for engaging the second coupling members on the base plate. The connectors of the cover are angled with respect to a plane of the cover to engage a connecting member of the second coupling members. The connectors provide a biasing force to engage the second coupling members of the base which increase when the cover plate is pulled outwardly from the base. |
US07947902B2 |
Electronic device enclosure
An electronic device enclosure includes a housing and a cover fixed on the housing. The housing defines a first latching portion, and the cover defines a plurality of first latching hooks to engage with the first latching portion. The electronic device enclosure further includes an urging assembly rotatably assembled in the housing to contact the first latching hooks, and an operating member positioned in the housing and contacting the urging assembly. The operating member is capable of pushing the urging assembly to rotate so that the first latching hooks bends and disengages from the first latching portion. |
US07947899B2 |
Enhanced pole guards for electric utility poles
A novel pole guard for electric utility poles has at least one notch for allowing a portion of the pole guard to provide insulative coverage below a cross arm of a utility pole. Further features include hooks, pins, or other fasteners on the pole guard for attaching insulative blankets. |
US07947896B2 |
Method for modifying surface of counter electrode and surface-modified counter electrode
Disclosed herein is a method for modifying the surface of a counter electrode. According to the method, the surface modification is achieved by treating the surface of a counter electrode with a polyethylene glycol derivative having a pendant group at one end. Also disclosed is a counter electrode whose surface is modified by the method. The electron transfer rate at the interface between the counter electrode and an electrolyte layer of a photovoltaic device is increased and the affinity of the counter electrode for the electrolyte layer is improved, resulting in an improvement in the power conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic device. |
US07947895B2 |
Photovoltaic device
A photovoltaic device capable of suppressing reduction of the yield in production also when a transparent conductive film has small surface roughness is obtained. This photovoltaic device comprises a photovoltaic element including a transparent conductive oxide film having arithmetic mean deviation of the profile of not more than about 2 nm and a paste electrode, formed on the transparent conductive oxide film, containing at least a metal material and a resin material, while the resin material contains at least about 60 percent by weight and not more than about 100 percent by weight of epoxy resin. |
US07947894B2 |
Light receiving or light emitting semiconductor module
In the solar battery module 20, solar battery cells 10 arranged in a matrix of eight rows and four columns with their conducting direction aligned and five plate spring members 22 having nearly an inverted U-shaped cross-section are housed in an inner space surrounded by a support substrate 21, an outer frame, a rubber packing frame, and a glass casing plate 25, and the plate spring members 22 each have a pair of connection flanges 22a at the bottom. The plate spring members 22 are provided on either side of columns of multiple solar battery cells 10. Eight solar battery cells 10 are interposed between the connection flanges 22a of the plate spring members on either side of them, whereby they are parallel-connected. Four columns of solar battery cells 10 are serially-connected by five plate spring members 22 and the output is retrieved through the positive electrode coating 28 and negative electrode coating 29. |
US07947892B2 |
Volume control device
The volume control device temporarily alters the loudness of an electric musical instrument by allowing all (or part) of the audio signal to leak through a photosensitive resistor to ground. A light source is positioned so as to affect the value of the photosensitive resistor. The user indirectly controls the audio level by manipulating the light source in various ways: a control switch turns the light on and off; a selector switch determines whether the light source is normally off and turned on by the control switch, or vice versa; the brightness of the light source is adjusted by a variable resistor; and the time taken for the light to reach maximum brightness is controlled by an RC circuit. The device is removable and compatible with any electric instrument. |
US07947891B2 |
Resonance tone generating apparatus and electronic musical instrument
A product-sum operation circuit has delay circuits of the first to the (n−1)th stage for delaying musical tone data, multiplying circuits 60-6(n−1) for multiplying the musical signal data or the delayed musical signal data output from the delay circuits by impulse response coefficients, and adders 71-7(n−1) for summing up data output from the multiplying circuits. The product-sum operation circuit is provided with a feed back circuit. The feed back circuit includes a multiplying circuit 80 that receives the delayed data from the delay circuit at the (n−1)th stage and multiplies the received data by a multiplication coefficient, and an adder 81 for adding data from the multiplying circuit 80 to the delayed data from the delay circuit at the “p”th stage. |
US07947885B2 |
Music string
A music string (1), in particular for bowing and/or plucking instruments, having at least a first play area (2), wherein the first play area is provided for the musician to induce tone-generating vibrations. To provide a sound character that is particularly balanced and open over the entire frequency range that can be used for playing and to provide particularly balanced handling characteristics, it is proposed that the first play area (2) has, under identical test conditions that can be predefined, at least a first area (3) having a first vibration behavior and a second area (4) having a second vibration behavior, and that the first vibration behavior is different from the second vibration area. |
US07947884B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH244084
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH244084. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH244084, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH244084 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH244084. |
US07947883B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH626994
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH626994. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH626994, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH626994 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH626994. |
US07947875B2 |
Methods and means for altering fiber characteristics in fiber-producing plants
Methods and means are provided for modulating fiber length in fiber producing plants such as cotton by altering the fiber elongation phase. The fiber elongation phase may be increased or decreased by interfering with callose deposition in plasmodesmata at the base of the fiber cells. |
US07947873B2 |
Compositions and methods for regulation of plant gamma-tocopherol methyltransferase
Disclosed herein are zinc finger proteins that bind to target sites in a plant gamma-tocopherol methyl transferase (GMT) gene; compositions comprising these GMT-targeted zinc finger proteins and methods of making and using such zinc finger proteins. Also disclosed are methods for modulating the alpha-tocopherol content in various plant organs, particularly seeds, in transgenic plants. |
US07947872B2 |
Nucleotide sequences involved in plant disease resistance
The present invention relates to methods for producing plants having enhanced disease resistance. NRC1 proteins and nucleic acid sequences encoding these are provided, as well as transgenic plants producing NRC1 proteins. |
US07947866B2 |
Gene disruptions, compositions and methods relating thereto
The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising disruptions in PRO194, PRO220, PRO241, PRO284, PRO331, PRO354, PRO355, PRO533, PRO541, PRO725, PRO937, PRO1014, PRO1120, PRO1182, PRO1325, PRO1382, PRO1410, PRO1555, PRO1556, PRO1760, PRO1787, PRO1868, PRO4326, PRO4332, PRO4346, PRO4400, PRO6003, PRO6094, PRO6244, PRO9820, PRO9828, PRO10274, PRO16090, PRO19644, PRO21340, PRO92165, PRO85143, PRO1124, PRO1026 or PRO23370 genes. Such in vivo studies and characterizations may provide valuable identification and discovery of therapeutics and/or treatments useful in the prevention, amelioration or correction of diseases or dysfunctions associated with gene disruptions such as neurological disorders; cardiovascular, endothelial or angiogenic disorders; eye abnormalities; immunological disorders; oncological disorders; bone metabolic abnormalities or disorders; lipid metabolic disorders; or developmental abnormalities. |
US07947865B2 |
Absorbent structure comprising water-swellable material
An absorbent structure formed from a process of providing water-swellable material that includes water-swellable polymer particles, which are coated with a coating agent. The coating agent is a phase-separating elastomeric material that has a first and second glass transition temperature. The coated water-swellable polymer particles are able to swell without breakage of the coating. |
US07947860B2 |
Dividing wall separation in light olefin hydrocarbon processing
Processing schemes and arrangements for application of a dividing wall separation column in the processing of an effluent resulting from FCC processing modified for increased light olefin production. The dividing wall separation column desirably splits a naphtha feedstock produced or resulting from such modified FCC processing to produce or form a light fraction containing C5-C6 compounds, an intermediate fraction containing C7-C8 compounds and a heavy fraction containing C9+ compounds. |
US07947857B2 |
Stabilization of gas hydrates
Provided are compositions and methods for increasing the stability and gas content of gas hydrates. |
US07947856B2 |
Process for the preparation of halogenated hydrocarbons with at least 3 carbon atoms in the presence of iron and a phosphite
A telomerisation process is described whereby haloalkanes like tetrachloromethane are added to halogenated olefins like 2-chloroprop-1-ene in the presence of an iron catalyst and a phosphite. The reaction products, e.g. 1,1,1,3,3-pentachlorobutane, can be fluorinated. |
US07947853B2 |
Process for production of nitrogenated compound
The present invention relates to a process for producing an aliphatic primary amine or an aliphatic secondary amine from an aliphatic alcohol with a high catalytic activity and a high selectivity. In the process for producing an aliphatic amine according to the present invention, a linear, branched, or cyclic aliphatic alcohol having 6 to 22 carbon atoms is contacted with ammonia and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst formed by supporting a ruthenium component on at least one material selected from the group consisting of (B) a zirconia-containing composite oxide and (C) zirconia surface-treated with a metal by hydrolysis of (A) a ruthenium compound. |
US07947844B2 |
One-pot synthesis of benzisoindolenines used in the preparation of naphthalocyanines
A method of effecting a one-pot conversion of a tetrahydronaphthalic anhydride of formula (I): to a nitrate salt of a benzisoindolenine of formula (II): The method comprises heating the tetrahydronaphthalic anhydride of formula (I) with a reagent mixture comprising ammonium nitrate so as to effecting concomitant dehydrogenation during the conversion. |
US07947840B2 |
Process for preparation of enantiomerically pure esomeprazole
The present invention provides an improved and commercially viable process for preparation of substantially enantiomerically pure esomeprazole in neutral form or as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or as its solvates including hydrates. Thus, for example, a compound containing a mixture of 1-(S)-camphorsulfonyl-5-methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methyl-(S)-sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole and 1-(S)-camphorsulfonyl-6-methoxy-2-[(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)methyl-(S)-sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole is hydrolyzed with barium hydroxide, isolated the resulting esomeprazole barium salt followed by neutralization with an acid to yield substantially enantiomerically pure esomeprazole in neutral form and then converted into its pharmaceutically acceptable salts. |
US07947836B2 |
Biosensor and method of detection of a DNA sequence
The invention relates biosensor comprising a conductive or semi-conductive support and an intercalator polymer, wherein the intercalator polymer comprises monomer units of formula (I) wherein P is an electropolymerizable moiety selected among the group consisting in pyrrole, acetylene, phenol, aniline, thiophene, carbazole and azulene; Sp is a spacer, and Im is an intercalator. The invention also relates to a method for the detection of a DNA sequence with the biosensor, comprising the steps of: hybridizing the DNA sequence with a DNA probe for forming a dsDNA incubating the biosensor with the dsDNA for anchoring the dsDNA to the intercalator detecting the quantity of dsDNA on the biosensor. |
US07947835B2 |
Certain substituted amides, method of making, and method of use thereof
At least one chemical entity chosen from compounds of Formula 2 and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, chelates, non-covalent complexes, prodrugs, and mixtures thereof is described herein. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one chemical entity of the invention, together with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle chosen from carriers adjuvants, and excipients, are described.Methods of treating patients suffering from certain diseases responsive to inhibition of Btk activity and/or B-cell activity are described. Methods for determining the presence of Btk in a sample are described. |
US07947828B2 |
Methods and intermediates for the synthesis of dipyrrin-substituted porphyrinic macrocycles
The present invention provides dipyrrin substituted porphyrinic macrocycles, intermediates useful for making the same, and methods of making the same. Such compounds may be used for purposes including the making of molecular memory devices, solar cells and light harvesting arrays. |
US07947824B2 |
Process for preparing purine nucleosides
The present invention for the stereoselective preparation of 2-deoxy-β-D-adenine nucleosides wherein a blocked 2-deoxy-α-D-arabinofuranosyl halide is coupled with the salt of an adenine derivative. |
US07947823B2 |
siRNA expression system
The authors describe an expression system for the correct, stable and effective expression in mammalian cells of a siRNA comprising: a) a polymerase II RNA-dependent promoter derived from the U1 RNA gene; downstream from the sequence b) suitable restriction sites for the cloning of the sequence transcribing the pre-siRNA; downstream from these sites c) sequences derived from the sequences at 3′ of the gene for U1 snRNA that are necessary and sufficient for the correct formation of 3′ of the presiRNA. |
US07947819B2 |
B-raf polynucleotides
The invention relates to mutations in B-Raf gene products. The mutations described are identified in human tumors of natural origin. These mutations are associated with cancerous phenotypes and can be used as a basis for the diagnosis of cancer, cancerous cells or a predisposition to cancer in human subjects, and the development of anti-cancer therapeutics. |
US07947818B2 |
Heteromolecular metal-humic (chelate) complexes
Heteromolecular metal-humic organic complexes of the type: (A)n-(Metal)x-(B)m where A is one or several humic complexes which may be totally or partially sulfonated or may have been treated with an amine in order to protect the carboxylic groups from interacting with polyvalent cations, and B is a non-humic complexing (organic chelating agent) compound, the biological and chemical stability whereof allows for protection of the metal and the multitoothed or multi-valent molecule involved in the complex against degradation phenomena, both chemical and microbiological, having the beneficial effect of humic acid, as an effective plant growth and nutrition stimulant and as a metabolic and immune system activator in animals and humans. |
US07947817B2 |
Synthesis and compositions of 2'-terminator nucleotides
The invention provides compositions that comprise nucleotides and/or nucleosides having blocking groups at 2′-positions of sugar moieties. Methods of synthesizing these nucleic acids are also provided. |
US07947812B2 |
Neoplasm specific antibodies and uses thereof
The present invention features polypeptides, such as antibodies, and their use in the treatment and diagnosis of neoplasms. |
US07947811B2 |
Antibodies that bind specifically to human RON protein
The invention provides antibodies or fragments thereof, including human antibodies, specific for Macrophage-Stimulating Protein Receptor (MSP-R or RON), which inhibit RON activation. Also provided are methods to inhibit RON, particularly the use of RON antibodies to treat diseases such as cancer. |
US07947807B2 |
Method for obtaining G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) diffraction-quality crystals employing a monoclonal antibody that binds to the third intracellular loop (IL3)
An antibody that specifically binds a three dimensional epitope on the IC3 loop of a GPCR is provided. The antibody may be employed in a method that comprises: contacting a GPCR with a monovalent version of the antibody binding conditions to form a complex; and crystallizing the complex. |
US07947804B1 |
Vesicle trafficking proteins
The invention provides three human vesicle trafficking proteins (VTP) and polynucleotides which identify and encode VTP. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies and antagonists. The invention also provides methods for preventing and treating disorders associated with expression of VTP. |
US07947802B2 |
Benzoxazine monomers, polymers and compositions
Benzoxazine monomers comprising at least one pendant group are described. (Co)Polymers comprising at least one benzoxazine monomer having at least one pendant group are also described. In a preferred embodiment, the pendant group is located in a side chain of the benzoxazine monomer or polymer. Methods for preparing the benzoxazine monomers and polymers are described. Compositions comprising the benzoxazine monomers and polymers have numerous uses including optical materials, and in electronic materials as electrically insulating materials, and as fireproof materials. |
US07947799B2 |
High organic group content-periodic mesoporous organosilicas (HO-PMO's)
The present invention provides a new class of organic/inorganic hybrid materials having [ER]n rings interconnected by E′ atoms. In an embodiment a class of materials called high organic group content periodic mesoporous organosilicas (HO-PMO's) with [SiR]3 rings interconnected by O atoms is described. The measured dielectric, mechanical and thermal properties of the materials suggest that an increased organic content achieved by the [SiR]3 rings of a high organic group content periodic mesoporous organosilica leads to superior materials properties potentially useful for a wide range of applications including microelectronics, separation, catalysis, sensing, optics or electronic printing. |
US07947795B2 |
Polymer for filling gaps in semiconductor substrate and coating composition using the same
A polymer for filling gaps in a semiconductor substrate and a composition using the polymer are provided. According to the composition, holes having a diameter of 100 nm or less and an aspect ratio (i.e. a ratio between the diameter and height of the holes) of 1 or higher in semiconductor substrates can be substantially completely filled by common spin coating without formation of defects, e.g., air voids, the film can be dissolved by an aqueous alkaline solution (i.e. a developing solution) until a desired thickness is reached, the film is highly resistant to isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and plasma etching after curing by baking, and residue can be rapidly removed from the inside of the holes by ashing. |
US07947791B2 |
Fluorinated polymer
The present invention provides a fluorinated polymer excellent in the crosslinking reactivity, crosslinked rubber physical properties and chemical resistance, and its crosslinked rubber. A fluorinated polymer comprising repeating units (a) based on at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of ethylenic unsaturated compounds each having a hydroxyphenyl group, repeating units (b) based on at least one fluoromonomer selected from the group consisting of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, vinylidene fluoride, 3,3,3-trifluoropropene, 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, 1,1,2-trifluoroethylene, vinyl fluoride, 1,2-difluoroethylene and CF2═CF—O—Rf (wherein Rf is a C1-8 saturated perfluoroalkyl group or a perfluoro(alkoxyalkyl) group) and, if necessary, repeating units (c) based on at least one hydrocarbon monomer selected from the group consisting of ethylene, propylene and CH2═CH—O—R1. |
US07947790B2 |
Porous film of vinylidene fluoride resin and method for producing same
A porous membrane of vinylidene fluoride resin excellent in hydrophilicity and having a good balance among strength, elongation and water permeation rate, which is thus useful as a microfiltration membrane or a separator of battery. The porous membrane is formed from a copolymer of 100 mols of a vinylidene fluoride monomer and 0.01-10.0 mols of a hydrophilic monomer having at least one species of hydrophilic group selected from epoxy group, hydroxy group, carboxy group, ester group, amide group and acid anhydride group. |
US07947785B2 |
Polyoxazolidones derived from bisanhydrohexitols
Disclosed is a method for preparing polyoxazolidones wherein an ether of a bisanhydrohexitol is reacted with a diisocyanate under conditions which form polyoxazolidones. Preferred bisanhydrohexitols include isoidide, isomannide and isosorbide. The polyoxazolidones are highly crosslinked, rigid, and have high solvent resistance. |
US07947781B2 |
Polymer mixture consisting of an impact-resistance modified poly (meth) acrylate and a fluoropolymer
The invention relates to a molded body consisting of plastic with a material thickness of at least 150 $g(m)m at any point. Said body contains a polymer mixture of an impact-resistance modified poly(meth)acrylate plastic, a polymethyl methacrylate matrix, elastomer particles contained in said matrix and a fluoropolymer. According to the invention, the fraction of the fluoropolymer in the mixture is between 30 and 95 wt. % and the polymer mixture of the impact-resistance modified poly(meth)acrylate plastic and the fluoropolymer is present in an outer layer with a continuous material thickness of at least 10 $g(m)m. The invention is characterized in that the impact-resistance modified poly(meth)acrylate plastic consists of between 20 and 70 wt. % poly(meth)acrylate matrix and between 30 and 80 wt. % elastomer particles. |
US07947779B2 |
Semiconductor device by adhering circuit substrate with adhesive film of epoxy resin, phenolic resin and incompatible polymer
Disclosed is an adhesive composition which includes (a) an epoxy resin, (b) a curing agent and (c) a polymer compound incompatible with said epoxy resin, and further optionally includes (d) a filler and/or (e) a curing accelerator. Also disclosed are a process for producing an adhesive composition, including mixing (a) the epoxy resin and (b) the curing agent with (d) the filler, followed by mixing the resultant mixture with (c) the polymer compound incompatible with the epoxy resin; an adhesive film including the above-mentioned adhesive composition formed into a film; a substrate for mounting a semiconductor including a wiring board and the above-mentioned adhesive film disposed thereon on its side where chips are to be mounted; and a semiconductor device which includes the above-mentioned adhesive film or the substrate for mounting a semiconductor. |
US07947774B2 |
Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer of increased mechanical properties
Solution blending of masterbatch of cationically functionalized polyvinyl acetate copolymer/silicate nanocomposite where the silicate is substantially exfoliated, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), produces product of increased tensile strength and Young's Modulus compared to neat EVA and reduced flammability compared to neat EVA. The product can be injection molded or compression molded or extruded without loss of these advantages. |
US07947773B2 |
Electrically conductive composite material
An electrically conductive composite material includes metallic nanostrands distributed throughout a matrix constructed of a polymer, ceramic, or elastomer. The nanostrands may have an average diameter under four microns and an average aspect ratio over ten-to-one. Larger fibers may also be included to enhance electrical conductivity or other properties. The nanostrands and/or fibers may be magnetically oriented to enhance electrical conductivity along one direction. A pressure sensor may be formed by utilizing an elastomer for the matrix. Electrical conductivity through the composite material varies in proportion to deflection of the elastomer. A composite material may be applied to a surface as an electrically conductive paint. Composite materials may be made by cutting a blank of the nanostrands to the desired shape, inserting the matrix, and curing the matrix. Alternatively, a suspension agent may first be used to dispose powdered nanostrands in the desired shape. |
US07947772B2 |
Multiphasic nano-components comprising colorants
Multiphasic colorant nano-components (MPCs) having at least two phases and at least one colorant are provided. In certain aspects, the at least two phases are optically or visually distinct from one another. The MPCs can be used in various methods in various applications, such as visual, optical, and/or electronic displays, including in paints, inks, coatings, plastics, textiles, electronic display devices, pixels, or electronic paper. The MPCs are formed by methods of electrified jetting of polymers. |
US07947770B2 |
Flame retardant polycarbonate compositions
The present invention relates to novel flame retardant polycarbonate resin compositions comprising at least one aromatic polycarbonate resin, at least one anti-drip agent, and at least one salt as defined herein. The present invention also provides methods for preparing articles comprising said flame retardant composition, and articles made therefrom. |
US07947767B2 |
Electret materials
Disclosed are electret materials with outstanding thermal and charge stability. The electret materials comprise a melt blend of a thermoplastic polymer and one or more hindered hydroxylamine ester compounds that comprise at least one moiety of the formula I where Ra′ is a monoacyl or diacyl radical; R1-R4 are each C1-C6alkyl; and R5 and R6 are each, independently of one another, hydrogen, C1-C6alkyl or C6-C10aryl; or R5 and R6 are together oxygen. The melt blends are subjected to an electet treatment, for example a corona treatment. The electret materials are for example nonwoven polyolefin webs and are employed as filter materials, wipes, absorbent materials, filter masks, acoustic materials, printing substrates, measuring devices or contactless switches. The present electret materials may also comprise a further additive selected from the group consisting of the hindered amine light stabilizers, the hydroxyphenylalkylphosphonic esters or monoesters and the aromatic trisamide nucleating agents. |
US07947761B2 |
Inkjet ink compositions comprising polymeric dispersants having attached chromophore groups
The present invention relates to an inkjet ink composition comprising a liquid vehicle, a pigment, and a polymeric dispersant. In one embodiment, the pigment comprises a colorant having the formula A-(B)x or is a carbon black pigment and the polymeric dispersant comprises a polymeric group and at least one group having the formula -A′-(B)y(C)z, wherein A and A′ are organic chromophore groups. In a second embodiment, the polymeric dispersant comprises a polymeric group and an organic chromophore group capable of interacting with the pigment. |
US07947759B2 |
Cement products and methods of making and using the same
Disclosed are cement products, methods of forming cement using the cement product, and methods of using the cement product in orthopedic and dental applications. Generally, the disclosed cement product includes a first component comprising a polymerizable resin comprising ethylenic unsaturated double bond, a second component comprising a compound comprising more than one type of amine selected from the group consisting of primary amines, secondary amines, tertiary amines and quaternary amines, and, optionally, the cement product includes a bioactive component to promote bone formation. |
US07947758B2 |
Moisture activated latent curing adhesive or sealant
The invention relates to a novel poly(ethylene oxide)imine; a novel amine reactive moiety; a novel moisture activated latent curing adhesive or sealant mixture comprising (1) a ketimine or aldimine, and (2) an amine reactive moiety; and a novel moisture activated latent curing adhesive or sealant comprising the reaction product of (1) and (2). |
US07947756B2 |
Process for making visco-elastic foams
Process for making a slabstock, visco-elastic, flexible, polyurethane foam which process comprises reacting a polyisocyanate and a polyol at an index of 60-95 and using a blowing agent, wherein 5-50 and preferably 10-40% by weight of the polyol used is castor oil. The foams and a polyol composition are claimed as well. |
US07947753B2 |
Particulate materials for acoustic texture material
A composition for forming a textured coating on drywall material, comprising acoustic texture material and propellant material. The acoustic texture material comprises a base portion and a particulate portion, where the particulate portion comprises at least one of urethane foam and melamine foam. The propellant material is at least one of DME and a hydrocarbon propellant. |
US07947749B2 |
System for recycling a used plastic, method for reprocessing a used ABS resin, and reclaimed ABS resin
A system to recycle plastics, which enables a supply of recycled plastics having a stable quality required for the recycled products. A system to recycle a used plastic material as a resin material including (a) means to sort used plastic materials for the purpose of recycling said used plastic materials, (b) means to crush and melt said used plastic material after it has been sorted, (c) reviving means to regain a desired property, and (d) means to measure a physical property of a reclaimed plastic after it has been revived and to indicate said measured physical property for quality assurance. |
US07947746B2 |
Process for the conversion of hydrocarbons into ethanol
Process for converting synthesis gas to ethanol, including the steps of 1) introducing synthesis gas, together with methyl ethanoate and/or ethyl ethanoate, into an alcohol synthesis unit to produce methanol and ethanol, 2) separating the methanol from the ethanol of step 1, 3) introducing methanol, from step 2, together with CO, into a carbonylation unit in the presence of a methanol carbonylation catalyst, to produce ethanoic acid, and 4) introducing ethanoic acid, from step 3, together with methanol and/or ethanol, into an esterification unit to produce methyl ethanoate and/or ethyl ethanoate. In step 5), methyl ethanoate and/or ethyl ethanoate, produced in step 4, are fed into the alcohol synthesis unit of step 1, and in step 6) ethanol from step 2 is recovered. |
US07947745B1 |
Reducing the viscosity of an aqueous fluid
An aqueous fluid having a viscosity greater than the viscosity of water is contacted with a water soluble material for a time and at a temperature sufficient to reduce the viscosity of the aqueous fluid to a value which is less than about 10 percent of the initial viscosity of the aqueous fluid. The water soluble material is an alkali metal peroxide or a combination of an alkali metal peroxide and a transition metal-containing compound. |
US07947744B2 |
Stable pharmaceutical products
Provided herein is a stable pharmaceutical product comprising a dry powder inhalation device, and a pharmaceutical composition that comprises R,R-Formoterol L-tartrate salt, in particular crystalline R,R-formoterol L-tartrate; and ciclesonide. |
US07947740B2 |
Bimatoprost crystalline form I
The invention provides a novel polymorphic form I of crystalline bimatoprost, method for preparation thereof and new crystalline intermediates in the preparation. This form I of crystalline bimatoprost is used in purification of crude bimatoprost and in storage of bimatoprost as active pharmaceutical intermediate. Use of the physical form of bimatoprost in the manufacture of a medicament is also disclosed. |
US07947739B2 |
Tranexamic acid formulations
Disclosed are modified release oral tranexamic acid formulations and methods of treatment therewith. |
US07947734B2 |
Substituted para-trifluoromethyl phenylate compounds and its preparation and use thereof
The invention relates to substituted para-trifluoromethyl phenyl ether compounds and its preparation and use thereof especially. The substituted para-trifluoromethyl phenyl ether compounds of the invention having general formula (I): The substitutes see Description.The compounds of present invention have broad-spectrum activity, and may be used to control diseases in all sorts of plants caused by oomycete, basidiomycete, ascomycete pathogens and deuteromycete, and it may also provide good control efficacy at very low dosage because of the high activity. The compounds of the invention have good insecticidal activity and have good activity against many pests, especially for Carmine spider mite. The compounds are fit for synthetical control against many kinds of pests. |
US07947732B2 |
Therapeutic substituted chlorocyclopentanols
Disclosed herein is a compound having a formula therapeutic methods, compositions, and medicaments related thereto are also disclosed. |
US07947731B2 |
Augmented cognitive training
The present invention provides methods of therapy of cognitive deficits associated with a central nervous system disorder or condition, methods of enhancing cognitive performance and methods for repeated stimulation of neuronal activity or a pattern of neuronal activity, such as that underlying a specific neuronal circuit(s). The methods comprise combining cognitive training protocols and a general administration of CREB pathway-enhancing agents. |
US07947730B2 |
Piperidinium and pyrrolidinium derivatives as ligands for the muscarinic M3 receptor
Compounds of formula I in salt or zwitterionic form wherein, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, J, L and M have the meanings as indicated in the specification, are useful for treating conditions that are mediated by the muscarinic M3 receptor. Pharmaceutical compositions that contain the compounds and a process for preparing the compounds are also described. |
US07947728B1 |
Indole and indazole analogs as glycogen synthase activators
Provided herein are compounds of the formula (I): as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein the substituents are as those disclosed in the specification. These compounds, and the pharmaceutical compositions containing them, are useful for the treatment of metabolic diseases and disorders such as, for example, type II diabetes mellitus. |
US07947725B2 |
Liquid pharmaceutical formulations of palonosetron
The present invention relates to shelf-stable liquid formulations of palonosetron for reducing chemotherapy and radiotherapy induced emesis with palonosetron. The formulations are particularly useful in the preparation of intravenous and oral liquid medicaments. |
US07947724B2 |
Liquid pharmaceutical formulations of palonosetron
The present invention relates to shelf-stable liquid formulations of palonosetron for reducing chemotherapy and radiotherapy induced emesis with palonosetron. The formulations are particularly useful in the preparation of intravenous and oral liquid medicaments. |
US07947723B2 |
Synthesis and anti-proliferative effect of benzimidazole derivatives
This invention provides for compounds, compositions, and methods that involve anti-proliferative and anti-neoplastic activity in cancer cells. In particular, a series of benzimidazole, purine, imidazopyridine, and imidazopyrizine compounds having selected substitution patterns are disclosed, and the activity of various subject compounds is demonstrated. For example, the invention provides compounds having the general formula: their pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treatment using the subject compounds and compositions. |
US07947722B2 |
Imidazolidinone derivative, method of producing the same and method of producing optically active amino acid
The objective of the present invention is to provide an optically active imidazolidinone derivative widely usable for synthesizing an optically active amino acid, a method of easily producing the derivative, and a method of easily producing an optically active amino acid by using the derivative. The objective can be achieved by producing an optically active amino acid using a novel optically active imidazolidinone derivative represented by a general formula (3) and the like. According to the method of the present invention, an optically active imidazolidinone derivative can be obtained by preferential crystallization from a mixture of isomers of the imidazolidinone derivative. Therefore, an optically active amino acid can be easily and stereoselectively produced without cumbersome procedures required for the conventional methods, such as resolution of diastereomers, synthesis from an optically active amino acid and resolution of isomers by silica gel column chromatography. |
US07947716B2 |
N-sulfonylaminocarbonyl containing compounds
Compounds having two reactive functional groups are described that can be used to provide a connector group between a substrate and an amine-containing material. The first reactive functional group can be used to provide attachment to a surface of a substrate. The second reactive functional group is a N-sulfonylaminocarbonyl group that can be reacted with an amine-containing material, particularly a primary aliphatic amine, to form a carbonylimino-containing connector group. The invention also provides articles and methods for immobilizing amine-containing materials to a substrate. |
US07947710B2 |
Disubstituted alkyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane compounds as mu opioid receptor antagonists
The invention provides novel 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane compounds of formula (I): where the variables are defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, that are antagonists at the mu opioid receptor. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, methods of using such compounds to treat conditions associated with mu opioid receptor activity, and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds. |
US07947705B2 |
7-azaindoles and the use thereof as therapeutic agents
The invention relates to substituted 7-azaindoles, process for their preparation, pharmaceutical preparations which comprise these compounds, and the pharmaceutical use of these compounds, which are inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 4, as active ingredients for the treatment of disorders which can be influenced by inhibition of phosphodiesterase 4 activity in particular in immunocompetent cells (e.g. macrophages and lymphocytes) by the compounds of the invention. |
US07947703B2 |
Phenanthridinium derivatives as DNA binding agents
Disclosed are new classes of phenanthridinium derivatives, most notably dihydro-imidazo-phenanthridinium (DIP) compounds. The compounds are prepared by the reaction of the middle b ring of a phenanthridinium core with primary amines to form the DIP compounds. This reaction can also be applied to other classes of starting compounds which comprise a 6-membered ring aromatic heterocycle having a ring nitrogen and at least one alpha hydrogen atom which can be reacted with a primary amine. Also disclosed is a method of using the DIP compounds for treatment of ovarian cancer. |
US07947697B1 |
8-(3-pentylamino)-2-methyl-3-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-6,7-dihydro-5H-cyclopenta[d] pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine methanesulfonate as a CRF antagonist
8-(3-pentylamino)-2-methyl-3-(2-chloro-4-methoxyphenyl)-6,7-dihydro-5H-cyclopenta[d]pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine methanesulfonate of the structural formula (I) has Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF) antagonist activity and is useful in treating neuropsychiatric and digestive system diseases. |
US07947695B2 |
5-membered annelated heterocyclic pyrimidines as kinase inhibitors
This invention comprises the novel compounds of formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, Q1, Q2, X1, X2, Y and Z have defined meanings, having cell cycle kinase inhibiting enzymatic activity, their preparation, compositions containing them and their use as a medicine. |
US07947693B2 |
5,7-disubstituted thiazolo[4,5-D]pyrimidines as chemokine inhibitors
There are disclosed novel 5-substituted 7-amino-[1,3]thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidine derivatives of formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as defined in the specification, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, together with processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them and their use in therapy. The compounds of formula (I) are CX3CR1 receptor antagonists and are thereby particularly useful in the treatment or prophylaxis of neurodegenerative disorders, demyelinating disease, cardio- and cerebrovascular atherosclerotic disorders, peripheral artery disease, rheumatoid arthritis, pulmonary diseases such as COPD, asthma or pain. |
US07947688B2 |
N-[3-(3-substituted-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7-yl)phenyl]-sulfonamides, and compositions, and methods related thereto
The present invention relates to compounds of Formula (I): wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as defined in the claims. The compounds have specific affinity for the GABAA receptor and are therefore useful in the treatment and prevention of diseases modulated by the α1- and α2-GABAA receptors. |
US07947686B2 |
Substituted pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridine derivatives active as kinase inhibitors
Substituted pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridine derivatives of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, as defined in the specification, process for their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them are disclosed; the compounds of the invention may be useful in therapy in the treatment of diseases associated with a dysregulated protein kinase activity, like cancer. |
US07947684B2 |
1-aroyl-piperidinyl benzamidines
This invention relates to compounds of formula which inhibit Factor Xa or tryptase, to pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, and to the use of the compounds for the treatment of patients suffering from conditions which can be ameliorated by the administration of an inhibitor of Factor Xa or tryptase. |
US07947678B2 |
Heterocyclic benzodiazepine CGRP receptor antagonists
Compounds of formula I: (where variables R2, R7, D, W, X, Y and Z are as described herein) which are antagonists of CGRP receptors and which are useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases in which the CGRP is involved, such as migraine. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which CGRP is involved. |
US07947675B2 |
Trifluoromethylbenzamide derivatives and therapeutic uses thereof
Compounds of the formula (I), in which the radicals R1 to R3 and AR are as defined in the description, processes for the preparation thereof, the use thereof in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them. |
US07947673B2 |
Method of scintigraphy
The invention relates to combination comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable preparation of a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a gallium and its use in diagnosis. The invention also pertains to the use of a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of an excess iron overload in the human or animal body whereby said body is undergoing gallium scintigraphy and whereby the treatment removing said excess of iron is interrupted for a period of 2 to 10 days prior to the gallium scintigraphy and resumed after the gallium scintigraphy readings. |
US07947664B2 |
Angiotensin II receptor antagonists
A compound having the structure wherein R is an angiotensin receptor antagonist active group, Y is selected from the group consisting of and 2) —C(R1H)OC(O)X((CR12R13)—(CHR10)m—(CH2)n—Zp—(CH2)q—(CHR11)r—(CR16R17))—R5; Z is —O— or —(CR14R15)—; m, n, p, q, and r are independently selected from the group consisting of 0 and 1; X is —O— or —(CR18R19)—; R1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-4 alkyl, aryl and C1-4 alkylaryl; R5 is —O—N═N(O)—NR3R4; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, which is useful for treating hypertension. |
US07947662B2 |
Folates, compositions and uses thereof
The present invention relates to folates, compositions and uses thereof; In particular, this invention describes a crystalline or amorphous compound which is a substituted or unsubstituted folate or a reduced folate, or the natural or unnatural isomers thereof, of at least one organic base, as well as compositions and uses thereof. The compounds of the invention show a long lasting stability as well as a peculiarly high water-solubility. |
US07947659B2 |
iRNA agents targeting VEGF
The features of the present invention relate to compounds, compositions and methods useful for modulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), such as by the mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi). The compounds and compositions include iRNA agents that can be unmodified or chemically-modified. |
US07947658B2 |
RNA interference for the treatment of gain-of-function disorders
The present invention relates to the discovery of an effective treatment for a variety of gain-of-function diseases, in particular, Huntington's disease (HD). The present invention utilizes RNA Interference technology (RNAi) against polymorphic regions in the genes encoding various gain-of-function mutant proteins resulting in an effective treatment for the gain-of-function disease. |
US07947654B2 |
Pharmaceutical formulations
Good bioavailability of desmopressin can be obtained by means of an orodispersible pharmaceutical dosage form. Preferred dosage forms comprise desmopressin and an open matrix network which is an inert water-soluble or water-dispersible carrier material. Desmopressin formulated in this way is useful for voiding postponement, or the treatment or prevention of incontinence, primary noctural enuresis (PNE), nocturia or central diabetes insipidus. Peptides other than desmopressin can also be formulated in this way. |
US07947650B2 |
Article of manufacture
The present invention relates to a method for the treatment of a cartilage disorder, including cartilage damaged by injury or degenerative cartilagenous disorders. The method involves contacting the cartilage with an IGF-1 analog with altered affinity for IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) or an IGFBP displacer peptide that prevents the interaction of an IGF with an IGFBP and does not bind to a human IGF receptor. |
US07947646B2 |
Variant activin receptor polypeptides
The present invention provides variant activin IIB soluble receptor polypeptides and proteins capable of binding and inhibiting the activities of activin A, myostatin, or GDF-11. The present invention also provides polynucleotides, vectors and host cells capable of producing the variant polypeptides and proteins. Compositions and methods for treating muscle-wasting and other diseases and disorders are also provided. |
US07947643B2 |
Laundry composition comprising a substituted polysaccharide
Laundry treatment composition comprising a substituted polysaccharide having a degree of substitution, DS, of from 0.01 to 0.99 and a specific degree of blockiness, DB, such that either DS+DB is of at least 1 or DB+2DS−DS2 is of at least 1.20, and a laundry adjunct ingredient. |
US07947642B2 |
Spray-drying process for preparing a low density, low builder, highly water-soluble spray-dried detergent powder
The present invention relates to a spray-drying process for the preparation of a spray-dried detergent powder having a bulk density of 426 g/l or less, wherein the spray-dried detergent powder comprises an anionic detersive surfactant and from 0 wt % to 10 wt % zeolite builder and from 0 wt % to 10 wt % phosphate builder, and wherein the process comprises the step of: (a) preparing an aqueous slurry suitable for spray-drying comprising from 30 wt % to 60 wt % water and from 40 wt % to 70 wt % non-aqueous material, wherein the non-aqueous material comprises an inorganic component and an organic component, wherein the weight ratio of the inorganic component to organic component is in the range of from 0.3:1 to 5:1; and (b) spraying the slurry into a spray-drying tower, wherein the temperature of the slurry as it enters the spray-drying tower is in the range of from 65° C. to 140° C., and wherein the outlet air temperature of the spray-drying tower is in the range of from 70° C. to 120° C. |
US07947641B2 |
Agent for treating oil-polluted ground, and for cleaning oil-contaminated surfaces and containers
The invention relates to a concentrate for the effective, environmentally friendly treatment of oil-polluted stretches of ground and the cleaning of oil-contaminated surfaces, said concentrate containing an emulsifier, a vegetable oil and ethanol. The emulsifier is preferably a non-ionic surfactant with an HLB value between 7 and 8. The vegetable oil is preferably selected so that it is liquid at temperatures above 5 DEG C. Oils containing unsaturated fatty acids, in particular germ oils are especially suitable. For its application as a treatment for stretches of ground, the inventive concentrate is diluted with water to form a cleaning solution and is applied to the oil-contaminated surface that is to be treated. The oil is emulsified in the inventive cleaning solution and is detached from the particles of the ground. The oil degrades in a significantly easier manner in the emulsified state. To clean oil-contaminated surfaces, the cleaning solution is sprayed onto the latter. In an advantageous embodiment of the inventive cleaning method, a powder-like adsorption agent is added to the oil emulsion that is formed during the cleaning of oil-tank interiors, said agent adsorbing the emulsified oil and forming a sediment with the latter. |
US07947635B2 |
Hydrodynamic bearing device and spindle motor using the same
A hydrodynamic bearing device being low in torque, low in power consumption, high in reliability and best suited for miniaturization and a spindle motor using the same.The hydrodynamic bearing device in accordance with the present invention, dynamic pressure generation grooves being provided on at least one of a shaft or a sleeve, and a lubricant being present in a clearance where the above-mentioned shaft and the above-mentioned sleeve are opposed to each other, is characterized in that the above-mentioned lubricant contains diesters obtained from a divalent alcohol having 4 to 8 carbon atoms and having no alkyl side chain at the β position and one or more kinds of saturated monovalent fatty acids having 9 to 13 carbon atoms. |
US07947631B2 |
Gelled hydrocarbons for oilfield processes and methods of use
Gelled liquid hydrocarbons and methods for gelling hydrocarbons and treating subterranean wellbores employ a phosphorus compound of the formula: wherein, X is a straight chained alkyl or alkoxy group having 5 to 18 carbon atoms in combination with a polyvalent metal source. |
US07947629B2 |
Method of acidizing sandstone formations
An acidizing fluid for sandstone formations is provided, along with methods of acidizing a sandstone formation penetrated by a wellbore. The aqueous acid treatment is a mixture of an aqueous liquid, a fluoride source, and an effective amount of at least one homopolymer or copolymer of a polycarboxylic acid, salt thereof or derivative thereof, which is introduced into the wellbore, and allowed to acidize the formation and concurrently inhibit calcium fluoride formation and impart calcium tolerance to the fluid. |
US07947628B2 |
Method of improving solids separation efficiency
A method to control drilling fluid properties, including: circulating a drilling fluid through a wellbore to form a suspension of drilled solids in the drilling fluid; and separating the suspension in a separator to form a particulate fraction and an effluent, wherein the particulate fraction includes at least a portion of the drilled solids and the effluent includes the drilling fluid. The particulate fraction may include particulates having a minimum particle size of 100 microns or greater, and the effluent may include a micronized weighting agent having a particle size d90 of 10 microns or less. |
US07947626B2 |
Passaged neural stem cell-derived neuronal networks as sensing elements for detection of environmental threats
This invention comprises a method for generating functional neural networks using neural progenitor cells on microelectrode arrays (MEAs). The method involves dissociating neural progenitor cells from an embryo, propagating the neural progenitor cells, passaging the neural progenitor cells and seeding the neural progenitor cells on MEAs to produce a functional neural network. The neural progenitor cells may be continuously passaged to propagate an endless supply of neural progenitor cells. The resultant passaged progenitor cell derived neural network MEA may be used to detect and/or quantify various biological or chemical toxins. |
US07947625B2 |
Ink sheet for heat-sensitive transfer recording material, heat-sensitive transfer recording method, ink cartridge and azo dye
An ink sheet for heat-sensitive transfer recording material comprising an azo dye represented by the following formula (1): wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 represent a hydrogen atom or substituent; and Het represents a heterocyclic group which may have substituents or a condensed ring. |
US07947622B2 |
Aerobic catalysts for alcohol oxidation in organic solvents and in supercritical carbon dioxide, process for the production thereof, and their use in oxidative conversions
Nanohybrid sol-gel materials, based on silica organically modified (ormosil) and doped with the ruthenium species tetra-n-propylammonium perruthenate (TPAP) are highly efficient catalysts for the selective oxidation of alcohols to carbonyls with oxygen at low pressure, in organic solvents as well as in carbon dioxide in supercritical state. Novel, highly active and stable materials are the fluorinated ormosils. Optimal conditions for the preparation and use thereof in liquid-phase as well as in supercritical CO2 were set by studying the structure-activity relationships of the materials, with particular reference to the surface hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties and to the textural ones. |
US07947621B2 |
Method of making and process for using molecular sieve catalyst
This invention provides a process for manufacturing a catalyst with a desired attrition index, comprising the steps of selecting at least one molecular sieve having a morphology and size index (MSI) of from 1 to about 1000 to secure said desired attrition index of said catalyst. |
US07947620B2 |
Mullite bodies and methods of forming mullite bodies
A method of forming a porous mullite composition of acicular mullite grains having improved properties is described, where the mullite is formed at some time in the presence of a fluorine containing gas. For example, it has been discovered that improved properties may result from heating the mullite to a high temperature in an atmosphere selected from the group consisting of water vapor, oxygen, an inert gas or mixtures thereof or forming the mullite composition from precursors having an Al/Si ratio of at most 2.95. |
US07947618B2 |
Optical glass and optical element
An optical glass contains, based on a total weight of the optical glass: 12 to 30 weight percent of P2O5; 1 to 5 weight percent of B2O3; 1 to 8 weight percent of Li2O; 0.5 to weight percent of Na2O; 0.5 to 15 weight percent of K2O; 1 to 5 weight percent of CaO; 0 to 20 weight percent of BaO; 0 to 5 weight percent of SrO; 1 to 10 weight percent of TiO2; 1 to 20 weight percent of Bi2O3; 3 to 35 weight percent of Nb2O5; 13 to 60 weight percent of WO3; and 0 to 1 weight percent of Sb2O3, wherein a total weight of Na2O and K2O is in a range of 3 to 20 weight percent based on the total weight of the optical glass. |
US07947617B2 |
Optical glass, precision-pressmolding preform and optical element
To provide a high-refractivity high-dispersion optical glass having excellent stabilityAn optical glass which is formed of an oxide glass containing 30 to 70 cationic % of Bi3+ and has a liquidus temperature of 800° C. or lower. |
US07947616B2 |
Pavement marking, reflective elements, and methods of making microspheres
Presently described are retroreflective articles, such as pavement markings, that comprise transparent microspheres partially embedded in a (e.g., polymeric) binder. Also described are (e.g., glass-ceramic) microspheres, methods of making microspheres, as well as compositions of glass materials and compositions of glass-ceramic materials. The microspheres generally comprise lanthanide series oxide(s), titanium oxide (TiO2), and optionally zirconium oxide (ZrO2). |
US07947613B2 |
Low-density cleaning substrate
The present invention is directed to a low-density substrate, which has an optimized pore volume distribution. The optimized pore volume distribution allows the substrate to hold at least 50 percent of its cumulative volume within pores with a radius size of about 110 to 250 microns. The optimized pore volume distribution can also be characterized by having a dry fibrous web that absorbs less than 20 percent of the cumulative volume of the fibrous web at a pore radius of 75 microns. The optimized pore volume distribution of the substrate enables it to controllably release a fluid composition effectively onto a surface. The basis weight of the substrate is about 80 to 20 gsm and the density of the substrate is below 0.1 g/cc. The substrate may be a pre-loaded wipe, which is either moistened by a consumer prior to use or moistened prior to packaging. The composition loaded onto the substrate may contain dry and/or liquid compositions preferably for cleaning hard or soft surfaces. |
US07947604B2 |
Method for corrosion prevention during planarization
The present invention relates to the reduction or complete prevention of Cu corrosion during a planarization or polishing process. In one aspect of the invention, RF signal is used to establish a negative bias in front of the wafer surface following polishing to eliminate Cu+ or Cu2+ migrations. In another aspect of the invention, a DC Voltage power supply is used to establish the negative bias. |
US07947602B2 |
Conductive pattern formation method
The objective of the present invention is to offer a method for forming a conductive pattern on a substrate and solder protrusions on the conductive pattern. The pitch of the conductive pattern corresponds to the pitch of electrodes on a semiconductor chip. |
US07947599B2 |
Laser annealing for 3-D chip integration
A laser annealing method for annealing a stacked semiconductor structure having at least two stacked layers is disclosed. A laser beam is focused on a lower layer of the stacked layers. The laser beam is then scanned to anneal features in the lower layer. The laser beam is then focused on an upper layer of the stacked layers, and the laser beam is scanned to anneal features in the upper layer. The laser has a wavelength of less than one micrometer. The beam size, depth of focus, energy dosage, and scan speed of the laser beam are programmable. Features in the lower layer are offset from features in the upper layer such that these features do not overlap along a plane parallel to a path of the laser beam. Each of the stacked layers includes active devices, such as transistors. Also, the first and second layers may be annealed simultaneously. |
US07947597B2 |
Methods of titanium deposition
Some embodiments include methods of titanium deposition in which a silicon-containing surface and an electrically insulative surface are both exposed to titanium-containing material, and in which such exposure forms titanium silicide from the silicon-containing surface while not depositing titanium onto the electrically insulative surface. The embodiments may include atomic layer deposition processes, and may include a hydrogen pre-treatment of the silicon-containing surfaces to activate the surfaces for reaction with the titanium-containing material. Some embodiments include methods of titanium deposition in which a semiconductor material surface and an electrically insulative surface are both exposed to titanium-containing material, and in which a titanium-containing film is uniformly deposited across both surfaces. |
US07947587B2 |
High voltage semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device, particularly, a method for manufacturing a high voltage semiconductor device is disclosed. The method includes forming a high voltage gate oxide film on a semiconductor substrate having a high voltage device region and a low voltage device region, forming a gate electrode on the semiconductor substrate having the high voltage gate oxide film, forming a fluorinated silicate glass (FSG) film and a liner film sequentially on an entire surface of the semiconductor substrate including the gate electrode, and forming an interlayer insulating film on the liner film. Thus, it is possible to prevent an increase in leakage current of the high voltage semiconductor device such as a MOS transistor. |
US07947581B2 |
Formation of graphene wafers on silicon substrates
Processes for forming full graphene wafers on silicon or silicon-on-insulator substrates. The processes comprise formation of a metal carbide layer on the substrate and annealing of the metal carbide layer under high vacuum. For volatile metals, this annealing step results in volatilization of the metal species of the metal carbide layer and reformation of the carbon atoms into the desired graphene wafer. Alternatively, for non-volatile metals, the annealing step results in migration of the metal in the metal carbide layer to the top surface of the layer, thereby forming a metal rich top layer. The desired graphene layer is formed by the carbon atoms left at the interface with the metal rich top layer. The thickness of the graphene layer is controlled by the thickness of the metal carbide layer and by solid phase reactions. |
US07947579B2 |
Method of making dense, conformal, ultra-thin cap layers for nanoporous low-k ILD by plasma assisted atomic layer deposition
Barrier layers and methods for forming barrier layers on a porous layer are provided. The methods can include chemically adsorbing a plurality of first molecules on a surface of the porous layer in a chamber and forming a first layer of the first molecules on the surface of the porous layer. A plasma can then be used to react a plurality of second molecules with the first layer of first molecules to form a first layer of a barrier layer. The barrier layers can seal the pores of the porous material, function as a diffusion barrier, be conformal, and/or have a negligible impact on the overall ILD k value of the porous material. |
US07947578B2 |
Method for fabricating semiconductor device
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device including: cleaning an apparatus used to grow a layer including Ga; performing a first step of forming a first layer on a substrate made of silicon by using the apparatus, the first layer including a nitride semiconductor that does not include Ga as a composition element and has a Ga impurity concentration of 2×1018 atoms/cm3 or less; and performing a second step of forming a second layer on the first layer by using the apparatus after the first step is repeatedly carried out multiple times, the second layer including a nitride semiconductor including Ga. |
US07947577B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing group III nitride
A method of producing a group III nitride such as aluminum nitride, comprising the step of reacting a group III halide gas such as aluminum trichloride gas with a nitrogen source gas such as ammonia gas in a growth chamber to grow a group III nitride on a substrate held in the growth chamber, wherein the method further comprises premixing together the group III halide gas and the nitrogen source gas to obtain a mixed gas and then introducing the mixed gas into the growth chamber without forming a deposit in the mixed gas substantially to be reacted each other.For the growth of a group III nitride such as an aluminum-based group III nitride by HVPE, there are provided a method of producing the group III nitride having as high quality as that obtained by the method of the prior art at a high yield and an apparatus used in the method. |
US07947562B2 |
Noise reduction in semiconductor device using counter-doping
One or more embodiments describe a method of fabricating a silicon based metal oxide semiconductor device, including introducing a first dopant into a first partial completion of the device, the first dopant including a first noise reducing species; and introducing a second dopant into a second partial completion of the device, the second dopant and the first dopant being opposite conductivity types. |
US07947557B2 |
Heterojunction tunneling field effect transistors, and methods for fabricating the same
The present invention relates to a heterojunction tunneling effect transistor (TFET), which comprises spaced apart source and drain regions with a channel region located therebetween and a gate stack located over the channel region. The drain region comprises a first semiconductor material and is doped with a first dopant species of a first conductivity type. The source region comprises a second, different semiconductor material and is doped with a second dopant species of a second, different conductivity type. The gate stack comprises at least a gate dielectric and a gate conductor. When the heterojunction TFET is an n-channel TFET, the drain region comprises n-doped silicon, while the source region comprises p-doped silicon germanium. |
US07947556B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor apparatus
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor apparatus includes forming a trench in a semiconductor layer, forming a gate electrode inside the trench, forming a thermally-oxidized film on the gate electrode inside the trench, forming a silicate glass film on the thermally-oxidized film inside the trench, forming a body region inside the semiconductor layer, and forming a source region on the body region. The method provides a semiconductor apparatus having reduced fluctuation of a channel length and low ON-resistance. |
US07947551B1 |
Method of forming a shallow trench isolation structure
An embodiment of the disclosure includes a method of forming a shallow trench isolation structure. A substrate is provided. The substrate includes a top surface. A trench is formed to extend from the top surface into the substrate. The trench has sidewalls and a bottom surface. A silicon liner layer is formed on the sidewalls and the bottom surface. A flowable dielectric material is filled in the trench. An anneal process is performed to densify the flowable dielectric material and convert the silicon liner layer into a silicon oxide layer simultaneously. |
US07947546B2 |
Implant damage control by in-situ C doping during SiGe epitaxy for device applications
Some example embodiments of the invention comprise methods for and semiconductor structures comprised of: a MOS transistor comprised of source/drain regions, a gate dielectric, a gate electrode, channel region; a carbon doped SiGe region that applies a stress on the channel region whereby the carbon doped SiGe region retains stress/strain on the channel region after subsequent heat processing. |
US07947544B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device, film deposition method, and film deposition apparatus
An object is to provide a film deposition apparatus in which the amount of leakage from the outside of the chamber to the inside of the chamber is reduced. Even if leakage occurs from the outside of the chamber to the inside of the chamber, oxygen and nitrogen included in an atmosphere that surrounds the outer wall of the chamber are reduced as much as possible and the atmosphere is filled with a noble gas or hydrogen, whereby the inside of the chamber is kept cleaner at 1/100 or less, preferably, 1/1000 or less of oxygen concentration and nitrogen concentration than those in the air. Since the space with high airtightness is provided adjacent to the outside of the chamber, the chamber is covered with a bag and a high-purity argon gas is supplied to the bag. |
US07947536B2 |
Process for forming encapsulated electronic devices
There is provided herein a process for forming an encapsulated electronic device. The device has active areas and sealing areas on a substrate. The process includes providing the substrate; forming a discontinuous pattern of a material having a first surface energy on at least a portion of the sealing areas; forming multiple active layers, where at least one active layer is formed by liquid deposition from a liquid medium having a surface energy greater than the first surface energy; providing an encapsulation assembly; and bonding the encapsulation assembly to the substrate in the sealing areas. Also provided are devices formed by the disclosed processes. |
US07947533B2 |
Void free soldering semiconductor chip attachment method for wafer scale chip size
Methods for attaching the wafer scale semiconductor chip, up to 4 square inch (2.times.2 inchs), are comprises of following steps. Stack assembles following materials from bottom to top. First lower integrated heat spreader (IHS). Second thermal interface material (TIM). Third semiconductor chip with backside metallization deposit. Forth polyimide film. Fifth the dummy upper IHS. Then put the stack-assembled set into the metal box and fix in place. Then the metal box and stack-assembled set in it are heated to wetting temperature of TIM. During cool down, the environment temperature must be set at a few degrees lower than the melting point of TIM, to soak the stack-assembled set at melting point of TIM until the TIM completely become solid, then cool down to room temperature. After de-assemble and remove upper IHS and polyimide film, we will get the void free soldering of semiconductor chip on lower IHS. |
US07947531B1 |
Combinatorial evaluation of dry semiconductor processes
Combinatorial evaluation of dry semiconductor processes is described, including rotating a mask comprising a plurality of apertures, wherein the mask is positioned between a dry semiconductor processing source and the substrate, and performing a dry semiconductor process through the apertures of the mask at a plurality of intervals during the rotating the mask to combinatorially create a plurality of processed regions on the substrate, wherein the apertures of the mask are arranged in such a way that the plurality of processed regions have different geometries relative to the processing source, and analyzing the processed regions to determine effects of time and geometry on the processed regions. |
US07947523B2 |
Method for manufacturing photoelectric conversion device
An embrittlement layer is formed in the single crystal semiconductor substrate and a first impurity semiconductor layer, a first electrode, and an insulating layer are formed on one surface of the single crystal semiconductor substrate. After attaching the insulating layer and a supporting substrate to each other to bond the single crystal semiconductor substrate and the supporting substrate, the single crystal semiconductor substrate is separated along the embrittlement layer to form a stack including a first single crystal semiconductor layer. A first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer are formed over the first single crystal semiconductor layer. A second single crystal semiconductor layer is formed by solid phase growth. A second impurity semiconductor layer having a conductivity type opposite to that of the first impurity semiconductor layer is formed on the second single crystal semiconductor layer. A second electrode is formed on the second impurity semiconductor layer. |
US07947522B2 |
Method of production of semiconductor device and method of production of solid-state imaging device
A method of production of a semiconductor device includes: forming a pattern having open element isolation regions on a first insulating film situated on a semiconductor substrate; forming trenches at the element isolation regions on the semiconductor substrate; forming a second insulating film on the first insulating film and inside the trenches; forming holes in the second insulating film in active regions sectioned by the element isolation regions; and leaving the second insulating film inside the trenches only. An interval between an outer perimeter of each the active regions and an outer perimeter of each of the holes in each of the active regions is set such that the interval in the first circuit region, in which a total area of the active regions is relatively large, is smaller than the interval in the second circuit region, in which the total area of the active regions is relatively small. |
US07947519B2 |
Top emission organic light emitting diode display using auxiliary electrode to prevent voltage drop of upper electrode and method of fabricating the same
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display. The OLED display includes: a lower electrode formed on a layer on an insulating substrate having a thin film transistor. The lower electrode is electrically connected to the thin film transistor. An auxiliary electrode is formed on the same layer as the lower electrode, and a pixel defining layer is formed on edges of the lower electrode, thereby defining an opening which exposes a portion of the lower electrode. An organic layer is formed on the portion of the lower electrode exposed by the opening, and an upper electrode is formed on an entire surface of the insulating substrate and electrically connected to the auxiliary electrode. An edge of the auxiliary electrode may have a taper angle of at least 90°. |
US07947518B2 |
Method for forming electronic devices by using protecting layers
This invention discloses that photolithography can be made compatible with the production of electronic devices containing sensitive materials, if the sensitive materials are over-coated with an ultra-thin layer of non-reactive materials (e.g. inorganic oxides) before undergoing photolithographic patterning. This protecting layer isolates the sensitive materials from solvents and etching reactants used in photolithographic patterning, and does not need to be removed from the sensitive materials after patterning is completed. This invention enables photolithography to be applied to the production of electronic devices containing sensitive materials, facilitating the development of commercially viable production processes for these devices. |
US07947515B2 |
Defect inspecting method
A defect inspecting method includes: forming, in a first air pressure state, a film, which covers one opening of two openings provided on an upper surface of a substrate, on a tubular contact hole formed on the substrate in manufacturing a semiconductor device and formed in a tubular shape by connecting two cylindrical contact holes on bottom surface sides thereof, both ends of the tubular shape being opened in the openings; exposing the substrate covered with the film in a second air pressure state; and observing whether the film is deformed to thereby inspect whether the part of the tubular shape is blocked. |
US07947514B2 |
Semiconductor device production process
A semiconductor device production process includes forming, on a prepared SOI wafer, semiconductor functional devices and substrate contacts. The substrate contacts connect to a support substrate of the SOI wafer. The semiconductor device production process also includes forming a pattern that connects the substrate contacts to external connection pads formed on the semiconductor functional devices such that the external connection pads are not connected to each other. The semiconductor device production process also includes measuring conductivity between the external connection pads. |
US07947510B2 |
Methods and devices for detecting nucleic acid hybridization
The present invention provides novel methods and devices for detecting hybridization of nucleic acids using liquid crystals and cationic surfactants. |
US07947509B2 |
Optoelectronic detection system
The invention relates to optoelectronic systems for detecting one or more target particles. The system includes a reaction chamber, a specimen collector, an optical detector, and a reservoir containing cells, each of the cells having receptors which are present on the surface of each cell and are specific for the target particle to be detected, where binding of the target particle to the receptors directly or indirectly activates a reporter molecule, thereby producing a measurable optical signal. |
US07947506B2 |
Protein detection and quantitation using hydroxyquinolone dyes
A hydroxyquinolone compound formulated as a fluorescent dye for protein detection, assay, quantitation, etc. The hydroxyquinolone compound may be modified, for example, by adding or removing sulfate groups, changing hydrocarbon chain lengths, etc. to result in more desirable properties such as enhanced binding to basic proteins, enhanced solubility, etc. The dye has enhanced sensitivity over commercially available protein stains, and may be used to stain proteins in solution, proteins separated on gels, proteins transferred to solid supports, etc. Methods of using the dyes are also disclosed. |
US07947503B2 |
Monitor and methods for characterizing airborne particulates
A dust monitor is disclosed that is suitably deployed in dusty environments and capable of providing near real-time indications of exposure to airborne particulates. The monitor includes a filter and filter assembly made of materials that do not interfere with subsequent instrumental (such as spectrometric) analysis for detecting and/or quantitating an analyte. In some disclosed embodiments, the filter is made of nylon or other material that is readily subjected to thermal destruction prior to spectrometric analysis. The dust monitor also includes a humidity correction feature that permits the filter to be made of ashable organic materials even if those materials are not highly hydrophobic. Transport devices are provided for shipment of the filter and/or filter assembly to an analytical laboratory which prevent loss of particulate matter and which facilitate an accurate analysis procedure. |
US07947497B2 |
Methods for vitrification of human oocytes
Provided are methods for the vitrification of human oocytes, which comprises: (a) placing human oocytes on a transfer instrument; and (b) placing the transfer instrument and the human oocytes directly into a slushed nitrogen (N2 slush), wherein the human oocytes are directly exposed to the N2 slush thereby undergoing vitrification, and wherein the human oocytes are able to live for a period of time after the human oocytes are devitrified. |
US07947494B2 |
Fusion protein comprising an E. coli chaperone protein and a human chaperone protein
The invention discloses the cloning, expression and uses of a chimeric fusion protein with superior chaperone and folding activities compared to the wild type chaperones. This invention relates to a chimeric fusion protein encoded by a recombinant DNA molecule comprising nucleotide sequences coding for a polypeptide binding segment of a non-human chaperone protein and nucleotide sequences coding for an FK506 binding protein (FKBP) or an FK506-binding-protein-like domain (FKBP-like domain). In particular, this invention relates to a chimeric fusion protein encoded by a recombinant DNA molecule comprising nucleotide sequences coding for a polypeptide binding segment of a non-human chaperone protein and nucleotide sequences coding for a human FKBP type peptidyl-prolyl-cis/trans isomerase (PPIase), methods of producing these chimeric fusion proteins and their uses as folding helpers in the production of other proteins and in the process of the production of vaccines or pharmaceuticals, and as folding helpers for performing immunoassays. |
US07947490B2 |
Recording assay device
The invention herein described relates to an assessment device comprising an assay part and a detachable recording part. The assessment device facilitates the rapid assaying and processing of tissue/fluid samples by healthcare workers. Also, advantageously, the result of the assay is only apparent to the healthcare worker after interrogation of the recording part at a processing facility. |
US07947484B2 |
Method, a device, and an additive for digesting organic matter
A method of producing biogas by anaerobic digestion of organic matter may include adding cobalt, iron, and hydrochloric acid to an organic matter; bringing the organic matter in contact with biogas-producing bacteria; and digesting the organic matter under anaerobic conditions in a reactor while producing biogas and a digested sludge. A device for producing biogas may include a reactor being adapted for containing the organic matter in the form of a sludge while the sludge is digested. The device includes a feeding device for adding cobalt, iron, and hydrochloric acid to the organic matter, and an agitator for mixing the added cobalt, iron and hydrochloric acid with the organic matter. An additive, which is adapted for being added to a device for producing biogas by anaerobic digestion, may include cobalt, iron, and hydrochloric acid in an aqueous solution. |
US07947483B2 |
Methods and organisms for the growth-coupled production of 1,4-butanediol
The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microorganism comprising one or more gene disruptions, the one or more gene disruptions occurring in genes encoding an enzyme obligatory to coupling 1,4-butanediol production to growth of the microorganism when the gene disruption reduces an activity of the enzyme, whereby the one or more gene disruptions confers stable growth-coupled production of 1,4-butanediol onto the non-naturally occurring microorganism. The microorganism can further comprise a gene encoding an enzyme in a 1,4-butanediol (BDO) biosynthetic pathway. The invention additionally relates to methods of using microorganisms to produce BDO. |
US07947481B2 |
Chondroitin synthase, method for producing the same and method for producing saccharide chain-extended chondroitin
A vector of the present invention has DNA encoding a protein or a product having the same effect as the protein, the protein containing an amino acid sequence from amino acid numbers 47 to 802 in SEQ. ID. NO:2. Expression of the DNA gives human chondroitin synthase. By using human chondroitin synthase, it is possible to produce a saccharide chain having a repeating disaccharide unit of chondroitin. The DNA or part thereof may be used as a probe for hybridization for the human chondroitin synthase. |
US07947473B2 |
Methods for expression and purification of pegylated recombinant human growth hormone containing a non-naturally encoded keto amino acid
The present invention relates generally to the production, purification, and isolation of human growth hormone (hGH). More particularly, the invention relates to the production, purification, and isolation of substantially purified hGH comprising non-naturally encoded amino acids and hGH from recombinant host cells or culture medium including, for example, yeast, insect, mammalian and bacterial host cells. The process of the present invention is also useful for purification of hGH linked to polymers or other molecules. |
US07947472B2 |
Expression vectors and cell lines expressing vascular endothelial growth factor D
This invention relates to expression vectors comprising VEGF-D and its biologically active derivatives, cell lines stably expressing VEGF-D and its biologically active derivatives, and to a method of making a polypeptide using these expression vectors and host cells. The invention also relates to a method for treating and alleviating melanomas or tumors expressing VEGF-D and various diseases. |
US07947470B2 |
Polynucleotides encoding hOCTN1 polypeptide
Novel genes significantly homologous to organic cation transporters OCT1 and OCT2 have been successfully isolated by screening a fetal gene library by random sequencing. Proteins encoded by these genes function as transporters of various organic cations. |
US07947469B2 |
Modulation of HIV infection
Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for modulating HIV infection by regulating expression of one or more receptors. |
US07947468B2 |
Methods
A method for identifying a compound expected to be useful in modulating a LRRK2 protein kinase activity, the method comprising the steps of (1) determining whether a test compound modulates the protein kinase activity of a LRRK2 polypeptide on a substrate Ezrin/Radixin/moesin (ERM) family polypeptide and (2) selecting a compound which modulates the LRRK2 polypeptide protein kinase activity. Such a compound may be useful in treating Parkinson's Disease or Parkinsonism. A catalytically active fragment of LRRK2 is identified, requiring the GTPase, COR and kinase domains as well as the WD_40-like motif and C-terminal tail. |
US07947461B2 |
Colloidal silica particle containing light-absorbing substance, nano light-absorbing material, absorption labeling nanobead kit, and method for detection or quantification of biological molecule using the colloidal silica particle containing light-absorbing substance
A colloidal silica particle containing a light-absorbing substance, comprising a colloidal silica particle and a light-absorbing substance distributed over the colloidal silica particle, wherein the light-absorbing substance is chemically bound to or adsorbed on a silica component. |
US07947459B2 |
Serpentine transmembrane antigens expressed in human cancers and uses thereof
Described is a novel family of cell surface serpentine transmembrane antigens. Two of the proteins in this family are exclusively or predominantly expressed in the prostate, as well as in prostate cancer, and thus members of this family have been termed “STEAP” (Six Transmembrane Epithelial Antigen of the Prostate). Four particular human STEAPs are described and characterized herein. The human STEAPs exhibit a high'degree of structural conservation among them but show no significant structural homology to any known human proteins. STEAP-2 is a 454 amino acid protein characterized by a predicted molecular topology of six transmembrane domains and intracellular N- and C-termini, suggesting that it folds in a “serpentine” manner into three extracellular and two intracellular loops. |
US07947458B1 |
Placental human neurokinin B precursor
Methods of diagnosing pregnancy induced hypertension or pre-eclampsia by the measurement of the production of neurokinin B, its precursor and fragments thereof are provided, as are kits for use in the methods. Treatments of the conditions and methods of preparing suitable medicaments are also provided as are antibodies and useful antigenic materials. |
US07947457B2 |
Systems for genome selection
Systems, methods, compositions and apparatus relating to genome selection are disclosed. |
US07947451B2 |
Genetic polymorphisms associated with psoriasis, methods of detection and uses thereof
The present invention is based on the discovery of genetic polymorphisms that are associated with psoriasis and related pathologies. In particular, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules containing the polymorphisms, including groups of nucleic acid molecules that may be used as a signature marker set, such as a haplotype, a diplotype, variant proteins encoded by such nucleic acid molecules, reagents for detecting the polymorphic nucleic acid molecules and proteins, and methods of using the nucleic acid and proteins as well as methods of using reagents for their detection. |
US07947449B2 |
Methods of diagnosing pre-eclampsia or eclampsia
Disclosed herein are methods for diagnosing pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Also disclosed herein are methods for treating pre-eclampsia and eclampsia using compounds that increase VEGF or PlGF levels or compounds that decrease sFlt-1 levels. Compounds that inhibit the binding of VEGF or PlGF to sFlt1- are also disclosed herein for the treatment of pre-eclampsia or eclampsia. |
US07947448B2 |
Use of regulatory sequences for specific, transient expression in neuronal determined cells
The present invention relates to the use of regulatory sequences for mediating specific, early transient expression in proliferative neuronal determined cells. Furthermore, the uses of recombinant nucleic acid molecules comprising said defined regulatory sequences for mediating specific, early transient expression in proliferative neuronal determined cells as well as for the generation of non-human transgenic organisms and/or host cells are disclosed. In addition, the invention provides for transgenic non-human animals and/or host cells comprising said regulatory sequences and/or recombinant nucleic acid molecules. The invention also describes methods for the preparation of such vectors, host cells and transgenic non-human animals as well as methods for the detection and/or isolation of neuronal determined cells. Additionally, methods for screening of compounds capable of regulating neuronal determined cell activity, neurogenesis, stimulating proliferation of neuronally committed precursor cells and/or neuronal differentiation are provided and the invention also relates to methods for the detection and analysis of neuronal differentiation, neuronal migration and/or neuronal determination processes. Finally, the invention relates to diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the regulatory sequences, recombinant nucleic acid molecules, host-cells or isolated neuronal determined cells described herein. |
US07947445B2 |
Method of detecting DNA of Candida guilliermondii
A probe, a set of probes, and a probe carrier on which the probe or the set of probes is immobilized, are provided for classification of fungus species. The probe or the set of probes is capable of collectively detecting fungus of the same species and distinguishingly detecting those fungus from fungus of other species. The probe is an oligonucleotide probe for detecting a pathogenic fungus DNA and includes at least one of base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 1 to 4 and mutated sequences thereof. |
US07947444B2 |
Leptin promoter polymorphisms and uses thereof
The present invention relates to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the leptin promoter, and to methods for the identification of animals carrying specific alleles of these SNPs that are associated with circulating leptin levels, feed intake, growth rate, body weight, carcass merit and carcass composition. The present invention provides oligonucleotides that can be used as primers and/or probes to amplify and/or detect these SNPs, and provides methods for selecting and grouping animals, in particular bovines, according to genotype. |
US07947440B2 |
Method for determining the specific growth rate of a distinct cell population within a non-homogeneous system
The present invention provides a method for measuring the specific rate of ribosome synthesis for a distinct cell population, such as a distinct microbial population. For an actively growing (or non-growing) culture, the specific rate of ribosome synthesis is identical to the specific growth rate of the culture. With the method of the invention, researchers will be able to measure the specific growth rate of distinct cell populations in mixed cultures, such as biological reactor systems or environmental samples. In addition, the method of the invention provides the ability to identify members of a distinct cell population that are rapidly growing. |
US07947439B2 |
Detection of bovine viral diarrhea virus in tissue samples
The present invention relates to a method of detecting whether a target animal is Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) positive or negative by determining whether a gp48 protein-specific reagent binds to a gp48 Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus protein or protein fragment, which retains antigenic specificity, from a target animal's tissue sample. |
US07947438B2 |
Detection of bovine viral diarrhea virus in hair samples
The present invention relates to a method of detecting whether a target animal is Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) positive or negative by determining whether a gp48 protein-specific reagent binds to a gp48 Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus protein or protein fragment, which retains antigenic specificity, from a target animal's hair sample. |
US07947437B2 |
Methods for detecting organisms and enzymatic reactions using raman spectroscopy
The present disclosure provides systems for the rapid and sensitive detection of organisms and molecules in samples. Reactants that produce Raman-active products are used in combination with Raman light scattering. The present disclosure can also be used to measure enzyme-kinetics. |
US07947435B2 |
Neuronal regeneration material screening method by ex vivo model
The present invention relates to a neuronal regeneration material screening method using ex vivo models, more precisely a neuronal regeneration material screening method using an organotypic spinal cord slice culture. The neuronal regeneration material screening method using spinal cord slices of living bodies of the present invention can be effectively applied for the development of a novel therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, such as spinal cord injury. |
US07947434B2 |
Process for forming a plated film, and process for fabricating a magnetic device and perpendicular magnetic recording head
The process of forming a plated film according to the invention is designed such that the surface asperities of the inorganic film formed by the tracing of a standing wave occurring at the inner wall surface of the first opening in the resist at the resist pattern-formation step are reduced or eliminated. It is thus possible to form, efficiently yet in a short period of time, a high aspect-ratio plated film portion having an aspect ratio of greater than 1. In addition, the formed plated film quality is extremely improved for the absence of pores (cavities). |
US07947432B2 |
Pattern formation method
After forming a lower layer film, an intermediate layer film and a first resist film on a substrate, a first resist pattern is formed by performing first exposure. Then, after a first intermediate layer pattern is formed by transferring the first resist pattern onto the intermediate layer film, a second resist film is formed thereon, and a second resist pattern is formed by performing second exposure. Thereafter, a second intermediate layer pattern is formed by transferring the second resist pattern onto the intermediate layer film. After removing the second resist film, the lower layer film is etched by using the second intermediate layer pattern as a mask, so as to form a lower layer pattern. |
US07947428B2 |
Method for forming photosensitive polyimide pattern and electronic devices having the pattern
The present invention provides a method for forming a photosensitive polyimide pattern 38 on a metal conductor 32, comprising carrying out the following steps (A) to (E) in this order: (A) a step of forming an ester bond type photosensitive polyimide precursor layer 33 by applying an ester bond type photosensitive polyimide precursor composition onto the metal conductor 32; (B) a step of forming an ion bond type photosensitive polyimide precursor layer 34 by applying an ion bond type photosensitive polyimide precursor composition onto the precursor layer 33 until the thickness of the precursor layer 34 reaches a desired thickness; (C) a step of exposing through a mask 35 and transferring the mask pattern as a latent image 36 onto the precursor layers 33 and 34; (D) a step of developing; and (E) a step of forming a polyimide pattern 38 by curing the developed precursor layers 33 and 34. |
US07947427B2 |
Printing element with an integrated printing surface
A relief image printing element with an integral imageable printing surface and a method of preparing the relief image printing element are described. The relief image printing element comprises a dimensionally stable base layer; a floor layer comprised of a cured polymer selected from the group consisting of photopolymers, and polymers with a resilience of at least 40% when cured; and at least one layer of an imageable material. Most preferably, the floor layer created by curing the layer through the top of the printing element by face exposure. The printing element may also contain a compressible layer between the base layer and the floor layer. |
US07947421B2 |
Positive resist composition for immersion exposure and pattern-forming method using the same
A positive resist composition for immersion exposure comprising: (A) a resin having an alicyclic hydrocarbon structure, wherein the resin is capable of increasing a solubility of the resin (A) in an alkaline developer by an action of an acid; and (B) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with one of an actinic ray and radiation, wherein the resin (A) includes a component having a molecular weight of 1,000 or less in an area ration of 20% or less to an entire area in a pattern area by gel permeation chromatography, and a pattern-forming method using the same. |
US07947417B2 |
Processes for the preparation of high sensitivity titanium phthalocyanines photogenerating pigments
A process for preparing a high sensitivity titanyl phthalocyanine (TiOPc) pigment includes dissolving a Type I TiOPc in a suitable solvent, precipitating an intermediate TiOPc pigment by quenching the solution comprising the dissolved Type I TiOPc in a solvent system comprising an alcohol and alkylene chloride such as, for example, methylene chloride, and treating the intermediate TiOPc pigment with monochlorobenzene. The resultant TiOPc pigment, which is designated as a Type V TiOPc, is suitable for use as a charge generating material in a photoreceptor of an imaging device. |
US07947413B2 |
Pattern evaluation method
In a pattern evaluation method of determining whether a pattern formed on a photomask is acceptable, an aberration parameter of an image quality evaluation apparatus for determining a pattern image intensity in transferring a pattern formed on a photomask onto a wafer is acquired. An acceptance criterion value used in determining whether an abnormal pattern of the photomask including the effect of aberration of the image quality evaluation apparatus is acceptable is set through a lithographic simulation using the acquired aberration parameter. Then, using the image quality evaluation apparatus, an image intensity of the abnormal pattern of the photomask and an image intensity of a normal pattern corresponding to the abnormal pattern are obtained. It is determined whether the difference between the two acquired image intensities is within the set acceptance criterion value. |
US07947411B1 |
Membrane and electrode assembly and method of producing the same, and polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell
To provide a membrane and electrode assembly comprising a catalyst layer that improves water holding properties and exhibits high power generation characteristics even in low humidified conditions without inhibiting the diffusibility of reaction gas, the removal of the water generated by the electrode reaction, and its manufacturing method. There is provided a membrane and electrode assembly produced by sandwiching a polymer electrolyte membrane between a pair of catalyst layers, in which the catalyst layer comprises a polymer electrolyte and particles carrying a catalyst material, and in which the volume of fine pores having a diameter of 1.0 μm or smaller is increased toward the polymer electrolyte membrane from the surface of the catalyst layer. |
US07947407B2 |
Fuel cell apparatus having a small package size
The invention relates to a fuel cell apparatus that includes a housing. The housing defines a substantially isothermal zone which integrates a fuel cell and a tail gas burner with the isothermal zone. The fuel cell and the tail gas burner are in thermal communication and share a common wall. In one embodiment, the housing further integrates a fuel reformer, where the fuel reformer is in thermal communication with the fuel cell. In one embodiment, the fuel cell and the tail gas burner can be arranged to produce a power density greater than or equal to about 2 W/cc. The fuel cell preferably is a solid oxide fuel cell. |
US07947404B2 |
Thermally enhanced insulator plates and fuel cell stack incorporating the same
According to the present invention, a stacked electrochemical conversion assembly is provided with an electrically and thermally insulating plate within one or both of the end unit assemblies of the stack. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the electrochemical conversion assembly includes at least one end unit assembly comprising an electrically conductive terminal plate and an electrically insulating plate interposed between the terminal plate and an end unit plate of the end unit assembly. The electrically insulating plate comprises an array of thermally insulating regions defined therein. |
US07947403B2 |
Fuel cell system
A fuel cell system repeats first processing and second processing when the system is started. In the first processing, a control section controls an electric power distribution section so that electric power generated by a fuel cell stack is supplied to accessories and a secondary battery. In the second processing, the control section controls the electric power distribution section so that electric power generated by the fuel cell stack and electric power discharged from the secondary battery are supplied to the accessories. An electric power calculation means of the control section calculates electric power generation by the fuel cell stack and inputs an output command, representing electric power, into air compressor drive/control means. The electric power calculation means gradually changes the magnitude of electric power generation by the fuel cell stack, represented by the output command, at the time of transition between the first processing and the second processing. |
US07947401B2 |
Preheating arrangement in a fuel cell apparatus
The present invention relates to a preheating arrangement in a fuel cell apparatus, the fuel cell apparatus comprising at least a fuel cell unit, the fuel cells of which include an anode side and a cathode side and an electrolyte therebetween and in which fuel cell apparatus there is at least a fuel inlet into the anode side and an oxygen-containing gas inlet into the cathode side as well as a de-sulphuring unit and a fuel modifying unit and an afterburner for combusting the exhaust gases of the anode and/or cathode sides. According to the invention, a separate fuel channel has been arranged for the afterburner for introducing fuel to the afterburner at least during the start-up phase of the fuel cell apparatus and that at least a portion of the exhaust gases formed in the combustion of the separately fed fuel is arranged to be directed during the start-up phase of the fuel cell apparatus from the afterburner for heating at least the de-sulphuring unit and/or the fuel modifying unit. |
US07947400B2 |
Method of operating a fuel cell stack by monitoring membrane hydration
An electrochemical conversion assembly (10) is provided comprising a plurality of electrochemical conversion cells arranged in a conductively coupled fuel cell stack (20), a condition sensor (30, 40) operatively coupled to the fuel cell stack (20), and a programmable controller operatively coupled to the condition sensor and the fuel cell stack. The condition sensor is configured to measure a rate of change of hydration in the proton exchange membrane and either the condition sensor or the programmable controller is configured to generate a signal indicative of the measured rate of change of hydration. The programmable controller is configured to facilitate control of at least one operating parameter of the electrochemical conversion assembly by monitoring the signal indicative of the measured rate of change of hydration. The condition sensor can be configured to detect a dimensional change or a change in compression of the conductively coupled fuel cell stack as the membrane hydration changes. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
US07947398B2 |
Electrode for a secondary battery and secondary battery comprising the same
Disclosed is an electrolyte for a secondary battery comprising an electrolyte salt and an electrolyte solvent, the electrolyte further comprising a lactam-based compound substituted with an electron withdrawing group (EWG) at the nitrogen position thereof. The electrolyte allows formation of a firm and dense SEI film on the surface of an anode, minimizes irreversible oxidative decomposition at a cathode, and thus can provide a battery with significantly improved lifespan, stability and high temperature characteristics. |
US07947389B2 |
Cartridge frame with connectors for battery pack
Disclosed herein is a battery cartridge for middle- or large-sized battery packs, which has one or more unit cells mounted therein. The battery cartridge is generally constructed in a plate-shaped structure for easy stacking, and connecting members for electrical connection between cartridges are constructed in a coupling structure in which the connecting members are coupled with each other during the stacking of the cartridges. When a plurality of cartridges are stacked one on another so as to construct a middle- or large-sized battery pack, the mechanical coupling between the cartridges is accomplished, and, at the same time, the electrical connection between the cartridges is also accomplished, whereby the assembly of the cartridges is easily accomplished, and the risk of short circuits is prevented during the assembly or the use of the cartridges. Furthermore, a middle- or large-sized battery pack manufactured using the battery cartridge according to the present invention has a stable compact structure. Consequently, the middle- or large-sized battery pack is preferably used as a power source for electric vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles. |
US07947388B2 |
Battery pack for an industrial instrument in a process control system and method
A battery pack includes battery terminals operable to be electrically coupled to one or more batteries. The battery pack also includes a printed circuit board electrically coupled to the battery terminals. The printed circuit board is operable to receive operating power from the one or more batteries and/or provide operating power to one or more external devices. The printed circuit board could provide power to a transmitter and/or one or more sensors in a process control system. The printed circuit board could also include a transmitter or other industrial instrument. The battery pack further includes a removable carrier attached to the printed circuit board. The removable carrier is operable to be inserted into and removed from a housing in order to insert the apparatus into the housing and remove the apparatus from the housing. The housing could, for example, represent a cylindrical casing forming part of a pipe. |
US07947386B2 |
Solid oxide fuel cell module, fuel cell system using the same and manufacturing method thereof
A solid oxide fuel cell module of the invention, a fuel cell using the same and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The solid oxide fuel cell module is easily manufacturable, economical, easily sealable and high in current density. A support is made of a first catalytic material. A first fluid flow part has flow passages formed inside the support. A second fluid flow part has a plurality of pillars protruded from an outer surface of the support and flow passages formed between the pillars. An electrolyte layer is coated on the outer surface of the support excluding top surfaces of the pillars. A coating layer is made of a second catalytic material and formed on a top surface of the electrolyte layer excluding the pillars. Also, a current collecting layer is coated on the top surfaces of the pillars. |
US07947380B2 |
Sheet material
A sheet of cold rolled material having on both of its surfaces rows of projections and rows of depressions, the projections on one surface corresponding with the depressions on the other surface, the relative positions of the projections and depressions being such that lines drawn on a surface of the sheet between adjacent rows of projections are non-rectilinear, the sheet having a base gauge G, wherein each projection has a substantially continuous region of peak plastic strain at, toward or about its apex and/or is thinned by no more than 25% of its base gauge G. Methods of forming the sheet material and tools for forming the sheet material are disclosed. |
US07947379B2 |
Compositions and aqueous dispersions
An aqueous dispersion including (A) at least one base polymer selected from the group consisting of an ethylene-based co-polymer and a propylene-based co-polymer; (B) at least one polymeric stabilizing agent; and at least one filler; wherein the polymeric stabilizing agent is different from the at least one base polymer and is compatible with the at least one base polymer and the at least one filler, and wherein the dispersion has filler in the range of greater than 0 to about 600 parts per hundred parts of a combined amount of the at least one base polymer and the polymeric stabilizing agent is disclosed. |
US07947378B2 |
Medical assembly suitable for long-term implantation and method for fabricating the same
A process for fabricating a medical assembly having a medical device at least a portion of which is formed of inorganic material is provided. The medical assembly is suitable for substantially long-term implantation in a host animal. The process includes modifying a surface of the medical device to form a hydrophilic adhesion-promoting surface. The hydrophilic adhesion-promoting surface is coated with an alginate solution comprising alginate and the alginate is reacted with alkaline earth metal cations. |
US07947377B2 |
Powder mixture to be made into evaporation source material for use in ion plating, evaporation source material for use in ion plating and method of producing the same, and gas barrier sheet and method of producing the same
A powder mixture to be made into an evaporation source material for use in ion plating, and an evaporation source material useful for ion plating and a method of producing it, and a gas barrier sheet and a method of producing it. The powder mixture comprises 100 parts by weight of silicon oxide powder and 5 to 100 parts by weight of a conductive material powder. Preferably, both the silicon oxide powder and the conductive material powder have a mean particle diameter of 5 μm or less. The conductive material powder is preferably a powder of at least one material selected from metals and electrically conductive metallic oxides, nitrides and acid nitrides. The evaporation source material for use in ion plating is in the form of agglomerates having a mean particle diameter of 2 mm or more, or a block, obtained by granulating or compression-molding the powder mixture. |
US07947375B2 |
Interlayer dielectric film
An interlayer dielectric film is made from an organic/inorganic hybrid film. The organic/inorganic hybrid film has a main chain in which a first site of siloxane and a second site of an organic molecule are alternately bonded to each other. |
US07947372B2 |
Substrate coated with a layered structure comprising a tetrahedral carbon layer and a softer outer layer
The invention relates to a metal substrate coated at least partially with a layered structure. The layered structure comprises an intermediate layer deposited on the metal substrate and an amorphous carbon layer deposited on the intermediate layer. The amorphous carbon layer has a Young's modulus lower than 200 GPa. The intermediate layer comprises a tetrahedral carbon layer having a Young's modulus higher than 200 GPa. The invention further relates to a method to reduce the wear on a counterbody of a metal substrate coated with a tetrahedral carbon coating. |
US07947370B2 |
Microcapsules used for producing rubber and method for their production
The invention relates to microcapsules made of a core which contains at least one rubber additive and of a shell made of a first polymer.At least one coating made of a second polymer, which differs from the first polymer, and/or of a low molecular inorganic or organic compound, is deposited on the surface of the microcapsules as sliding or wearing layer in order to reduce the static friction. |
US07947369B2 |
Production of fine spherical thermoplastic resin particles
Fine spherical thermoplastic resin particles are produced by preparing a resin composition including a matrix of a water-soluble material, and fine particles of a water-insoluble thermoplastic resin dispersed in the matrix, the fine particles and the matrix each being melted or softened in the resin composition; cooling and solidifying the resin composition under such conditions that the resin composition does not undergo deformation due to stress; and removing the water-soluble material by washing with water to thereby yield fine spherical particles containing the water-insoluble thermoplastic resin. This method has wide applicability, applies less loads on the environment, does not require special devices, can be easily conducted, and can efficiently produce such particles. The resulting particles are highly spherical. |
US07947364B2 |
Energy-attenuation structure
An energy-attenuation structure comprising a core layer of cellular material. Substantially most of the cells of the cellular material are open cells, with those cells disposed in the central portion of the core layer being more open than are those cells disposed in outer portions of the core layer. The openness of the cells generally decreases from the interior of the core layer in a direction toward the outer portions. At least some of the cells of the core layer are filled with a liquid. |
US07947363B2 |
Coated article with nanolayered coating scheme
A coated article that includes a substrate and a wear-resistant coating scheme. The coated article may be a cutting insert shown to improve performance in chip-forming material removal operations or a wear-resistant component used in chipless forming operations. The wear-resistant coating scheme has an underlayer and top layer containing aluminum, chromium, and nitrogen. The coating scheme also includes a mediate multi-periodicity nanolayer coating scheme containing titanium, aluminum, chromium and nitrogen. The mediate multi-periodicity nanolayer coating scheme includes a plurality of sets of alternating layer arrangements. Each one of the alternating layer arrangements has a base layer comprising titanium, aluminum and nitrogen and a nanolayer region having a plurality of sets of alternating nanolayers. Each set of alternating nanolayers has one nanolayer having aluminum, chromium, titanium and nitrogen and another nanolayer having aluminum, chromium, titanium and nitrogen. The base layer has a base layer thickness and the nanolayer region has a nanolayer region thickness. The base layer thickness is smaller than the nanolayer region thickness. |
US07947362B2 |
Carbon fiber composite sheet
A carbon fiber composite sheet obtained by combining a carbon fiber aggregate with a thermosetting resin component selected from the group consisting of thermosetting silicone-based gel components, thermosetting epoxy resin components and thermosetting silicone resin components, and then curing the thermosetting resin component, the carbon fiber composite sheet having crystallite sizes of at least 5 nm in the direction of growth of the hexagonal mesh surface of the carbon fibers composing the carbon fiber aggregate, and the carbon fiber composite sheet having a thermal conductivity of at least 2 W/(m·K). |
US07947356B2 |
Molded foam and mold
A molded foam containing no voids and a mold for forming such a molded foam are provided. A molded foam 5 has an external corner 5a where a small rib 10 is formed and a recessed step 7 where thin plate-like ribs 11 are formed. The rib 10 has a triangular cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the recessed step 7. The rib 10 is tapered from the base to an end thereof in a direction in which the rib 10 protrudes. The ribs 11 are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the recessed step 7. |
US07947354B2 |
Insulation blanket system
The present invention discloses a thermal insulating blanket (10) including an insulating core (41) encased in a fibrous envelope with at least one breather vent (50) in the upper portion of the outer enveloping cover (31) and at least one drain opening (60) in the lower portion of the outer enveloping cover. |
US07947350B2 |
Film label and coating
A film label comprising a film layer with printed material on the front or back surface, where the back surface may be covered with an overprint coating. The overprint coating protects any reverse-printed material, and may be colored or patterned, or both. One exemplary pattern is achieved by alternating coating weights to create a series of lands (i.e., raised areas) and groove (i.e., lower areas). The grooves help move entrapped air and gasses from the back side of the label, and may help water in a water-based adhesive wick away. The pattern can be a series of sinusoidal waves, curves, straight lines, or a variety of other patterns. The coating may also be used on opaque labels to assist in drying the label adhesive. |
US07947338B2 |
Method of forming an interlayer insulating film having a siloxane skeleton
In a method of forming an interlayer insulating film by plasma CVD, an organic siloxane compound including one or more silicon atoms each having at least three or more units each represented by a general formula, —O—Si(R1R2)—OR3 (wherein R1 and R2 are the same as or different from each other and are a methyl group, an ethyl group or a propyl group, and R3 is the same as or different from R1 and R2 and is a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group or a phenyl group) is used as a raw material. |
US07947336B2 |
Resin composition, resin cured product, and liquid discharge head
An epoxy resin composition, including: an epoxy resin (A) represented by Formula (1); an epoxy resin (B) having an epoxy equivalent of 220 or less and having twice or more epoxy groups in a molecule than epoxy groups of the epoxy resin (A); and a photocationic polymerization initiator (C), in which: the epoxy resins (A) and (B) constitute main components; and a weight of the epoxy resin (A) is 40% or more and a weight of the epoxy resin (B) is 30% or more with respect to a total weight of the epoxy resins (A) and (B): where: R represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, or a t-butyl group; n represents an integer of 0 or more and 4 or less; and m represents an integer of 1 or more and 3 or less. |
US07947335B2 |
Quartz glass component with reflector layer and method for producing the same
Methods for producing a quartz glass component with reflector layer are known in which a reflector layer composed of quartz glass acting as a diffuse reflector is produced on at least part of the surface of a substrate body composed of quartz glass. In order, taking this as a departure point, to specify a method which enables cost-effective and reproducible production of uniform SiO2 reflector layers on quartz glass components, it is proposed according to the invention that the reflector layer is produced by thermal spraying by means of SiO2 particles being fed to an energy carrier, being incipiently melted or melted by means of said energy carrier and being deposited on the substrate body. In the case of a quartz glass component obtained according to the method, the SiO2 reflector layer is formed as a layer which is produced by thermal spraying and has an opaque effect and which is distinguished by freedom from cracks and uniformity. |
US07947329B2 |
Methods of applying a nanocrystalline diamond film to a cutting tool
Methods of applying a nanocrystalline diamond film to a cutting tool are provided. In the methods, the cutting tool comprises tungsten carbide and has a cutting edge with a radius of curvature of no more than about 1 μm. The methods can comprise seeding a cutting surface of the cutting tool with a diamond nanopowder, the cutting surface having a reduced cobalt content, and depositing a nanocrystalline diamond film having a thickness of no more than about 1 μm onto the seeded cutting surface. The methods can also comprise implanting carbon ions into a cutting surface of the cutting tool to provide a carbide rich cutting surface and depositing a nanocrystalline diamond film having a thickness of no more than about 1 μm onto the carbide-rich cutting surface. |
US07947327B2 |
Method for increasing metal production in smelter operations
A process for improving recovery of metal values in a smelting operation of the type wherein sulfidic ores are pyrometallurgically reduced. The process includes adding an anionic or non-ionic surfactant and blends thereof to the ore. |
US07947321B2 |
Modification of particle morphology to improve product functionality
A method for improving the functional and organoleptic properties of a product is described. The method involves modifying the particles within the product to meet certain particle morphology parameters. |
US07947319B2 |
Dough compositions
A dough composition comprising gluten-free cereal flour, a water-soluble cellulose ether, and a low substituted cellulose ether having a molar substitution of 0.05-1.0 is provided. The bread made from the dough composition has a good mouthfeel and a satisfactory volume, retains softness over time, and are eatable by those patients of food allergy to wheat or the like. |
US07947318B2 |
Flavor fresh
A method for maintaining produce in a near “just harvested” state during transport in a truck trailer by limiting the formation of Ethylene, scrubbing the atmosphere to remove any that does form, and by exhausting the atmosphere of any residual Ethylene. The system will also limit the amount of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide to preset limits, and exhaust the excess. |
US07947312B2 |
Method of preparation and composition of a water soluble extract of the bioactive component of the plant species Uncaria for enhancing immune, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and DNA repair processes of warm blooded animals
The disclosure provides a method for isolating the bioactive component of the water-soluble extract of Uncaria tomentosa known as C-MED-100®, comprising (i) precipitating the spray drying carrier from C-MED-100®; (ii) using the resulting C-MED-100® to obtain a spotting mixture for thin layer chromatography (TLC); (iii) spotting the C-MED-100® spotting mixture on pre-run TLC plates and eluting the plates to obtain the fluorescing band with Rf=0.2-0.3; (iv) scraping off the Rf=0.2-0.3 band, eluting it in ammonia and freeze drying the eluted band to form a powder; and (v) extracting the powder with methanol to remove solubilized silica gel, concentrating the methanol solution and crystallizing the concentrated solution to obtain the bioactive component. The isolated bioactive component in vitro is a quinic acid analog, preferably quinic acid lactone. By contrast, the disclosure further shows the isolated bioactive component in vivo is quinic acid, whether as free acid or as a quinic acid salt, including quinic acid ammonium salt. The disclosure then provides for a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of the bioactive component and a nontoxic inert carrier or diluent. The pharmaceutical composition and bioactive component may be used to enhance immune competency, treat disorders associated with the immune system, inhibit the inflammatory response, treat disorders associated with the inflammatory response, enhance the anti-tumor response, and treat disorders associated with the response to tumor formation and growth, all in mammals. |
US07947310B2 |
Method of treating stroke or brain injury patients based on the intravenous administration of magnesium cations and concurrent administration of an oxygen gas mixture
A method for treating a patient comprising: (a) injecting into the bloodstream of a patient is breathing a gas mixture having greater than 25% oxygen an aqueous solution comprising: 0.1 to 0.8 M Mg++ and having an osmolarlity less than about 1500 mOSm/l; and (b) increasing the rate of injection at least until the patient feels a sensation of warmth is described. |
US07947307B2 |
Methods and compositions for imaging
The present invention is directed to compositions useful as imaging agents for use in monitoring atherosclerotic plaque regression using, for example, MRI, CT, Gamma-scintigraphy, or optical imaging techniques. Methods and compositions of using the same are described. |
US07947306B2 |
Modifications of solid 3-sn-phosphoglycerides
Methods for hydrolyzing solid ungranulated lysophosphatidylcholine with phospholipase A2 are provided. Also disclosed are methods for making a lipid matrix of lysophosphatidylcholine, monoglyceride and fatty acid, and lipid matrices of particular structure. |
US07947303B2 |
Supplement to be enterally administered for parenteral nutrition or partial enteral/oral nutrition of the critically ill, the chronically ill and people with malnutrition
A supplement to be administered enterally to maintain or restore the intestinal intestinal barrier of the critically or chronically ill and people with malnutrition is described.This contains as solution, in each case based on a daily dose, a) glutamine and/or glutamine precursors in an amount in the range from 15 to 70 g, b) at least two representatives from the group of substances having antioxidant activity, and c) short-chain fatty acids and/or precursors of short-chain fatty acids in an amount of from 0.5 to 10 g. |
US07947292B2 |
Bacteria trapping fibrous material
The invention concerns the use of a fiber modified with functions capable of interacting with microbial cell wall proteins for immobilizing micro-organisms in hygiene products. Those functions are particularly capable of interacting with anionic groups and amine groups, and are especially cationic groups and aldehydes, respectively. The fibers may be synthetic or cellulosic. Also hygiene products containing these fibers are described. |
US07947291B2 |
Modified surface antigen
Novel proteins that constitute modified forms of a Neisseria meningitidis surface antigen and encoding nucleic acids are provided. The modified surface proteins are characterized by having deletions of non-conserved amino acids, and thereby being capable of eliciting cross-protective immune responses against Neisseria meningitidis. The invention extends to the use of the modified surface antigens in diagnostics, in therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines and in the design and/or screening of medicaments. The modified surface antigens are particularly useful in vaccines which effectively immunize against a broader spectrum of N. meningitidis strains than would be expected from a corresponding wild-type surface antigen. |
US07947287B2 |
Peptides for the treatment of cancer associated with the human papilloma virus (HPV) and other epithelial tumors
This invention is related to the Molecular Pharmacology field and especially to the development of peptides useful for treating epithelial tumors and mainly those associated to oncogenic types of HPVs. The main objective of this invention is to identify peptides whose structure permits to block the Casein Kinase II (CKII) phosphorylation domain by direct interaction with such a site. In the present invention it is shown eleven cyclic peptides with different aminoacid sequences which inhibit the CKII phosphorylation in vitro, exhibit cytotoxicity on HPV-16 transformed cells (CaSki) and also increase the sensitivity of these cells to the cytostatic effect of interferon (IFN). Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of these peptides conjugated or fused to other peptides and chemical compounds which penetrates into cells as well as with the use of both peptide and chemical mimetic molecules. |
US07947286B2 |
Drosophila cell lines producing recombinant secretable filovirus surface glycoproteins lacking the membrane spanning domain
Filovirus subunit protein immunogens are produced using a recombinant expression system and combined with one or more adjuvants in immunogenic formulations. The subunit proteins include GP95, GP-FL, VP40, VP24, and NP derived from Ebola Virus and Marburg Virus. Adjuvants include saponins, emulsions, alum, and dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitors. The disclosed immunogenic formulations are effective in inducing strong antibody responses directed against individual Filovirus proteins and intact Filovirus particles as well as stimulating cell-mediated immune responses to the Filoviruses. |
US07947282B2 |
Methods of treatment using vascular occlusion in combination therapies
The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for treating a disease or condition by administering a first therapeutic protocol comprising targeting and delivering solid-phase platelet-dependent vascular occlusion agents, and administering at least one second therapeutic composition or method. |
US07947280B2 |
Apelin and uses thereof
The invention provides a method of treating or preventing heart failure or a disease or condition associated with heart failure comprising administering an effective dose of an apelin peptide or APJ receptor ligand to the subject. According to certain embodiments of the invention the apelin peptide is administered chronically. In certain embodiments of the invention the apelin peptide is administered in an amount effective to improve at least one hemodynamic parameter or prognostic variable for heart failure. Clinical conditions associated with heart failure include, but are not limited to, atherosclerosis, restenosis, ischemic cardiovascular diseases, idiopathic or viral cardiomyopathy, and the like. |
US07947273B2 |
Human antibody molecules for IL-13
Specific binding members, in particular human anti-IL-13 antibody molecules and especially those which neutralise IL-13 activity. Methods for using anti-IL-13 antibody molecules in diagnosis or treatment of IL-13 related disorders, including asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease and Hodgkin's lymphoma. |
US07947263B2 |
Biocompatible surgical compositions
Biocompatible synthetic macromer compositions are provided including a first polymer having multiple functional groups and a second functionalized polyurethane prepolymer, which can be employed as an adhesive or sealant for medical/surgical uses. |
US07947262B2 |
Use of fullerenes for the treatment of mast cell and basophil-mediated disease
Mast cell (MC) and peripheral blood basophil (PBB)-associated diseases are treated or prevented, or their symptoms are alleviated by the administration of water soluble fullerenes (buckeyballs) to the individual under conditions sufficient to inhibit MC and PBB responses. MC and PBB responses are associated with, for example, various allergies including Type 1 hypersensitivity initiated by IgE-antigen, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, urticaria, atopic dermatitis, heart disease, etc. The treatment regimen can be enhanced using Chimeric fullerenes that specifically home to and inhibit MC and PBB cells. These molecules, for example, comprise fullerenes to which are attached IgE Fc or stem cell factor (SCF) peptides that bind to receptors specifically on MC and PBB cells. Additional molecules which may be used in the processes include IgE Fc or SCF peptides with several fullerenes covalently attached. |
US07947261B2 |
Conjugates formed from polymer derivatives having particular atom arrangements
Polymeric reagents are provided comprising a moiety of atoms arranged in a specific order, wherein the moiety is positioned between a water-soluble polymer and a reactive group. The polymeric reagents are useful for, among other things, forming polymer-active agent conjugates. Related methods, compositions, preparations, and so forth are also provided. |
US07947260B2 |
Low temperature-stable creamy wash composition
Creamy wash composition containing (A) at least one N-long-chain-acyl acidic amino acid or a salt thereof, (B) at least one polyhydric alcohol, (C) at least one nonionic surfactant, (D) at least one salt of a divalent or higher cation and a monovalent or higher anion, and (E) water are stable at a low temperature and exhibit good foaming properties and a good feeling upon use. |
US07947255B2 |
Fluorescent substrates for neurotransmitter transporters
The invention is based on the finding that IDT307 and analogs thereof are fluorescent substrates transported by several neurotransmitter transporters. Provided are methods for the analysis of neurotransmitter transport and binding using IDT307 and its analogs. The invention also provides rapid methods for screening for modulators of neurotransmitter transport. |
US07947249B2 |
Fine hollow powder, thin flaky titanium oxide powder obtained by pulverization of the fine hollow powder and processes for producing the same
The present invention relates to fine hollow powder with a titanium oxide shell, obtained by spray drying an exfoliated titania sol, and thin flaky titanium oxide powder obtained by pulverizing the fine hollow powder, and also to processes for producing the same. The present fine hollow powder and thin flaky titanium oxide powder have a distinguished dispersibility and are useful for additives to cosmetics, pigments, paints, etc., and the present fine hollow powder also has a distinguished flowability and is useful for seed particles for flow measurement. |
US07947244B2 |
Silicate producing method
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a silicate comprising at least silicon and oxygen, comprising (1) mixing of silicon dioxide and/or of a silicon dioxide precursor with an aqueous solution comprising at least one tetraalkylammonium compound comprising R1R2R3R4N+ and at least one base, wherein R1 and R2 are methyl and both R3 and R4 are n-propyl; (2) heating of the colloidal solution obtained according to (1) to a temperature in the range of from greater than the boiling point of the colloidal solution under the chosen pressure to 180° C. at atmospheric pressure to give a suspension comprising at least one silicate, wherein the silicate comprising at least silicon and oxygen is added as a crystallization auxiliary in (1). |
US07947241B2 |
Aqueous solution for the treatment of exhaust gases of diesel engines
The present application relates to the use of a solution for the treatment of exhaust gases at the outlet of on-board or stationary diesel engines. It also relates to its use in any device for the treatment of these exhaust gases, regardless of whether the engines are engines of heavy goods vehicles or engines for light vehicles or also engines for stationary industrial engine applications. |
US07947239B2 |
Carbon dioxide capture and mitigation of carbon dioxide emissions
The present invention describes methods and systems for extracting, capturing, reducing, storing, sequestering, or disposing of carbon dioxide (CO2), particularly from the air. The CO2 extraction methods and systems involve the use of chemical processes, mineral sequestration, and solid and liquid sorbents. Methods are also described for extracting and/or capturing CO2 via condensation on solid surfaces at low temperature. |
US07947235B2 |
Microfluidic device with finger valves
A microfluidic device (1) comprising a hydrophilic microchannel structure (2) in which there is a functional unit that comprises a microconduit I (17) in which there is an inlet end (16), an outlet end (18), and a capillary stop function I (24) in the form of a local non-wettable surface area (44). The capillary stop function (24) defines a segment of microconduit I (17). Microconduit I (17) is within at least a part of this segment (46) divided into two or more microchannels (42). A part of the non-wettable surface area (44a,b) is associated with an inner wall of each of the microchannels (42). |
US07947231B2 |
Honeycomb structure, method for manufacturing honeycomb structure, and exhaust gas purifying apparatus
A honeycomb structure includes a plurality of pillar-shaped honeycomb fired bodies each having a large number of cells longitudinally disposed in parallel with one another with a cell wall therebetween. The plurality of pillar-shaped honeycomb fired bodies are combined with one another by interposing an adhesive layer. A catalyst supporting layer is included in the adhesive layer which abuts one end face side of the honeycomb structure, while substantially no catalyst supporting layer is included in the adhesive layer which abuts another end face side of the honeycomb structure. |
US07947229B2 |
Apparatus and method for dissolution reaction
When fly ash is added to a cement kiln to materialize it after being desalinated by washing, scale is prevented from growing in a dissolution reaction apparatus depositing calcium-containing compounds dissolved in slurry, and the fly ash is effectively used as a cement material. A dissolution reaction apparatus according to the invention comprises: a dissolution tub 3 for dissolving powder material, a wet dust collector 5 for collecting powder material and mist while reacting slurry S in the dissolution tub 3 with gas G and returning the collected powder material and mist to the dissolution tub 3. A second wet dust collector 7 can be provided for collecting powder material and the like accompanying to the gas G discharged from the wet dust collector 5, and both the wet dust collectors 5, 7 can be vertical type and mounted independently with each other on the dissolution tub 3. The slurry S and the gas G can react with each other with parallel flow by feeding the slurry S and the gas G to an upper portion of the first wet dust collector 5, or the powder material and the like accompanying to the gas G may be collected with counter flow by feeding the gas G discharged from the dissolution tub 3 to a lower portion of the second wet dust collector 7. |
US07947221B2 |
Stress-induced bandgap-shifted semiconductor photoelectrolytic/photocatalytic/photovoltaic surface and method for making same
Titania is a semiconductor and photocatalyst that is also chemically inert. With its bandgap of 3.0, to activate the photocatalytic property of titania requires light of about 390 nm wavelength, which is in the ultra-violet, where sunlight is very low in intensity. A method and devices are disclosed wherein stress is induced and managed in a thin film of titania in order to shift and lower the bandgap energy into the longer wavelengths that are more abundant in sunlight. Applications of this stress-induced bandgap-shifted titania photocatalytic surface include photoelectrolysis for production of hydrogen gas from water, photovoltaics for production of electricity, and photocatalysis for detoxification and disinfection. |
US07947219B2 |
Process for manufacturing composite sintered machine components
In a process for manufacturing composite sintered machine components, the composite sintered machine component has an approximately cylindrical inner member and an approximately disk-shaped outer member, the inner member has pillars arranged in a circumferential direction at equal intervals and a center shaft hole surrounded by the pillars, and the outer member has holes corresponding to the pillars of the inner member and a center shaft hole corresponding to the center shaft hole of the inner member and connected to the holes. The process comprises compacting the inner member and the outer member individually using an iron-based alloy powder or an iron-based mixed powder so as to obtain compacts of the inner member and the outer member, tightly fitting the pillars of the inner member into the holes of the outer member, and sintering the inner member and the outer member while maintaining the above condition so as to bond them together. A circumferential side surface facing a circumferential direction of the pillar of the inner member and a circumferential side surface facing a circumferential direction of the hole of the outer member are interference fitted at 0 to 0.03 mm of the interference. A radial side surface facing a radial direction of the pillar of the inner member and a radial side surface facing a radial direction of the hole of the outer member are fitted so as to be one of being interference fitted at not more than 0.01 mm of the interference and being through fitted. |
US07947218B2 |
Apparatus and method for coil cooling
A cooling device including an air source, preferably a fan, that provides air flow and a shroud for directing air flow from the air source at an object, particularly a coil of material, preferably a metal or metal alloy having a temperature greater than the ambient room temperature. The cooling device provides cooling efficiency by directing the air from the air source at an increased velocity to a desirable area or areas on an end surface of the object, thereby increasing heat transfer from the object. The cooling device shroud includes an air directing surface that influences the direction of air flow across the object in a desired pattern. Methods for preparing cooling devices and for cooling objects are also described. |
US07947216B2 |
Smelt spout opening cleaner, cleaning head and apparatus
A spout opening cleaner for cleaning smelt spouts of recovery boilers and the like includes an actuation arm and self-aligning cleaning head. The cleaning head employs open bail designs for enabling continued flow of smelt during a cleaning cycle. |
US07947214B1 |
Process and product for making ceramic materials for semiconductor doping
This process is a fused glass powder process for making ceramic billets for semiconductor dopants. The powder process uses a unique combination of steps for packing, compacting and heat treating the powders. The resulting billets may be tailored in composition to provide a variety of densities, rigidities and B2O3 evolution rates. Further, the resulting wafers have a large diameter to meet the needs of semiconductor production. |
US07947212B2 |
Densification of ceria based electrolytes
The fabrication of ceria based electrolytes to densities greater than 97% of the theoretical achievable density at temperatures below 1200° C., preferably approximately 1000° C., is disclosed. The electrolyte has a concentration of divalent cations minus an adjusted concentration of trivalent cations of between 0.01 mole % and 0.1 mole %. |
US07947210B2 |
Tampon pledget having a shaped tip and method of making same
The present invention provides a tampon pledget having a shaped tip. The present invention further provides a method for forming a tampon pledget having a shaped tip. The method includes a cooling step after the formation of the shaped tip, which results in the minimization and/or prevention of deformation of the shaped pledget tip during the remainder of processing up until the end use by a consumer. |
US07947206B2 |
Method of manufacturing a golf club grip
A golf club grip includes a first grip member and a second grip member. The first grip member has a dark color and a first material density. The second grip member which has a light color and a second material density which is greater than the first material density, wherein the first grip member is integrated with the second grip member in an edge-to-edge manner to form an elongated tubular structure. When the first grip member and the second grip member is heated to integrate with each other, particles of the second grip member crosses over the first grip member to form a predetermined amount of light color at the first grip member, while the light color formed at the first grip member is adapted to be overlaid by the dark color so as to render the light color and the dark color sharply distinguishable on the gold club grip. |
US07947205B2 |
Method and apparatus for removing a dissimilar material
A method and apparatus for efficiently removing a dissimilar material as part of a recycling process, which are free of problems in the terms of worker safety and the work environment, are provided. With the apparatus of the present invention, a working unit is operated to move a blade unit while pressing a plastic product from the outside thereof to punch out the dissimilar material. |
US07947203B2 |
Procedure and apparatus in dry forming of fibre layer
The invention relates to a procedure and an apparatus in dry formation of a fibre layer, in which procedure fibre-containing air is passed through a forming wire (7) moving via a former (2) or an equivalent distributor unit and further through a suction box (8) or equivalent placed below the forming wire, and which air is circulated back to the upper part of the same or another former. In the solution of the invention, the air circulated through the suction box (8) is passed to the upper part of the former via channels (17) with an adjustable flow rate. |
US07947202B2 |
Polymer-nanoparticle compositions and methods of making and using same
Disclosed are polymer nanoparticle compositions comprising a film comprising an at least partially electrically conductive oligomer, polymer, or copolymer, and at least one nanoparticle at least partially disposed therein, wherein the at least partially electrically conductive oligomer, polymer, or copolymer is in electrical communication with the nanoparticle. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the polymer nanoparticle compositions. |
US07947201B2 |
Poly(arylene ether)/polyamide composition and method of making
Disclosed herein is a masterbatch comprising the reaction product of 75 to 94.5 weight percent of a poly(arylene ether), 5 to 24.5 weight percent of a polyamide and 0.5 to 2.5 weight percent of citric acid, wherein weight percent is based on the combined weight of the poly(arylene ether), polyamide and citric acid. Methods of making and using the masterbatch are also described. |
US07947200B2 |
Method of detecting a threshold temperature
A temperature switch comprises a material (14) which melts and concomitantly undergoes a change in an electrical characteristic at a predetermined temperature. The temperature switch also includes at least two electrical contacts (10, 12) for detecting the change in the electrical characteristic. The material (14) comprises an organic cation and an anion and is preferably an ionic liquid. |
US07947196B2 |
Ion exchangeable mixture and method of producing the same
An ion exchangeable mixture containing a polymeric compound consisting of an ion exchange resin, an acrylamide mixture containing at least one bisacrylamide and at least one acrylamide, and a copolymer obtained by reacting the polymeric compound with the acrylamide mixture, and a method of producing the same are provided. The ion exchangeable membrane produced by using the ion exchangeable mixture has significantly smaller electric resistance than conventional ion exchangeable membranes, and has excellent selective permeability because the ion exchangeable membrane is electrically charged. The ion exchangeable membrane can be produced under very mild production conditions, and thus can be produced very easily. Furthermore, the ion exchangeable membrane can be also formed into film during a crosslinking reaction in a solvent of water, and thus is advantageous in that the ion exchangeable membrane can be freely produced into desired sizes, shapes and forms. |
US07947195B2 |
Polishing slurry
The present invention discloses a polishing slurry, wherein said polishing slurry comprises a carrier and functionalized alumina grains. The polishing slurry, which comprises functionalized alumina grains having desirable dispersibility, has desirable stability and is able to lower the defect rate of the substrate surface, improve the surface quality, decrease the total metal loss and enlarge the variation range of the technical parameters. |
US07947185B2 |
Water sanitation methods
Suspect contaminated water is sanitized by treating it to produce a clean water stream and a waste water stream. A portion of the waste water stream is electrolyzed to provide a solution containing hypochlorite ions, a quantity of which is mixed with the suspect water in sufficient quantity to sanitize the suspect water and maintain sufficient residual chlorine to prevent re-contamination. |
US07947180B2 |
Method for the air bubble-free filing of the blood-containing end of a hemodialyzer with a physiological electrolyte solution
A method and apparatus for the air-free filling of the blood side of a hemodialysis apparatus with a physiological electrolyte solution and for the venting of the blood side of a hemodialysis apparatus during operation includes using a chamber in a blood-removing line system. The blood-removing line system, including the chamber arranged therein, is filled with a physiological electrolyte solution, with a valve arranged above the chamber and connected thereto being opened to fill the chamber completely with the physiological electrolyte solution until it comes into contact with a hydrophobic filter arranged above the valve. |
US07947177B2 |
Pressure vessels for holding cylindrical filtration cartridges
A tubular pressure vessel for cross-flow filtration having two centrally located side ports that penetrate the sidewall and communicate with a central chamber that divides the pressure vessel bore into two axially separated sections that each contain a plurality of cylindrical, cross-flow filtration cartridges. The pair of diametrically opposed, central side ports are provided through the use of a short length of tubing that provides structural stability to the overall pressure vessel arrangement. A feedstream may enter the pressure vessel centrally and flow in both axial directions, creating two permeate streams and two concentrate streams, the latter of which might exit through horizontal side ports located near each end of the pressure vessel. Interconnecting such tubular side port structures in adjacent pressure vessels in a vertical stack provides a load-bearing vertical column and allows a single feed line to supply multiple pressure vessels. When an array of such vertical stacks is used, horizontal side outlet ports for the concentrate streams can be likewise interconnected to provide combined concentrate outlet streams. Alternatively, two feed substreams may be pumped into each vessel through side ports near each end, and a combined concentrate stream removed through the central tubular side port structures. |
US07947173B2 |
Seawater filter
A seawater filter is disclosed. A driving unit is disposed on a main body and penetrates into the accommodating space thereof with a rotating axis. The rotating axis is provided with pumping fans, centrifugal fans, and pressurizing fans. A floating object is interposed between the driving unit and the main body. The main body has fresh water inlets, seawater inlets, and seawater outlets. |
US07947172B2 |
Vessel with oxygenation system and decontamination method
The waterborne vessel, in one embodiment, utilizes an underwater tunnel through which passes flowing water, an ozone gas generator, an ozone plus hydroxyl radical gas generator and a source of atmospheric oxygen. A manifold mixer mixes pressurized water independently with the ozone, the ozone plus hydroxyl radical gas and the atmospheric oxygen to produce corresponding oxygenated water mixtures. Each of these oxygenated water mixtures are fed via a conduit system into the confined flow of water passing through the tunnel. A diversion channel with reverse flow channel permits super saturation of diverted flow from the primary underwater tunnel channel to provide super saturated oxygenated water with ozone plus hydroxyl radical gases and atmospheric oxygen water mixtures. A decontamination method is also provided. |
US07947169B2 |
Method of recovering volatile organic compound and volatile organic compound recovery system
A gas generated from a first crude oil and containing volatile organic compounds and a second crude oil are supplied to an absorber 16, thereby absorbing the volatile organic compounds in the gas into the second crude oil. |
US07947167B2 |
Methods and systems for removing metals from low grade fuel
A method for removing metals from fuel containing vanadium or nickel including intimately mixing an adsorbent with the fuel and isolating the treated fuel. The treated fuel has reduced levels of vanadium, nickel and other metals. Systems for fuel treatment are also provided. |
US07947165B2 |
Method for extracting and upgrading of heavy and semi-heavy oils and bitumens
Improvements in the selective extraction of relatively low molecular weight oils from coal, coal liquids, oil shales, shale oils, oil sands, heavy and semi-heavy oils, bitumens, and the like are provided by a continuous process involving contacting the material to be treated with supercritical water in a continuous operation at pressures of from 500 psi to 3000 psi, temperatures of 250° C. to 450° C., and in-reactor dwell times generally in excess of 25 seconds and up to 10 minutes. |
US07947162B2 |
Free standing single-crystal nanowire growth by electro-chemical deposition
The present invention relates to a method for obtaining monocrystalline or single crystal nanowires. Said nanowires are grown in a pattern making use of electro-chemical deposition techniques. Most preferred, the electrolytic bath is based on chlorides and has an acidic pH. Single element as well as combinations of two elements nanowires can be grown. Depending on the element properties the obtained nanowire can have metallic (conductive) or semi-metallic (semi-conductive) properties. The observed nanowire growth presents an unusual behavior compared to the classical nanowire template-assisted growth where a cap is formed as soon as the metal grows out of the pattern. Under given conditions of bath composition and potential (current) settings the nanowires grow out of the pattern up to a few microns without any significant lateral overgrowth. |
US07947158B2 |
Apparatus and method for removing bubbles from a process liquid
The present invention is directed to methods and apparatuses for removing bubbles from a process liquid. The process liquid can comprise a plating solution used in a plating tool. The process liquid is supplied to a tank. A plurality of streams of the process liquid are directed towards a surface of the process liquid from below. This can be done by feeding the process liquid to a flow distributor comprising a plurality of openings providing flow communication between an inner volume of the flow distributor and a main volume of the tank. Before leaving the tank through an outlet, the process liquid flows through a flow barrier. |
US07947151B2 |
Softening agent for paper and method for making paper by using same
A paper softening composition that is capable of providing paper with excellent flexibility while suppressing decrease in paper strength. The paper softening composition contains a specific diamide diamine compound or a salt thereof and a specific amide amine compound or a salt thereof in a mass ratio of 5/95 to 90/10. |
US07947146B2 |
Plastic carpule and method of manufacture
A carpule and its method of manufacture, the carpule tubular body composed of a polypropylene or similar polymer, the tubular body being sealed at one end by a seal of a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) or similar polymer, the seal having been injection molded in contact with the tubular body prior to full curing of the material composing the tubular body, such that a chemical fusion bond is created between the seal and the tubular body. |
US07947145B2 |
Method for making carbon nanotube composite
A method for making a carbon nanotube composite includes: (a) providing at least one carbon nanotube film and at least one polymer film; (b) forming a carbon nanotube film structure with the carbon nanotube film on a surface of the polymer film to obtain a carbon nanotube composite preform; (c) pre-combining the carbon nanotube composite preform to obtain a treated carbon nanotube composite preform; and (d) heating and pressing at least one treated carbon nanotube composite preform to achieve a carbon nanotube composite. |
US07947144B1 |
Paper attachment method
A paper attachment system and method includes providing a plurality of flexible panels. Each of the flexible panels has a first side, a second side and a peripheral edge. A plurality of adhesive patches is provided. Each of the panels has one of the adhesive patches attached thereto. The adhesive patches are positioned on the first sides of the panels. A plurality of coverings is provided. Each of the coverings is positioned on and removably attached to one of the adhesive patches so that each of the adhesive patches is covered by one of the coverings. A plurality of the panels is positioned on top of each other to define a stack of the panels. The coverings are then removed from the stack of the panels. Pressure is then applied to the stack of panels to releasably secure the panels together with the adhesive patches. |
US07947142B2 |
Pleated filter with monolayer monocomponent meltspun media
A pleated filter is made from a monocomponent monolayer nonwoven web of continuous monocomponent meltspun partially crystalline and partially amorphous oriented fibers of the same polymeric composition that are bonded to form a coherent and handleable web having a Gurley Stiffness of at least 100 mg and which further may be softened while retaining orientation and fiber structure. Rows of pleats are formed in the nonwoven web, and the web is cut to a desired size and shape to provide a pleated filter element containing a self-supporting porous monocomponent monolayer matrix of fibers bonded to one another at least some points of fiber intersection and having an average initial submicron efficiency of at least 15% at a 1.52 meters/sec face velocity. The filter element is deformation resistant without requiring stiffening layers, bicomponent fibers, adhesive or other reinforcement in the filter media layer. |
US07947139B2 |
Systems and methods for creating textured laminates
Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved and economical system and method for viewing proposed texture designs for textured decorative laminates without having to make a press plate and a sample laminate. Embodiments of the present invention further provide systems and methods for making sample laminates and for registering a sample press plate with the laminate's decorative design when manufacturing a sample laminate. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention utilize transparent sheets, such as acetate films, in novel ways during the design of textured laminate press plates and during the registration of the press plate and the laminate's decorative layer. |
US07947138B2 |
Systems and methods for creating textured laminate press plates
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for creating textured laminate press plates that account for growth of the press plate and growth of the laminate's decorative layer. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention involve printing a two-dimensional representation of the three-dimensional surface of the proposed press plate, assuming a certain amount of expansion, onto a transparent overlay, such as a cellulose acetate sheet or a plate of glass. Embodiments of the present invention further involve positioning the overlay over an un-textured sample decorative laminate to examine the alignment of the press plate's proposed texture design with the sample laminate's decorative design. |
US07947137B2 |
Nitrous oxide based explosives and methods for making same
An explosive device and methods for forming same, the device comprising a portion of nitrous oxide and a portion of fuel. In one example, the explosive device may include a first storage area containing said portion of nitrous oxide, and a second storage area containing said portion of fuel, wherein the first storage area selectively maintains the portion of nitrous oxide separated from the fuel in the second storage area prior to detonation of the explosive device. In another example, in the event the explosive fails to detonate, the explosive device may include a vent valve for discharging the nitrous oxide from the explosive device to reduce or eliminate its explosive characteristics. The explosive device can be used for various applications, including but not limited to military weapons, pyrotechnic devices, or civil blasting explosives, for example. |
US07947136B2 |
Process for producing a corrosion-resistant austenitic alloy component
An austenitic, substantially ferrite-free steel alloy and a process for producing components therefrom. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. |
US07947131B2 |
Copper deposition chamber having integrated bevel clean with edge bevel removal detection
Embodiments of the invention generally provide apparatus and method for detecting and controlling edge bevel removal of a semiconductor substrate. One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for inspecting a rotating substrate. The apparatus comprises a substrate support configured to support the rotating substrate on a back side and rotate the substrate about a central axis, and a sensor positioned above the substrate support, the sensor being configured to inspect a front side of the rotating substrate while moving simultaneously radially across the substrate. |
US07947130B2 |
Troika acid semiconductor cleaning compositions and methods of use
Semiconductor processing compositions for use with silicon wafers having an insulating layers and metallization layers on the wafers comprising water and one or more Troika acids which is also referred to as α,α-disubstituted trifunctional oximes or α-(Hydroxyimino) Phosphonoacetic acids, their salts, and their derivatives. |
US07947129B2 |
Ion source apparatus and cleaning optimized method thereof
An ion source apparatus includes a rare gas supply source supplying rare gas instead of ion source gas to a plasma chamber, means to determine time and timing for cleaning electrodes in consideration of a collecting amount of insulation layers accreting to the electrodes of an extraction electrode system. Based on the above, the ion source apparatus removes the insulation layers by sputtering with ion beam of the rare gas while adjusting extraction or accelerate voltage and supply amount of the rare gas as a setting parameter. Moreover, by adjusting the setting parameter which changes a diameter of ion beam based on the rare gas when the ion beam collides onto each electrode surface of the extraction electrode system, the beam diameter is focused within an effective range in which intension of the sputtering of the insulation layers is maximized thus evenly removing the insulation layers. |
US07947126B2 |
Processes for preparing organic pigment dispersions and ink
A method for preparing an organic pigment dispersion, such as a flush pigment or ink product, comprises steps of introducing into a twin screw extruder a stable, water-borne pigment dispersion, an organic medium, and a destabilizing agent; mixing together the stable, water-borne pigment dispersion, the organic medium, and the destabilizing agent to produce a pigment flush phase and a water phase; and removing at least a part of the water phase. A twin-screw extruder for carrying out the flushing method has an addition and flushing zone, a water removal zone, and a zone for rinsing the crude organic pigment dispersion or flush with water and removing the rinse water. Additional materials may be added to form a finished pigmented product such as an ink product, masterbatch, or toner. |
US07947122B2 |
Method and an arrangement for improving gas removal
The present invention relates to a method for improving the efficiency of gas removal wherein gas-enriched process liquid (2) is introduced tangentially into a vertical essentially cylindrical vessel (1) and thereafter removed at the bottom of the vessel. By means of centrifugal force gas (2d) is brought to enrich in a part (2a, 2b) of the liquid (2). This part (2a) of liquid (2) having an enriched gas content (2c) is redirected to at least one vertical means (7) arranged centrally in the vessel (1), and separately removed therefrom. The present invention also relates to a de-gassing arrangement in an arrangement including at least one vertical essentially cylindrical vessel (1). Said vessel (1) includes at least one tangentially arranged inlet (4) for gas-enriched liquid and at least one discharge (6) for de-gassed liquid, which discharge is arranged at the lower portion of the vessel (1). The vessel (1) includes centrally arranged vertical means (7) having one or several inlets (8) for gas-enriched liquid (2a). Said vertical means (7) include one or several separate discharges for this portion of the liquid (2a), portions thereof (2b) and/or gas (2c, 2d). |
US07947118B2 |
Containerized gas separation system
Containerized gas separation system comprising (a) a container having an interior, an exterior, and an exterior volume defined by the exterior dimensions of the container and (b) a pressure swing adsorption system installed in the interior of the container and adapted to recover a product gas from a feed gas mixture, the pressure swing adsorption system being adapted to deliver the product gas at a product gas flow rate, wherein the ratio of the exterior volume of the container to the product gas flow rate is less than about 2000 ft3/(ton per day). |
US07947109B2 |
Powered air purifying respirator with battery passivation sensing/correction and method therefor
A powered air purifying respirator and method for directing a forced flow of air to a wearer. A battery operatively powers a fan fluidly coupled with the air flow path which exhibits, in some circumstances, a passivation. A voltage delay sensing circuit, operatively coupled to the battery, provides an indication related to the passivation. A signal may provide an indication to a user of the passivation of the power source. A correction circuit may correct such passivation. |
US07947107B2 |
Direct reduction apparatus and process
An apparatus for reducing a metalliferous material in a fluidized bed includes a vessel for containing the fluidized bed, a mechanism for supplying the metalliferous material, a solid carbonaceous material, an oxygen-containing gas, and a fluidizing gas into the vessel for forming the fluidized bed in the vessel. The oxygen-containing gas supply mechanism includes one or more than one oxygen-containing gas injection lance having a lance tip with an outlet that is positioned for injecting the oxygen-containing gas in a downward flow into the vessel within a range of plus or minus 40° to the vertical. |
US07947105B2 |
Organic fertilizer made by alkaline conversion process
This invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for treating organic-containing sludges and converting such sludges to high value fertilizers containing both inorganic and organic fertilizer components, which creates an inorganically-augmented bioorganic fertilizer. The invention describes methods to create a thixotrophic or paste-like material via the application of mixing energy to the organic sludge followed by an alkaline treatment and a subsequent ammoniation. The invention further describes a method to increase the plant nutrient content in the organic containing product to a level which permits the finished granular fertilizer product to compete in the commercial agricultural fertilizer marketplace. Further, the invention reduces odors associated with said organic-containing sludges. |
US07947103B2 |
Honeycomb structure and method for producing same
Disclosed is a honeycomb structure which is bonded with a bonding material containing 0.1 to 10 mass % of a layered clay mineral. Also disclosed are a honeycomb structure which is bonded with a bonding material containing 0.1 to 10 mass % of an organic binder, and a honeycomb structure which is bonded with a bonding material having a Casson yield value of 6 Pa or more. Further disclosed is a method for producing such a honeycomb structure. |
US07947102B2 |
Soot filter
An improved ceramic honeycomb filter has at least one porous partition wall defining a channel that is (1) microstructurally different along the length of the channel, (2) microstructurally different than at least a portion of a partition wall defining another channel or (3) combination thereof. The improved filter may be used for filtering Diesel exhaust and may have reduced back pressure and equivalent soot capture efficiency compared to a filter without having said microstructural differences. |
US07947093B2 |
Quaternary ammonium salt detergents for use in fuels
A quaternary ammonium salt detergent made from the reaction product of the reaction of: (a) a hydrocarbyl substituted acylating agent and a compound having an oxygen or nitrogen atom capable of condensing with said acylating agent and further having a tertiary amino group; and (b) a quaternizing agent suitable for converting the tertiary amino group to a quaternary nitrogen and the use of such quaternary ammonium salt detergents in a fuel composition to reduce intake valve deposits. |
US07947091B2 |
Curcumin and its derivatives for use as silicone colorants
Colored silicone polymers and elastomers are described herein wherein the colorants used in the composition provide tint to the polymer, but are capable of retaining transparency of the substrate if desired. The colorants include curcumin and/or a derivative thereof. |
US07947086B2 |
Method for cleaning household fabric-based surface with premoistened wipe
Premoistened wipes for household use. The wipes are disposable. The wipes may be used to treat household surfaces including fabric-based surfaces. The wipes may include microencapsulated materials such as perfume and/or other benefit agents. The present invention also relates to a method for treating household surfaces utilizing the wipes of the present invention. |
US07947082B2 |
System and method for joint arthroplasty
An orthopaedic joint prosthesis may include a first component, a bearing component, and a third component. The first component has a base and a keel protruding from the base to extend into a first bone. The keel's longitudinal axis is offset from a geometric center of the base. The base has a first articular surface and the bearing component has a second articular surface shaped to articulate with the first articular surface. A feature unitary with the first component reversibly attaches to the bearing component. The bearing component has a third articular surface shaped to articulate with a fourth articular surface on the third component. A distraction feature of the bearing component is shaped to provide alignment and/or distraction between the first articular surface and the fourth articular surface during insertion of the bearing component into a joint space between the first and second bones. |
US07947076B2 |
Nasal valve treatment method and apparatus
A method and apparatus for treating a nasal valve condition including surgically forming an access path to create a pocket on a side of the patient's nose. The pocket is positioned between a soft tissue layer and opposing surfaces of upper and lower cartilages of the nose. The pocket spans a junction between the upper and lower cartilages. An implant is placed through the access path into the pocket with a length oriented to span the junction. A delivery system for placement of the implant includes a surgical tool for forming the access path and for delivering the implant into the access path. |
US07947067B2 |
Scanning treatment laser with sweep beam spot and universal carriage
This invention is a scanning laser device with a universal carriage that holds any type of optical element. The carriage rotates about an axis that is substantially co-axial to the incident laser beam, thereby causing the laser energy passing through the optical element to sweep through a 360° circle. The preferred embodiment uses a rod lens as the optical element, resulting in a large circular beam spot. The device may utilize laser sources of various wavelengths and pulse frequencies, and multiple devices may be combined to scan an even larger area. |
US07947063B2 |
Posterior-medial facet support assembly
A facet support assembly including at least one rod including an upper portion rigidly fixed to a spinal fastener, and a lower portion configured to support an inferior articular process, wherein when the spinal fastener is secured to a pedicle of a lumbar vertebra, the lower portion of the at least one rod abuts against and supports the inferior articular process of the same lumbar vertebra. |
US07947062B2 |
Temporary anastomotic seal and method
Forming a proximal anastomosis on an aortic wall includes method and instrumentation and apparatus for forming an aortic puncture and inserting into the vessel through the puncture a fluid-impervious sealing element with a protruding retainer. An anastomosis of a graft vessel over the puncture is partially completed with the retainer of the sealing element protruding through the partial anastomosis. The retainer facilitates removal of the sealing element from the partial anastomosis prior to completion of the procedure. |
US07947061B1 |
Ratcheting tourniquet apparatus
A ratcheting tourniquet apparatus having a quick adjustment mechanism for initial tourniquet strap approximation, and a ratcheting assembly for fine, stringent strap adjustment about a limb of a patient. The apparatus provides for quick and easy use, even to the uninitiated. The apparatus provides for sufficient leverage via the ratcheting assembly such that severe tightening of the strap is possible as needed. The apparatus quick adjustment mechanism further provides instant tourniquet release. |
US07947057B2 |
Lancet having adjustable penetration depth
Lancet device including a first housing. A first guide wall is disposed within the first housing. The first guide wall includes an opening. A cap removably mounted to the first housing. A needle holding member for holding a lancet. At least a portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening. A first spring for biasing the needle holding member toward an extended position. The first spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member and being disposed between the first guide wall and a shoulder of the needle holding member. A movable trigger having a first position and a second position. A movable second housing including a proximal end, a distal end and a second guide wall arranged at the proximal end. The second guide wall including an opening. A portion of the needle holding member being able to move within the opening of the second guide wall. The second housing being configured to move the needle holding member to the retracted position when the second housing is moved away from the first housing. The proximal end of the second housing being configured to move axially within the distal end of the first housing. A second spring for biasing the second housing towards the first housing. The second spring surrounding a portion of the needle holding member and being disposed between the second guide wall and another shoulder of the needle holding member. At least a portion of the needle holding member is always retained within the first housing. |
US07947056B2 |
Steerable sphincterotome and methods for cannulation, papillotomy and sphincterotomy
The present invention relates to methodology of and apparatus for accurately positioning devices for performing endoscopic cannulation, papillotomy and sphincterotomy and similar procedures. The sphincterotome with a steerable or adjustable distal segment of the present invention allows the physician to control the position of the distal tip of the device independently of the endoscope and adjust for inconsistencies in the device and the anatomy. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a threaded portion of a cable assembly cooperates with a torque transmission element and a cog to enable the operator to rotate a cutting wire into a desired position relative to the catheter. Alternate embodiments allow the operator to fix the depth of a needle knife while allowing, if desired, accurate rotational positioning of the associated catheter. Threaded stabilizing elements, pivot elements and a steering wire may be used together or individually to accomplish these features. Presently available products that may be modified according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, Boston Scientific Sphincterotomes and Needle Knives. |
US07947053B2 |
Suturing device and technique
A suturing device includes a body member having proximal and distal ends and a longitudinal axis and comprising a slide and trigger slide; a tip assembly attached to the distal end and comprising: a hollow sheath having a window at its distal end; a pushrod in the hollow sheath and in mechanical communication with the slide and moveable along the axis; and a heating element sheath containing a heating element and adjacent to the hollow sheath, the heating element in mechanical and electrical communication with the trigger slide and moveable within the heating element sheath along the axis and over the window; and circuitry in electrical communication between the trigger slide and the heating element. The trigger slide activates the circuitry to heat the heating element and moves the heating element along the axis and over the window to contact a suture and thereby create a bloom of suture material. |
US07947051B2 |
Surgical instrument coupling mechanism
A medical system and surgical instrument adapter are provided. The medical system comprises a surgical instrument carrying a distal tool configured for performing a medical procedure on a patient, an adapter having a clam-shell configuration configured for removably receiving a proximal end of the surgical instrument, and a drive unit configured for being coupled to the adapter to control the movement of the surgical instrument within at least one degree-of-freedom. The surgical instrument adapter may comprise a base portion configured for receiving a proximal end of the surgical instrument, and a clam-shell that pivots relative to the base portion between a first position that encloses the proximal end of the surgical instrument within the base portion and a second position that allows the proximal end of the surgical instrument to be removed from the base portion. |
US07947047B2 |
Medical screwdrivers and methods
The invention provides a medical screwdriver having a sleeve that can be coupled to the medical screwdriver without the need to align the sleeve to the medical screwdriver. The medical screwdriver includes a body portion having a receiver, a drive shaft, a sleeve, and a coupling connecting the sleeve to the receiver. The sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the drive shaft when coupled to the receiver. The coupling comprises an end of the sleeve and the receiver of the body portion. The end of the sleeve and the receiver are designed so that the end of the sleeve can be coupled with the receiver of the body portion without rotationally aligning the end of the sleeve to the receiver of the body portion and so that the sleeve is prevented from rotating in a direction of rotation during use. |
US07947045B2 |
Spinal stabilization system with flexible guides
In one embodiment, a spinal stabilization apparatus includes a vertebral anchor having a head portion and a bone attachment portion. An elongate, flexible guide is removably coupled to the head portion of the vertebral anchor and has a channel extending longitudinally thereof and communicating with a slot in the head portion of the anchor. An elongate cord may be received within the channel to facilitate inserting and securing a spacer between pairs of anchors installed into adjacent vertebrae of a person's spine. |
US07947043B2 |
Intramedullary nail and associated method
An intramedullary nail for use with a first fastener and a second fastener for use in orthopaedic surgery is provided. The nail includes a body defining a longitudinal axis of the body. The body defines an aperture through the body. The aperture has a first portion for cooperation with the first fastener to provide dynamic fixation and a second portion for cooperation with the fastener nail to provide static fixation. |
US07947042B2 |
Biologic intramedullary fixation device and methods of use
A biologic intramedullary fixation device for treating a bone fracture includes an internal tubular wall formed of a bioabsorbable synthetic material; and an outer wall coupled with and surrounding the internal tubular wall with an annular space therebetween. The outer wall is at least partially fenestrated and is formed of the bioabsorbable synthetic material. A biologically replaceable cement material is injectable into the annular space between the internal tubular wall and the outer wall. |
US07947037B1 |
Cosmetic RF surgery
An electrode and procedure for removing skin lesions or blemishes comprising an electrode with a flat blunt active end which is applied to the skin lesion or blemish, while RF electrosurgical currents are applied to the electrode, in an up and down tapping motion in such manner that contact between the skin and the active electrode end is intermittent. Preferably, after a small number of skin taps with the electrode end, the tapped area is wiped with a wet gauze or cloth, and the procedure of intermittent tapping with the RF electrode interrupted with wet wipes is continued until the blemish disappears. |
US07947035B2 |
Instrument for endoscope having pivotable offset portions
An instrument for an endoscope includes a first insertion portion having an base end to which an operation section is connected; a first offset portion extending outward from an axis of the first insertion portion; a second insertion portion having a base end joined to the first offset portion and an element extending parallel to the axis of the first insertion portion; a second offset portion which is joined to a head of the second insertion portion and reaches an extension of the axis of the first insertion portion; a third insertion portion which is joined to the second offset portion and has a portion arranged on an axis which is substantially the same as at least a part of the axis of the first insertion portion; and an inner hole formed through the first insertion portion, the first offset portion, the second insertion portion, the second offset portion, and the third insertion portion. |
US07947034B2 |
Flexible shaft extender and method of using same
An extender for use in an electro-mechanical surgical system that includes a surgical attachment that may be detachably coupled to an electro-mechanical driver device via a flexible shaft. The extender is a substantially rigid extender that includes a proximal end that may be detachably coupled to a distal end of the flexible shaft. The extender also includes a distal end that may be detachably coupled to the surgical attachment. The extender also includes at least one rotatable drive shaft configured to engage and be secured with a respective rotatable drive shaft of the flexible shaft such that rotation of the respective rotatable drive shaft of the flexible shaft by the electro-mechanical driver device causes the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the extender to rotate, thereby rotating a complementary connector of the surgical attachment so as to operate the surgical attachment. The extender may include a memory unit and a data cable that transfers data from the memory unit to an electro-mechanical driver device. Additionally or alternatively, the extender may include a data cable that transfers data from a memory unit in the surgical attachment to the electro-mechanical driver device. Advantageously, the extender is autoclavable. |
US07947031B2 |
Anti-infective central venous catheter with diffusion barrier layer
A catheter includes a wall surrounding a lumen. The wall has an inner portion forming an outer surface of the lumen and an outer portion surrounding at least a portion of an outer surface of the inner portion. A first diffusion rate of materials from the lumen through the inner portion is different from a second diffusion rate through the outer portion. A durometer hardness of the inner portion is lower than a durometer hardness of the outer portion. |
US07947022B2 |
Access port identification systems and methods
An access port for subcutaneous implantation is disclosed. Such an access port may comprise a body for capturing a septum for repeatedly inserting a needle into a cavity defined within the body. Further, the access port may include at least one feature structured and configured for identification of the access port subsequent to subcutaneous implantation. Methods of identifying a subcutaneously implanted access port are also disclosed. For example, a subcutaneously implanted access port may be provided and at least one feature of the subcutaneously implanted access port may be perceived. Further, the subcutaneously implanted access port may be identified in response to perceiving the at least one feature. In one embodiment, an identification feature is engraved or otherwise defined by the access port, so as to be visible after implantation via x-ray imaging technology. |
US07947020B2 |
Retractable safety syringe
A retractable safety syringe may have a ferrule and needle which are selectively removeable from a distal end of a syringe body. In particular, the ferrule may have an annular flange. A wedge element may be frictionally engaged to the ferrule and a distal end of the syringe body. To retract the needle into the syringe body, a punch of a piston displaces the wedge element off of an annular flange of the ferrule. At about the same time, longitudinally offset tabs engage an annular flange and retract the needle into the syringe body via a retraction force created by a variable vacuum compartment or tension member.Alternatively, the ferrule and needle may be temporarily fixed to the distal end of the syringe body via a detent and/or o-ring which engages a lower undercut groove and an upper undercut groove of the ferrule. An annular ring of the piston may have longitudinal offset tabs which engage an annular ring of the ferrule. Upon engagement, the retraction force of the variable vacuum compartment is sufficient to overcome any retaining forces created by the detent and/or the o-ring. Thereby, the needle and ferrule may be retracted into the syringe body.The longitudinal offset tabs may cant the needle when the needle is retracted into the syringe body. |
US07947019B2 |
Catheter retention assembly and method of use
A catheter retention assembly and method of use with a catheter. The assembly has a carrier system and a cuff positioning device with an in-growth cuff and a lumen having an inner wall adapted to be mounted on the outer surface of the catheter, and a carrier system with an inner surface and an outer surface in contact with the inner wall of the cuff positioning device. The carrier system holds the lumen in a first radial state. When the carrier system is removed, the lumen contracts to a second radial state, and the inner wall of the cuff positioning device provides sufficient surface adherence to the outer surface of the catheter, so as to maintain the position of the cuff positioning device relative to the catheter, and to allow for catheter exchange. |
US07947016B2 |
Scored catheter device
A catheter device including an elongate tubular shaft having a consistent material composition for a substantial proportion of its length. The device includes a proximal shaft portion having a first flexibility and a distal shaft portion having a second flexibility, wherein the second flexibility is greater than the first flexibility and wherein at least the distal shaft portion comprises at least one score in a surface thereof. The device includes a wholly external wire guide structure secured to the tubular shaft by a figure-eight polymer sleeve. |
US07947015B2 |
Application of a therapeutic substance to a tissue location using an expandable medical device
A non-polymeric or biological coating applied to radially expandable medical delivery device provides uniform drug distribution and permeation of the coating and any therapeutic agents mixed therewith into a targeted treatment area within the body. The delivery device is expanded using the pressure of an inflation fluid. After expanding the delivery device to a pre-determined size and shape, the inflation fluid weeps through the porous surface of the delivery device. The coating releases the delivery device and floats on the inflation fluid until bonding to the tissue due to its affinity for the tissue. Once the coating bonds or affixes to the tissue, through an absorption mechanism by the tissue cells of the coating material, the coating and any therapeutics contained therein are delivered to the tissue. The fluid can contain a therapeutic agent, or can be otherwise biocompatible and/or inert. |
US07947014B2 |
Relief valve for use with a balloon catheter
A relief valve incorporated within a Luer connector regulates the amount of air pressure applied by a syringe to a balloon at the end of a catheter to prevent bursting of the balloon. |
US07947007B2 |
Bubble trap
A bubble trap for removing bubbles from blood flowing through an extracorporeal circuit includes device body possessing blood inlet and outlet ports, and a negative-pressure chamber at the upper part of the device body that is adapted to be connected to a gas evacuator at a gas outlet port so that a negative-pressure state can be kept therein. Two communication passages provide communication between the gas outlet port and the device body. On the first communication passage, a liquid-repellant or water-repellent filter is provided in a manner crossing the passage. On the second communication passage, a valve member is arranged. Within the device body, a buoyant float is provided. A mechanism is provided to remove bubbles from the blood by the cooperation of the float and the valve member. |
US07946998B2 |
Marking biopsy sites
A needle biopsy system for marking a sampling site is described. |
US07946996B2 |
Vascular introducer with temperature monitoring probe and systems for endovascular temperature control
An introducer sheath/temperature probe assembly that is insertable into a blood vesel of a human or veterinary patent to measure the temperature of blood flowing through that blood vessel. The introducer sheath/temperature probe assembly may be used in conjunction with an indwelling heat exchange catheter system to warm or cool all or a portion of the patient's body to a desired target temperature and to maintain such target temperature for a desired period of time. |
US07946994B2 |
Compact apparatus and methods for non-invasively measuring hemodynamic parameters
Improved apparatus and methods for non-invasively assessing one or more hemodynamic parameters associated with the circulatory system of a living organism. In one aspect, the invention comprises spatially compact “bracelet” embodiment adapted to accurately place and maintain a sensor (e.g., tonometric pressure sensor) with respect to the anatomy of the subject, including an optional alignment apparatus which moveably captures the sensor to, inter alia, facilitate coupling thereof to an actuator used to position the sensor during measurements. The alignment apparatus also advantageously allows the sensor position to be maintained when the fixture is removed from the subject, such as during patient transport. A completely autonomous variant of the bracelet apparatus having internal power supply and wireless interfaces is also disclosed. Methods for positioning the alignment apparatus and sensor and providing treatment to the subject are also described. |
US07946988B2 |
Medical diagnostic ultrasound contrast agent destruction with reduced biological effect
Contrast agent destruction transmissions have reduced biological effect in medical diagnostic ultrasound. Ramping-up amplitude and/or ramping-down frequency reduce biological effect. The amplitude ramps up linearly or non-linearly. The change in amplitude or frequency occurs over a single waveform or over a sequence of separate transmissions. An envelope of the single waveform or the sequence of separate transmissions has a non-uniform, asymmetrical, symmetrical, rectangular or other shape. For example, the frequency ramp-down is provided with a non-Gaussian envelope. The amplitude ramp-up or frequency ramp-down is a progressively increasing destructive characteristic or ability, destroying contrast agent at different regions relative to focal regions with a minimum of acoustic energy. |
US07946984B2 |
Transcutaneous analyte sensor
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host. |
US07946980B2 |
Modular, zone-specific medical electrical lead design
A medical electrical lead configured to be coupled to a pulse generator in a cardiac rhythm management system. The lead comprises a proximal terminal connector configured for coupling the lead to the pulse generator, and a plurality of longitudinally arranged lead segments each configured to exhibit one or more predetermined physical characteristics based on the implantation location for the respective segment. The lead segments may be pre-fabricated as separate modules optimized for the operating environment and/or delivery requirements of the respective segments. The pre-fabricated modules are longitudinally arranged and joined to form the lead. |
US07946977B2 |
Phallic devices with audio features and related methods
A phallic device for sexual stimulation generally includes a housing and at least one end cap attached to the housing. The end cap includes a data access device for accessing audio data from a data device. The end cap further includes a sound emitter for emitting audio corresponding to the audio data accessed by the data access device from the data device. |
US07946976B2 |
Methods and devices for the surgical creation of satiety and biofeedback pathways
Disclosed are devices and systems which to sense parameters related to the mechanical forces imposed on devices implanted in the stomach. The parameters of the system are further translated into patient feedback systems to create satiety inducing pathways in the stomach. |
US07946975B2 |
Fluid reservoir for penile implant devices
The invention is directed to a medical device, particularly a penile prosthesis, that includes an implantable element and a reservoir. The implantable element is configured to be implanted within the pelvic region of a patient and is designed to be capable of inflation and deflation via fluid transfer to and from the element. The reservoir is coupled to the implantable element. The fluid is drawn from the reservoir for inflation of the implantable element and returned to the reservoir for the deflation. The reservoir is approximately one inch or less in depth. The minimal depth enables the fluid reservoir to be placed in front of the puborectalis muscle and behind the abdominal fascia without being seen on an external view of the patient. |
US07946973B2 |
Systems and methods for inducing electric field pulses in a body organ
Systems and methods for providing controllable pulse parameter magnetic stimulation are described. One aspect is directed to a magnetic stimulation system for inducing approximately rectangular electric field pulses in a body organ, comprising an electrical energy storage device, a stimulating coil, and a switching means for electrically coupling said electrical energy storage device to said stimulating coil to produce current pulses in said stimulating coil which generates, in response to the current pulses, magnetic field pulses that can induce approximately rectangular electric field pulses in the body organ. |
US07946970B2 |
Exercise kit
A kit is provided so a person can exercise anywhere the person may be located. Body rockers have a handle to grip, which body rockers alone may be used by a user for many exercises. Elastic cords of varying lengths and strength may be attached to the body rockers with carabiners. By securing a part of the elastic cord to a stationary object, the limbs of the body can be exercised as well as abs and upper body. Door stops may be used to secure the elastic cords between a door and door frame. A rocker cover can be used for back and forth rocking motion of the user. All of these items may be loaded in a workout bag and carried with the user to exercise wherever the user may be located. |
US07946967B2 |
Articulating exercise harness system
An articulating exercise harness system includes a harness to secure a user's wrist and a handle that is selectively gripped by the user. A bracket is pivotally connected to the handle at a proximal end of the bracket. The harness is adjustably along the user's forearm relative to the position of bracket. A weight engagement member is rotatably connected to the bracket. The bracket is rotatable relative to the handle and the weight engagement member is rotatable relative to the bracket. Because the weight engagement member can rotate forward and backward on the bracket, relative to the handle, the invention can be used to both push and pull exercise weights or other loads. |
US07946962B2 |
Elliptical exercise apparatus
This invention discloses an elliptical exercise apparatus that is characterized in having left and right tracks disposed in a guider frame which is pivotally coupled to a rear portion of the elliptical exercise apparatus. When a user uses the elliptical exercise apparatus, the guider frame is at a use position. When the user folds the elliptical exercise apparatus, the guider frame is at a storage position. A user can complete folding procedure merely by operating the guider frame. |
US07946958B2 |
Exercise machine capable of providing suitable training and control method thereof
An exercise machine and control method thereof, the control method comprising following steps: setting personal physical parameters, receiving a mode selection command, determining to enter either an automatic operating mode or a manual operating mode, entering the automatic operating mode, receiving a program selection command and reading a corresponding training program, generating an automatic operating command by comparing the personal physical parameters with the training program and outputting the automatic operating command to the exercise machine and activating the exercise machine according to the automatic operating command. The exercise machine thus can adjust its training strength based on the input personal physical parameters. Therefore users of the exercise machine with different physical conditions will individually have the better sports effect. |
US07946956B2 |
Braking/driving force control device
A braking/driving force control device for changing output torque by controlling torque or a rotation number of a power source includes a unit for setting a plurality of ranges by a plurality of parameters including an output rotation number, a range judging unit that judges that a range corresponds to any of the plurality of ranges based on the parameter while driving, and a control unit that controls the torque or the rotation number of the power source based on a driving environment and a range judgment result by the range judging unit. This enables driving regulation control by, for example, a driving environment other than intentional shifting operation by a driver, in a vehicle of a type without a transmission. |
US07946950B2 |
8-speed transmissions
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 three planetary gear sets, six torque-transmitting devices, two fixed interconnections and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. |
US07946947B2 |
Automatic transmission
In single pinion planetary gear mechanisms, a second sun gear is linked to an input shaft in a power-transmissible manner, a first sun gear is linked to a third control brake, and a first carrier and a second ring gear which are linked to each other are linked to a first control brake. In single pinion planetary gear mechanisms, a third sun gear and a fourth sun gear which are linked to each other are linked to the input shaft disengageably by a first control clutch, and a third ring gear and a fourth ring gear are linked to a second control brake and a fourth control brake, respectively. Furthermore, in the single pinion planetary gear mechanisms, a third carrier is linked to the input shaft disengageably by a second control clutch and a fourth carrier is linked to an output shaft. |
US07946945B1 |
Multi-speed transmission with external drive gearsets
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, four external 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. Each of the external gear sets includes first and second members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. |
US07946941B2 |
Bicycle outer chain link
An outer chain plate is configured to aid in downshifting such that a chain moves more smoothly from an outer chain ring (sprocket) to an inner chain ring (sprocket) with either no downshifting recess being provided on the outer chain ring or at least a shallower than normal downshifting recess being provided on the outer chain ring. At least a bottom part of the outer chain plate that faces a center axis of a sprocket when in use has a portion removed to minimize contact with outer chain ring when downshifting. Preferably, the bottom part of the outer chain plate has a chamfered outer edge portion along a cutout portion that defines a reduced area portion. |
US07946939B2 |
Slippage prevention mechanism for toothed endless torque transmission member
A sprocket (3A, 3B) is fixed onto a crank shaft (2) projecting outward from a cylinder block (1) of an internal combustion engine (100). A timing chain (7A, 7B) is looped around the sprocket (3A, 3B). A slippage prevention mechanism (10) which prevents slippage of the timing chain (7A, 7B) with respect to the sprocket (3A, 3B) comprises an arm (10C) extending from a base portion (10A) fixed to the cylinder block. A slippage prevention rail (10B) in the form of an arc-shaped recess is formed on the arm (10C) so as to face the engaging part between the sprocket (3A, 3B) and the timing chain (7A, 7B) with a clearance smaller than the height of a tooth of the sprocket (3A, 3B) therebetween. The slippage prevention rail (10B) thus constructed does not interfere with other members fixed onto the crank shaft (2). |
US07946938B2 |
Tensioner
A tensioner comprising a base, an arm engaged with the base for oscillatory movement, a torsion spring engaged with the base and the arm, the torsion spring exerting a force on the arm, a damping mechanism exerting a frictional damping force between the base and the arm for damping an arm oscillation, the damping mechanism comprising a Belleville spring, the frictional damping force instantaneously adjustable by changing a Belleville spring force. |
US07946937B2 |
Silicone based article for use with sports equipment and other products
In one embodiment of the present invention, an article that generally consists of a silicone material in combination with a fastening member, such as an adhesive backing, is provided and configured for easy application to a surface, including those associated with a variety of racquet sports, sporting goods, etc. The combination of the silicone material with the fastening member is hereby referred to as a “silicone adhesive product” that, as described below, overcomes the deficiencies of conventional sports equipment accessories, protects the sports equipment, reduces vibration; and can offer the degree of customization desired by some sports participants. |
US07946935B2 |
Golf practice mat
A golf practice mat including a surface pattern formed by thermally deforming and allowing setting of the deformed mat surface. |
US07946933B2 |
Three-piece solid golf ball
The present invention provides a three-piece solid golf ball having a core molded under heat from a specific rubber composition and inner and outer cover layers encasing the core. By optimizing the core deflection under a specific load and the overall thickness of the cover layers, by forming the inner cover layer of a highly neutralized ionomer resin composition, and by optimizing within specific ranges the Shore D hardnesses of the inner cover layer and the outer cover layer, the spin rate of the ball on shots with a driver can be sufficiently reduced, enabling an increased distance to be achieved. |
US07946932B2 |
Multilayer golf ball
The present invention encompasses a golf ball having a diameter and being comprised of a core and a cover, wherein the core is further comprised of a fluid mass at the center of the ball, and a first, solid, non-wound mantle layer surrounding the fluid mass, wherein the first mantle layer comprises a copolymer or terpolymer of ethylene and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, the acid being neutralized at least 80% by a salt of an organic acid, a cation source, or a suitable base of the organic acid, and wherein the cover comprises polyurethane, polyurea, or a polyurea/polyurethane hybrid. Preferably, the rate of spin decay is at least 10% of an initial spin rate of the golf ball over the entire ball flight. |
US07946926B1 |
Shot tracking
The present invention relates to shot tracking. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and system for tracking shots of a golfer during a round of golf. One aspect of the present invention is a system for automatically tracking a golf club swung by a golfer. The system comprises a plurality of golf clubs. Each of the plurality of golf clubs comprises a device attached to a grip which is attached to a shaft which is attached to a golf club head. The device comprises a power source, a shock switch and a RFID component. |
US07946924B2 |
Shaft assembly
A telescopable shaft assembly has at least two shaft elements capable of sliding in one another as an internal shaft element and an outer shaft element connected to one another in torque transmitting manner via at least one sliding splined portion. An axial fixation defines predetermined breaking point between the shaft elements. The axial fixation becomes ineffective once a predetermined impact force acting in a telescoping direction is reached. The shaft elements are movable relative to one another, once the axial fixation has become ineffective, in low-friction manner along the sliding splined portion under the action of the impact force. When the axial fixation is effective, an annular gap is formed between a splined portion runout on a free end of the outer shaft element and an unsplined portion of the inner shaft element. The annular gap, at least in the area of the free end of the outer shaft element, is at least partially filled with a sealant. |
US07946922B2 |
Advertising funded gaming system
A gaming where a hosts search for and select particular events they desire to manage; where players can wager on specific events with potentially no financial loss; and where vendors can engage in interactive advertising to increase sales. The host manages the game by setting up the odds and establishing other rules of play. Where hosts are also vendors, they may offer prizes in exchange for credits from the players. Players place their wagers on a particular outcome of the event. Both the host and the player may gain additional credits for clicking or viewing an advertisement displayed on the webpage. If the desire outcome occurs, the player's wager is accounted for by the host and the credits can be applied to the purchase of prizes offered by the host. Those who lose may receive communications from the vendor, with permission from the operator of the website, to offer its goods or services. |
US07946921B2 |
Camera based orientation for mobile devices
In an exemplary embodiment, an on-board camera is used as a controller for a hand-held game device. Control information is provided to a game application via video captured by the camera. As the hand-held device is moved, features of the captured video are tracked. The relative motion between the tracked features and the hand-held device is translated into control information for the game application. Aspects of the game application are rendered on a display of the hand-held game device in accordance with the control information. For example, from a third person perspective, viewing a game character from overhead, rotation of the hand-held game device can be translated into rotation of the character. From a first person perspective, seeing the game through the eyes of the game character, rotation of the hand-held game device can be translated into observing various challenges coming from different directions. |
US07946919B2 |
Method, system and apparatus for location-based gaming
A method of location-based gaming includes the steps of engaging a program to play a game, determining the location of a target object, providing the location of the target object to a central location, obtaining a data file pertaining to an object at the location of the target object, and generating gaming object data relative to the location of the target object. |
US07946914B2 |
Mechanical wheel casino game of chance having a free-motion internal indicator and method therefor
A mechanical wheel casino game of chance using a freely moving internal indicator such as a ball within a housing to randomly move and bounce into one possible outcome segment in a set of possible outcome segments. The expected value is controlled through a combination of geometrical and mathematical considerations. The set of possible outcome segments randomly picked and placed at the bottom of the wheel so that as the wheel stops, the freely moving, bouncing ball lands in one of the possible outcome segments. The segment the ball lands in is sensed and the award associated with the landed in segment is paid out to the player. A periodic testing method determines whether mechanical bias exists in the casino game of chance. |
US07946913B2 |
System and method for operating on-line governmental lottery games
A method of verifying a geographic location of a participant of an on-line governmental lottery game includes accessing an agent server via the Internet from a player terminal. A request is provided for the participant to enter a telephone number where the participant can be reached and a verification code is provided. The entered telephone number is received. The geographic location of the received telephone number is determined. A telephone connection is established by calling the received telephone number. The verification code is received over the telephone connection. The participant is authorized to participate in the lottery game when the geographic location of the received telephone number is determined to be within an authorized jurisdiction and when the verification code received from the participant matches the verification code provided by the agent server. |
US07946912B1 |
Roulette system
A gaming system for games, including roulette, wherein a projection system, preferably with a laser, is utilized for illuminating selected areas of the roulette game table in order to highlight the winning bets, enhance security, provide for a consistent signal for closing of the betting period, provide advertising, and/or display messages at selected time during or between play of the game determined by sensing the motion of the wheel and/or ball and table activity. |
US07946911B2 |
Community card pai gow
A method of playing a game, such as a wagering game, that includes dealing, from a deck of cards, a hand to each player of the game, selecting a community card from the deck of cards, and allowing each of the plurality of player cards to be arranged into a high hand and a low hand. Each player of the game has an option to use the community card in lieu of either one of the player cards in the high hand or one of the player cards in the low hand. In one example, the method further includes receiving a community card ante, or commission, from each of the players in exchange for the option to use of the community card. |
US07946906B2 |
Tile saw with laser guide
A tile cutting machine includes a tub for receiving water and a tile to be cut therein. A cutting head assembly having a motor driven blade is positioned above a tile supporting surface located in the tub and is movable with respect thereto. A laser projects a line of light from the cutting head assembly down onto the tile supporting surface to provide a visual representation of a cutting path of the blade. A scale permits measurement of a tile to be cut. The laser may be used with the scale to allow a user to quickly determine cutting widths without the need to manually mark the object to be cut. A light source, such as an LED, may be incorporated in the cutting head to illuminate an interior of the tub during operation of the tile cutting machine. |
US07946905B2 |
Bit sharpening apparatus and method of using
Disclosed in the present application is a sharpening apparatus and method for sharpening a cutting bit. The apparatus comprises a sharpening member and a laser for accurately positioning the cutting bit surface to be sharpened with respect to the sharpening member. The apparatus and method are particularly useful for sharpening a router or shaper bit.Also disclosed is a sharpening apparatus for a cutting bit having a flat face comprising grinding wheel having a shaft and a flat annular grinding surface perpendicular to said shaft; a bit holder adapted to hold said cutting bit and to orient the bit flat face into a plane that is parallel to the plane of the grinding wheel grinding surface; a carriage supporting the bit holder; advancing means for advancing said carriage in a motion parallel to the grinding wheel shaft so that the bit is against the grinding wheel grinding surface; means for side-to-side movement of said carriage in a motion perpendicular to the grinding wheel shaft; said advancing means further comprising a gear train for further advancing the bit flat face against the grinding wheel grinding surface in small increments to remove small layers of material from said bit cutting face during said side-to-side movement. |
US07946898B2 |
Method for producing dielectric layer for plasma display panel
A method for producing a plasma display panel, a formation of the front-sided dielectric layer comprising the steps of: (i) locally supplying a low-melting point frit material onto a predetermined region of the substrate having the electrode thereon to locally form a low-melting point frit material layer; (ii) heating the low-melting point frit material layer to form a local glass layer therefrom; (iii) supplying a dielectric material over the substrate, covering the electrode and the local glass layer therewith to form a dielectric material layer; and, (iv) heating the dielectric material layer to form a dielectric layer therefrom, wherein a softening temperature of the local glass layer is lower than and equal to a softening temperature of a sealing material to be used for a panel sealing by which the front panel is sealed with a rear panel. |
US07946897B2 |
Dual panel type organic electroluminescent display device and method of fabricating the same
An organic electroluminescent device includes first and second substrates spaced apart from each other, the first and second substrates including a first region and a second region, the second region outside the first region and including a concave portion, an array element on an inner surface of the first substrate, the array element including a switching element, an organic electroluminescent diode on an inner surface of the second substrate, a connection electrode electrically connecting the array element and the organic electroluminescent diode, the connection electrode between the first and second substrates, and a bar-type desiccant in the concave portion of the second region between the first and second substrates. |
US07946896B2 |
Submersible electrical set-screw connector
Disclosed herein is an electrical connector set-screw. The electrical connector set-screw includes a body part and a head part. The body part includes a threaded section and a channel. The threaded section extends between a first end and an opposite second end of the body part. The channel extends through a portion of the body part. The channel is spaced from the first end and the second end of the body part The head part is connected to the body part. The head part includes a top section and an integral locking section. The top section is configured to be received by a tool. The integral locking section extends through the channel. |
US07946895B2 |
Internally threaded nut with a collar held captive in a nut holding section
The invention relates to a contact-making arrangement for establishing an electrical contact, having a nut which has an internally threaded section, and having a holding part for holding captive the nut and at least one connecting part such as a cable lug, with the nut having a collar section which projects radially beyond a base body of the nut, with the holding part having a holding section for the nut, into which the nut can be inserted in a first axial direction, and with the holding part having first latching means which are designed to engage behind the collar section of a nut which has been inserted into the nut holding section. |
US07946892B2 |
Connection device for electrical or electronic connections
Connection device for electrical or electronic connections. A socket connector with a plurality of contact sockets and a pin connector with a plurality of pin contacts is connected to an electric cable following insertion of the pin connector inside this socket connector. The pin connector has an internally hollow main body which houses a bush inside which these contacts are inserted. The socket connector has an internally hollow main body which houses a second bush and inside which these contact sockets are inserted. The main body of the pin connector is provided with a free section able to engage sealingly inside an annular cavity of this socket connector. A toroidal spring engages grooves in both the socket connector and pin connector to form a snap-type connection therebetween. |
US07946890B1 |
Adapter for an electronic assembly
An assembly having a first element that provides a signal that is received by a second element. The assembly includes a signal guide/transporter transporting the signal from the first to the second element and including a first and second connector/plug connected to the first and second elements, respectively. The assembly further includes an adapter for transmitting information to the first element and a third and fourth connector/plug. The third connector/plug is coupled to the first connector/plug to receive the signal, and the fourth connector/plug is coupled to the second connector/plug to transmit the signal received by the third connector/plug to the second connector/plug. The third and first connectors/plugs are adapted to forward the information transmitted by the adapter to the first element. |
US07946889B2 |
Edge connector with preload caps
A circuit board edge connector includes an insulative housing and two opposing mating ends with a plurality of conductive terminals supported by the housing and extending between the two ends. One end of the connector mates with an opposing connector and the other end has a slot disposed therein that receives the mating edge of a printed circuit card or board. The terminals at the end of the connector extend outwardly in a cantilevered fashion and they terminate in free ends that contact conductive pads on the edge of the circuit card. A preload cap is provided that includes two parts that interfit with each other and with the circuit card mating end of the connector. These preload caps engage the terminal free ends and impart a preload to the terminals so that the circuit card may be easily inserted into the connector slot and the caps are subsequently removed from the connector. |
US07946888B2 |
Electrical connector with improved contacts
An electrical connector mating with a counterpart connector includes: an insulating housing having sidewalls and endwalls to define a receiving room and a number of contacts retained in the insulating housing. The contact has a first mating portion retained on an outer surface of the sidewall and a second mating portion retained on an inner surface of the sidewall to face the receiving room. The first mating portion and the second mating portion define a U-shaped structure riding on the sidewall. A gap is defined between said first mating portion and the sidewall so that the first mating portion can flexible move in the gap to absorb a dimensional tolerance during the mating process and get a stable connection with the counterpart connector. |
US07946886B1 |
Contact of coaxial cable connector
A coaxial cable connector includes a connector body, a contact chamber, a copper sleeve, and an observation window opening. A central contact bore is formed inside the observation window opening and an insulation layer is set between the central contact bore and the contact chamber. The central contact bore has a notch formed in a side thereof close to the copper sleeve to receive a core conductor of the coaxial cable to insert therein. The central contact bore also has a stop wall that prevents the core conductor from extending beyond the central contact bore. An insulation block covers the central contact bore, and a window opening bolt is set in engagement with and thus closes the observation window opening to force a projection of the insulation block to depress the core conductor to engage the central contact bore for electrical contact therebetween. |
US07946883B2 |
System to place receptacles and distribution blocks
An electrified wall panel in a modular furniture environment includes a plurality of multi-port electrical distribution blocks diversely located throughout the panel. Certain ones of the multi-port electrical distribution blocks are fixed to wall panel frame members and other ones of the multi-port electrical distribution blocks are free of the wall panel. A plurality of jumper cables, each having connectors at opposite cable ends are adapted to mate with any one of the multi-port electrical distribution block ports. The cables electrically interconnect the distribution blocks to form one complete circuit. There are a plurality of electrical receptacles, each having an electrical connector near one end which are electrically coupled to a port of a corresponding multi-port electrical distribution block. The system is assembled by fixing a jumper mounting bracket to a jumper cable near one end of the jumper cable. The jumper mounting bracket is attached to a support member. A modular electrical component such as an electrical receptacle is electrically connected to the power distribution block and is mechanically connected to the jumper mounting bracket thereby stabilizing the power distribution system on the support member. |
US07946881B2 |
Socket assembly with heat sink module
A socket assembly has a socket and a heat sink module detachably mounted on the socket. The socket has a base, a sliding board mounted on the base, a lid disposed upon the base and an actuator disposed between the base and the cover. The heat sink module has a fastening frame surrounding the base, a cover pivotally assembled to an end of the fastening frame and a heat sink mounted on the cover. The cover has a latching portion which latches with a top wall of the lid when the cover rotates to a closed position. The heat sink is brought by the cover to pass an open defined on the lid and to abut against an IC package seating on the sliding board. |
US07946880B2 |
Electronic connector assembly
An electronic connector assembly includes a first connector, a second connector, and a handle. The first connector includes a main portion and two shoulders. Each shoulder defines a groove. The main portion forms at least one wedge thereon. The second connector defines at least one securing hole, which receives the at least one wedge positioned therein. The handle includes a cord and two securing portions formed on opposite ends of the cord. The two securing portions are secured in the grooves of the two shoulders of the first connector to mount the handle on the first connector. The handle is capable of being pulled to disengage the first connector from the second connector. |
US07946878B2 |
Insulation displacement connection apparatus, and method for connecting two components using the same
The invention relates to an insulation displacement connection and to a method for connecting two components, especially for high current applications, said connection comprising a first insulation displacement element, which is fixed to a first component, and a second insulation displacement element, which is fixed to a second component. The two insulation displacement elements can be inserted into each other in the direction of assembly, the first and/or second insulation displacement element being fixed to the first and/or second component in such a way that the insulation displacement element is moveably arranged in a plane transversal to the direction of assembly. |
US07946875B2 |
Card edge connector with an improved retainer
A card edge connector (100) for use with an electronic card (100) includes an elongated housing (1) having a pair of opposited side walls (10), a central slot (11) between the side walls (10), and a holding portion (12) at one end thereof. The holding portion (12) defining at least one leading hole (126) extending along a length direction of the housing (1). A retainer (3) is movably retained in the holding portion (12). The retainer (3) has a body portion (31) with a positioning post (315) received in the leading hole (126), a latch projection (12) protruding inwardly from the body portion (31) for locking the electronic card (200). Wherein the positioning post (315) is movable in the leading hole (126) along the length direction so as to prevent the retainer (3) from being separated from the holding portion (12). |
US07946874B2 |
Waterproof structure having a sealing member pressed against an inner housing by an outer housing having through-holes with a projection
A waterproof structure includes an inner housing, a family sealing member, an outer housing, a projection. The family sealing member is positioned on the inner housing. The outer housing is positioned adjacent to the family sealing member, and presses the family sealing member against the inner housing. A plurality of contact receiving cavities are further provided and positioned in the inner housing, while a plurality of insertion holes are positioned in the family sealing member. Each insertion hole includes a circular cross-section, and corresponding to the plurality of contact receiving cavities respectively. A plurality of through holes are positioned in the outer housing and correspond to the plurality of insertion holes, respectively. Each through hole penetrate though the outer housing in the contact inserting direction, and the projection is provided in each of the plurality of through holes. |
US07946873B2 |
Plug with a spark meltdown-proof structure
A plug with a spark meltdown-proof structure for a spark damaged-proof effect is mainly comprised of two center hinged inserters that can be pressed for angle rotation, each inserter has a conductor, one end of which is connected with the output electric wire and the other end is connected or disconnected with the inserting conductor which can be inserted into the socket; through the said structure, when the plug is released from or inserted into the socket, current can be disconnected first at the instant to prevent conductors sparks-meltdown problems in the plug insertion process from happening. |
US07946869B2 |
Conductive hook and loop attachment for a printed circuit board
The present disclosure is directed to conductive connector attachments for use in electrically connecting printed circuit boards to absorbent products such as diapers, training pants, incontinence products, feminine hygiene products, and the like. Specifically, various configurations and methods of securely attaching conventional conductive hook and loop attachments to printed circuit boards are disclosed. |
US07946862B2 |
Cable ladder spiked bonding strap
A grounding or bonding assembly comprising a strap or wire having multiple ends, with at least one end electrically connected to a clamp. The clamp includes a clamping means such as a screw and a penetrating means such as a spike. When the clamp is mounted on a structure and pressure is applied by means of the screw, the spike digs into the structure's surface and creates a low impedance electrical connection. |
US07946859B1 |
Ethernet adaptor
An Ethernet adaptor comprises a box having an upper and a lower covers, a female connector and a circuit board. The upper cover includes an upper opening having a female press-fit element on the side wall, and two upper positioning ribs in the interior. The lower cover includes a lower opening having two positioning protrusions on a lower edge, and two lower positioning ribs in the interior. The upper opening, lower opening, upper positioning ribs and lower positioning ribs form a through-hole. The female connector is accommodated in the through-hole and includes an L-shape body. The bottom of the L-shape body has positioning notches corresponding to the positioning protrusions. An outward-facing surface of a vertical portion of the L-shape body has two positioning members. An inward-facing surface of the vertical portion extends through the through-hole to the interior of the box to connect with the circuit board inside the box. |
US07946854B2 |
Electrical connector assembly having shield member
An electrical connector assembly includes a coaxial connector structure having a center contact configured to be surface mounted to an upper surface of a circuit board at a board edge of the circuit board. The center contact extends along a contact axis in an axial direction. A shielded housing block extends rearward from the coaxial connector structure. The shielded housing block has a shielded chamber receiving a portion of the center contact with an open bottom extending along the upper surface of the circuit board. A shield member engages at least one of the coaxial connector structure and the shielded housing block. The shield member extends along at least a portion of the open bottom of the shielded chamber in the axial direction. |
US07946850B2 |
Single-part, light-curable, self-adhering dental restorative composition and method of using the same
A dental restorative composition comprising: (A) polymerizable monomer(s) having at least one phosphorus-containing acidic moiety and at least one ethylenically unsaturated group; (B) polymerizable monomer(s) having a molecular weight of 100-250, at least one hydroxyl group, and at least one ethylenically unsaturated group; (C) polymerizable monomer(s) having a molecular weight of 270-900, at least two ethylenically unsaturated groups and no acidic functional group; (D) photo-initiator(s); and (E) filler(s) each having a mean particle size of more than 0.005 microns and less than 70 microns. The weight ratio of (A+B):(C) ranges from 30:70 to 90:10, the concentration of (A) is 10-50 wt. %, the concentration of (B) is 15-60 wt. %, and the composition has a shear bond strength of at least 10 MPa to both dentin and enamel. Also provided is a method for filling a dental cavity with the composition without first treating the dental cavity with an etchant, a primer and/or an adhesive. |
US07946849B2 |
Characterization of an antibiotic impregnated delivery system as an intracanal medicament in endodontic therapy
Endodontic fibers including a biocompatible polymer vehicle permeable to medicaments, or combinations of medicaments, and method of using such endodontic fibers are described. Such fibers can be used, for example, in a method for the local delivery and sustained release of medicaments to intracanal treatment sites. |
US07946847B2 |
Incisal guiding table for dental articulators or the like
An incisal guide for dental articulators or the like provided with an upper and a lower component which are movable relative to each other by way of a joint, the incisal guide being mountable on the upper or lower component and provided with a guide surface inclined with respect to a reference plane upon which an incisal pin is bearing and which, with a line of application of the greatest bearing force component denominated as normal, encloses an angle corresponding to the angle of protrusion and laterotrusion alignment of the human denture, at least one incisal table guide surface inclined relative to a reference plane being provided which may be positioned by a guide surface adjustment device, the articulator incisal pin during movement simulation moving over the predetermined incisal guide way on the incisal guide surface. |
US07946846B2 |
Dental imaging instrument having air stream auxiliary
A dental instrument and method for imaging the three-dimensional topography of one or more teeth in the oral cavity of an individual is provided. The instrument includes a probe insertable into the oral cavity to receive the image of these surfaces which can then be processed. Combined with the probe is an auxiliary which projects an air stream toward the surface to be imaged by the probe and acts to evaporate and remove from these surfaces a liquid film coating formed by saliva and other fluids present in the or cavity, to render these surfaces dry and enhance their reflectivity and in doing so, provide clearer images. |
US07946845B2 |
Tooth shade analyzer system and methods
The invention relates to a method of determining a tooth shade of at least a portion of a patient's tooth which is to be replaced or restored, by capturing an electronic image of the patient's tooth, the image including color information representative of the patient's tooth shade; storing color information representative of known tooth shades with each known tooth shade representing a different tooth color; calibrating the color information of the patient's tooth and the color information representative of known tooth shades; and comparing the color information of the patient's tooth with the stored color information to identify a single tooth shade or a combination of tooth shades with a color or combined color corresponding to the color of at least a portion of the patient's tooth, such that the patient's tooth may be comprised of a single tooth shade or a plurality of tooth shades. |
US07946843B2 |
Method of and a plant for combusting carbonaceous fuel by using a solid oxygen carrier
A method of and a plant for combusting carbonaceous fuel, the method including the steps of introducing particulate oxygen selective sorbent, such as a perovskite type material, into an adsorption reactor of the combustion plant to form a first particle bed in the adsorption reactor, fluidizing the first particle bed by an oxygen-containing first fluidizing gas to adsorb oxygen from the fluidizing gas to the sorbent, conveying oxygen-rich sorbent from the adsorption reactor to a combustion reactor of the combustion plant to form a second particle bed in the combustion reactor, fluidizing the second particle bed by an oxygen-deficient second fluidizing gas to desorb oxygen from the sorbent, so as to produce free oxygen gas, and introducing carbonaceous fuel into the combustion reactor to oxidize the fuel with the free oxygen gas. |
US07946842B2 |
Transfer chain for a preform heater intended for a container blow-molding machine
A transfer chain for a preform heater, the heater intended for a machine for blow-molding containers, each container being formed from a preform. The transfer chain is intended for a preform heater (31) of the kind in which a preform support element is mounted on an articulated chain with a member for rotating the preform during its travel in the heater. The member for rotating the preform includes a shaft (77) which is fastened to an element (75) of the articulated chain (60) and carries a pinion (62) compelled to roll along a rolling track (63, 65) fastened to a frame (79) when the articulated chain is driven by a motor unit. |
US07946841B2 |
Device for conveying a tubular film
A device for the transportation and chilling of a film tube extruded shortly before has at least one first pair of rollers, through the clearance between which rollers, the film tube enters into a chilling area, and a second pair of rollers, through the clearance between which rollers, the film tube leaves the chilling area. Thereby the film tube can discharge heat to its environment between the first and the second roller pair.The path length that the film traverses between the first roller pair and the second roller pair is variable. |
US07946839B2 |
Apparatus and method for removing objects from a forming device
An apparatus comprises a forming device for forming objects, a moving arrangement arranged for moving said objects along a path directed from said forming device towards an exit area, passage arrangement for an operating fluid, said passage arrangement being arranged for allowing said objects to be moved towards said exit area at least in a preset portion of said path. A method comprises forming objects, moving said objects along a path directed towards an exit area, and acting on said objects with an operating fluid at least in a preset portion of said path, so as to allow said objects to be moved towards said exit area. |
US07946834B2 |
Balance shaft module equipped with oil pump
A balance shaft module according to the present invention includes a first balance shaft equipped with a first eccentric balance weight, a second balance shaft equipped with a second eccentric balance weight, and a hydraulic pump that is operated by the first balance shaft and the second balance shaft, wherein the hydraulic pump includes a first gear equipped on the first balance shaft and a second gear equipped on the second balance shaft and externally meshed with the first gear. |
US07946833B2 |
Variable displacement vane pump
The present invention provides a vane pump having variable displacement and high efficiency. The variable displacement vane pump includes a plurality of elongate, axially extending inserts disposed in the rotor. One of the inserts is disposed between every adjacent vane pair. The inserts are received within axially extending pockets in the rotor and are coupled to the rotor by springs. At lower rotational speeds, the inserts are retracted and the displacement of the pump chambers is at maximum. At higher rotational speeds, the inserts are advanced into the pump chambers, effectively reducing their displacement. Thus, the variable displacement pump compensates for the varying drive speed and achieves improved uniformity of fluid flow by providing maximum displacement at low speeds and reduced displacement at higher speeds. |
US07946832B2 |
Dual chamber mixing pump
A dual chamber mixing pump is disclosed with two pump chambers. The chambers are defined in part by a piston having proximal and distal ends and recessed sections disposed at both ends. The pump utilizes one common driving mechanism to axially rotate and laterally reciprocate the piston to provide continuous pumping of two fluids entering through two inlets and exiting through two outlets with reduced pulsations. Alternating pulses of the two chambers and joining of two outlets provide a common outlet stream which has small segments of alternating fluid from each inlet. Such segmented streams can become more thoroughly mixed through normal flow characteristics of the downstream flow path, providing more effective mixing. |
US07946827B2 |
Blades
A blade for a gas turbine engine includes a root portion, an aerofoil portion and a transition portion between the root portion and the aerofoil portion. The aerofoil portion and the transition portion are defined by first and second wall members, the first and second wall members being secured together in the transition portion and each having an outer surface. The outer surface of at least one of the first and second wall members is generally concave in the transition portion in a radial direction of the blade. |
US07946824B2 |
Electric axial flow fan
In an axial flow fan, a line extending from a center axis and passing a corner where a following edge and a radially outer edge of a blade of an impeller meet is arranged forwardly in a rotational direction from an another corner where a leading edge of the blade and a radially outer surface of a hub meet. Furthermore, a camber ratio of the blade, which is minimum at a joint with the hub across the blade, monotonically increases to be maximum at the radially outer edge of the blade. |
US07946813B2 |
Turbine rotor and steam turbine
A turbine rotor 10 is disposed in a steam turbine, into which high-temperature steam of 650° C. or more is introduced, and separately configured of the portion made of the Ni-base alloy and the portion made of the CrMoV steel depending on a steam temperature and a metal temperature, and the individual portions having a small difference in coefficient of linear expansion are welded mutually. |
US07946812B2 |
Air blowing device for cooling the internal combustion engine of a vehicle tested on a roller bench
An air blowing device for cooling an internal combustion engine of a vehicle tested on a roller bench, including an air blowing fan configured to blow air towards the air intake opening provided on the vehicle to direct an air stream towards members cooling the engine, including a nozzle arranged between the outlet opening of the air blowing fan and the opening provided on the vehicle. The nozzle has a cross-section relative to the air stream gradually tapering between the outlet opening of the fan and the inlet opening of the vehicle. The nozzle includes two side walls each having an opening allowing a strap to pass, wherein one of the ends is configured to be attached to the vehicle and the other end is configured to be attached to a fixed vertical wall arranged proximate the outlet of the fan. |
US07946810B2 |
Multistage pump assembly
A modular multistage pump assembly includes a volute having a suction side and a pressure side, a pump stack having at least one stage, and a modular flange coupled to each of the volute and the pump stack. |
US07946808B2 |
Seal between rotor blade platforms and stator vane platforms, a rotor blade and a stator vane
A rotor and a stator assembly, wherein the rotor (30) comprises at least one stage of rotor blades (32) and the stator (34) comprises at least one stage of turbine stator vanes (36). The rotor blades (32) have aerofoils and platforms (42) and the turbine stator vanes (36) having aerofoils and platforms (48). A seal (43,45) is defined between the rotor blade (32) platforms (42) and the stator vane (36) platforms (48) wherein a portion (42B) of the rotor blade platforms (42) and/or a portion (48B) of the stator vane (36) platforms (48) comprise a shape memory alloy member or a bimetallic member. The shape memory alloy member, or bimetallic member, controls the flow of cooling air through the seals (43,45) allowing a greater cooling flow at higher temperatures than at lower temperatures. |
US07946807B2 |
Set of insulating sheets on a casing to improve blade tip clearance
A turbine stator of a gas turbine engine includes a turbine casing, a turbine shroud ring and a shroud ring support connecting the shroud ring to the casing. The stator is one wherein the support is provided with a heat shield positioned on the turbine side. This assembly makes it possible to reduce the take-up of play during transient operating phases. |
US07946806B2 |
Gas turbine engine systems and related methods involving heat exchange
Gas turbine engine systems and related methods involving heat exchange are provided. In this regard, a representative heat exchange system for a gas turbine engine includes: a heat exchanger; and a flow restrictor operative to selectively restrict a flow of gas flowing along an annular gas flow path; in an open position, the flow restrictor enabling gas to flow along the gas flow path and, in a closed position, the flow restrictor restricting the flow of gas such that at least a portion of the gas is provided to the heat exchanger, the heat exchanger being located radially outboard of the flow restrictor. |
US07946804B2 |
Axial fan unit having reduced noise generation
An axial fan unit includes two or more impellers accommodated in a housing. Each impeller has a plurality of blades disposed about a center axis and is rotated by an associated motor. The rotation of the impellers creates a flow of air generally flowing along the center axis. A plurality of ribs are disposed between the impellers and connected to the housing. The ribs support an associated motor. At least one of an air-inlet side edge and an air-outlet side edge of each rib is inclined with respect to a direction that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the center axis, such that it gets closer to one of an air-inlet side end and an air-outlet side end of the axial fan unit as it moves away from the center axis. |
US07946802B1 |
Wind turbine utilizing wind directing slats
Various embodiments of a wind turbine are disclosed having a plurality of pivotable slats disposed about a rotor coupled to one or more blades. Each of the plurality of slats can be pivoted such that the open slats on a windward side redirect the wind to cause rotation of the rotor and the closed slats on a leeward side retain at least a substantial portion of the wind within the interior. |
US07946787B2 |
Paving system and method
A paving system includes a machine having a frame with a plurality of ground-engaging elements coupled with the frame, and a height adjustable screed coupled with the frame. The paving system may also include a paving control system having a receiver configured to receive screed control data indicative of a position of the height adjustable screed relative to a reference position. The paving control system may further include a computer readable memory storing a control algorithm, which may include a smoothness estimating algorithm and a screed adjusting algorithm. An electronic control unit is coupled with the computer readable memory and is configured via the control algorithm to determine a smoothness value for a region of a mat of material which corresponds with an irregular pattern of screed position, in response to screed control data received via the receiver. |
US07946786B1 |
Segmented massive security barriers having tie-bars in tunnels
Barrier elements provide security from terrorist threats by ability to withstand both vehicle collisions and explosive blasts. Each barrier element is prefabricated to include a massive block of durable material, in some embodiments segmented, with at least one tunnel extending at least partially between respective cavities in two opposite sides of the block. Each barrier element also includes at least one beam that is preferably made of steel and extends through one such tunnel. Multiple blocks are positionable slidably on top of the ground side-against-side with their beams coupled longitudinally to one another at least approximately end-to-end. Retainer means can be used to block coupling means from entry into the tunnels. Forces from a vehicle collision or an explosive blast can cause barrier elements to rotate relative to one-another when the couplings between beams hinge or bend as the durable material that interferes with the rotation breaks away. |
US07946783B2 |
Adjustment mechanism and locking assembly
An adjustment mechanism is provided. The adjustment mechanism has a housing, a clearance portion, first and second pin members telescopically received within the housing, a telescopic engagement mechanism mounted in the clearance portion and adapted to telescopically move the pin members, and a locking mechanism adapted to lock the pin members in a rigid position. A locking adjustment assembly is also provided. |
US07946782B2 |
Device for angularly coupling prosthetic components
An angularly adjustable coupler is provided having first and second ends that are in an angularly adjustable mating engagement. The first end has a longitudinal axis and a base with an optionally concave and serrated surface, and can comprise a collared clamp for connecting to a pylon. The second end has a longitudinal axis and a base with an optionally convex and serrated surface, and can comprise a receiver for connecting to a pyramidal adapter. The concave portion of the first end and the convex portion of the second end are complementary to each other. A connector is provided to connect the first and second ends in a selected angular alignment about a fixed axis of rotation. The range of angular alignment of the first and second components spans approximately 50 degrees about the fixed axis of rotation. |
US07946778B2 |
Device for packaging and applying a composition and method of using same
A device for packaging and applying a composition may include: a receptacle configured to contain the composition; an application element configured to apply the composition at least one wiper member configured to wipe the application element; and at least one adjustment member configured to act on the wiper member to modify an inside section of the wiper member. The application element may include a core and projecting elements that extend from the core. The application element may define an envelope surface including at least one cross-section that is off-center relative to the core and/or non-circular. The adjustment member may be movable in turning and/or translation relative to the wiper member. |
US07946773B2 |
Imaging device and optical device
An imaging device comprising a light transmissive member 18 having light transmissive character, a vibration member 20 causing bending vibration for the light transmissive member, a driving portion 56 for driving the vibration member 20, wherein the driving portion 56 causes bending vibration of the light transmissive member 18 at a first frequency along with a first direction and causes bending vibration of the light transmissive member 18 at a second frequency along with a second direction which is different from said first frequency. |
US07946771B2 |
Camera support and respective camera assembly
A camera support comprises a baseplate on which first and second engaging means are formed for releasably engaging first and second portions of a camera body displaced along the baseplate in an engaging direction. The first engaging means defines an abutment position for the first portion of the camera body, and the second engaging means defines a space between two sidewalls for slidably receiving a web of second portion of the camera body, and wherein one of said sidewalls is displaceable towards the other and is coupled to a trigger of the first engaging means so as to clamp the web between the sidewalls when the trigger is operated by the first portion reaching the abutment position. A camera support of this kind can be used advantageously for a respective camera assembly, for example a superexpander. |
US07946768B2 |
Bearing apparatuses, systems including same, and related methods
A bearing apparatus is disclosed. Such a bearing apparatus may comprise a rotor including at least one bearing element mounted to the rotor and a stator including at least one bearing element mounted to the stator. At least one compliant member may be positioned between at least one selected bearing element of the at least one bearing element mounted to the rotor and the at least one bearing element mounted to the stator. Mechanical systems including such a bearing apparatus are disclosed, such as, for example, a motor for use in subterranean drilling. A method of assembling a bearing apparatus is disclosed. More specifically, a rotor and a stator each including at least one bearing element may be provided and a compressive force may be applied to the rotor and the stator to compress the bearing surfaces of the rotor and the stator against one another. Rotors and stators are disclosed. |
US07946766B2 |
Offset closure mechanism for a reclosable pouch
An offset resealable closure mechanism adapted to provide an airtight seal for a pouch includes a first elongate closure element and a second elongate closure element. The first elongate closure element includes a first elongate closure profile extending therefrom and a second elongate closure element includes first and second legs extending therefrom to define a channel. A sealing flange extends across the channel and includes a slit therethrough adapted to receive the first elongate closure profile. The sealing flange forms an airtight seal with the first elongate closure profile when the closure mechanism is occluded. |
US07946764B2 |
Expandable bag assemblies with an integral support structure for filling
Expandable bag assemblies and associated methods are disclosed herein. Certain aspects of the invention are directed toward an expandable bag assembly that includes a flexible bag with closed and open ends and collapsible sidewalls disposed between the ends. The assembly beneficially includes an integrated support structure provided with stiffeners and a mechanism for attachment to help hold a mouth of the bag in an open position while filling the bag. The assembly can be compressed for easy packaging and storage and be expanded into a self-supported, open position without memory folds. The assembly is also configured to retract during closure of the open end of the bag. |
US07946756B2 |
Shock absorber for the oscillating weight of a timepiece
The oscillating weight (2) is for automatically winding a timepiece movement; it pivots off-center relative to the center of the movement and is made of a single heavy material. The weight (2) is carried by a shock absorber (1) that takes the form of a plate (4), one end of which is secured to the weight and the other end of which is secured to a tube (5) arranged to rotate about an arbour (6) forming the axis of rotation of the weight. |
US07946755B2 |
Watch movement
A watch movement, includes a frame (10, 11, 20, 22, 24), defined by a first and a second parallel plane surface and defining reference planes (A, B), the second plane (B) being located alongside the movement for placing adjacent to the wrist of the wearer, at least one balance wheel (30), pivoting in bearings fixed in the frame, at least one escape mechanism (26, 28) providing support for the balance wheel, an energy source (12), clockwork finishing movements (14), connecting the energy source to the escape mechanism and motion work (42).The balance wheel turns about an axis (YY), inclined in relation to the reference planes and intersecting the same, the point of intersection (PA) of the axis (Y) with the first plane (A) being closer to the center of the movement than the point of intersection (PB) of the axis (Y) with the second plane (B). |
US07946748B2 |
Mosquito repellent lamp
A mosquito repellent lamp, comprising a lamp holder, which is provided with a lamp shade with luminous tube; a power switch for turning on and off the power; a mosquito repellent device mounted above said lamp shade; featured by that: said mosquito repellent device is provided with a cavity for contain mosquito repellent patch, which is provided with air inlets and outlets, which are interconnected, and a fan corresponding to the air inlets, said fan and said luminous tube are powered through a switchboard, which is connected with a fan switch for turning and stopping said fan. Compared with existing technologies, this patent provides the air inlets and air outlets on the mosquito repellent device and achieves better mosquito repellant effect by dispelling the effect of the mosquito repellent patch insides said mosquito repellent device from the air outlets by the airflow generated by said fan. Besides mosquito repellent patches, aromatics or deodorizers may also be placed in the mosquito repellent device to achieve the purpose of air purification or perfuming. |
US07946740B2 |
Light-emitting apparatus and pedal comprising the same
The invention provides a light-emitting apparatus, which can be disposed on a manpower vehicle, including a light-emitting unit and a power-generating module. The power-generating module further includes a first magnetic conductor, a second magnetic conductor, and a coil. The first magnetic conductor is disposed on a first component of the manpower vehicle; the second magnetic conductor is disposed on a second component of the manpower vehicle, and the coil is coupled to the first magnetic conductor or the second magnetic conductor. Moreover, the first magnetic conductor or the second magnetic conductor includes a magnetic member. Particularly, the first component can apply a pre-set point as an axle to rotate, so that when a distance between the first magnetic conductor and the second magnetic conductor is changed, the coil is capable of generating an induced electromotive force for supporting the light-emitting unit with needed power. |
US07946736B1 |
Cover for recessed down-light
A cover that may be attached directly to the ceiling around a recessed down-light fixture to change the appearance of the recessed light fixture to an external light fixture without losing access to the fixture. The cover includes a first lens with an outer dome, a flange lying in a plane extending from a first periphery of the first lens and a central circular hole through the outer dome. Notches are arranged about the periphery of the central circular hole. A second lens includes an cup which has a circular periphery with a diameter of noninterference fit with the central circular hole. Tabs extend radially outwardly from the circular periphery and are configured and arranged to fit through the notches. |
US07946735B2 |
LED lighting apparatus having heat dissipating frame
A LED light apparatus includes a conical reflection housing and a LED light source. The reflection housing has a vertex, a light opening aligning with the vertex, an inner flat reflection surface. The LED light source includes a light head alignedly pointing towards the vertex, wherein when the light head generates light a first portion of the light is accumulatively reflected by the reflection surface towards the light opening while a second portion of the light is projected towards the non-reflection arrangement to prevent the second portion of the light being reflected back to the light source for minimizing a black spot occurring at the light opening. Accordingly, the wide light pattern is refocused into a narrow beam pattern to improve the lighting efficiency. The distribution of the light output is regulated, and the heat generation is reduced. |
US07946732B2 |
LED lamp assembly
A robust LED lamp may be assembly by forming a heat sinking sandwich with two metal heat sinks positioned around the circuit board and pinned together a heat conductive element. The assembly is positioned by pressing it into a base providing electrical connections. The robust assembly is rapidly assembled, thermally effective in draining or spreading heat from the circuit board and is readily adaptable to a variety of applications lighting. The heat sink may be decorated, colored or otherwise esthetically enhanced for consumer appreciation. |
US07946730B2 |
Light emitting diode replacement lamp
The invention is a replacement for a conventional incandescent or halogen light bulb. Besides providing regular illumination, it has advantages over a conventional bulb while maintaining the bulb's decorative function, such as visual effects associated with the bulb's envelope or shade. The invention comprises a connector equivalent to a standard light bulb base, at least one light emitting diode (LED), and a driving circuit hosted on a module such as a printed circuit board and adapting the supply voltage to the requirements of the LED. Compensation for the effects of temperature may be included. The invention may also include other circuitry to support various enhanced features such as novel decorative features or control over the brightness, color, or other characteristics—all potentially varying over time or being controlled remotely. |
US07946727B2 |
Modular structure of LED light source
A modular structure of a light-emitting diode (LED) light source is provided. The modular structure of the LED light source includes a circuit board and a plurality of LEDs. The LEDs are arranged on the circuit board as regular hexagons, with an equal distance between every two adjacent LEDs, so that the modular structure of the LED light source provides uniform illumination. Additionally, the modular structure of the LED light source takes on a modular design so as to form light sources of various sizes for different uses and thus have its application scope expanded. |
US07946726B1 |
Input device capable of enhancing symbol readability for electronic product
An input device capable of enhancing symbol readability for an electronic product includes a plurality of keypads for displaying a plurality of first kind symbols and a plurality of second kind symbols; a detection unit for detecting an operation mode of the electronic device; and a control unit coupled to the detection unit and the plurality of keypads for controlling the plurality of keypads to display the plurality of first kind symbols or the plurality of second kind symbols according to a detection result of the detection unit. |
US07946725B2 |
Method and device for grouping at least three lamps
The invention relates to a method and a device for grouping at least three lamps (1) and for assigning the lamps (1) to at least one operating unit. It is time-intensive to equip one or a plurality of rooms or halls within a building with lamps (1), particularly a grouping of lamps (1), and assigning lamps (1) to at least one operating unit. Therefore, grouping of lamps (1) and assigning the lamps (1) to at least one operating unit should be simplified. In accordance with the invention, a lamp (1) emits light and the other lamps (1) measure light, and distances between the lamps (1) are determined in dependence upon at least one light value and the lamps (1) are assigned to at least one operating unit in dependence upon the distances. |
US07946722B2 |
Backlight module with detachable back slice and liquid crystal display with same
A direct backlight module comprises a first frame, at least two light sources, and a back board. The back board is fixed to the first frame and comprises at least two back slices connected to each other. Each of the at least back slices slips out from the back board. |
US07946721B2 |
Backlight module
An exemplary backlight module includes a base plate, a plurality of light guide plates and a plurality of light sources. The light guide plates are juxtaposed and attached on the base plate. The light guide plates are optically isolated from each other. The light sources are disposed adjacent the respective light guide plates. |
US07946716B2 |
Imaging system and optical engine
An imaging system and an optical engine comprising the imaging system are provided. The imaging system in this invention at least comprises a lens assembly, a light valve, and a Fresnel lens. The Fresnel lens is formed with a receiving portion adapted to correspondingly receive at least one portion of the lens assembly and replaces the conventional aspheric lens to focus a light ray onto the light valve. The light valve reflects the light ray into the lens assembly for imaging. Thereby, the Fresnel lens is adapted to decrease the surface area of the receiving portion to eliminate the influence of stray light on the imaging quality and to economize lens material costs. |
US07946714B2 |
Projector unit
There is provided a projector unit which can facilitate the design of lenses and project a distortionless and clear image and which comprises a projection optical system in which an optical axis of a projection lens does not coincide with a center of a rectangular image plane of an optical modulator for forming a projected image which corresponds to an image that is projected onto a screen, wherein the optical modulator is disposed in such a manner as to be tilted so that the optical axis of the projection lens and a center normal of the image plane of the optical modulator intersect each other. |
US07946711B2 |
Illumination device and projection display device
An illumination device includes a light source part for emitting light with an intensity distribution approximately uniform in a first direction and a fly-eye lens into which the light is entered. The light source part and the fly-eye lens are arranged such that the first direction is inclined with respect to vertical and horizontal directions of arrangement of lens cells in the fly-eye lens. Since illumination light is entered into the fly-eye lens in a state of inclining with respect to the fly-eye lens, the number of superimposition patterns on the fly-eye lens is increased and illuminance non-uniformity in illumination light is suppressed. |
US07946709B2 |
Projector
A projector having a first lens array with a plurality of first lenses in a plane substantially orthogonal to an optical axis of the light beam from a light source that divides the light beam into a plurality of partial light beams, a second lens array having a plurality of second lenses corresponding to the plurality of first lenses, and a polarization converter that is disposed on a light beam emitting-side of the first lens array. A focal position in a first direction of the first lens is set in the vicinity of the second lens array in the optical direction of the light beam irradiated from the first lens. A focal position in the second direction of the first lens is set in the vicinity of the polarization converter in the optical direction of the light beam irradiated from the first lens. |
US07946707B1 |
Eye dominance evaluation apparatus and method
There is disclosed apparatus and method for a test of eye dominance of human subjects for which on each 10-sec trial, one eye starts with a strong image that gets progressively weaker or does not get progressively stronger, while, at the same time, the other eye gets a weak image that gets progressively stronger. The initially strong image will always be seen at the beginning and eventually vision will flip to the other eye's view once that image has achieved sufficient strength to overcome the dominance of the initially strong stimulus (which itself is getting progressively weaker). The subject indicates recognition of the strengthening image and the time is recorded. Results show that the test provides a reliable measure of eye dominance which is seen to vary considerably among people within a sample of normal adults. |
US07946703B2 |
Curved lenses configured to decode three-dimensional content
Curved lenses configured to decode three dimensional content and method of fabricating the same. The lenses comprise a polyvinylalcohol polarizer film or similar type of material laminated with triacetate or similar type material on one or both sides, wherein the polarizer film has a polarizing efficiency equal to or exceeding 99% and a transmittance percentage equal to or exceeding 35% and a retarder film (e.g., norbornene copolymer resin) laminated on a front surface of the polyvinylalcohol polarizer film laminated with triacetate and aligned to produce a desired circular polarization responsive to specified retardation wavelengths. Thermoforming and press polishing techniques may be used to fabricate/curve the blanks into lenses. The lenses (optical elements) may be used in an injection molding process to add thickness. |
US07946701B2 |
Method of enabling data entry using substrate comprising IR-absorbing dye
A method of enabling entry of data into a computer system via a printed substrate. The substrate has a surface containing human-readable information and machine-readable coded data. The coded data is indicative of an identity of the substrate and of a plurality of reference points on the surface. The method includes the steps of: operatively positioning a sensing device relative to the surface and sensing the coded data; generating indicating data using the sensed coded data; and sending the indicating data to a computer system. The coded data comprises an IR-absorbing dye having a nitrogen-substituted phthalocyanine. |
US07946700B2 |
Printer with print head platen
A wet ink printer uses a heated printhead. A platen guides and supports the print medium during printing, and has a plurality of raised ribs. In an example, the ribs extend on the base generally along the advance direction of the print media. Each rib comprises a discontinuous series of rib portions, and wherein between each adjacent pair of ribs is provided a spacing to allow deformation of the print medium towards the platen base. |
US07946699B2 |
Ink jet recording method and ink jet recording device
The invention provides an ink jet recording method that records an image by ejecting, onto a recording medium, an ink that is cured by irradiation of an active energy ray, the method comprising: applying an undercoating liquid onto the recording medium; half-curing the undercoating liquid; and forming an image by ejecting an ink onto the half-cured undercoating liquid, and an ink jet recording device. According to the ink jet recording method in the invention, ink bleeding can be effectively suppressed when using any type of non-absorbing recording media, a high degree of uniformity in an image between various recording media can be obtained, and unevenness in line width or color caused by mixing between the liquid droplets can be suppressed. |
US07946697B2 |
Printing fluid supply device with channeled absorbent material
A printing fluid supply device for a printhead comprises a printing fluid storage compartment for storing printing fluid; an absorbent material provided in the printing fluid reservoir, the absorbent material comprising a plurality of channels formed therethrough; and a fluid trapping layer provided between the absorbent material and the printhead. The fluid trapping layer is adapted to absorb printing fluid and draw printing fluid from the printing fluid storage compartment into and through the absorbent material. |
US07946693B2 |
Producing and deflecting ink droplets in a continuous ink-jet printer
The invention relates to a method and a device for producing and deflecting ink drops in a continuous ink-jet printer in which a continuous cohesive ink jet exits from a nozzle of a pressure chamber, and in which at least one acoustic pulse (140, 142, 142a) strikes the cohesive ink jet (9) transversely to the propagation direction, and one segment of the ink jet (9) upon which the acoustic pulse (140, 142, 142a) acts is separated from the cohesive ink jet (9) and deflected from its original propagation direction (100), the separated segment forming an ink drop (11) during its travel due to cohesion forces. |
US07946692B2 |
Device for merging fluid drops or jets
A device and method of controlling fluid flow are provided. The method includes providing a moving fluid including a fluid flow characteristic; providing a fluid control device including a fluid control surface, the fluid control surface including a pattern; causing the fluid to contact the fluid control surface of the fluid control device; and causing the fluid to interact with the fluid control surface of the fluid control device using the pattern of the fluid control surface that, when activated, causes adjacent fluid drops to merge or coalesce while the fluid is in contact with the pattern of the fluid control device such that the fluid flow characteristic of the fluid after interacting with the fluid control surface of the fluid control device is different from the fluid flow characteristic of the fluid before interaction with the fluid control surface of the fluid control device. |
US07946690B2 |
Printhead fabricated on flexible substrate
A printhead or other droplet emitter is manufactured integrally with a flexible circuit. Preferred methods of manufacturing a droplet emitter comprise the steps of: creating metal traces, preferably deposited using a metal oxide precursor; patterning a sacrificial photoresist to create ink channels and nozzle chambers; depositing piezoelectrically active material over the metal traces and sacrificial photoresist; patterning vias through the piezo-electrically active material to act as nozzles and openings to ink reservoirs; and flushing out the photoresist. The piezo-electrically active material is preferably a mixture of PZT and PVDF. |
US07946685B2 |
Printer with nozzles for generating vapor bubbles offset from nozzle axis
An inkjet printer that has a plurality of nozzle apertures, each with a nozzle axis normal to, extending through the center of the nozzle aperture. A chamber corresponds to each of the nozzles respectively. An inlet to supply the bubble forming chamber with liquid. A heater element is disposed in each of the bubble forming chambers respectively. The heater element configured as a beam suspended at its ends for immersion in the liquid such that heating the heater element forms a gas bubble that ejects a drop of the liquid through the nozzle corresponding to that heater element. The heater element is a planar structure parallel to the nozzle aperture and nucleates the gas bubble with a bubble centre offset from the nozzle axis towards the inlet. Offsetting the gas bubble towards the inlet reduces the variation in drop trajectories caused by reverse flow out of the inlet when the pressure pulse is generated. |
US07946677B2 |
Reciprocating apparatus, and printer including reciprocating apparatus
A reciprocating apparatus includes a pair of guide members which extend in parallel with each other and in a first direction; a carriage which is reciprocateable in the first direction, supported and guided by the pair of guide members; and a carriage movement detector including (a) a sensor which is fixed to the carriage and (b) an encoder strip which extends in the first direction and which has sensible portions arranged in a lengthwise direction thereof and sensible by the sensor, such that a reciprocating movement of the carriage is detected based on sensing of the sensible portions by the sensor. The encoder strip is located between the pair of guide members in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The pair of the guide members are located on one of opposite sides of the carriage in a third direction perpendicular to the first and the second directions. The encoder strip is located on the other of said opposite sides of the carriage in the third direction. |
US07946674B2 |
Printhead IC with open actuator test
A printhead IC comprising: an array of nozzles; an ejection actuator corresponding to each of the nozzles respectively, the ejection actuator having a resistive heater that is activated when the actuator ejects ink through the corresponding nozzle; drive circuitry for receiving print data and activating the actuators with drive signals in accordance with the print data; and, open actuator test circuitry for selectively disabling the actuators when they receive a drive signal while comparing the resistance of the resistive heater to a predetermined threshold to assess whether the actuator is defective. |
US07946672B2 |
Printing apparatus and printing method
A printing apparatus including a plurality of ink cartridges each supplying ink; an image processor generates print data for each ink based on input print data; a buffer which stores the print data generated by the image processor for each ink; a print head for discharging the ink supplied from each ink cartridge from a nozzle group for each ink based on the print data for each ink stored in the buffer; and a supply line that supplies print data from the buffer to the print head. |
US07946667B2 |
Frictional drawer slide dampener
A dampened drawer within a drawer frame includes frame and drawer slide rails cooperating together with the drawer supported in the frame for longitudinal sliding movement of the drawer slide rail with respect of the frame slide rail. A first strip of material is attached to the frame slide rail and a second strip of material is attached to the drawer slide rail with the strips contacting each other in frictional engagement. The frictional engagement is determined so as to prevent longitudinal sliding movement of the drawer slide rail with respect to the frame slide rail when a force less than a predetermined force is applied to the drawer in any position of the drawer with respect to the frame over the entire range of longitudinal sliding movement of the drawer slide rail with respect to the frame slide rail. |
US07946666B2 |
Slide rail
A slide rail includes an inner slide, an intermediate slide, a rack and a positioning element. The intermediate slide is used for receiving the inner slide; a block is positioned at an end of the intermediate slide. The rack has a plurality of ball bearings. An end of the rack is resisted against the block. The positioning element includes a fixing portion mounted to the intermediate slide, and a resilient hook portion having an ear part, the ear part capable of resisting against the other end of the rack to locate the rack. |
US07946655B2 |
Seat cushion structure
A seat cushion structure is formed by combining upper and lower substrates made of a soft elastic material. Recessed spaces are formed on the upper and lower substrates respectively. Protrusions are formed in the recessed spaces. A flow passage is formed between every two protrusions. An inwardly concave air chamber is evacuated from each protrusion within a contact range of supporting a sitter's buttock. A shallow cut groove is formed on a side of the inwardly concave air chamber. A concave arc form corresponding to the shape of the buttock is disposed on an external surface of the upper substrate in contact with the buttock, such that when the upper and lower substrates are combined integrally, the protrusion of the upper substrate is disposed precisely above an upper periphery of the inwardly concave air chamber of the protrusion of the lower substrate. |
US07946653B2 |
Vehicle seat back comprising a retractable headrest
Motor vehicle seat back comprising a structure, a headrest, a headrest, a support, a slide, a return element and a lock. The structure comprises at least one socket. The headrest comprises at least one stem mounted so as to slide in the socket between a high position and a low position. The stem has a curve. The support is mounted on the structure through an articulation element having at least a degree of freedom to rotate about an axis of orientation. The slide is connected to the stem and capable of sliding relative to the support in a direction of sliding. The return element is interposed between the slide and the support and biases the headrest towards its low position. The lock has an active state in which it is capable of holding the headrest in the high position and an inactive position in which it releases the headrest. |
US07946650B2 |
Infant bouncer
An infant bouncer includes a seat, a support frame, a flexible part, and a positioning structure. The support frame is used for supporting the seat. The flexible part is disposed on the support frame. The positioning structure connects the seat and the flexible part so as to position the seat relative to the support frame. |
US07946649B2 |
Vehicle seat assembly having layered seating system with attachment member
A vehicle seat assembly has a seat body adapted to be mounted within a vehicle to provide support to an occupant. A seat component is provided adjacent to the seat body. A first attachment member is provided within one of the seat body and the seat component. A second attachment member is provided on the other of the seat body and the seat component. The second attachment member is engageable within the first attachment member such that the seat component is attached to the seat body through engagement between the first attachment member and the second attachment member. |
US07946646B2 |
Wheel house structure for vehicle
A wheel house structure for a vehicle, in which a wheel house is assembled with a rear floor assembly. The wheel house of the wheel house structure includes a front wheel house having a first convex portion at one end thereof, and a rear wheel house having a second convex portion at one end thereof, wherein the first and second convex portions are coupled to be overlapped each other to form a beam between the front wheel house and the second wheel house inward the wheel house. |
US07946644B1 |
Sting trailer
A sting trailer has a front end-wall located at a first standard trailer length from a rear end of the sting trailer, a false end-wall located at a second standard trailer length from the rear end of the sting trailer, and a hidden compartment located between the front end-wall and the false end-wall. |
US07946643B2 |
Tonneau cover
A tonneu cover assembly mountable to a open top truck bed of a pick up truck for covering the bed. The cover assembly includes a pair of side rail caps that are attachable to the side rails of the bed by a clamping system. A pair of door panels are hingedly mounted on respective side rail caps. The door panels are rotatable between a closed position where the bed is covered and open positions permitting access to the bed. A pair of actuators are connected to respective door panels and are operable to rotate the door panels between the closed and open positions. The actuators may operate to rotate one door more quickly than the second when opening the doors, and then reverse the speed of the doors when closing them enabling correct engagement between the inward sides of the doors. A quick release mechanism is provided to decouple a door from an actuator in case of a failure. |
US07946641B2 |
Driver-side floor structure of vehicle
A floor structure on a driver side of a vehicle where a control pedal, such as a brake pedal, adapted to be depressedly operated by a driver seated in a driver seat arranged at a front of a passenger compartment. The floor structure has a heel-placement zone which is provided on an approximately horizontal floor portion located rearward of a depressing point of the control pedal, and formed to have a frontward region adapted to allow a short person seated in the driver seat place his/her heel thereon and a rearward region adapted to allow a tall person seated in the driver seat place his/her heel thereon. The heel-placement zone includes an inclined surface portion formed in at least part thereof in such a manner as to rise relative to a surrounding area of the floor portion and has an upper surface extending obliquely upwardly and frontwardly. The floor structure can adjust a driving posture easily and adequately with a simple structure to allow a driver seated in the driver seat to adequately operate the control pedal. |
US07946639B2 |
Server system lifting device and method of use
A server system lifting device includes a bearing area foldable at a midline. The bearing area includes a front portion and a rear portion that are defined by the midline. A plurality of handles are coupled to the bearing area. The plurality of handles includes two front handles coupled to opposite sides of the front portion of the bearing area and two rear handles coupled to opposite sides of the rear portion of the bearing area. The midline extends between the opposite sides. The bearing area is characterized by a width greater than or equal to a width of a server system chassis and a length such that the two forward handles are forward of a center of gravity of the server system chassis, and the two rear handles are posterior to the center of gravity, when the midline is approximately aligned with the center of gravity. |
US07946633B2 |
Low friction adjustable roller pin
A roller pin of the type mounted on a tie bar that slides to drive the roller pin into engagement with a keeper of a casement window includes an inner pin and an outer roller. The outer roller includes an integral outer flange that is circular and spins with the outer roller to reduce friction during engagement with keeper. The inner pin includes an offset mounting pin at one end and is enlarged at the other end to hold the outer roller on the inner pin. The enlarged end of the inner pin is flush with the outer flange and is provided with a recessed opening that receives a tool, such as a screwdriver, to rotate the inner pin and adjust its position relative to the tie bar and a keeper. The invention is also directed to a tie bar and multiple roller pins in combination. |
US07946632B1 |
Apparatus for attaching accessories to a motorcycle
A mounting system for accessories, including motorcycle windshields and windscreens, that quickly and securely attaches the accessory in such a manner that that the accessory will not come unexpectedly detached. After the initial installation of the components of the mounting system, the installation of an accessory requires a minimum of force and the installation and removal of an accessory is accomplished without the use of tools. |
US07946631B2 |
Device and kit for making knotted string accessories
Disclosed herein are embodiments of devices and kits for making knotted string accessories. One embodiment of a device comprises a base having a substantially planar surface with a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a longitudinal axis. A securing member is connected to the substantially planar surface proximate to the first end and is configured to secure a first end of the plurality of individual strings. An elongated holder is connected to the substantially planar surface proximate the second end and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and comprises a plurality of raised portions positioned along the elongated holder and extending outward from the substantially planar surface in close proximity to one another, wherein adjacent raised portions are configured to retain individual strings. An embodiment of a kit comprises the device and a plurality of string for use with the device. |
US07946629B2 |
Pipe coupling and method for installation
The coupling includes a mandrel and a coupling outer sleeve. In a method for installing the coupling on a pipe, the mandrel is inserted into the inner diameter of an end of pipe with an outboard end of the mandrel protruding from an end of the pipe. Then the outer sleeve is positioned over the pipe to form a length of substantially concentrically arranged, overlapping parts of the mandrel, the pipe and the sleeve. Then the sleeve is crimped over at least a portion of length, which engages the pipe between the sleeve and the mandrel. Either before or after sleeve is crimped over the pipe, the sleeve is connected to the outboard end of the mandrel. |
US07946628B2 |
Tubular metal fitting expandable in a wall opening and method of installation
A fitting (58) is inserted into an opening (56) in a wall (50). The fitting (58) includes a ring portion (64) where it extends through the opening (56). It also includes one or two end portions (66, 68) that extend axially outwardly from the ring portion (64). The ring portion (64) has an inside diameter (76) that is smaller than the inside diameters of the end portion or portions (66, 68). The fitting (58) is positioned within the wall opening (56). Then, an expansion tool is moved through the interior of fitting (58) for the purpose of expanding the ring portion (64). The ring portion (64) is expanded to such an extent that it makes a tight fit with the opening (56). Also, the degree of expansion may result in a cold working of the wall material surrounding the opening (56). The expansion tooling only expands the ring portion (64) and does not exert a substantial expanding force on the end portions (66, 68). |
US07946626B2 |
Substrate having IR-absorbing dye with branched axial ligands
A substrate having an IR-absorbing dye disposed thereon. The IR-absorbing dye is a metal phthalocyanine dye having branched axial ligands. The branched axial ligands minimize interaction between π systems of adjacent dye molecules, and assist in reducing absorption of visible wavelengths. |
US07946623B2 |
Roll over protection system
A roll over protection system for a passenger car, including at least one extended top unit (1) having substantially vertical beam(s) or tube(s) terminated or bridged by a connecting member (7) at their top ends. Initially in a crash, the upper part of the top unit only deforms by being bent backwards, thus creating a skid-plate against the ground and at the same time the survival room is impaired only negligibly. |
US07946622B2 |
External and internal airbag tether arrangement
An example tethered airbag arrangement includes an airbag movable to an expanded position. The airbag includes a contact face. An internal tether constrains expansion of the contact face. An external tether also constrains expansion of the contact face. |
US07946620B2 |
Passenger airbag
An airbag includes end panels sewn onto opposite ends of the airbag. The end panels include side tabs and a center tab. The side tabs hook onto a retainer. The center tab is sewn to the airbag adjacent the opening in the retainer to pull the airbag against the concave inner surface of the retainer, thereby eliminating bunching and folding of airbag material at the interface of the retainer and inflator. |
US07946619B2 |
Airbag
An occupant protection apparatus for protecting a front seat passenger of a vehicle. The apparatus includes an airbag module configured to be mounted in a instrument panel of a vehicle in front of the front seat passenger. The module includes an airbag and a gas generator. The airbag includes left and right inflatable lobes separated by a central gap. Each of the inflatable lobes is bounded by an outer panel forming an outer surface of the lobe and an inner panel forming an inner surface of the lobe. |
US07946617B2 |
Airbag module
An airbag module for a motor vehicle includes a gas sack that can be inflated with gas to protect an occupant, a gas generator for generating the gas provided for inflating the gas sack, and an additional cooling device comprising an openable reservoir for storing a coolant. The reservoir is opened when the gas sack is inflated, so that the coolant for cooling the gas used to inflate the gas sack can come into contact with the gas. The cooling device comprises a movement generating device that opens the reservoir to release the coolant. |
US07946615B2 |
Attachment structure of curtain-shaped cover member of vehicle
An attachment structure comprises a top ceiling, a cover member to cover a window glass from the inside of a vehicle compartment, an airbag which is stored along an upper edge portion of the window glass in its non-operation state and inflates downward through a gap which is formed between the window glass and the side end portion of the top ceiling which is pressed down by the airbag receiving a gas pressure from an inflator; and support members to support the cover member longitudinally at a position which is on an outside of the inflating airbag. Accordingly, the proper inflation of the airbag can be provided despite of the cover member at the window. |
US07946608B2 |
Ski or snowboard with a plate-type force-transmitting element
The invention relates to a ski (2) or a snowboard in the form of a board-type gliding device (1), comprising a multi-layered gliding board body. A force-transmitting element (13) is supported on the top face (7) of the gliding board body, the top face of which is provided as a means of supporting a binding mechanism (3) for a connection to a sports shoe which can be released as and when necessary. The force-transmitting element (13) is of a plate-type design and extends across more than 50% of the length of the gliding board body. Within its longitudinal extension, the plate-type force-transmitting element (14) is supported in at least part-portions on the top face (7) of the gliding board body so as to transmit load and is connected to the gliding board body by means of a plurality of connecting zones (30) disposed in the longitudinal direction of the plate-type force-transmitting element (13). |
US07946607B1 |
System for attaching a tree stand to an ATV
A system attaches a hunter's tree stand to an ATV in order to allow the ATV to easily tow the tree stand. A bracket is removably attached to the rear deck of the ATV, the bracket having a receiver/. A coupler is removably attached to the tree stand and is removably received within the receiver, the coupler being able to pivot both up and down and side to side. A pair of wheels are each attached to a respective one of the bottom of the legs of the tree stand. |
US07946605B2 |
Aerodynamic time trial bike
An aerodynamic racing bicycle is provided. The racing bicycle may have a rear rim brake positioned below a drive portion of a chain and above a chain stay for reducing the aerodynamic drag on the bicycle. |
US07946604B2 |
Roll formed step rail for a vehicle
A roll formed step rail for a vehicle comprises an elongated rail body including a continuous rail wall of substantially uniform thickness. The rail wall describes a continuous cross-sectional profile between two elongated free edges, the cross-sectional profile of the rail being substantially uniform along the length of the rail body. The cross-sectional profile of the rail body includes a relatively flat top portion disposed between a substantially semi-circular front curved portion and a substantially quarter-circular rear curved portion. A rear mounting lip extends forward from the rear curved portion to one of the elongated free edges. A front mounting lip extends upward and then rearwards from the front curved portion to another of the elongated free edges. The elongated free edges are generally in line with one another, but spaced apart to define a longitudinal channel therebetween having a predetermined width. The rail body is formed from a sheet of material by a process of roll forming. |
US07946602B2 |
Stabilizer
A stabilizer configured to connect suspension devices situated right and left of an automobile, the stabilizer is characterized in that the stabilizer extends below a suspension member where a steering device of the automobile is fixed; at a side of the suspension member, the stabilizer extends above a lower arm and toward a front of the automobile; and the stabilizer is connected to the suspension devices. |
US07946599B2 |
Cross-linked variable piston air suspension
An air suspension includes first and second air spring assemblies that each include a piston airbag and a primary airbag. A first fluid connection connects one of a first piston airbag and a first primary airbag of the first air spring assembly to one of a second piston airbag and a second primary airbag of the second air spring assembly. A second fluid connection connects the other of the first piston airbag and the first primary airbag to the other of the second piston airbag and the second primary airbag. Air flow through the first and second fluid connections is passively controlled solely in response to road load inputs to reduce roll stiffness and improve articulation. |
US07946596B2 |
Motor vehicle and rickshaw and tilting mechanism thereof
A motor vehicle is provided. The motor vehicle comprises a vehicle body, a front wheel, a rear wheel and a tilting mechanism. The front wheel, the rear wheel and the tilting mechanism are disposed on the vehicle body. The tilting mechanism comprises a first compensation unit, a first arm, a first wheel, a second compensation unit, a second arm, a second wheel, at least one pipe and a fluid. The first arm is connected to the first compensation unit, and the first wheel. The second arm is connected to the second compensation unit, and the second wheel. The pipe connects the first compensation unit to the second compensation unit. The fluid flows in the first compensation unit, the second compensation unit and the pipe, wherein when the motor vehicle tilts, an extension length of the first compensation unit equals to a compression length of the second compensation unit. |
US07946595B2 |
Tool holder and measuring sensor having a tool holder
A tool holder, in particular for a measuring sensor, with an interface to a spindle of a machine tool is proposed. The tool holder comprises, as seen from the interface for the spindle, a material portion which differs from the customary basic material of a tool holder in a lower coefficient of linear expansion α and/or in a lower heat conductivity λ. According to the invention, the material portion affords thermal decoupling between the tool-side portion of the tool holder and a tool received therein from the tool spindle for reducing a length change on account of an introduction of heat coming from a comparatively hot tool spindle. |
US07946594B2 |
Drill chuck locked through an inclined wedge surface
A drill chuck locked through an inclined wedge surface, comprising a drill body, plural jaws, a nut, an outer sleeve, a control sleeve, a poking claw and a wedge block type lock ring. The wedge block type lock ring is rotatably fitted around the drill body to drive the nut to rotate, with a wedge lock and an elastic member biasing the wedge block pivotally connected therein, wherein the wedge block has an inclined wedge surface to be locked frictionally with the locking surface of the drill body; the control sleeve is connected with the outer sleeve to drive the wedge block type lock ring to rotate; the poking claw rotates simultaneously with the control sleeve between a first position where the poking claw is out of contact with the wedge block and a second position where the poking claw contacts the wedge block. |
US07946593B2 |
Sealed systems and methods for sealing a shaft
A seal is provided for sealing a hollow shaft, where the hollow shaft has an inner surface that may be uneven due to shot peening. The seal includes an axially extending ring section having a first end, a second end, an inner surface, and a disk section disposed substantially perpendicular to the ring section inner surface between the ring section first and second ends. The seal conforms to the shaft inner surface to stop oil leakage. |
US07946591B2 |
Combined labyrinth seal and screw-type gasket bearing sealing arrangement
A bearing sealing arrangement for rotating machines uses a radially-acting labyrinth seal (2) to minimize bearing lubricant leakage and an axially-acting screw-type gasket (3) to return what fluid escapes through the labyrinth seal to the bearing (10). In embodiments, the labyrinth seal uses rings (4) with plastic wear surfaces formed about internal metal bands, the plastic forming corresponding profiles on the ends (27,28) of the bands so that the profiles interlock when overlapped to form the rings. The screw-type gasket preferably includes rotor-mounted helical fillets (22) formed in a section (21) that is retained in a seat (20) on the rotor. The section in embodiments is retained by inserting a ring-shaped key (23) into the section, thereby forcing the section into undercuts of the seat. The arrangement is particularly useful in wind machines, such as wind-turbines. |
US07946589B2 |
Adjustable projectile target
The present invention is an adjustable projectile target that includes a support structure that can hold a body portion of the target at various angular positions with regard to the support structure. The support structure allows the body portion to be rotated along both a vertical and a horizontal axis to provide a variety of target profiles for the body portion to simulate for the individual shots taken from various elevations and distances from the target animal. |
US07946585B2 |
Mechanical ball projection game devices
Mechanical ball projection game devices, including game devices having mechanically-actuated ball loader assemblies, and game devices to release a tangible prize upon game balls reaching or entering a prize location to release a tangible prize upon game balls reaching or entering a prize location. Game devices disclosed herein include prize inserts that may be configured to receive one or more of paper currency, gift cards, financial transaction cards, greeting cards, toys, and candy. Mechanical ball projection game devices may include user-controllable features to redirect ball travel, features to guide and obstruct ball travel, and ball projector devices. |
US07946583B2 |
Rotary diverter with funnel section
System for directing media from one an input media path to one of multiple output paths using a rotary diverter. The rotary diverter is a cylinder mounted for rotation at a crossover point, where input media paths and output media paths cross. The rotary diverter includes a funnel-shaped section longitudinally cut through the cylinder, the sides of the funnel-shaped section lying at an acute angle. A relatively narrow output end of the funnel-shaped section lies toward the apex of the angle, and a relatively wide input end lies opposite the apex. The input end is thus configured to receive media, and the output end is configured to output media. The rotary diverter can accept input media from one input media path, or from several paths, given the wide input section. |
US07946582B2 |
Double efficiency sheet buffer module and modular printing system with double efficiency sheet buffer module
Disclosed are a multi-sheet buffer module and a modular printing system incorporating the buffer module. The buffer module includes a primary sheet transport path that extends horizontally across a frame. Vertical buffer paths extend downward and upward from the primary sheet transport path. Each buffer path connects to a secondary sheet transport path, which provides a loop back connection to the primary sheet transport path. As a stream of sheets moves along the primary sheet transport path, sheets printed out of order will be selectively diverted into the sheet buffer paths. Then, at the proper moment, the sheet buffer paths will feed the buffered sheets into the secondary sheet transport path(s), which will transport them to the primary sheet transport path, such that they are inserted at the proper locations back into the stream of sheets. |
US07946580B2 |
Sheet material feeding apparatus with guide members passing through roll grooves
A sheet material feeding apparatus capable of favorably guiding a sheet material to perform smooth feeding comprises a pair of rolls and first and second guide members and permits a sheet material to pass between the first guide member and the second guide member. One of the rolls has a plurality of circumferential grooves arranged between both ends of a sheet material feeding surface in an axial direction and spaced from one another in the axial direction, and the first guide member includes guide portions passing through the respective circumferential grooves and extending continuously to a downstream side from an upstream side between the pair of rolls in a sheet-material conveyance direction. |
US07946577B2 |
Switchback mechanism, switchback apparatus, and switchback method
A switchback mechanism for reversing a mail item conveying direction has a switchback roller which holds the mail item in a nip and rotates in both forward and backward directions. When there is a remaining mail item deviated from the nip of the switchback roller and remaining in the switchback unit, a pressure roller is pressed to an output roller always rotating in the direction of R1, the remaining mail item is held and fed out to the nip. At this time, a control unit takes out the remaining mail item at timing not to interfere with other mail items. |
US07946576B2 |
Document stacker with fault detection
Techniques include sensing electric signals from an actuator during a document stacking operation and determining whether an abnormal event has occurred based on the sensed signals. The techniques may find particular applicability, for example, to document acceptors that include piston-type stackers driven by a direct current motor. |
US07946575B2 |
Medium feeding unit and image forming apparatus having the same
A medium feeding unit for use in an image forming apparatus includes: a cassette frame to load a printable medium; a guiding member disposed inside the cassette frame to move in a widthwise direction of the printable medium, and to guide the printable medium; and a stopper disposed rotatably to the cassette frame to regulate movement of the guiding member. |
US07946560B2 |
Crane hook block
A hook block for a crane includes a sheave housing containing sheaves, extended portions with a hole through each, and a housing frame with a locking surface; a cross beam has multiple brackets each with a hole; a bracket has a plurality of surfaces corresponding to a plurality of angles of relative position between the sheave housing and the first cross beam, wherein the plurality of surfaces correspond to the locking surface and form a gap therebetween at each of the plurality of angles; a shaft rotatably captured within the holes of the extended portions of the housing and of the multiple brackets; and a locking bar sized to be placed in the gap between the locking surface and any of the plurality of surfaces to immobilize movement of the sheave housing relative to the cross beam. |
US07946559B2 |
Cable drive assembly
A dismantable hoist for storing and transporting wire rope and for lowering and raising the wire rope from a building roof site including a lightweight frame having a base, lightweight reel, for storing the wire rope, having a central drum and a pair of spaced-apart peripheral rings attached to the drum forming opposed side flanges rotatably mounted in the frame, drive means removably attached to the drum for rotating the drum for lowering and raising the wire rope, and brake means operatively connected to the spaced-apart peripheral rings and normally biased into braking engagement with the peripheral rings to stop lowering of the wire rope upon release of the brake means. The brake means include a pair of opposed brake shoes pivotably mounted in the frame to engage each of the peripheral rings, biasing means for normally urging each pair of opposed brake shoes towards each other for engaging and braking the peripheral ring therebetween, and a lever pivotably mounted in the frame to operatively engage the brake shoes for disengaging the brake shoes from the peripheral rings upon manually actuating the lever, whereby the drum is released for lowering or raising the wire rope. |
US07946552B1 |
Notary privacy guard
A notary privacy guard includes a first face substantially opaque having at least four sides, a second face having at least four sides, and a sleeve formed by joining two adjoining sides of the first face with corresponding two adjoining sides of the second face such that the sleeve can slip over two sides and a corner of a book. A second sleeve can be provided to cover both sides of a book. A window can be provided in the substantially opaque face within which the signer can execute his or her signature. |
US07946546B2 |
Apparatus for positioning a device
An apparatus for positioning a device. The apparatus includes a coupling member, a first arm, a second arm, and a sloped support member. The coupling member defines a first opening and a second opening. The first arm passes through the first opening, and the coupling member is movably connected to the first arm. The second arm passes through the second opening. The sloped support member is releasably connected to the second arm. The apparatus has at least five degrees of freedom. |
US07946545B2 |
Wall mount assembly
A wall mount assembly for mounting to a building is described. The wall mount assembly includes a base member having a front surface and a rear surface and having a wall extending about an outer periphery and inwardly from the rear surface. The base member also includes at least one edge recessed rearwardly from the front surface defining a recessed portion therein. The edge of the recessed portion also defines mounting apertures, mounting holes and/or mounting surfaces spaced about the recessed portion. An annular flange extends rearwardly from the recessed portion. An insert member and/or a cover member mount to either one of the mounting apertures, mounting holes and/or mounting surfaces for creating an aesthetic appearance. |
US07946536B2 |
Device for interconnecting first and second control sticks of an aircraft in roll and in pitch
The present invention relates to a device for interconnecting first and second control sticks (1, 2) for controlling an aircraft in roll and in pitch, the device comprising a pitch interlinking shaft (20) and roll interlinking means (10) respectively for interlinking the first and second control sticks (1, 2) during pitch movements and/or during roll movements. The device is remarkable in that the roll interlinking means (10) are arranged inside the pitch interlinking shaft (20). |
US07946532B2 |
Furniture unit for a vehicle, especially an aircraft
A furniture unit for a vehicle includes a seat having a side that is joined permanently to a couch. The general direction of the couch is angled, forwards of the seat, with respect to the direction in which the seat faces. A squab of the seat and a squab of the couch are located at the same level, in such a way as to form a surface suitable for use as a bed. |
US07946527B2 |
Aircraft with fixed, swinging and folding wings
An aircraft with wings that may be fixed for flight and which swing and fold for storage and for maneuvering and otherwise operating the aircraft while not in flight is disclosed. An embodiment includes wings which swing backwards and through the body of the aircraft and then fold by drooping elevons which span the trailing edges of the wings along the sides of the body. Another embodiment includes wings which swing forward and control surfaces which fold upwards at the sides of the aircraft. The invention provides for a narrow width for the aircraft when not in flight using a simple mechanism. |
US07946517B2 |
Frozen block grinder
A grinding machine has a shearing chamber that includes one or more edges that provide fulcrum points against which frozen block of material, such as frozen blocks of meat, can be held against during a reduction or shearing process. The edges may be arranged to limit the advancement of reduced blocks of material to provide more control on the size of the ground material that is ultimately output by the grinding machine. The grinding machine may also include an expansion zone into which reduced blocks can be temporarily held to accommodate volume increases during the reduction process. A feed screw advances the frozen blocks through the shearing chamber and includes pressure flighting to help shear material from the frozen blocks. The feed screw may include a knife holder that provides support for a knife held therein against the lateral forces experienced by the knife as the knife shears material adjacent the orifice plate. |
US07946516B1 |
Feed chute for vertical roller mill
The invention relates to a roller mill for grinding solid material such as cement raw materials and similar materials, said roller mill comprising a substantially horizontal grinding table and at least two rollers which are configured for interactive operation with said grinding table. The roller mill also comprises a feed chute for delivering solid material to be ground by gravity to said grinding table that is a conveyor that fluidizes the material as it is being delivered to the grinding table. |
US07946513B2 |
Device and method for improving grinding efficacy in gravity-fed grinding machines
The present invention regulates the delivery of feedstock to the fragmentation zone in a gravity-fed comminuting machine and reduces the ejection of feed materials by means of a rotating cylinder located at an offset position above the rotor. Rotationally mounted on an axis parallel to and above, but offset from, the axis of the rotor, this cylinder serves primarily as a striking surface, or anvil. The continual rotation of the anvil, in the opposite rotational direction as the rotor and with much slower rotational speed, assists in agitating the feed material, alleviating the problems of feed chute obstructions and feed aggregation. The cylinder forces the feed materials into contact with the rotor teeth through continuous rotation and provides a novel tooth design to improve efficacy and reduce wear. |
US07946508B2 |
Method and apparatus for separating a solution
A method and apparatus for separating a solution containing a target substance. The solution is atomized into a mist in an atomizer (1) to produce a mixed fluid of mist and gas. In the collection of the mist from this mixed fluid, a gas transmission membrane (51) is used. The gas transmission membrane has a pore size that transmits gas but does not transmit the target substance contained in the mist. The mixed fluid is brought into contact with the primary surface of the gas transmission membrane (51), and the pressure on the primary surface is made higher than the pressure on the secondary surface of the opposite side. Thus, the gas in the mixed fluid is allowed to pass through the gas transmission membrane (51) to separate part or all of the gas contained in the mixed fluid. |
US07946503B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device which may be used as an ID chip and data may be rewritten only one time. In addition, a semiconductor device may be used as an ID chip and data may be written except when manufacturing the chip. The invention has a modulating circuit, a demodulating circuit, a logic circuit, a memory circuit, and an antenna circuit over an insulating substrate. The modulating circuit and the demodulating circuit are electrically connected to an antenna circuit, the demodulating circuit is connected to the logic circuit, the memory circuit stores an output signal of the logic circuit, and the memory circuit is a fuse memory circuit using a fuse element. |
US07946501B2 |
Universal smart card
Universal electronic card, of the smart card or intelligent card type, similar to a form of plastic card, with integrated circuital elements which are integrated in the thickness of the stratified card and within it at least one microchip, structured integrally with: i—a microprocessor associated to a memory; ii—an interchangeable flat battery within the card-thickness able to power-supply the microprocessor and the memory; iii—at least one data transmission device connected to the microprocessor and/or to the memory; iv—one fingerprint reader device integrated in it and to the processor system to read the imprint of the user, checking its authenticity before allowing the access at its various functions. |
US07946500B2 |
Memory card and semiconductor device
An antenna connection function for a noncontact interface is provided by suppressing a modification in a pin arrangement and a pin shape of a memory card that does not correspond to the noncontact interface. Two antenna connecting pins having the memory card are divided into two areas in which a size of one potential supply pin is the largest and used as a split pin arranged at intervals. Because a size of the two antenna connecting pins is at maximum as large as the size of the potential supply pin, the two antenna connecting pins are provided and the memory card that corresponds to the noncontact interface is obtained by devoting a pin area having the size of the one potential supply pin to the memory card that does not correspond to the noncontact interface. Accordingly, the pin area of the memory card that corresponds to the noncontact interface can be formed without departing from the pin area of the memory card that does not correspond to the noncontact interface. |
US07946499B2 |
Method for initializing and/or personalizng a portable data carrier
A method for either or both initializing and personalizing a portable data carrier having an electronic circuit, a data transmission device and a switching device. The method is characterized in that either or both before the initialization and personalization is carried out a bridging of the switching device is formed and after either or both the initialization and personalization has been carried out the bridging is eliminated. |
US07946497B2 |
Non-contact IC, information processing apparatus, reader/writer, and use restriction method
A non-contact IC can exchange information with a reader/writer by wireless communication. When the non-contact IC receives from the reader/writer a command indicative of restricting use of the non-contact IC, the non-contact IC sets itself in a state of restricted use. When in the state of restricted use, the non-contact IC can not exchange information with a reader/writer. |
US07946495B2 |
Information providing system, information providing apparatus, information providing method, portable terminal, information outputting method, and computer program
An information providing system includes a portable terminal including an IC chip, and an information providing apparatus that carries out wireless communications with the IC chip. The information providing apparatus includes a browser that reads content and that outputs the content on a screen based on screen-output control information embedded in the content data and defining an output format or a data structure of the content, and a wireless communication unit that carries out wireless communications with the IC chip. In the content data, transmission target information to be transmitted to the portable terminal, and transmission control information instructing transmission of the transmission target information, are also embedded. The browser instructs the wireless communication unit to transmit the transmission target information to the portable terminal based on the transmission control information. The wireless communication unit transmits the transmission target information to the IC chip based on the instruction. |
US07946494B2 |
Laser scanning unit housing
A cover is adapted to form part of a housing of a laser scanning unit. The cover comprises a main body having walls for defining at least one opening adjacent a lens located in a base of a laser scanning unit housing. At least one of the walls comprising seal structure formed integral with an adjacent portion of the one wall. The seal structure is adapted to engage a side portion of the lens so as to seal a gap between the lens side portion and the one wall. |
US07946493B2 |
Wireless bar code transaction device
A cellular camera telephone includes: a photosensor for capturing an image of a target; at least one illumination source for projecting an aiming pattern to a bar code indicia in the target and illuminating the bar code indicia for image capture; a processor for decoding bar code indicia in the image; a button for activating image capture and decoding; a switchable lens assembly comprising a fixed lens and one or more secondary lens for superimposing over the fixed lens to change focal range of the cellular camera. |
US07946487B2 |
Authentication of pharmaceutical products
A method for authenticating a pharmaceutical product, the pharmaceutical product being associated with packaging having disposed thereon or therein coded data including a number of coded data portions, each coded data portion being indicative of an identity of the pharmaceutical product and at least part of a digital signature of at least part of the identity. The method includes having a computer system receive indicating data from a sensing device, the sensing device being responsive to sensing of the coded data to generate indicating data at least partially indicative of the identity of the pharmaceutical product and the signature part. The computer system determines the identity at least one determined signature part and uses these to authenticate the pharmaceutical product. |
US07946485B2 |
Method of maintaining product status with invisibly coded interface
A method of maintaining a status of a product item is provided. The product item includes an associated interface surface which has coded data including a plurality of coded data portions indicative of the product item's identity. The method includes, in a sensing device, sensing at least one coded data portion, generating indicating data indicative of the product item identity therefrom, and transferring the indicating data to a computer system. The computer system is responsive to the indicating data to update product status information stored in a data store. The coded data is substantially invisible to the unaided eye. |
US07946482B2 |
Electronic money paying-in system
The present invention provides an electronic money paying-in system that can easily update information used for an electronic money paying-in process. As the present invention is provided with an electronic money management server for acquiring a paying-in amount that has been input to an electronic money charger and also sending a paying-in processing command for adding the paying-in amount to an electronic money balance on an IC card to the IC card via the electronic money charger, it needs to store information used for processing of depositing electronic money like the paying-in processing command only in the electronic money management server and it can easily update the information used for an electronic money paying-in process just by performing maintenance on the server. Therefore, as the information used for an electronic money paying-in process can be easily updated, maintenance operation can be easily performed on the electronic money charger. |
US07946480B2 |
Transaction dependent on ATM receiving user input of the security code sent during transaction to account'S designated mobile phone
An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that reads card data from a card of a machine user. The card data is linked in a data store to both a customer's financial account and a cell phone assigned to that customer. In response to the user's transaction request, contact data for the assigned cell phone is determined from the data store using the read card data. A transaction security code is then sent to that cell phone. The transaction is allowed to proceed only if the user inputs the sent security code to the machine within a predetermined amount of time. Transaction allowance may also be based on a real time determination that the assigned cell phone is physically located proximate the machine. |
US07946478B2 |
System controlled by data bearing records including automated banking machine
A banking machine system controlled by data bearing records includes an automated banking machine which includes a deposit accepting device. Data read from a user card through operation of a card reader in the machine is used to determine if the data on the card corresponds to an authorized machine user. The deposit accepting device is operative to receive a stack of sheets and to separate each sheet from the stack through operation of a picker. Each sheet is aligned with the sheet path and analyzed by analysis devices including at least one magnetic read head, an imager and/or a validation device. Sheets determined not to have at least one property of a genuine sheet are returned to a user of the machine. Sheets determined to have at least one property of genuine sheets are processed and stored in the machine. |
US07946474B1 |
Method of and apparatus for forecasting cash demand and load schedules for money dispensers
A method of and apparatus for forecasting cash demand for an automated teller machine (ATM) or any other cash dispensing devices for individual days, weeks and multi-day load periods. In one embodiment, an expected value of withdrawal for any particular period, as well as an upper limit on expected withdrawals for a given confidence level, are computed. The invention facilitates the creation of a daily and multi-day withdrawal forecast for a given ATM. The forecasts are also used to compute an optimum load amount for a given load period (the period between loading operations) for a given ATM, subject to given parameters (such as courier cost, interest rate, transit time, desired confidence level, cost of run-out, and the like) and given constraints (bundle size, maximum capacity, possible delivery days, and the like). The forecasts are also used to determine an optimal load period length and schedule. After the ATM is loaded, the system monitors cash in the ATM during a load period to facilitate potential corrective action if actual withdrawals exceed forecasted withdrawals or, in the alternative, if the ATM will contain excessive funds on its upcoming regularly scheduled load date, e.g., due to much lower withdrawals than expected or due to the ATM becoming unavailable for a given portion of the load period. |
US07946473B2 |
Authentication information management system, authentication information management server, authentication information management method and program
There is provided an authentication information management system including: an information processing terminal mounted with an IC chip capable of non-contact communication with a reader/writer; and an authentication information management server capable of communication with the information processing terminal, wherein the information processing terminal includes: a plurality of memory areas provided in the IC chip for each of functions of the IC chip; and a plurality of applications for achieving each of the functions of the IC chip, and the authentication information management server includes: an authentication information setting portion for setting authentication information in the first memory area in response to a request sent from the first application of the information processing terminal; and an authentication information notifying portion which in response to a request sent from a second application of the information processing terminal, notifies the second application of the authentication information of the first memory area. |