Document Document Title
US08008464B2 SSX-4 peptides presented by HLA class II molecules
The invention describes HLA class II binding peptides encoded by the SSX-4 tumor associated gene, as well as nucleic acids encoding such peptides and antibodies relating thereto. The peptides stimulate the activity and proliferation of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Methods and products also are provided for diagnosing and treating conditions characterized by expression of the SSX-4 gene.
US08008456B2 Compositions containing, methods involving, and uses of non-natural amino acids and polypeptides
Non-natural amino acids and polypeptides with non-natural amino acids are disclosed. Further, polypeptides with non-natural amino acids that are subject to post-translational modification are disclosed. Additionally, methods of making, purifying, and using non-natural amino acids and polypeptides with non-natural amino acids are disclosed. The non-natural amino acids, by themselves or as part of a polypeptide, can include a wide range of possible functionalities, but typically have at least one oxime, carbonyl, dicarbonyl, and/or hydroxylamine group. Uses for the non-natural amino acids and polypeptides with non-natural amino acids include diagnostic, therapeutic, and various biotechnology uses.
US08008453B2 Modified Fc molecules
Disclosed is a process for preparing a pharmacologically active compound, in which at least one internal conjugation site of an Fc domain sequence is selected that is amenable to conjugation of an additional functional moiety by a defined conjugation chemistry through the side chain of an amino acid residue at the conjugation site. An appropriate amino acid residue for conjugation may be present in a native Fc domain at the conjugation site or may be added by insertion (i.e., between amino acids in the native Fc domain) or by replacement (i.e., removing amino acids and substituting different amino acids). In the latter case, the number of amino acids added need not correspond to the number of amino acids removed from the previously existing Fc domain. This technology may be used to produce useful compositions of matter and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. A DNA encoding the inventive composition of matter, an expression vector containing the DNA, and a host cell containing the expression vector are also disclosed.
US08008451B2 Antibodies to TNF (tumor necrosis factor) receptor family members
Polypeptide produced from human stromal cell line, the process for the preparation of the polypeptide, DNA encoding the polypeptide, vector carrying the DNA, host cell transformed by the vector, antibody of the polypeptide, and pharmaceutical composition containing the polypeptide or the antibody.
US08008450B2 Therapeutic use of anti-CS1 antibodies
The present invention is directed to antagonists of CS1 that bind to and neutralize at least one biological activity of CS1. The invention also includes a pharmaceutical composition comprising such antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof. The present invention also provides for a method of preventing or treating disease states, including autoimmune disorders and cancer, in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering into said subject an effective amount of such antagonists.
US08008446B2 Auto-antibodies against the melanocortin-4 receptor
Disclosed are biological markers for obesity and methods for diagnosing and treating obesity and related conditions by detecting and modulating the activity of auto-antibodies against the melanocortin-4 receptor or a portion of the melanocortin-4 receptor. Also disclosed are methods for discovering new therapeutics which modulate the activity of auto-antibodies against the melanocortin-4 receptor or a portion of the melanocortin-4 receptor, in particular which prevent the binding of auto-antibodies against the melanocortin-4 receptor or a portion of the melanocortin-4 receptor.
US08008445B2 Metalloproteinase 9 binding proteins
Proteins that bind to matrix metalloproteinase 9 and methods of using such proteins are described.
US08008442B2 Antibodies and molecules derived therefrom that bind to STEAP-1 proteins
Antibodies and molecules derived therefrom that bind to novel STEAP-1 protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein STEAP-1 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, STEAP-1 provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The STEAP-1 gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with STEAP-1 can be used in active or passive immunization.
US08008439B2 Biodegradable biopolymers, method for their preparation and functional materials constituted by these biopolymers
A biodegradable biopolymer material consists of silk fibroin from domesticated silkworm; silk fibroin from wild silkworm; a composite material comprising silk fibroin from domesticated silkworm and silk fibroin from wild silkworm; or a composite material comprising either silk fibroin from domesticated silkworm or silk fibroin from wild silkworm and at least one secondary substance selected from the group consisting of cellulose, chitin, chitosan, chitosan derivatives, keratin from wool and polyvinyl alcohol. The material may be prepared by, for instance, casting an aqueous solution of domesticated silkworm silk fibroin on the surface of a substrate and then cast drying the applied solution. The biodegradable biopolymer material is effectively used as, for instance, a metal ion-adsorbing material, a sustained release substrate for a useful substance such as a medicine, a biological cell-growth substrate and a biodegradable water-absorbing material.
US08008438B2 High affinity NY-ESO T cell receptors
The present invention provides T cell receptors (TCRs) having the property of binding to SLLMWITQC (SEQ ID NO:126)-HLA-A*0201, the SLLMWITQC (SEQ ID NO:126) peptide being derived from the NY-ESO-1 protein which is expressed by a range of tumor cells. The TCRs have a KD for the said that peptide-HLA complex of less than or equal to 1 μM and/or have an off-rate (koff) of 1×10−3 S−1 or slower.
US08008437B2 Cancer-associated genes
The present invention is related to a DNA comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide represented by SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:2. The DNA according to the present invention is highly expressed in prostatic adenocarcinoma and ovarian carcinoma, and is a cancer-associated gene, so that it is possible to inhibit cancer by blocking the binding of the present protein to its ligand. Accordingly, the present antibody is used not only in the detection of the present protein, but also as an agent for the treatment or prevention of cancers such as prostatic adenocarcinoma and ovarian carcinoma.
US08008434B2 Preparation of solid phase bound peptides or PNAs
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of at least one solid phase bound peptide. PNA or a chimera.
US08008433B2 Methods for preventing or treating bone disorders
The present invention relates to a method of preventing or treating a bone disorder in a mammal, comprising administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide having ability to modulate lipid metabolism but having no appreciable effect on IGF-1.
US08008431B2 Tumor-associated peptides that bind to MHC-molecules
The invention relates to a tumor-associated peptide with an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO. 1 to SEQ ID NO. 577 from the attached sequence protocol, the peptide being capable of binding to a molecule of the human major histocompatibilityg complex (MHC) class I. The invention further relates to the use of the peptides for preparation of a drug and for the treatment of tumor diseases and/or adenomatous diseases. Furthermore, a pharmaceutical composition is described comprising at least one of the peptides.
US08008427B2 Soluble phenanthrenyl imidazole for photo-electrical conversion of solar cell
A novel material of phenanthrenyl imidazole is applied to a solar cell. A phenanthrenyl-imidazole moiety is introduced to reduce a power band of a polymer, so that a photocurrent and an optoelectrical transformation efficiency are improved. Thus, a polymer having the novel material is very suitable to be used in a solar cell to acquire a high optoelectrical transformation efficiency.
US08008418B2 High-molecular copolymer containing metal coordination compound and organic electroluminescence element using the same
It is an object of the present invention to provide a copolymer containing a metal coordination compound that has blue phosphorescence emission with excellent color purity and, furthermore, to provide a copolymer containing a metal coordination compound that has luminescence of various colors from blue to red and a long operating life. The present invention relates to a metal coordination compound-containing copolymer that contains a metal coordination compound monomer unit represented by any one of Formulae (1) to (12): and at least one type of monomer unit selected from the group consisting of a substituted or unsubstituted quinoline monomer unit, a substituted or unsubstituted arylene and/or heteroarylene monomer unit, a substituted or unsubstituted branched monomer unit, and a substituted or unsubstituted conjugated monomer unit.
US08008416B2 Curable alkoxycarbonylamino compositions, coatings, and methods
A compound, oligomer, or polymer having a functional group of formula (I) wherein R is a group having 1 to 12 carbons and optionally including one or more heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur is useful in curable compositions having active hydrogen functional groups reactive with group (I). The functional groups of formula (I) and active hydrogen functional groups may be part of the same material or different materials. In some embodiments a filler is surface modified to have a functional group of formula (I). Also disclosed is a method of making a material having a functional group of formula (I).
US08008412B2 Polymer production at supersolution conditions
This invention relates to a process to polymerize olefins comprising contacting propylene, at a temperature of 65° C. to 150° C. and a pressure of 1.72 to 34.5 MPa, with: 1) a catalyst system comprising one or more activators and one or more nonmetallocene metal-centered, heteroaryl ligand catalyst compounds, where the metal is chosen from the Group 4, 5, 6, the lanthanide series, or the actinide series of the Periodic Table of the Elements, 2) optionally one or more comonomers selected from ethylene and C4 to C12 olefins, 3) diluent or solvent, and 4) optionally scavenger, wherein: a) the olefin monomers and any comonomers are present in the polymerization system at 30 wt % or more, b) the propylene is present in the feed at 80 wt % or more, c) the polymerization occurs at a temperature above the solid-fluid phase transition temperature of the polymerization system and a pressure greater than 1 MPa below the cloud point pressure of the polymerization system, and d) the polymerization occurs: (1) at a temperature below the critical temperature of the polymerization system, or (preferably and) (2) at a pressure below the critical pressure of the polymerization system.
US08008410B2 Epoxy resin composition for encapsulating semiconductor and semiconductor device
There is provided an epoxy resin composition for encapsulating a semiconductor comprising an epoxy resin (A), wherein the epoxy resin (A) including: a crystalline epoxy resin (a1) having a melting point of 50° C. to 150° C., an epoxy resin (a2) represented by formula (1), and at least one epoxy resin (a3) selected from an epoxy resin represented by formula (2) and an epoxy resin represented by a formula (3): in which R1's, which may be the same or different, represent a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R2's, which may be the same or different, represent a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; m is an integer of 0 to 5; and n is an integer of 0 to 6.
US08008404B2 Composite membrane
A composite membrane for fuel cell applications includes a support substrate with a predefined void volume. The void volume is at least partially filled with an ion conducting polymer composition. Characteristically, the ion conducting polymer composition includes a first polymer with a cyclobutyl moiety and a second polymer that is different than the first polymer.
US08008403B2 Polyethylene and catalyst composition for its preparation
A polyethylene which comprises ethylene homopolymers and/or copolymers of ethylene with 1-alkenes and has a molar mass distribution width Mw/Mn of from 5 to 30, a density of from 0.92 to 0.955 g/cm3, a weight average molar mass Mw of from 50000 g/mol to 500 000 g/mol and has from 0.01 to 20 branches/1000 carbon atoms and a z-average molar mass Mz of less than 1 million g/mol, a process for its preparation, catalysts suitable for its preparation and also films in which this polyethylene is present.
US08008402B2 Use of recycled plastics for structural building forms
Modular plastic structural composites formed from a mixture of (A) high density polyolefin and one or both of: (B) a thermoplastic-coated fiber material, or (C) polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), or a combination thereof. Composites molded in the form of I-Beams and bridges constructed therefrom are also disclosed.
US08008399B2 Rubber composition containing a polymaleimide compound
Rubber composition, which can be used for the manufacture of tires, based on at least one diene elastomer, one reinforcing filler, one vulcanization system and one maleimide compound, characterized in that the said maleimide compound is a polymaleimide of formula: in which: R1, R2, R3 and R4 are identical or different hydrocarbon radicals, n is equal to 0 or 1 with X being a nitrogen atom if n=0 and X being a carbon or silicon atom if n=1. Use of such a composition for the manufacture of a finished article or of a semi-finished product made of rubber intended for a motor vehicle ground-contact system, in particular of a tire.
US08008397B2 Impact strength modifiers for polyvinyl chloride resin and method of preparing them
Provided are a rubber latex having a multi-layer structure, wherein an inner-layer rubber latex has a refractive index greater than that of an outer-layer rubber latex, a graft copolymer prepared from the rubber latex, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin blend containing the graft copolymer, and a method of preparing the rubber latex. The PVC resin blend containing the graft copolymer including the rubber latex according to the present invention has improved color property and low-temperature impact strength than conventional PVC resins.
US08008396B2 Method of emulsion polymerization
There is provided a process of emulsion polymerization comprising (a) adding a reactive mixture to a reaction vessel, said reactive mixture comprising water, one or more emulsifier, one or more monomer, and one or more initiator, (b) providing conditions in which said reactive mixture undergoes emulsion polymerization, and (c) passing some of the contents of said reaction vessel through a recirculating loop comprising a low-shear pump and a plate and frame heat exchanger having gap width of 6 to 18 mm, wherein more than 50% of the heat produced by said emulsion polymerization is removed from the contents of said reaction vessel by said plate and frame heat exchanger.
US08008392B1 Golf ball material and method of preparing the same
The invention provides a golf ball material which is a resin mixture composed of (a) a nonionic olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer and/or olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymer having a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of from 40,000 to 200,000, a weight-average molecular weight (Mw)/number-average molecular weight (Mn) ratio of from 2.5 to 10.0 and an unsaturated carboxylic acid content of at least 16 wt %, (b) a nonionic olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer and/or olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymer having a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of from 40,000 to 200,000, a weight-average molecular weight (Mw)/number-average molecular weight (Mn) ratio of from 4.0 to 10.0 and an unsaturated carboxylic acid content of not more than 15 wt %, (c) an organic acid or a metal salt thereof, and (d) a basic inorganic metal compound for neutralizing at least 70 mol % of acid groups in components (a) to (c), which resin mixture has a Shore D hardness of from 40 to 60. The golf ball material of the invention provides an excellent rebound resilience and durability while maintaining the flow properties essential for injection molding.
US08008391B2 Aqueous pigment dispersion and aqueous pigment ink for inkjet recording
An aqueous pigment dispersion capable of easily preparing an aqueous pigment ink for inkjet recording, from which is obtained a colored image which is excellent in scratch fastness and excellent in properties on any recording media such as color development on plain papers and gloss on dedicated papers, is provided. An aqueous pigment dispersion containing carbon black or an organic pigment (P), a (meth)acrylic copolymer (A), a polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene block copolymer (B) represented by the following general formula (1), a polyether based polyurethane (C), a basic material and water, wherein a mass ratio of the total of nonvolatile contents of (A), (B) and (C) to (P), (A+B+C)/P, is from 0.3 to 1.6; and a mass ratio of A/(A+B+C) is from 0.05 to 0.45, is provided. HO—(C2H4O)a—(C3H6O)b—(C2H4O)c—H  (General Formula 1)
US08008388B2 Weatherable glass fiber reinforced polyolefin composition
Glass fiber reinforced olefin compositions comprise polypropylene homopolymers, polypropylene copolymers, opacifying pigments, fibrous reinforcers, light stabilizers, lubricants and antioxidants. The opacifying pigments are advantageously ZnO, ZnS or surface treated anatase TiO2.
US08008384B2 Liquid butylaryl phosphite compositions
A phosphite composition comprising at least two of a tris(dibutylaryl) phosphite, a tris(monobutylaryl) phosphite, a bis(dibutylaryl)monobutylaryl phosphite, and a bis(monobutylaryl)dibutylaryl phosphite. The inventive phosphite composition is a liquid at ambient conditions.
US08008379B2 Fluorescent polymer fine particle, method for forming thereof, fluorescence detection kit, and method for detecting fluorescence
The invention provides a fluorescent polymer fine particle having at least: a polymer particle having a core-shell configuration having a hydrophobic core and a hydrophilic shell; and a fluorescent lanthanoid dye that is integrated with the polymer particle and has a fluorescent lanthanoid cation, wherein a hydrophilic polymer which forms the hydrophilic shell has a polymerizable unit and at least one hydrophilic unit selected from the group consisting of a hydrophilic (meth)acrylamide unit and a hydrophilic vinyl amine unit. The invention further provides a method for forming the fluorescent polymer fine particle having at least dispersing and polymerizing a hydrophobic radical polymerizable monomer in an aqueous solvent in the presence of a radical generator and the presence of a components for forming a hydrophilic polymer which forms the hydrophilic shell; and introducing the fluorescent lanthanoid dye with the polymer particle.
US08008378B2 Taste-masked composition of cationic exchange resin
The present invention provides a taste-masked composition containing an active compound. The composition is taste-masked by employing a loaded polymeric matrix which is produced by incorporating or complexing the active compound on a polymeric matrix having ionic functional groups and removing unbound active compounds from the polymeric matrix.
US08008377B2 Modified asphalt binders and asphalt paving compositions
A process for preparing a modified asphalt binder composition, the process comprising mixing asphalt, an unsaturated polymer, and an organothionating agent to form a modified asphalt composition.
US08008374B2 Process for producing polymers having amide and ester groups in the solid state
A process for preparing a polymer P having amide and ester groups in the solid state of aggregation, comprising (a) reacting a homo- or copolymer P1 of (meth)acrylic acid, itaconic acid or crotonic acid with at least one monohydroxy compound E at a temperature up to 200° C. to give a polymer P2, so that anhydride groups form in addition to ester groups, (b) cooling the polymer P2 prepared in step (a) being cooled to below 60° C. so that the polymer P2 is present in the solid state of aggregation or as supercooled melt, and (c) amidating the polymer P2 having anhydride groups and present in the solid state of aggregation or as supercooled melt with at least one amine compound A at temperatures below 60° C., the amine compound A used in step (c) being present in the solid state of aggregation or on or in a solid carrier material.
US08008371B2 Polycarbonate resin composition and molded article thereof
A resin composition which provides a molded article capable of effectively blocking off heat rays from sunlight and having excellent transparency, color and moist heat resistance and a molded article thereof. The resin composition comprises (A) 100 parts by weight of a polycarbonate resin (component A), (B) 0.0001 to 0.05 part by weight of coated hexaboride particles, each composed of a hexaboride particle of at least one element selected from the group consisting of Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Sr and Ca and a coating layer (component B), and (C) 0.0001 to 0.05 part by weight of nitride particles (component C).
US08008370B2 Coating materials containing particles with protected isocyanate groups
Coating formulations especially useful for topcoat and clearcoat applications contains an isocyanate-reactive resin, a blocked isocyanate curative, and particles which bear blocked isocyanate functionalities, a considerable portion of which unblock at a temperature lower than the unblocking temperature of the curative. As a result, the coatings exhibit improved scratch resistance.
US08008369B2 Ink set, ink cartridge including the same, and inkjet recording apparatus employing the same
An ink set includes an ink composition including an encapsulated black pigment in which a black pigment is coated with a polymer resin.
US08008366B2 Curable composition and process for producing cured coating
A process for producing a cured coating is provided that includes a step of forming on a substrate layer of a curable composition that includes at least one compound represented by Formula (I) and a step of curing the layer of the curable composition by irradiation with electron beam. In formula (I) , Q1 denoted a cyano group or a —COX2 group, X1 denoted a hydrogen atom, organic residue, or polymer chain bonded to carbon atom CA via a heteroatom, or a halogen atom, X2 denoted a hydrogen atom, organic residue, or polymer chain boned to the carbonyl group via a heteroatom, or a halogen atom, Ra and Rb independently denote a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, or an organic residue, and X1 and X2, Ra and Rb, and X1 and Ra or Rb may be bonded to each other to form a cyclic structure. There is also provided an electron beam-curable composition that includes a compound represented by Formula (I).
US08008365B2 Crosslinking of polyethylene for low wear using radiation and thermal treatments
The present invention discloses methods for enhancing the wear-resistance of polymers, the resulting polymers, and in vivo implants made from such polymers. One aspect of this invention presents a method whereby a polymer is irradiated, preferably with gamma radiation, then thermally treated, such as by remelting of annealing. The resulting polymeric composition preferably has its most oxidized surface layer removed. Another aspect of the invention presents a general method for optimizing the wear resistance and desirable physical and/or chemical properties of a polymer by crosslinking and thermally treating it. The resulting polymeric compositions is wear-resistant and may be fabricated into an in vivo implant.
US08008357B2 Method for controlling average pore diameter of porous body comprising apatite/collagen composite fibers
In the process of producing a porous body containing a fibrous apatite/collagen composite by gelating a dispersion comprising the fibrous apatite/collagen composite, collagen and water, freeze-drying the resultant gel to form a porous body, and cross-linking collagen in the porous body, a method for controlling the average pore diameter of the porous body by the solidification time of the gel in the freezing step.
US08008355B2 Endosomolytic poly(vinyl ether) polymers
The present invention is directed to membrane active polymers useful for cellular delivery of compounds. Described are polyconjugates systems that incorporate targeting, anti-opsonization, anti-aggregation, and transfection activities into small biocompatible in vivo delivery conjugates. The use of reversible modification provides for physiologically responsive activity modulation.
US08008344B2 Compounds for the inhibition of histone deacetylase
The invention relates to a compound represented by the following formula (I): and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, stereoisomers, enantiomers, prodrugs and solvates thereof. The compounds are useful as an agent for enhancing the neurite outgrowth and preventing or treating of diseases associated with HDAC in particular, tumor or cell proliferative diseases. In particular, the compounds of the invention can be used as an agent for anti-neurodegenerative diseases and human spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
US08008339B2 Non-fluorescent chlorophyll catabolites
The invention relates to a compound of formula (I), or a pharmacologically or cosmetically acceptable salt or derivative thereof, wherein R1 to R5 are selected from the groups R1 representing -alkyl, -vinyl, —CHOH—CH2OH, R2 representing H, —OH, —Oalkyl, —Oacyl, saccharide groups, modified saccharide groups (e.g. malonylated), R3 representing —H, —OH, —Oalkyl, —Oacyl, modified —Oacyl (e.g. malonylated), saccharide groups, modified saccharide groups (e.g. malonylated), R4, R5 representing —COOH, -carbonic esters, for use as drug, antioxidant, food supplement. The invention also relates to a method for producing the compound of formula (I).
US08008337B2 Azabicyclo[3.2.0] hept-3-yl compounds, a process for their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions containing them
Compounds of formula (I): wherein: ALK represents an alkylene chain, W represents a group wherein R and R′ are as defined in the description. Medicinal products containing the same which are useful in the treatment of conditions associated with central histaminergic systems.
US08008335B2 Indole and benzimidazole derivatives
The present invention relates to new indole and benzimidazole compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters or prodrugs thereof, compositions of the new compounds together with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, and uses of the new compounds. The compounds of the invention have the following general formula (I).
US08008332B2 Substituted indazoles as glucokinase activators
Compounds are provided for use with hexokinases that comprise: wherein the variables are as defined herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits and articles of manufacture comprising such compounds; methods and intermediates useful for making the compounds; and methods of using said compounds.
US08008324B2 Indole derivatives and their use as medicament
The invention relates to novel indole derivatives of the general formula 1, to their preparation and to their use as medicaments, in particular for treating tumors.
US08008322B2 Substituted pyrazolopyridines, compositions containing them, method for the production thereof, and their use
The disclosure relates to substituted pyrazolo-pyridines, compositions containing them, methods for the production thereof, and to their use as medicaments, in particular, as anticancer agents.
US08008321B2 Imidazo[1,5-a] pyridine derivatives, method for preparing same and pharmaceutical compositions containing same
The invention concerns compounds of formula I, a method for preparing said compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing same and the therapeutic uses thereof.
US08008309B2 Inhibitors of bruton's tyrosine kinase
Disclosed herein are compounds that form covalent bonds with Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk). Also described are irreversible inhibitors of Btk. Methods for the preparation of the compounds are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that include the compounds. Methods of using the Btk inhibitors are disclosed, alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases or conditions, heteroimmune diseases or conditions, cancer, including lymphoma, and inflammatory diseases or conditions.
US08008298B2 Pyrrolopyrazine kinase inhibitors
The present invention relates to the use of novel pyrrolopyrazine derivatives of Formula I, wherein the variables Q1, R, and X are defined as described herein, which inhibit JAK and SYK and are useful for the treatment of auto-immune and inflammatory diseases.
US08008292B2 Condensed benzamide compounds and inhibitors of vanilloid receptor subtype 1 (VR1) activity
To provide a compound having an excellent inhibitory effect on vanilloid receptor subtype 1 (VR1) activity which is effective in treating diseases to which the vanilloid receptor subtype 1 (VR1) activity is involved, such as pain, acute pain, chronic pain, neuropathic pain, rheumatoid arthritis pain, neuralgia, etc. and a pharmaceutical composition containing the compound. The object has been attained by a condensed benzamide compound represented by the following formula (the symbols in the formula have the same meanings defined in the specification) or its salt:
US08008288B2 Anti-inflammatory A-aminocyclolactam compounds
The invention provides compounds, compositions, and uses of compounds of general formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, for the preparation of a medicament intended to treat an inflammatory disorder wherein y is any integer from 1 to 8; z is any integer from 1 to 8; with the proviso that y and z cannot both equal 1; X is —C —(Y)k—(R1)n or SO2—(Y)k—(R1)n; k is 0 or 1; Y is a cycloalkyl or polycyloalkyl group (such as an adamantyl, adamantanemethyl, bicyclooctyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopropyl group); or Y is a cycloalkenyl or polycycloalkenyl group.
US08008287B2 Integrase inhibitors
Tricyclic compounds, protected intermediates thereof, and methods for inhibition of HIV-integrase are disclosed.
US08008279B2 Compound—827
The present invention relates to compounds and compositions for treating diseases associated with cysteine protease activity. The compounds are reversible inhibitors of cysteine proteases, including cathepsins B, K, C, F, H, L, O, S, W and X. Of particular interest are diseases associated with Cathepsin K.
US08008269B2 Antiviral oligonucleotides
Random sequence oligonucleotides that have antiviral activity are described, along with their use as antiviral agents. In many cases, the oligonucleotides are greater than 40 nucleotides in length. Also described are methods for the prophylaxis or treatment of a viral infection in a human or animal, and a method for the prophylaxis treatment of cancer caused by oncoviruses in a human or animal. The methods typically involve administering to a human or animal in need of such treatment, a pharmacologically acceptable, therapeutically effective amount of at least oligonucleotide that does not act by a sequence complementary mode of action.
US08008262B2 β-peptides
β-peptide regions of polypeptides can serve as structural mimics of α-helices in wild type proteins. Because α-helices of one protein often bind to a target protein in a biological pathway, a polypeptide that contains a helical β-peptide region can be used to disrupt this type of protein-protein binding. As a result, polypeptides that contain a helical β-peptide region can be used to treat conditions involving this type of protein-protein binding, such as viral infections and cell proliferation.
US08008261B2 Methods of reducing trail-induced apoptosis by trail isoforms
This document provides to methods and materials related to apoptosis. For example, methods and materials for modulating apoptosis are provided. In addition, methods and materials for treating a mammal having an apoptosis-associated condition are provided.
US08008256B2 Combination therapy for treatment of cancer
The invention relates to compositions and methods for treating diseases. In particular aspects, the invention relates to administering a combination of a disintegrin with a microtubule stabilizing agent useful for treatment of cancer.
US08008254B2 Methods and compositions for the repair and/or regeneration of damaged myocardium
Methods, compositions, and kits for repairing damaged myocardium and/or myocardial cells including the administration of cytokines are disclosed and claimed.
US08008248B2 Modified Cry3A toxins and nucleic acid sequences coding therefor
Methods for making a modified Cry3A toxin are disclosed. Such methods include the insertion of a protease recognition site that is recognized by a gut protease of a target insect, such as corn rootworm, into at least one position of a Cry3A toxin so that a modified Cry3A toxin is thus designed. The coding sequence of the modified Cry3A toxin may be transformed into a host cell and the host cell grown under conditions that allow the host cell to produce the modified Cry3A toxin. The host cell may be a plant cell and the plant may be comprised in a transgenic plant. Thus, the transgenic plant may be used to produce the modified Cry3A toxin.
US08008247B2 Tumble dryer bleach and fabric treatment
The invention relates to a treatment article and a method for treating a fabric by delivering one or more powdered benefit agents to a fabric in a tumble dryer and thus providing at least one fabric benefit such as sanitization and/or disinfection, whitening and/or stain removal to the fabric during the tumble drying process. The treatment article functions to dispense at least one powdered benefit agent to the fabric by means of a diffusing membrane having an average pore diameter such that the tumbling and/or heating action provided during the tumble drying process results in the delivery of an oxidant material in the form of a powdered benefit agent to the initially damp or wet fabric to provide at least one primary fabric benefit to the treated fabric. Optionally, a second and/or third benefit agent may additionally be included in the treatment article for simultaneous delivery of one or more additional fabric benefits. The invention also relates to a treatment kit employing a treatment article with instructions for the effective delivery of one or more fabric benefits to a fabric during a tumble drying process.
US08008245B2 Fabric care compositions and systems comprising organosilicone microemulsions and methods employing same
Systems, compositions and methods for fabric laundering comprising selected organosilicones which are formulated into microemulsions for improved deposition onto fabrics to provide fabric care benefits.
US08008241B2 Automatic dishwashing detergent composition
An automatic dishwashing detergent composition comprising: a. at least 0.1 mg of active protease per gram of composition, wherein the protease is a variant of a protease that has at least 70% identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. wherein said variant comprise variations in one or more of the following positions: 32, 33, 48-54, 58-62, 94-107, 116, 123-133, 150, 152-156, 158-161, 164, 169, 175-186, 197, 198, 203-216 as compared with the protease in SEQ ID NO:1; and b. at least 0.05 mg of an active low temperature amylase per gram of composition.
US08008240B2 Process for treating a hard surface using an EO/PO trisiloxane
The present invention relates to a process of treating a hard surface with a composition comprising polyalkoxylate trisiloxane. More specifically, it relates to a process of treating an horizontal hard surface, wherein a composition comprising polyalkoxylate trisiloxane is applied onto said hard surface.
US08008238B2 Odor reduction for agents containing hypochlorite
The aim of the invention is to diminish the odor, often perceived as unpleasant, that is left behind on human skin, in particular on the hands as a result of contact with agents containing chlorine bleach after use of the agent. This was achieved by the use of odorants selected from the group comprising diphenylmethane, diphenyl oxide, 2-methyl naphtyl ether, and mixtures thereof.
US08008236B2 Ortho ester breakers for viscoelastic surfactant gels and associated methods
Many methods are provided including a method comprising: providing a surfactant gel having a first viscosity that comprises an aqueous base fluid and a surfactant; providing an ortho ester breaker; contacting the surfactant gel with the ortho ester breaker; allowing the ortho ester breaker to hydrolyze to produce an acid and an alcohol; and allowing the acid and/or the alcohol to interact with the surfactant gel so as to reduce the first viscosity of the surfactant gel to a second viscosity. Other methods are provided that include a method comprising: providing a surfactant gel that comprises an aqueous base fluid and a surfactant having a first viscosity; placing the surfactant gel into a subterranean formation; providing an ortho ester breaker; contacting the breaker with the surfactant gel; allowing the breaker to hydrolyze to produce an acid and an alcohol; and allowing the acid and/or the alcohol to interact with the surfactant gel so as to reduce the first viscosity of the surfactant gel to a second viscosity.
US08008229B2 Thermosensitive recording material
To provide a thermosensitive recording material, which contains: a base; a thermosensitive coloring layer containing a leuco dye and a color developer; at least one protective layer containing a resin, a crosslinking agent, and wax, wherein the thermosensitive coloring layer is disposed on the base, and the protective layer is disposed on the thermosensitive coloring layer, and wherein the resin is reactive carbonyl group-containing polyvinyl alcohol, the crosslinking agent is a hydrazide compound, and the wax is oxidized polyethylene wax.
US08008226B2 Oil-based thermo-neutral reforming with a multi-component catalyst
A method is provided for the thermo-neutral reforming of liquid hydrocarbon fuels which employs a Ni, Ce2O3, La2O3, Pt−ZrO2, Rh and Re catalyst having dual functionalities to achieve both combustion and steam reforming.
US08008223B2 Mesostructured zeolitic materials, and methods of making and using the same
One aspect of the present invention relates to mesostructured zeolites. The invention also relates to a method of preparing mesostructured zeolites, as well as using them as cracking catalysts for organic compounds and degradation catalysts for polymers.
US08008216B2 Nitrogen profile in high-K dielectrics using ultrathin disposable capping layers
Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) transistors fabricated using current art may utilize a nitridation process on the gate dielectric to improve transistor reliability. Nitridation by the current art, which involves exposing the gate dielectric to a nitridation source, produces a significant concentration of nitrogen at the interface of the gate dielectric and the transistor substrate, which adversely affects transistor performance. This invention comprises the process of depositing a sacrificial layer on the gate dielectric prior to nitridation, exposing the sacrificial layer to a nitridation source, during which time nitrogen atoms diffuse through the sacrificial layer into the gate dielectric, then removing the sacrificial layer without degrading the gate dielectric. Work associated with this invention on high-k gate dielectrics has demonstrated a 20 percent reduction in nitrogen concentration at the gate dielectric—transistor substrate interface.
US08008215B2 Integration of buried oxide layers with crystalline layers
A method of forming a buried oxide/crystalline III-V semiconductor dielectric stack is presented. The method includes providing a substrate and forming a layered structure on the substrate comprising of layers of different materials, one of the different materials is selected to be an oxidizable material to form one or more buried low index oxide layers. A first sequence of oxidizing steps are performed on the layered structure by exposing the edges of the layered structure to a succession of temperature increases in the presence of steam from an initial temperature to the desired oxidation temperature for a time interval equal to the sum of the time intervals of the succession of temperature increases. Also, the method includes performing a second sequential oxidizing step with steam on the layered structure at the specific oxidation temperature for a specific time interval. Furthermore, the method includes performing a final sequence of oxidizing steps on the structure by ramping down from the desired oxidation temperature to a final temperature when the oxidizing material is completely oxidized to form the one or more buried low index oxide layers.
US08008213B2 Self-assembly process for memory array
A method of making a device includes forming at least one anodizable metal layer over at least one of an electrode or a semiconductor device, forming a plurality of pores in the anodizable metal layer by anodization of the anodizable metal layer to expose a portion of the electrode or semiconductor device, and filling at least one pore with a rewritable material such that at least some of the rewritable material is in electrical contact with the electrode or semiconductor device.
US08008212B2 Fabrication methods for integration CMOS and BJT devices
Fabrication methods for integrating CMOS and BJT devices are presented. A semiconductor substrate having a first region and a second region are provided, wherein the first region includes a CMOS device, and the second region includes a BJT device. A dielectric layer is conformably deposited on the semiconductor substrate. Part of the dielectric layer is removed, thereby forming sidewall spacers on a gate structure of the CMOS device and remaining a thin dielectric layer on the BJT device. The remaining thin dielectric layer is completely removed, completing integration of the CMOS device and the BJT device.
US08008207B2 Use of ion implantation in chemical etching
A method for controlling chemical dry etching to improve smoothness of an etched surface is disclosed. Ions are implanted into a surface to form a volatilizable compound at a temperature low enough to avoid, reduce, or eliminate formation of three-dimensional structures of the volatilizable compound that might create the roughness at an etched surface of the volatilizable compound. The ions are applied in a sufficient energy to penetrate to a predetermined depth of material that is to be removed from the surface in an etching cycle, and in a sufficient dosage to achieve full formation of the volatilizable compound. The surface of the volatilizable compound is exposed to a gas composition for a time duration sufficient to completely etch the volatilizable compound.
US08008206B2 Double patterning strategy for contact hole and trench in photolithography
A method of lithography patterning includes forming a hard mask layer on a material layer and forming a capping layer on the hard mask layer. The capping layer does not react with oxygen gas during a photoresist ashing process. The capping layer is patterned by using a first resist pattern and a second resist pattern as etch masks. After the capping layer is patterned, the hard mask layer is patterned by using the patterned capping layer as an etch mask.
US08008205B2 Methods for producing a semiconductor device having planarization films
A method of the present invention includes a first planarization film formation step of forming, in at least part of a flat portion of the second regions, a first planarization film so as to have a uniform thickness; a second planarization film formation step of forming a second planarization film between the first planarization films to be coplanar with a surface of the first planarization film; a peeling layer formation step of forming a peeling layer by ion implantation of a peeling material into the base layer via the first planarization film or the second planarization film; and a separation step of separating part of the base layer along the peeling layer.
US08008202B2 Ruthenium CMP compositions and methods
The present invention provides a chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) composition for polishing a ruthenium-containing substrate in the presence of an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide without forming a toxic level of ruthenium tetroxide during the polishing process. The composition comprises a particulate abrasive (e.g., silica, alumina, and/or titania) suspended in an aqueous carrier containing a ruthenium-coordinating oxidized nitrogen ligand (N—O ligand), such as a nitroxide (e.g., 4-hydroxy-TEMPO). In the presence of the oxidizing agent, the N—O ligand prevents the deposition of ruthenium species having an oxidation state of IV or higher on the surface of the substrate, and concomitantly forms a soluble Ru(II) N—O coordination complex with oxidized ruthenium formed during CMP of the substrate. CMP methods for polishing ruthenium-containing surfaces with the CMP composition are also provided.
US08008193B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor device and semiconductor manufacturing apparatus therefor
Provided is a manufacturing method for improving the reliability of a semiconductor device having a back electrode. After formation of semiconductor elements on the surface of a silicon substrate, the backside surface thereof, which is opposite to the element formation surface, is subjected to the following steps in a processing apparatus. After deposition of a first metal film over the backside surface of the silicon substrate in a first chamber, it is heat treated to form a metal silicide film. Then, a nickel film is deposited in a third chamber, followed by deposition of an antioxidant conductor film in a second chamber. Heat treatment for alloying the first metal film and the silicon substrate is performed at least prior to the deposition of the nickel film. The first chamber has therefore a mechanism for depositing the first metal film and a lamp heating mechanism.
US08008191B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device having a through electrode excellent in performance as for an electrode and manufacturing stability is provided. There is provided a through electrode composed of a conductive small diameter plug and a conductive large diameter plug on a semiconductor device. A cross sectional area of the small diameter plug is made larger than a cross sectional area and a diameter of a connection plug, and is made smaller than a cross sectional area and a diameter of the large diameter plug. In addition, a protruding portion formed in such a way that the small diameter plug is projected from the silicon substrate is put into an upper face of the large diameter plug. Further, an upper face of the small diameter plug is connected to a first interconnect.
US08008183B2 Dual capillary IC wirebonding
The invention discloses apparatus and methods for the formation of bond wires in integrated circuit assemblies by attaching two separate wires using a dual capillary bond head. The separate wires are preferably non-identical, for example, being of different gauges and/or material composition. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, dual capillary bond head apparatus includes a rotatable ultrasonic horn with a pair of capillaries for selectably dispensing separate strands of bond wire and for forming bonds on bond targets. According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for dual capillary IC wirebonding including steps for using two dual capillary bond heads for contemporaneously attaching non-identical bond wires to selected bond targets on one or more IC package assemblies.
US08008182B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: a) preparing a structure including a semiconductor substrate, an electrode provided on a first surface of the semiconductor substrate, and an insulation film provided on the first surface and having an opening positioned on a first part of the electrode; b) forming a first metal layer from an upper surface of the first part of the electrode to an upper surface of the insulation film; c) forming a resin layer on a first part of the first metal layer, which is positioned on the first part of the electrode, and on the insulation film after the step b); d) removing at least a second part of the resin layer, which is positioned on the first part of the first metal layer, in a manner to leave a first part of the resin layer so as to form a resin protrusion; and e) forming a second metal layer, which is electrically connected with the electrode, from an upper surface of the first metal layer to an upper surface of the resin protrusion.
US08008181B2 Propagation of misfit dislocations from buffer/Si interface into Si
Misfit dislocations are redirected from the buffer/Si interface and propagated to the Si substrate due to the formation of bubbles in the substrate. The buffer layer growth process is generally a thermal process that also accomplishes annealing of the Si substrate so that bubbles of the implanted ion species are formed in the Si at an appropriate distance from the buffer/Si interface so that the bubbles will not migrate to the Si surface during annealing, but are close enough to the interface so that a strain field around the bubbles will be sensed by dislocations at the buffer/Si interface and dislocations are attracted by the strain field caused by the bubbles and move into the Si substrate instead of into the buffer epi-layer. Fabrication of improved integrated devices based on GaN and Si, such as continuous wave (CW) lasers and light emitting diodes, at reduced cost is thereby enabled.
US08008179B2 Methods using silver compositions for micro-deposition direct writing silver conductor lines on photovoltaic wafers
Embodiments of the invention relate to a silicon semiconductor device, and a conductive thick film composition for use in a solar cell device.
US08008178B2 Method for fabricating semiconductor device with an intermediate stack structure
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a first conductive layer over a substrate, forming an intermediate structure over the first conductive layer, the intermediate structure formed in a stack structure comprising at least a first metal layer and a nitrogen containing metal silicide layer, and forming a second conductive layer over the intermediate structure.
US08008176B2 Masked ion implant with fast-slow scan
An improved method of producing solar cells utilizes a mask which is fixed relative to an ion beam in an ion implanter. The ion beam is directed through a plurality of apertures in the mask toward a substrate. The substrate is moved at different speeds such that the substrate is exposed to an ion dose rate when the substrate is moved at a first scan rate and to a second ion dose rate when the substrate is moved at a second scan rate. By modifying the scan rate, various dose rates may be implanted on the substrate at corresponding substrate locations. This allows ion implantation to be used to provide precise doping profiles advantageous for manufacturing solar cells.
US08008175B1 Semiconductor structure made using improved simultaneous multiple ion implantation process
Methods and apparatus provide for: a first source of plasma (first plasma), which includes a first species of ions, directing the first plasma out along a first axis; a second source of plasma (second plasma), which includes a second, differing, species of ions, directing the second plasma out along a second axis; and an accelerator system in communication with the first and second sources of plasma, and operating to: (i) accelerate the first species of ions at a first magnitude therethrough, and toward a semiconductor wafer, and (ii) simultaneously accelerate the second species of ions at a second magnitude, different from the first magnitude, therethrough, and toward the semiconductor wafer.
US08008171B2 Method of fabricating polycrystalline semiconductor
Disclosed is a method of providing a poly-Si layer used in fabricating poly-Si TFT's or devices containing poly-Si layers. Particularly, a method utilizing at least one metal plate covering the amorphous silicon layer or the substrate, and applying RTA (Rapid Thermal Annealing) for light illuminating process, then the light converted into heat by the metal plate will further be conducted to the amorphous silicon layer to realize rapid thermal crystallization. Thus the poly-Si layer of the present invention is obtained.
US08008169B2 Method for manufacturing photoelectric conversion device
A fragile layer is formed in a single crystal silicon substrate, a first impurity silicon layer is formed on the one surface side in the single crystal silicon substrate, and a first electrode is formed thereover. After one surface of a supporting substrate and the first electrode are bonded, the single crystal silicon substrate is separated along the fragile layer to form a single crystal silicon layer over the supporting substrate. Crystal defect repair treatment or crystal defect elimination treatment of the single crystal silicon layer is performed; then, epitaxial growth is conducted on the single crystal silicon layer by activating a source gas containing at least a silane-based gas with plasma generated at atmospheric pressure or near atmospheric pressure. A second impurity silicon layer is formed on a surface side in the single crystal silicon layer which is epitaxial grown.
US08008167B2 Phase change memory device having an increased sensing margin for cell efficiency and method for manufacturing the same
A phase change memory device having an increased sensing margin for improved cell efficiency. The phase change memory device includes a plurality of diodes formed in an active region of a semiconductor substrate; an insulation layer pattern formed on the respective diodes; a phase change layer formed on the insulation layer pattern in such a way as not to be electrically connected with the diodes; bit lines formed over the phase change layer; and a global X-decoder line formed over the bit lines. The present invention suppresses current flow in a phase change memory device because the dummy cell string and the dummy active region are not electrically connected with each other under the global X-decoder line, whereby preventing parasitic current from being produced in the phase change memory device.
US08008164B2 Wafer bonding method and wafer structure
A wafer bonding method includes providing a primary wafer and a plurality of secondary wafers, wherein the primary wafer is larger than the secondary wafers. An intermediate material layer is formed on at least one of a bonding surface of the primary wafer and bonding surfaces of the secondary wafers. The intermediate material layer has a thermal expansion coefficient greater than the thermal expansion coefficient of the primary wafer and the thermal expansion coefficient of the secondary wafers. The secondary wafers are bonded onto the primary wafer.
US08008163B2 Method of fabricating semiconductor device
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device, the method including forming a buffer oxide layer in a first region and a second region of a semiconductor substrate; forming a plurality of first preliminary mask patterns on the buffer oxide layer in the first region; forming a plurality of second preliminary mask patterns between every two adjacent first preliminary mask patterns from among the plurality of first preliminary mask patterns, respectively; forming a plurality of first mask patterns and a plurality of second mask patterns by trimming the plurality of first preliminary mask patterns and the plurality of second preliminary mask patterns; forming a plurality of first active region mask patterns for exposing the semiconductor substrate; defining a plurality of active regions in the semiconductor substrate by forming a trench including a plurality of first trench spaces having same width as the first space and a plurality of second trench spaces under the second space in the first region; and forming a first liner layer on the semiconductor substrate having the trench therein such that the plurality of first trench spaces are completely filled with the first liner layer.
US08008160B2 Method and structure for forming trench DRAM with asymmetric strap
A method of forming a trench device structure having a single-side buried strap is provided. The method includes forming a deep trench in a semiconductor substrate, said deep trench having a first side portion and a second side portion; depositing a node dielectric on said deep trench, wherein said node dielectric covers said first side portion and said second side portion; depositing a first conductive layer over said node dielectric; performing an ion implantation or ion bombardment at an angle into a portion of said node dielectric, thereby removing said portion of said node dielectric from said first side portion of said deep trench; and depositing a second conductive layer over said first conductive layer, wherein said second conductive layer outdiffuses into a portion of said semiconductor substrate. A trench device structure having a single-side buried strap is also provided. The device structure includes a semiconductor substrate having a deep trench therein; and a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer sequentially disposed on said deep trench, wherein said second conductive layer outdiffuses into a portion of said semiconductor substrate.
US08008152B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising a first insulating film formed on a semiconductor substrate, a charge storage layer formed on the first insulating film, a second insulating film formed on the charge storage layer, and a control electrode formed on the second insulating film, forming the second insulating film comprises forming a lower insulating film containing oxygen and a metal element, thermally treating the lower insulating film in an atmosphere containing oxidizing gas, and forming an upper insulating film on the thermally treated lower insulating film using film forming gas containing at least one of hydrogen and chlorine.
US08008151B2 Shallow source MOSFET
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device comprises forming a hard mask on a substrate having a top substrate surface, forming a trench in the substrate, through the hard mask, depositing gate material in the trench, where the amount of gate material deposited in the trench extends beyond the top substrate surface, and removing the hard mask to leave a gate structure that extends substantially above the top substrate surface.
US08008148B2 Method of manufacturing M-I-M capacitor of semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes sequentially forming an insulating layer and a metal layer over a semiconductor substrate, forming a photoresist pattern over the metal layer and etching the metal layer using the photoresist pattern as an etching mask to form a metal line pattern, subjecting the photoresist pattern to a reflow process to form a photoresist pattern over the metal layer and etching the metal layer using the photoresist pattern as an etching mask to form a metal line pattern, subjecting the photoresist pattern to a reflow process to form a reflowed photoresist pattern surrounding the metal line pattern, forming a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) layer over the semiconductor substrate provided with the reflowed photoresist pattern, and removing the MIM layer arranged over the photoresist pattern and the photoresist pattern.
US08008145B2 High-K metal gate structure fabrication method including hard mask
Provided is a method of fabricating a semiconductor device including a high-k metal gate structure. A substrate is provided including a dummy gate structure (e.g., a sacrificial polysilicon gate), a first and second hard mask layer overlie the dummy gate structure. In one embodiment, a strained region is formed on the substrate. After forming the strained region, the second hard mask layer may be removed. A source/drain region may be formed. An ILD layer is then formed on the substrate. A CMP process may planarize the ILD layer using the first hard mask layer as a stop layer. The CMP process may be continued to remove the first hard mask layer. The dummy gate structure is then removed and a metal gate provided.
US08008132B2 Etched surface mount islands in a leadframe package
A method of fabricating a leadframe-based semiconductor package, and a semiconductor package formed thereby, are disclosed. The semiconductor package includes a leadframe and one or more semiconductor die affixed to a die paddle of the leadframe. The leadframe is formed with a plurality of electrical terminals that get surface mounted to a host PCB. The leadframe further includes one or more extended leads, at least one of which includes an electrically conductive island which gets surface mounted to the host PCB with the electrical terminals. The islands effectively increase the number terminals within the package without adding footprint to the package.
US08008130B2 Multilayer interconnection board, semiconductor device having the same, and method of forming the same as well as method of mounting the semicondutor chip on the interconnection board
In accordance with the present invention, during formation of the interconnection board, the interconnection board remains securely fixed to a high rigidity plate being higher in rigidity than the interconnection board for suppressing the interconnection board from being bent.
US08008127B2 Method of fabricating an integrated circuit having a multi-layer structure with a seal ring
A plurality of IC regions are formed on a semiconductor wafer, which is cut into individual chips incorporating ICs, wherein wiring layers and insulating layers are sequentially formed on a silicon substrate. In order to reduce height differences between ICs and scribing lines, a planar insulating layer is formed to cover the overall surface with respect to ICs, seal rings, and scribing lines. In order to avoid occurrence of breaks and failures in ICs, openings are formed to partially etch insulating layers in a step-like manner so that walls thereof are each slanted by prescribed angles ranging from 20° to 80°. For example, a first opening is formed with respect to a thin-film element section, and a second opening is formed with respect to an external-terminal connection pad.
US08008124B2 Adhesive film for semiconductor and semiconductor device using the adhesive film
An adhesive film for a semiconductor containing an (A) ester (meth)acrylate copolymer and a (B) thermoplastic resin other than the ester (meth)acrylate copolymer, and composed so as to satisfy the following formula (1) for two hours from 10 minutes after starting measurement, in which γ represents an amount of shearing strain produced upon undergoing a shearing stress of 3000 Pa at a frequency of 1 Hz and a temperature of 175° C. on parallel plates of 20 mm in diameter, exhibits superior filling performance in surface unevenness of a substrate through an encapsulating material sealing process, despite that semiconductor chips are stacked in multiple layers in the semiconductor device and hence a wire bonding process imposes a longer thermal history. 0.10≦γ≦0.30  (1)
US08008120B2 Method for producing electronic part package
A peeling off layer 18 is formed on an entire surface of one surface side of a support plate 10 including the inner wall surfaces respectively of a recessed part 12 for an electronic part and recessed parts 16 for posts in which the posts 20 are formed. Then, the recessed parts 16 are filled with metal to form the posts 20. Then, conductor patterns 28 are formed that electrically connect the electrode terminals 22a of the electronic part 22 inserted into the recessed part 12 to the posts 20. Then, an insulating layer covering the conductor patterns 28 is formed to form an electronic part package 30 on the one surface side of the support plate 10 through the peeling off layer 18. After that, the electronic part package 30 is separated from the support plate 10 by the peeling off layer 18.
US08008116B2 Branched phenylene-terminated thiophene oligomers
A composition comprising a plurality of molecules. Each of the molecules has a core comprising at least one aromatic ring and at least three pendant arms chemically bonded to the core. The pendant arms comprise a phenylene-terminated thiophene oligomer.
US08008115B2 Thin film transistor and method for producing the same
The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a thin film transistor of a top-contact structure with suppressed deterioration by a process which is easy and suitable for increase in area without damaging an organic semiconductor pattern. The organic semiconductor pattern is formed on a substrate. An electrode material film is formed on the substrate so as to cover the organic semiconductor pattern. A resist pattern is formed on the electrode material film. By wet etching using the resist pattern as a mask, the electrode material film is patterned. By the process, a source electrode and a drain electrode are formed.
US08008114B2 Phase change memory device and manufacturing method
A phase change memory device comprises a photolithographically formed phase change memory cell having first and second electrodes and a phase change element positioned between and electrically coupling the opposed contact elements of the electrodes to one another. The phase change element has a width, a length and a thickness. The length, the thickness and the width are less than a minimum photolithographic feature size of the process used to form the phase change memory cell. The size of the photoresist masks used in forming the memory cell may be reduced so that the length and the width of the phase change element are each less than the minimum photolithographic feature size.
US08008111B1 Bulk copper species treatment of thin film photovoltaic cell and manufacturing method
A method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device. The method includes providing a transparent substrate comprising a surface region. A first electrode layer is formed overlying the surface region. A copper layer is formed overlying the first electrode layer and an indium layer is formed overlying the copper layer to form a multi-layered structure. The method subject at least the multi-layered structure to a thermal treatment process in an environment containing a sulfur bearing species to form a bulk copper indium disulfide material. The bulk copper indium disulfide material includes one or more portions of copper indium disulfide material characterized by a copper-to-indium atomic ratio of less than about 0.95:1 and a copper poor surface comprising a copper to indium atomic ratio of less than about 0.95:1. The method subjects the copper poor surface and one or more portions of the bulk copper indium disulfide material to copper species to convert the copper poor surface from an n-type characteristic to a p-type characteristic and to convert any of the one or more portions of the bulk copper indium disulfide material having the copper-to-indium atomic ratio of less than about 0.95:1 from a p-type characteristic to an n-type characteristic. A window layer is formed overlying the copper indium disulfide material.
US08008110B1 Bulk sodium species treatment of thin film photovoltaic cell and manufacturing method
A method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device is provided. The method includes providing a transparent substrate comprising a surface region. A first electrode layer is formed overlying the surface region. A chalcopyrite material is formed overlying the first electrode layer. In a specific embodiment, the chalcopyrite material comprises a copper poor copper indium disulfide region. The copper poor copper indium disulfide region having an atomic ratio of Cu:In of about 0.95 and less. The method includes compensating the copper poor copper indium disulfide region using a sodium species to cause the chalcopyrite material to change from an n-type characteristic to a p-type characteristic. The method includes forming a window layer overlying the chalcopyrite material and forming a second electrode layer overlying the window layer.
US08008109B2 Flat display active plate
A method for manufacturing the active plate of a flat matrix display screen, in which each cell comprises an electrode plate connected by a transistor to a first conductive line, comprising the steps of providing an outgrowth coated with an insulator of each first conductive line at the level of each cell; etching or making porous an end portion of each outgrowth; laterally growing, for example, by a VLS method, a PIP or NIN semiconductor structure in each end portion which has been etched or made porous; and establishing a contact at the free end of the semiconductor structure and forming a gate at the level of the median portion of the semiconductor structure.
US08008107B2 Semiconductor wafer pre-process annealing and gettering method and system for solar cell formation
Techniques are here disclosed for a solar cell pre-processing method and system for annealing and gettering a solar cell semiconductor wafer having an undesirably high dispersion of transition metals, impurities and other defects. The process forms a surface contaminant layer on the solar cell semiconductor (e.g., silicon) wafer. A surface of the semiconductor wafer receives and holds impurities, as does the surface contaminant layer. The lower-quality semiconductor wafer includes dispersed defects that in an annealing process getter from the semiconductor bulk to form impurity cluster toward the surface contaminant layer. The impurity clusters form within the surface contaminant layer while increasing the purity level in wafer regions from which the dispersed defects gettered. Cooling follows annealing for retaining the impurity clusters and, thereby, maintaining the increased purity level of the semiconductor wafer in regions from which the impurities gettered. Multicrystalline semiconductor wafers having grain boundaries with impurities may also undergo the annealing and gettering of dispersed defects to the grain boundaries, further increasing the semiconductor substrate purity levels.
US08008103B2 Light emitting device having light extraction structure and method for manufacturing the same
A nitride-based light emitting device capable of achieving an enhancement in emission efficiency and an enhancement in reliability is disclosed. The light emitting device includes a semiconductor layer, and a light extracting layer arranged on the semiconductor layer and made of a material having a refractive index equal to or higher than a reflective index of the semiconductor layer.
US08008101B2 GaN compound semiconductor light emitting element and method of manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to a gallium nitride (GaN) compound semiconductor light emitting element (LED) and a method of manufacturing the same. The present invention provides a vertical GaN LED capable of improving the characteristics of a horizontal LED by means of a metallic protective film layer and a metallic support layer. According to the present invention, a thick metallic protective film layer with a thickness of at least 10 microns is formed on the lateral and/or bottom sides of the vertical GaN LED to protect the element against external impact and to easily separate the chip. Further, a metallic substrate is used instead of a sapphire substrate to efficiently release the generated heat to the outside when the element is operated, so that the LED can be suitable for a high-power application and an element having improved optical output characteristics can also be manufactured. A metallic support layer is formed to protect the element from being distorted or damaged due to impact. Furthermore, a P-type electrode is partially formed on a P-GaN layer in a mesh form to thereby maximize the emission of photons generated in the active layer toward the N-GaN layer.
US08008098B2 Light emitting device and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing a light emitting device is provided. An epitaxial layer is first formed at a plurality of separated regions on a substrate and a second electrode layer is formed on the epitaxial layer. Subsequently, the substrate is removed from the epitaxial layer and a first electrode layer is formed under the epitaxial layer, after which the second electrode layer is divided into chip units.
US08008097B2 MgO tunnel barriers and method of formation
MgO tunnel barriers are formed by depositing a thin layer of Mg on a suitable underlayer, and then directing oxygen and additional Mg towards the Mg layer. The oxygen reacts with the additional Mg and the Mg in the Mg layer to form a MgO tunnel barrier that enjoys excellent tunneling characteristics. The MgO tunnel barriers so formed may be used in magnetic tunnel junctions having tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) values of greater than 100%. The highest TMR values are observed for junctions that have been annealed and that have a (100) crystallographic orientation.
US08008092B2 CCR3 inhibition for ocular angiogenesis and macular degeneration
Provided are methods and compositions for the treatment or prevention of ocular angiogenesis and neovascularization. Administration of inhibitors of the CCR3 receptor or its ligands eotaxin (CCL11), eotaxin-2 (CCL24) or eotaxin-3 (CCL26) inhibits ocular angiogenesis.
US08008091B2 Micro analysis system
A micro integrated analysis system includes a testing chip, system main body and heat insulating section. The chip has a pump connecting section to communicate with micro pumps; a mixing flow path for mixing a specimen and reagent and for reaction processing by heating; and a testing flow path for performing a predetermined test of a mixed solution heated and processed for reaction. The system main body has a holding section to hold the testing chip; micro pumps for injecting a specimen and reagent; a heating section for heating the mixing flow path; and a detection section for performing a test in the testing flow path. The heat insulating section insulates flow path portions continuing from both an inlet end and outlet end of a heated flow path area of the mixing flow path, from heat of the heating section so as to prevent a rise in temperature.
US08008089B2 Method and system for checking measurement result
A system for checking measurement results is provided with a urine qualitative analyzer for measuring the specific gravity of a urine, urinary particle analyzer for measuring urine conductivity, and a computer. The urine specific gravity measured by the urine qualitative analyzer, and the urine conductivity measured by the urinary particle analyzer are respectively transmitted to the computer. The correlative relationship between urine specific gravity and urine conductivity is stored in the memory of the computer, and the computer determines whether or not the received urine specific gravity and conductivity match the correlative relationship, and this determination result is output.
US08008088B2 SMMR (small molecule metabolite reporters) for use as in vivo glucose biosensors
Small Molecule Metabolite Reporters (SMMRs) for use as in vivo glucose biosensors, sensor compositions, and methods of use, are described. The SMMRs include boronic acid-containing xanthene, coumarin, carbostyril and phenalene-based small molecules which are used for monitoring glucose in vivo, advantageously on the skin.
US08008087B1 Analysis of silicon concentration in phosphoric acid etchant solutions
Low concentrations of silicon in an etchant solution are analyzed by adding a predetermined concentration of fluoride ions to a test solution comprising a predetermined volume of the etchant solution, and measuring the concentration of fluoride ions in the test solution. Reaction with silicon ions in the test solution reduces the concentration of fluoride ions, which are present in stoichiometric excess, so that the silicon concentration of the etchant solution can be calculated from the difference between the predetermined and measured concentrations of fluoride ions in the test solution. The method is especially suited for analysis of silicon nitride etchants comprising a high concentration of phosphoric acid.
US08008085B2 Method of measuring HbA1c
A method of measuring HbA1c is provided that, even with a whole blood sample after storage, measurement accuracy substantially equal to a whole blood sample right after collection can be maintained. Whole blood is stored in a presence of a glycolytic inhibitor and protease is added to the stored whole blood sample to cleave hemoglobin in the whole blood sample. Then a glycated part of a hemoglobin fragment thereby obtained is treated with fructosyl amine oxidase. Thereafter, a glycation degree of HbA1c is determined by measuring a redox reaction between the glycated part and the fructosyl amine oxidase. Further, instead of storage of the whole blood in a presence of the glycolytic inhibitor, a strong electrolyte substance such as KCl, K2SO4, KNO, NaCl, Na2SO4, NaNO, MgCl2, MgSO4, Mg(NO)2, etc. is added to the whole blood after storage and a protease treatment is performed in a presence of the strong electrolyte substance. According to these methods, fluctuation in a measurement value of HbA1c due to storage of the whole blood can be avoided.
US08008084B1 Method for determining whether or not a mammal is affected with a lung cancer
The present invention relates to a method for determining whether or not a mammal is affected with a lung cancer. The method for determining whether or not a mammal is affected with a lung cancer of the present invention includes the steps of: (a) measuring a concentration of 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid contained in the urine excreted from the mammal; and (b) determining that the mammal is affected with a lung cancer if the concentration measured in the step (a) is 13.2 μM or more.
US08008082B2 Solution dispensing system
A method and system for switching the dispensing of a first solution from a first vessel to dispensing a second solution from a second vessel when a parameter of the first solution crosses a threshold is described. In one embodiment, a fluid dispensing apparatus includes a first vessel and a second vessel. The first vessel includes an output conduit adapted to dispense the first solution from the first vessel into a fluid receiving region. The second vessel includes an output conduit adapted to dispense the second solution from the second vessel into the fluid receiving region. The apparatus includes a first sensor positioned to measure a parameter of the first solution before the first fluid enters the fluid receiving region. The apparatus also includes a second sensor positioned to measure a parameter of the second solution before the second solution enters the fluid receiving region.
US08008074B2 Compositions and methods for improving bone mass through modulation of receptors of PTH and fragments thereof
The present invention relates to the discovery of novel receptors for the signaling of PTH and/or fragments of PTH, and the role of cPTH in bone development. The novel PTH receptors identified are selected from the group consisting of LRP5/6, TGFβRII, BMPRII (long form and short form), ActRIIA, and ActRIIB. Specifically, the present invention provides a novel screening tool for identifying compounds that improve bone mass by affecting certain pathways that promote or downregulate bone-forming activity. This promotion of bone-forming activity could provide for treatments for bone-loss or bone density disorders and/or kidney disease. The invention further encompasses the compounds, PTH ligands, and fragments of PTH ligands described herein; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, PTH ligands, or fragments of PTH ligand; and methods of increasing bone density using the compounds, PTH ligands, or fragments of PTH ligands.
US08008069B2 Apparatus and method for machining microchamber for cell culture
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for process cell cultures. The apparatus comprises a micro-chamber comprising no more than one absorption layer and at least one gel layer, in this order, laminated on a transparent base plate having no conspicuous absorbency in visible and infrared regions, and at least one light source. The absorption layer has absorbency in visible and infrared regions, and the gel-like material is a substance which has a gel dissolution temperature of 100 degree C. or less, solates when heated and is in a gel state at room temperature and has absorbency for a specific wave length of visible and infrared regions. The light source is monochromatic light in the specific wave length. The light source is disposed such that it irradiates on the absorption layer and/or gel layer, with the exception that when no absorption layer is provided, at least two layers each composed of a gel-like material are laminated on the transparent base plate.
US08008068B2 Nonhemolytic optical sensor with enhanced reflectance
A nonhemolytic sensor for determination of analytes in erythrocyte-containing biological fluids is disclosed that comprises an optical material having a deposit on a surface thereof, where this deposit includes an analyte-reactive reagent and a particulate means for suppressing hemolysis of erythrocytes in an erythrocyte-containing biological fluid, such as whole blood. Thus, a porous array of negatively charged particles, e.g., polymeric beads having a plurality of carboxylate surface groups, are disposed on a sampling surface of an optical sensor, and suppress hemolysis of erythrocytes coming into contact with the sampling surface. In the case of an optical sensor, such particles can simultaneously enhance reflectance of a light beam transmitted through the optical material to the sampling surface site.
US08008067B2 Microwave trigger metal-enhanced chemiluminescence (MT MEC) and spatial and temporal control of same
The present invention relates to a method of imaging structures and features using plasmonic emissions from metallic surfaces caused by chemiluminescence based chemical and biological reactions wherein imaging of the reactions is enhanced by the use of microwave energy and further enhanced by using metallic geometric structures for spatially and temporally controlling the biological and chemical reactions.
US08008066B2 System for performing multi-formatted assays
An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.
US08008063B2 Individual-cell electroporation using area-focused electric fields
Electroporation is performed on a population of cells, liposomes, vesicles, or other membrane-encased structures with uniform results regardless of size variations within the population, by drawing the membrane-encased structures into micron-sized openings that contain paired electrodes. An electric potential is then imposed between the paired electrodes to permeabilize only that portion of each cell that extends into the openings and resides within the electric field focused in the area between the electrodes.
US08008062B2 Production of (R)- and (S)-4-(1-aminoethyl) benzoic acid methyl ester sulfate by lipase acylation of racemic 4-(1-aminoethyl) benzoic acid methyl ester and sulfuric acid precipitation
A method for preparing optically active methyl 4-(1-ammoniumethyl)benzoate sulfate by reacting racemic methyl 4-(1-aminoethyl)benzoate with an acylating agent in the presence of a lipase to give methyl 4-(1-aminoethyl)benzoate and subsequently precipitating methyl 4-(1-ammoniumethyl)benzoate sulfate by adding sulfuric acid.
US08008061B2 Trophic conversion of obligate phototrophic algae through metabolic engineering
Most microalgae are obligate photoautotrophs and their growth is strictly dependent on the generation of photosynthetically-derived energy. In this study it is shown that the microalga Phaeodaclylurn tricornutum can be engineered to import glucose and grow in the dark through the introduction of genes encoding glucose transporters. Both the human and Chlorella kessleri glucose transporters facilitated the uptake of glucose by P. tricornutum, allowing the cells to metabolize exogenous organic carbon and thrive, independent of light. This is the first successful trophic conversion of an obligate photoautotroph through metabolic engineering, and it demonstrates that methods of cell nourishment can be fundamentally altered with the introduction of a single gene. Since strains transformed with the glucose transport genes are able to grow non-photosynthetically, they can be exploited for the analysis of photosynthetic processes through mutant generation and characterization. Finally, this work also represents critical progress toward large-scale commercial exploitation of obligate phototrophic algae through the use of microbial fermentation technology, eliminating significant limitations resulting from light-dependent growth.
US08008060B2 Method for growing Cordyceps sinensis on a substrate
Two different strains of Cordyceps sinensis are placed at two different locations in a medium containing purified rattle snake venom and the two strains are allowed to grow until they meet in a boundary zone where a hybrid strain is formed due to exchange of genetic material. The hybrid strain is allowed to grow and is harvested and can be analyzed for the presence and quantity of desired medicinal substances. The amount of N6-(2-hydroxyethyl)-adenosine in a Cordyceps sinensis strain or product sample is a reliable indicator of the overall health benefiting qualities of the strain or sample.Strains of Cordyceps sinensis, are grown in a substrate at 20 to 22° C. at sea level atmospheric pressure for 28 to 30 days in diffuse light, and thereafter in an atmosphere containing approximately 50% of oxygen of the sea level atmosphere, at approximately 3° C. with exclusion of light, for approximately 15 to 20 weeks to provide a Cordyceps sinensis product that has the characteristic analytical signature of wild Cordyceps sinensis and includes substantial quantities of the health benefiting compounds of the strain found in the wild.
US08008056B2 Variant Hypocrea jecorina CBH2 cellulases
Described herein are variants of H. jecorina CBH2, a Cel6A enzyme. The present invention provides novel cellobiohydrolases that have altered thermostability.
US08008051B2 Butynol I esterase
The invention relates to novel proteins from Pseudomonas glumae, having esterase activity, in particular butynol I esterase activity, to nucleic acid sequences coding therefore, to expression cassettes, vectors and recombinant microorganisms; to methods for preparing said proteins and to the use thereof for enzymic, in particular enantioselective enzymic, ester hydrolysis or transesterification of organic esters.
US08008050B2 Methods for discouraging bacterial growth in culture medium
Methods for production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms, including the heterotrophic marine dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium, using low levels of chloride ion are disclosed. Specifically, methods of increasing production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms while growing in low chloride media by manipulating sodium ion and potassium ion levels. The invention also relates to methods of production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine organisms at low pH levels, and includes methods for generation of low pH tolerant strains.
US08008047B2 L-amino acid producing bacterium which has enhanced expression of at least one of the nhaA gene, the nhaB gene, the nhaR gene, the chaA gene, the mdfA gene and a method of producing L-amino acid
L-amino acid is produced by culturing a bacterium belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family which has L-amino acid-producing ability and is modified so that expression of the nhaA gene, nhaB gene, nhaR gene, chaA gene, mdfA gene, or combinations thereof is enhanced.
US08008041B2 Site-specific incorporation of redox active amino acids into proteins
Compositions and methods of producing components of protein biosynthetic machinery that include orthogonal tRNAs, orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, and orthogonal pairs of tRNAs/synthetases, which incorporate redox active amino acids into proteins are provided. Methods for identifying these orthogonal pairs are also provided along with methods of producing proteins with redox active amino acids using these orthogonal pairs.
US08008039B2 Polydiacetylene-containing solid colorimetric and /or fluorescent detector, method for its preparation and uses thereof
A colorimetric and/or fluorescent detector, which comprises a film of polydiacetylenes and lipids deposited on a substrate, wherein said film is coated with one or more layers, wherein at least one of said layers is capable of supporting the growth of microorganisms. Also provided are processes for preparing the novel colorimetric and/or fluorescent detector and uses thereof in the detection of bacteria.
US08008031B2 Competitive receptor binding assay for detecting beta-glucans
The present invention provides a method for detecting a beta-glucan having immunomodulatory activity in a human cell, which uses a test cell line that stably expresses human dectin-1 molecule on the cell surface and does not express other glucan receptors and a specific amount of a marker beta-glucan that specifically binds to human dectin-1 molecule for detection.
US08008024B2 Methods, products and treatments for diabetes
The invention involves assays, diagnostics, kits, and assay components for determining levels of K41-glycated CD59 in subjects. Treatments for subjects based upon levels of K41-glycated CD59 also are provided.
US08008017B2 Compositions and methods for detecting the presence of cryptosporidium organisms in a test sample
The present invention describes novel oligonucleotides targeted to nucleic acid sequences derived from Cryptosporidium organisms, and Cryptosporidium parvum organisms in particular, which are useful for determining the presence of Cryptosporidium organisms in a test sample. The oligonucleotides of the present invention include hybridization assay probes, helper probes and amplification primers. The present invention further describes a novel method for obtaining purified ribonucleic acid from viable oocysts.
US08008011B2 Genetic variation in pro-melanin-concentrating hormone gene affects carcass traits in cattle
An A-to-T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) identified at position −134 relative to the ATG start codon, in the Pro-Melanin-Concentrating Hormone (PMCH) gene of Bos taurus and Bos indicus animals of both British and Continental type, is associated with changes in the average fat and grade fat. The A allele occurred in 67% of cattle examined and was associated with higher average fat and grade fat levels. The cattle industry may make use of these findings to genetically select for, and/or sort, cattle using this SNP.
US08008009B2 Method for ProNGF assay for in vitro diagnosis of cancer in particular breast, thyroid or lung cancer and therapeutic use of ProNGF
The present invention concerns a method for in vitro diagnosis of cancer, in particular breast, thyroid or lung cancer, which consists in determining the presence of ProNGF in a biological sample derived from a patient suspected of suffering from cancer, in particular breast, thyroid or lung cancer. Said method may be used for early diagnosis, screening, therapeutic follow-up, prognosis and for diagnosing relapses in cancer and in particular breast, thyroid or lung cancer.The present invention also concerns the use of a ProNGF inhibitor for preparing a drug, said drug being in particular useful for blocking remote dissemination and cell invasion in patients suffering from cancer, in particular breast, thyroid or lung cancer.The invention is applicable in the field of diagnosis and therapeutics.
US08008007B2 S-adenosyl-L-methionine analogs with extended activated groups for transfer by methyltransferases
S-Adenosyl-L-methionine analogs of formula (I): are disclosed wherein R comprises a carbon-carbon double bond, carbon-sulfur double bond, carbon-nitrogen double bond, -a carbon-carbon triple bond, carbon-nitrogen triple bond or an aromatic carbocyclic or heterocyclic system in β-position to the sulfonium center, X{circle around (−)} is an organic or inorganic anion carrying one or more negative charges, Z is —CR1R2—, —O—, —S— or —NR3— and R1, R2 and R3 are independently selected from H, D and C1—C alkyl; as well as complexes with a methyltransferase, pharmaceutical compositions, methods for modifying a biomolecule, and methods for detecting sequences specific methylation of biomolecules.
US08008002B2 Nucleic acid sequencing
A method is disclosed for determining a target nucleic acid sequence, where the target nucleic acid sequence is comprised in a preparation comprising a non-target nucleic acid sequence, the target nucleic acid sequence and the non-target nucleic acid sequence each having a first region of common sequence upstream of a first region of dissimilar sequence upstream of a second region of dissimilar sequence, and includes the steps of contacting the preparation with an oligonucleotide primer complementary to at least a portion of the first region of common sequence, under conditions to hybridise the primer thereto; contacting the preparation with a first labelled nucleotide bearing a first label, wherein the first labelled nucleotide is complementary to a first template nucleotide comprised in the first region of dissimilar sequence of either the target nucleic acid sequence or the non-target nucleic acid sequence, under conditions to incorporate the first labelled nucleotide either into the primer hybridised to the target nucleic acid sequence or into the primer hybridised to the non-target nucleic acid sequence but not into both; and subjecting the preparation to a sequencing reaction, thereby extending the primer to form one or more first-labelled sequencing products comprising the first labelled nucleotide and one or more non-first-labelled sequencing products comprising no first labelled nucleotide; and determining at least a portion of the sequence of the first-labelled sequencing products and/or the non-first-labelled sequencing products, thereby determining at least the second region of dissimilar sequence of the target nucleic acid sequence.
US08007999B2 Real-time detection of influenza virus
The present invention provides system and methods for detecting an analyte indicative of an influenza viral infection in a sample of bodily fluid. The present invention also provides for systems and method for detection a plurality of analytes, at least two of which are indicative of an influenza viral infection in a sample of bodily fluid.
US08007998B2 Polymerized conjugates for biological applications
Polymerized conjugates of at least two proteins that have increased sensitivity for detecting proteins in biological assays such as gels and blots, and methods of preparing the conjugates, and a protein assay detection kit using the conjugates. In one embodiment, proteins are polymerized by reacting a carbohydrate group on the protein that has been oxidized with an amine group.
US08007994B2 Compositions and methods of modulating cholesterol metabolism
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for reducing cholesterolemia and its effects. More specifically, the invention is directed, in one embodiment, to methods for screening for compounds that affect cholesterol levels generally, and in particular, that affect the absorption of cholesterol. The invention also is directed to methods of screening for compounds that increase bile acid synthesis. In so doing, the inventors describe useful transgenic cells and animals which lack one or both alleles of the LXRα gene. Also provided are therapeutic methods designed to reduce cholesterol levels in suitable subjects. The reduction may be effected by decreasing cholesterol absorption, increasing bile acid synthesis, or combinations thereof. Particularly useful in decreasing cholesterol absorption are RXR agonists, for example, rexinoid compounds. Therapeutic intervention in cholesterol biosynthesis and diet are additional adjunct therapies. In addition, the present invention relates to candidate compounds that modulate the expression of ABC-1 in a cell that expresses RXR. Methods of identifying and making a modulator of ABC-1 are disclosed.
US08007986B2 Immersion lithography fluids
Suitable additives that may be added into immersion fluids, immersion fluids comprising at least one carrier medium selected from an aqueous fluid, a non-aqueous fluid, and mixtures thereof, and immersions fluids comprising at least one carrier medium and at least one additive useful for performing immersion lithography at an operating wavelength ranging from 140 nm to 365 nm are disclosed herein.
US08007984B2 Method for producing flexographic printing forms by thermal development
Flexographic printing plates are produced by thermal development by a process in which an imagewise exposed flexographic printing element is developed by heating and removing the softened, unpolymerized parts of the relief-forming layer, the flexographic printing element containing a styrene/butadiene block copolymer as a mixture with a plasticizer, and the proportion of butadiene which is present in 1,2-linked form being from 15 to 50% by weight, based on the block copolymer.
US08007983B2 Photosensitive resin composition, photosensitive element using same, method for forming resist pattern, and method for producing printed wiring board
The photosensitive resin composition of the invention is characterized by comprising (A) a binder polymer, (B) a photopolymerizing compound with at least one polymerizable ethylenic unsaturated bond in the molecule, (C) a photopolymerization initiator and (D) a compound represented by the following general formula (1). In formula (1), R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each independently hydrogen or a compound of the following general formula (2). In general formula (2), R5 represents a C4-30 hydrocarbon group.
US08007982B2 Optical information recording medium
An optical information recording medium, which is made of a resin provided with photoreactivity containing organometal compound, has a recording layer on which, after a photoreaction are brought about when predetermined initialization light is irradiated to the medium and then the resin is hardened, at a time of recording information, a recording mark is formed when predetermined recording light is condensed to the medium, and a temperature of the medium near a focal point of the recording light is increased and the organometal compound is transubstantiated, and at a time of reproducing information, the information is reproduced based on returned light according to predetermined reading light being irradiated.
US08007976B2 Electrostatic image developing toner, toner kit and image forming apparatus
A toner is provided that comprises a colorant and a binder resin, wherein the binder resin comprises a polyester resin that is prepared by a polycondensation reaction in the presence of at least a titanium-containing catalyst expressed by General Formula (II) or (II), the toner has a volume average particle diameter of 2.0 μm to 10.0 μm and a ratio Dv/Dn within a range of 1.00 to 1.40, in which Dv represents a volume average particle diameter and Dn represents a number average particle diameter, Ti(—X)m(—OH)n  General Formula (I) O═Ti(—X)p(—OR)q  General Formula (II) in General Formulas (I) and (II), X represents a residue of a mono-alkanolamine of 2 to 12 carbon atoms or a polyalkanolamine from which a hydrogen atom of one hydroxyl group is removed; other hydroxyl group(s) and still other hydroxyl group(s), within the polyalkanolamine molecule that has a directly bonding Ti atom, may polycondense to form a ring structure; other hydroxyl group(s) and still other hydroxyl group(s) may polycondense intermolecularly to form a repeating structure; and the polymerization degree is 2 to 5 in a case of forming the repeating structure; R represents one of a hydrogen atom and alkyl groups of 1 to 8 carbon atoms that may have 1 to 3 ether bonds; “m” is an integer of 1 to 4; “n” is an integer of 0 to 3; the sum of “m” and “n” is 4; “p” is an integer of 1 or 2; “q” is an integer of 0 or 1; the sum of “p” and “q” is 2; and in a case that “m” and “p” is 2 or more, the respective Xs may be identical or different each other.
US08007975B2 Colorant and toner
A colorant comprising an aggregate of a molecule having a squarylium skeleton and having a maximum absorption wavelength at about 500 nm to about 600 nm in a molecular dispersion state.
US08007969B2 Tri-level xerography for hypochromatic colorants
A xerogrpahic system and method use a tri-level development process in which at least one xerographic imaging unit includes a photoreceptor and a pair of developer units. A first developer unit includes a conventional first toner of a given color (CYMK) and a second developer unit includes a hypochromatic light form of the first toner. By use of a specific tri-level process, excellent color-to-color registration can be achieved for each processed color separation because overlap between colorants can be prevented. Moreover, by use of two forms of the same colorant, a smoother tone reproduction curve can be achieved when an aggressive blending strategy is used. Gamut loss and ink limit violation can be avoided by adjusting the blending curve in certain situations. An exemplary implementation uses a four drum, eight color tandem architecture with formulations of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black, as well as corresponding hypochromatic light colorants of light Cyan, light Magenta, light Yellow, and light Black (gray).
US08007968B2 Substrate processing method, program, computer-readable storage medium and substrate processing system
In the present invention, patterning for the first time is performed on a film to be worked above the front surface of a substrate, and the actual dimension of the pattern formed by the patterning for the first time is measured. Based on the dimension measurement result of the patterning or the first time, the condition of patterning for the second time is then set. In this event, the condition of the patterning for the second time is set so that a difference between the dimension of the patterning for the first time and its target dimension is equal to a difference between the dimension of the patterning for the second time and its target dimension. Thereafter, the patterning for the second time is performed under the set patterning condition.
US08007965B2 Optical wavelength division multiplexed multiplexer/demultiplexer for an optical printed circuit board and a method of manufacturing the same
The invention provides an optical mux/demux for an optical printed circuit board. The mux/demux comprises: a first waveguide formed on a support layer for carrying a wavelength division multiplexed optical signal; a separator/combiner for separating the wavelength division multiplexed signal into component signals of corresponding wavelengths or for combining component signals into the said wavelength division multiplexed signal; and plural second waveguides, each for receiving or providing one or more of the said component signals, wherein the separator/combiner is at a predetermined location relative to the waveguides.
US08007963B2 Photomask
A photomask or equivalent optical component includes a scattering element in the medium of a substrate, which actively modifies (adjusts/filters the intensity, shape, and/or components of) light that propagates through the substrate. The substrate has a front surface and a back surface and is transparent to exposure light of a photolithography process, i.e., light of given wavelength, at least one mask pattern at the front surface of the substrate and the image of which is to be transferred to an electronic device substrate in a photolithographic process using the photomask, a blind pattern at the front surface of the substrate and opaque to the exposure light, and the scattering element. The scattering element, in addition to being formed in the medium of the substrate, is situated below the blind pattern as juxtaposed with the blind pattern in the direction of the thickness of the substrate. Also, a section of the photomask substrate is irradiated with energy which does not melt and/or vaporize the medium of the photomask substrate to form the scattering element. To this end, a femtosecond laser may be used.
US08007961B2 Mask blank substrate set and mask blank set
A substrate set is a mask blank substrate set including a plurality of substrates each for use in a mask blank for producing a photomask to be chucked on a mask stage of an exposure apparatus. In each of the substrates in the mask blank substrate set, a main surface, on the side where a thin film for forming a transfer pattern is to be formed, has a convex shape being relatively high at its center and relatively low at its peripheral portion. In each substrate, the flatness in a 142 mm square area, including a central portion, of the main surface is 0.3 μm or less and the difference upon fitting to a reference main surface of a reference substrate is 40 nm or less.
US08007959B2 Photomask and pattern formation method using the same
A photomask includes a transparent substrate having a transparent property against exposing light and a halftone portion formed on the transparent substrate. In the halftone portion, a first opening having a first dimension and a second opening having a second dimension larger than the first dimension are formed. A light-shielding portion is formed on the transparent substrate to be disposed around the second opening.
US08007952B2 Fuel cell
A DMFC is provided in which the structure is simplified and the thickness is reduced without impairing diffusibility of fuel, air and generated products. An anode catalyst layer and a cathode catalyst layer sandwich an electrolyte membrane. Liquid fuel stored in a fuel chamber is directly supplied to the anode catalyst layer. Current collectors are respectively provided adjacent to the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer. Each of the current collectors is formed of a flat conductive sheet in which a plurality of fine pores are provided to extend through the current collector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the planar direction.
US08007951B2 Fuel cell compression retention system using compliant strapping
A fuel cell system is provided including a fuel cell stack having a first end and second end. The fuel cell stack includes at least one fuel cell having a membrane-electrode assembly disposed between adjacent gas diffusion layers. The fuel cell system further includes a compression retention system having a plurality of compliant straps adapted to apply a compressive force to the fuel cell stack. The plurality of compliant straps are further adapted to accommodate an expansion of the fuel cell stack during an operation thereof and maintain the compressive force within a desired range.
US08007950B2 Fuel cell stack
Each of the fuel cell units making up a fuel cell stack includes a first separator, a second separator, and a third separator. A predetermined number of load receivers are provided integrally on outer ends of the first separator, the second separator, and the third separator. The load receivers of the second separator protrude toward the casing beyond the other load receivers. Resin clips are inserted into the load receivers, such that the first separator, the second separator, and the third separator are fixed together by the resin clips.
US08007942B2 Ion-dissociative functional compound, method for production thereof, ionic conductor, and electrochemical device
Disclosed herein are an ion-dissociative functional compound, a method for production thereof, an ionic conductor, and an electrochemical device, the ion-dissociative functional compound being thermally and chemically stable under the condition required of fuel cells and being suitable for use as a material such as protonic conductor in fuel cells.The proton-dissociative functional compound shown in FIG. 1A is composed of a fullerene C60 molecule and about 10 sulfonic acid groups —SO3H as proton-dissociative groups each attached to the fullerene through a difluoromethane group —CF2—. The proton-dissociative functional compound shown in FIG. 1B is composed of fullerene molecules three-dimensionally connected to each other through a linking group —CF2SO2NHSO2CF2—. It contains, as the proton-dissociative group, sulfoneimide groups —SO2NHSO2— and sulfoneamide groups —SO2H2 in addition to sulfonic acid groups. These compounds are prepared by introduction of difluoro(fluorosulfonyl)methyl groups into fullerene molecules, and ensuing imidization and hydrolysis.
US08007941B2 Positive active material for rechargeable lithium battery and method of preparing same
A positive active material for a rechargeable lithium battery. The positive active material includes a core and a surface-treatment layer on the core. The core includes at least one lithiated compound and the surface-treatment layer includes at least one coating material selected from the group consisting of coating element included-hydroxides, oxyhydroxides, oxycarbonates, hydroxycarbonates and any mixture thereof.
US08007940B2 High discharge capacity lithium battery
A lithium/iron disulfide electrochemical battery cell with a high discharge capacity. The cell has a lithium negative electrode, an iron disulfide positive electrode and a nonaqueous electrolyte. The iron disulfide of the positive electrode has a controlled average particle size range which allows the electrochemical cells to exhibit desired properties in both low and high rate applications. In various embodiments, the iron disulfide particles are wet milled, preferably utilizing a media mill or milled utilizing a non-mechanical mill such as a jet mill, which reduces the iron disulfide particles to a desired average particle size range for incorporation into the positive electrode.
US08007938B2 Nonaqueous electrolyte solution and lithium secondary battery using same
A non-aqueous electrolyte solution is provided that realizes a large capacity, exhibits high storage characteristics and cycle characteristics, and is capable of inhibiting gas generation. The non-aqueous electrolyte solution comprises a lithium salt; at least one non-aqueous solvent selected from the group consisting of a chain carbonate, a cyclic carbonate, a chain carboxylic acid ester, a cyclic carboxylic acid ester, a chain ether, and a cyclic ether; and a compound expressed by the following formula (II)a wherein R41-R52 independently of each other, represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1-12 carbon atoms that may be substituted by a fluorine atom, an alkenyl group having 1-12 carbon atoms that may be substituted by a fluorine atom, an aryl group having 6-12 carbon atoms that may be substituted by a fluorine atom, or an aralkyl group having 7-12 carbon atoms that may be substituted by a fluorine atom, wherein each group R41-R52 may have an ether linkage in its chain, and R41 may be linked with R42, and R43 may be linked with R44, to form a ring, said ring optionally comprising an oxygen atom.
US08007931B2 Magnetic recording medium
A perpendicular magnetic recording medium including: a substrate; a perpendicular magnetic recording layer disposed over the substrate; a soft magnetic underlayer disposed between the substrate and the perpendicular magnetic recording layer; a shunting layer disposed under the soft magnetic underlayer; and an isolation layer disposed between the soft magnetic underlayer and the shunting layer and providing magnetic isolation between the shunting layer and the other layers disposed over the shunting layer are provided. The shunting layer is magnetically separated from the other magnetic layers disposed over the shunting layer, and shunts a magnetic field generated by the magnetic domain walls of the soft magnetic underlayer such that the magnetic field cannot reach a magnetic head, thereby increasing a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
US08007929B2 Surface coated cutting tool
A surface coated cutting tool having, on a surface of a substrate, a hard coating layer including at least an aluminum oxide layer, the surface having a rake face on a main face thereof and a flank on a side face thereof, wherein, when a value calculated by the following equation (I) is a texture coefficient TC of the (HKL) plane of the aluminum oxide layer, a ratio of a texture coefficient TCR on the rake face to a texture coefficient TCF on the flank, TCF/TCR, is in a range of 0.3 to 0.95. TC = I ⁡ ( HKL ) / I O ⁡ ( HKL ) 1 / 6 ⁢ ⁢ ∑ [ I ⁡ ( hkl ) / I 0 ⁡ ( hkl ) ] ( I ) where I(HKL), I0(HKL) and Σ[I(hkl)/I0(hkl)] are as described in the specification.
US08007928B2 Coated article with black color
An article is coated with a coating having a black color. In a preferred embodiment, the coating comprises a nickel or polymer basecoat layer, and a first color layer comprised of oxygen-rich refractory metal oxycarbides, a second color layer comprising oxygen-rich refractory metal oxycarbides and a top layer of refractory metal oxides.
US08007923B2 Metallic member being subjected to rust-preventive treatment
A metallic member, which is subjected to rust-preventive treatment, includes a metallic substrate, a zinc composite coating film, and a coating layer. The metallic substrate is formed as a predetermined configuration. The zinc composite coating film is disposed on the metallic substrate. The coating layer is made by coating and drying a coating composition on the zinc composite coating film. The coating composition includes a coating vehicle, a body pigment, and a rust-preventive pigment. The coating vehicle includes an organic solvent, and a resinous material being dissolved in the organic solvent. The body pigment is dispersed in the coating vehicle. The rust-preventive pigment is dispersed in the coating vehicle.
US08007918B2 Plasticizers for improved elevated temperature properties in cellulose esters
In one aspect, the invention relates to a composition comprising a cellulose ester and a high boiling plasticizer having a boiling point greater than 370° C., wherein the composition has a glass transition temperature (Tg) greater than a similar composition having triphenyl phosphate (TPP) plasticizer substituted for the high boiling plasticizer. The invention also related to articles and films made therefrom. This invention also relates to methods of making the compositions, articles and films.
US08007916B2 Process for production of a composite
A composite part is produced by a process in which at least one of components a) and b) of said composite part is treated with an Openair plasma on a contact surface between said components a) and b) prior to production of the composite part, followed by molding-on of the other component; wherein said components are as follows: a) a part which entirely or to some extent comprises a molding composition comprising at least 40% by weight of a polyamide whose monomer units contain an average of at least 8 carbon atoms, and b) a part comprising another molding composition.
US08007915B2 Resin composition, molded component, electrophotographic transfer film and image-forming apparatus
A resin composition comprises a polyphenylene sulfide resin and a nylon resin having a χ-parameter of less than 1.3 at 25° C., and has one glass transition temperature, and an image-forming apparatus comprises a latent-image supporting member, and an intermediate transfer member that supports a toner image transferred thereon from the latent-image supporting member, transfers the supported toner image onto an image receiving material, the intermediate transfer member comprising a polyphenylene sulfide resin and a nylon resin having a χ-parameter of less than 1.3 at 25° C., and has one glass transition temperature.
US08007914B2 Two layer LTO temperature oxide backside seal for a wafer
A two layer LTO backside seal for a wafer. The two layer LTO backside seal includes a low stress LTO layer having a first major side and a second major side, the first major5 side of the low stress LTO layer adjacent to one major side of the wafer. The two layer LTO backside seal further includes a high stress LTO layer having a first major side and second major side, the first major side of the high stress LTO layer adjacent the second major side of the low stress LTO layer.
US08007912B2 Fuser member with intermediate adhesive layer
In accordance with the disclosure, a fusing member is provided comprising, in order, a base member, a cured liquid silicone rubber substrate layer, an amino silane, and an anhydrous solvent containing adhesive layer. The fusing member further comprises a fluoroelastomer fusing surface topcoat layer including poly (vinylidene fluoride-tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene).
US08007908B2 Single walled carbon nanohorn adsorptive material and method for production thereof
A single walled carbon nanohorn adsorptive material which comprises a single walled carbon nanohorn and a lanthanide metal deposited thereon and has methane absorptivity is produced, whereby a single walled carbon nanohorn adsorptive material which can adsorb much methane and is effective as a methane adsorbing material is provided.
US08007907B2 Glass-containing molding composition and process for production of the same
A glass-containing molding composition is prepared by incorporating glass powder into a thermoplastic resin at a glass load ratio of 40 to 70 percent by weight, in which the glass powder is composed of solid spherical glass particles which have an average particle size of 10 to 40 μm and whose surfaces are totally covered with a silane compound and which exhibits reduction ratios of melt flow rate on a parabolic curve with the increase of glass load ratios and has a reduction ratio of melt flow rate of 3/4 to 1/4 within a glass load ratio in a range of 40 to 64 percent by weight.
US08007903B2 Method for manufacturing ceramic member, and ceramic member, gas sensor device, fuel cell device, filter device, multi-layer piezoelectric device, injection apparatus and fuel injection system
A ceramic member in which the metal layers with high void ratio are sufficiently sintered to lower a residue of resin is produced. The method for manufacturing a ceramic member which comprises a step of forming a stacked compact from a plurality of metallic paste layers containing a metal component M1 that are stacked one on another via ceramic green sheets, and a step of firing the stacked compact, wherein at least one of plural metallic paste layers is formed as a second metallic paste layer that has the mass percentage X higher than that of the metallic paste layer that adjoin therewith in the stacking direction and a ceramic powder is contained in the second metallic paste layer in the step of forming the stacked compact, the mass percentage X being the proportion of the metal component M1 to the total metal content in the metallic paste layer.
US08007901B2 Optical article having an antistatic, antireflection coating and method of manufacturing same
An antireflection, antistatic transparent coating for an optical article, comprising at least one electrically conductive layer, wherein said electrically conductive layer contains at least one metal and has a thickness lower than or equal to 1 nm. The invention also relates to a an optical article having two main faces, at least one which being coated with the above antireflection, antistatic transparent coating and a process for depositing the above antireflection, antistatic transparent coating onto said optical article.
US08007897B2 Insulating sheet and method for producing it, and power module comprising the insulating sheet
An insulating sheet includes an adhesive component of a thermosetting resin and containing a filler member. Heat conductivity of an adhesive face region of the insulating sheet is smaller than heat conductivity of an inner region of the insulating sheet.
US08007894B2 Process and equipment for manufacture of advanced composite structures
A process for continuous, tailored lamination of aligned composite materials in such a way that either pre-formed or pre-consolidated sheets are made available for subsequent infusion molding or stamping processes, the process comprising the steps of: material placement, consolidation/stabilization, cut and kit, fabrication, and final trim. A tailored blank machine is also described. The blank machine includes a series of material placement heads arranged in a linear or serial fashion along a single moving placement table, wherein each head lays down a single angle of the prescribed stacking sequence as the conveyer passes under the head at a constant speed wherein the angle is proportional to head traverse rate divided by conveyer speed.
US08007888B2 Fire protection blanket and associated method
A fire protection blanket comprising: at least two fibrous subassemblies arranged substantially parallel to a principal surface of the blanket in which each fibrous subassembly comprises at least two mineral fiber wool layers, substantially parallel to the principal surface of the blanket, separated by at least one mineral fiber fabric and in which refractory particles are arranged inside at least one mineral fiber wool layer; at least one layer of refractory adhesive attaching the fibrous subassemblies to each other; and a covering comprising a mineral fiber fabric impregnated with a fire-resistant silicone and enclosing all of the fibrous subassemblies.
US08007883B2 Container comprising a transparent cylindrical container wall
The invention relates to a container (1) comprising a transparent cylindrical container wall (2) and an envelope (8) covering the entire container wall. Such containers are used in the form of a vial, an ampulla or a syringe, for example, in clinical tests of medicaments or remedies. According to the invention, the envelope is embodied in an opaque manner such that it can be determined whether undissolved particles are still present in the liquid, but the actual color of the content cannot be determined.
US08007880B2 Insert for a pressurized container of liquid
The invention relates to an insert that is to be added to a gas-pressurized liquid in a container. Said insert comprises a pressure-activated body with at least one cavity, said body being connected to a positioning device. According to the invention, (a) the pressure-activated body (4) comprises at least one opening (10) with a reduced diameter, which connects the cavity to the environment of the insert and is situated in a location that lies above the level of liquid when the insert is floating on said liquid and (b) the positioning device comprises a floating body (1, 2; 1, 2, 6) with a small opening (3), which is submerged in the liquid when the insert is placed on the latter, a ventilation opening (5), which communicates directly with the external environment (14) of the insert and a minimum volume (11), which when filled with liquid enables the insert to sink into the liquid. The inventive insert can be added to liquids that are sealed under pressure. It floats to the surface of said liquid, but sinks after a period of time. Its pressure-activated body is charged with the internal pressure of the sealed container and when the container of liquid is opened, said pressure is used in a known manner to achieve effects such as an improved foaming of beer or to mix a substance, which up to the point of opening has been stored separately in the container, with the liquid.
US08007876B2 Liquid crystal display and fabrication method thereof
A liquid crystal display (LCD) and a fabrication method thereof are provided. The LCD includes a first substrate and a second substrate opposite to the first substrate. At least two layers of cholesteric liquid crystal layers are disposed between the first and the second substrates, wherein chiral dopants with different optical activities are respectively added in the cholesteric liquid crystal layers, and the chiral dopants have the same chemical structure. The fabrication method includes providing a first substrate and a second substrate opposite to the first substrate. A plurality of chiral dopants with different optical activities and having the same chemical structure are mixed into the same liquid crystal host respectively to form at least two kinds of cholesteric liquid crystal materials. Then, the cholesteric liquid crystal materials are disposed between the first and the second substrates to form at least two layers of cholesteric liquid crystal layers.
US08007875B2 Method of forming a carbon nano-tube
In a method of forming carbon nano-tubes, a catalytic film is formed on a substrate. The catalytic film is then transformed into preliminary catalytic particles. Thereafter, the preliminary catalytic particles are transformed into catalytic particles. Carbon nano-tubes then grow from the catalytic particles. The carbon nano-tubes have relatively high conductivity and high number density.
US08007863B2 Multi-layer articles and method for improving the release life of the same
A multi-layer article including a foodware substrate and a fluoropolymer composition having a copolymer consisting of from 80 to 94% by weight tetrafluoroethylene, from 6 to 20% by weight of one or more perfluorovinyl ethers of the formula CF2═CFO(RafO)n(RbfO)mRcf, where Raf and Rbf are independently selected from linear or branched perfluoroalkylene groups of 1-6 carbon atoms, m and n are each independently 0-10 and Rcf is a perfluoroalkyl group of 1-6 carbon atoms, where when the perfluorovinyl ether content is less than 7% by weight, the fluoropolymer has an MFI of 5 or less; and/or a copolymer comprising from 80-94% by weight tetrafluoroethylene, from 5-20% by weight of a perfluorovinyl ether of the formula CF2═CFO(RafO)n(RbfO)mRcf where Raf, Rbf, m, n and Rcf are the same as defined above, and up to 15% by weight of one or more additional monomers based on the total weight of the fluoropolymer.
US08007861B2 Ink jet applicator
An ink jet applicator includes an ink jet head having nozzle via which liquid droplets are jetted, a seal mechanism sealing the nozzle using a pressure vessel; a solution supply mechanism supplying a solution to the nozzle at a predetermined pressure.
US08007860B2 Method for manufacturing magnetic recording medium, and magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus
There is provided a method for manufacturing a magnetic recording medium which can easily produce a magnetic recording medium, the magnetic recording medium having a plurality of magnetically separated recording layers suitable as the recording layers in a discrete track medium or patterned medium, and also having excellent surface flatness, in which spaces between the adjacent recording layers are filled in with a non-magnetic material.Such a method for manufacturing a magnetic recording medium is a method for manufacturing a magnetic recording medium (10) including: a step for forming a magnetic layer on top of a non-magnetic substrate (1), and then forming a resist pattern constituted of a non-magnetic material on top of the magnetic layer; a step for forming a concave section (4a), which is to become a separation layer (5), and a plurality of recording layers (4) that are magnetically separated in plan view by the concave section (4a) by removing the magnetic layer that is exposed from the resist pattern; and a step for forming the separation layer (5) by melting the resist pattern to prepare a melted resist and filling in the concave section (4a) with the melted resist, followed by curing of the melted resist.
US08007855B2 Method for coating implantable medical devices
A method of coating an implantable medical device is disclosed, the method includes applying a composition onto the device and drying the composition at elevated temperature in an environment having increased relative humidity.
US08007854B2 Ceramic coating and method of preparation thereof
A ceramic coating with gradient density/porosity and/or incorporated biologically active agents can be fabricated on the surface of substrates, including the surface of implantable medical devices.
US08007852B2 Method for production of frozen vegetables or fruits
The present invention relates to a method for producing frozen and dehydro-frozen vegetables and fruits, wherein the method includes the method of cryogenically freezing the fruits or vegetables.
US08007850B2 Method for making a powder containing crystalline particles of glucopyranosyl-alditols
The invention relates to a method for making a powder containing crystalline particles of glucopyranosyl-alditols, including the continuous mixing of a glucopyranosyl-alditol syrup with a dry matter content of at least 80% by weight and a glucopyranosyl-alditol content of at least 95% by weight, preferably of at least 98% by weight based on dry matter, the mixing being carried out by simultaneously dispersing the glucopyranosyl-alditol syrup and germs containing glucopyranosyl-alditols in an open rotary container containing (glucopyranosyl-alditol)-based granules, whereby the glucopyranosyl-alditol syrup and the germs containing glucopyranosyl-alditols are mixed at the surface of the (glucopyranosyl-alditol)-based granules contained in the container, recovering the (glucopyranosyl-alditol)-based granules from the container and crystallizing the glucopyranosyl-alditols contained in the granules, the (glucopyranosyl-alditol)-based granules in the container being kept in motion by rotating the container.
US08007849B2 Unsaturated cyclic and acyclic carbamates exhibiting taste and flavor enhancement effect in flavor compositions
The present invention relates to novel compounds having sweet, salt or umami taste enhancement qualities. These compounds have the structure: where R1 is H or methyl; R2 is selected from the group consisting of H, C1-C4 alkyl, alkenyl; R3 is selected from the group consisting of H, phenyl, C1-C10 straight or branched chain alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkyldienyl, acyclic or containing no more than one ring, which contains no more than a total of five heteroatoms selected from F, O, S, N, and P; and if R1═H, R2 and R3 taken together can represent cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexyl, or cyclohexenyl, which contains no more than two of each heteroatom selected from N, O, and S; or if R1, R2 and R3 taken together can represent one, or two aromatic rings, which contain no more than three of each heteroatom selected from F, N, S, and O. R4 is selected from the group consisting of H, methyl or ethyl; R5 is selected from the group consisting of H, methyl and ethyl; R6 is selected from the group consisting of H, C1-C9 straight or branched chain alkyl, alkenyl, alkyldienyl, acyclic or containing no more than one ring; except for in the case of structure 1 when if R4═H or methyl and R5═H or methyl, R6 as described above and phenyl; or when R4, R5, and R6 taken together can be equal to R7 is selected from the group consisting C1-C4 alkyl, or alkenyl.
US08007847B2 Feeding formula appliance
A device for preparing a fluid food at a desired consumption temperature on demand, comprising two reservoirs of water, a container containing a formula, a data processor and a controller for dispensing water of the correct temperature from each of the reservoirs and the formula from the container into a vessel. Also provided are methods for preparing specialized foods at desired consumption temperatures on demand, and methods for marketing both foods and food-preparation devices.
US08007846B2 Mixed amino acid/mineral compounds having improved solubility
Mixed amino acid/mineral compounds can include at least two amino acids bound to a central mineral atom. The combination of amino acids can be tailored to provide improved solubility, absorption, and/or bioavailability of the mineral. Optionally, organic acids can be bound to the mineral or combined with the chelate in order to further improve solubility, absorption, and/or bioavailability. Compositions including one or more mixed amino acid/mineral compounds can be included in therapeutic regimens for indications in which the mineral may treat and/or prevent a condition or symptom.
US08007844B2 Process for producing a cheese with a natural moldy rind
Process for producing a soft cheese with a natural moldy rind, the starting material being a milk, this process comprising the steps of preparing a cheese slurry, inoculation with microorganisms, ripening, heat treatment by immersing in an atmosphere saturated with steam or in a water bath. This process makes it possible to obtain a cheese which may be packaged and preserved in the form of slices.
US08007840B2 Conjugated dienamides, methods of production thereof, compositions containing same and uses thereof
Described are mixtures of at least four of the alkadienamides defined according to the structure: wherein R represents C1-C2 n-alkyl; R1 is 2-methyl-1-propyl and R2 is hydrogen, or R1 and R2 taken together is a moiety having the formula —(CH2)n—, wherein n is 4 or 5, or compositions containing substantial concentrations of such mixtures, prepared according to novel processes: (a) extraction of a ground substantially dried fruit of one of the Piper species, Piper longum Linn or Piper peepuloides; (b) natural product-forming synthesis; or (c) synthetic product-forming synthesis. Also described are uses of the thus-formed products for augmenting, enhancing or imparting an aroma, taste, chemesthetic effect and/or antibacterial effect in or to a consumable material and/or in the oral cavity and/or on the mammalian epidermis.
US08007833B2 Method of reducing infections and/or air embolisms associated with vascular access procedures
A method of reducing infections associated with vascular access procedures. A powder containment device (PCD) is preferably adhesively attached to a skin area, the PCD having a hole formed centrally therethrough adapted to completely surround the catheter wound site. The open cavity formed by the PCD being attached to the skin is filled with a hemostatic agent of a salt ferrate and an insoluble cation exchange material. The salt ferrate combines with blood to form a trivalent Fe+++ ion promoting blood clotting and producing oxygen at the wound site for bacteria reduction. The cation exchange material also forms a protective cover over the wound site as the trivalent Fe+++ ion is formed. Semi-occlusive pressure is applied against the hemostatic agent for a time sufficient to arrest blood flow from the wound site right after inserting or removing the catheter. The PCD and hemostatic agent are then covered with an adhesive dressing. The occurrence of air embolisms introduced around the catheter is also reduced after the hemostatic agent has interacted to arrest blood flow around the catheter.
US08007827B2 Pharmaceutical dosage forms having immediate release and/or controlled release properties
The present invention relates generally to pharmaceutical dosage forms comprising: an absorption window active agent; a controlled release component comprising enteric-coated controlled release beads, wherein the enteric-coated release beads comprise at least two pH-sensitive polymer layers. The controlled-release dosage forms provide good bioavailability of absorption window active agents.
US08007823B2 Microporous articles comprising biodegradable medical polymers, method of preparation thereof and method of use thereof
The present invention relates to a highly controlled method of preparation of a microporous biodegradable polymeric article. Firstly, at least one biodegradable polymer A, one polymer B, biodegradable or not, partially or totally immiscible with A, and a compatibilizer C for A and B are selected. Secondly, the selected polymers are melt-blended, thereby preparing a polymer blend, wherein said polymers A and B have an essentially continuous morphology. Thirdly, after cooling, polymer B and compatibilizer C are selectively extracted from the polymer blend by dissolution in a solvent that is a non-solvent of polymer A. The resulting polymeric article has an essentially continuous porosity with a void volume between 10 and 90% and a unimodal diameter distribution set to a predefined unimodal peak location. It can be used in tissue engineering, for controlled release applications or as an implantable medical device.
US08007817B2 Compositions and methods for treating microbial infections
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treatment of microbial infections and for the enhancement of resistance to infection. The invention comprises administration of an effective amount of bacterial lysate compositions for the treatment of pathological conditions of microbial infections. The present invention can also be used to enhance the immune system to prevent infections by the administration of an effective amount of the compositions.
US08007816B2 Yeast-based therapeutic for chronic hepatitis C infection
Disclosed are compositions, including vaccines, and methods for vaccinating an animal against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and for treating or preventing hepatitis C viral infection in an animal. The invention includes a variety of novel HCV fusion proteins that can be used directly as a vaccine or in conjunction with a yeast-based vaccine vehicle to elicit an immune response against HCV in an animal. The invention also includes the use of the HCV fusion gene and protein described herein in any diagnostic or therapeutic protocol for the detection and/or treatment or prevention of HCV infection.
US08007808B2 Composition and method for facilitating the internalization of a therapeutic agent into a cell
The present invention is a composition and method for facilitating the internalization of a therapeutic agent into a cell. Specifically, the invention relates to the use of the extracellular domain of basigin-2, cyclophilin, or anti-basigin-2 antibody or antibody fragment as a delivery moiety for internalization of a therape.
US08007806B2 Vaccine composition comprising a fibronectin binding protein or a fibronectin binding peptide
The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one fibronectin binding protein, and/or at least one a truncated fibronectin binding protein and/or at least one fibronectin binding peptide, all comprising at least one fibronectin binding domain; and at least one Iscom matrix complex and/or liposome and/or at least one lipid and at least one saponin, whereby the at least one lipid and the at least one saponin may be in complex, solution or suspension. Further, it regards use thereof for the production of a vaccine against a micro organism that comprises at least one one fibronectin binding domain. It also regards a kit of parts comprising at least two compartments, wherein one compartment comprises at least one truncated fibronectin binding protein and/or a fibronectin binding peptide, that comprises at least one fibronectin binding domain, and another compartment comprises an instruction for use and/or an Iscom matrix complex and/or an iscom complex and or a liposome. Further it relates to a method for vaccination of an individual.
US08007804B2 Complement receptor 2 targeted complement modulators
Modulation of the complement system represents a therapeutic modality for numerous pathologic conditions associated with complement activation. In a strategy to prepare complement inhibitors that are targeted to sites of complement activation and disease, compositions comprising a complement inhibitor linked to complement receptor (CR) 2 are disclosed. The disclosed are compositions can be used in methods of treating pathogenic diseases and inflammatory conditions by modulating the complement system.
US08007798B2 Treatment of complement-associated disorders
The present invention concerns a recently discovered macrophage specific receptor, CRIg, and its use in the prevention and treatment of complement-associated disorders, including complement-associated eye conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and choroidal neovascularization (CNV).
US08007797B2 Junctional adhesion molecule-C (JAM-C) binding compounds and methods of their use
The present invention relates to the use of a compound that specifically binds to JAM-C or JAM-B for the treatment of gliomas. More specifically the invention relates to the use of an antagonist of JAM-B or JAM-C for the treatment of glioma, in particular astrocytoma.
US08007795B2 Anti-tissue factor antibodies and methods of use thereof
The invention includes antibodies that provide superior anti-coagulant activity by binding native human TF with high affinity and specificity. Antibodies of the invention can effectively inhibit blood coagulation in vivo. Antibodies of the invention can bind native human TF, either alone or present in a TF:FVIIa complex, effectively preventing factor X or FIX binding to TF or that complex, and thereby reducing blood coagulation. Preferred antibodies of the invention specifically bind a conformational epitope predominant to native human TF, which epitope provides an unexpectedly strong antibody binding site. Also provided are humanized antibodies and fragments thereof that bind to the TF.
US08007793B2 Stabilized liquid anti-RSV antibody formulations
The present invention provides liquid formulations of SYNAGIS® or an antigen-binding fragment thereof that immunospecifically bind to a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antigen, which formulations exhibit stability, low to undetectable levels of aggregation, and very little to no loss of the biological activities of SYNAGIS® or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, even during long periods of storage. In particular, the present invention provides liquid formulations of SYNAGIS® or an antigen-binding fragment thereof which immunospecifically binds to a RSV antigen, which formulations are substantially free of surfactant, inorganic salts, and/or other common excipients. Furthermore, the invention provides method of preventing, treating or ameliorating symptoms associated with RSV infection utilizing liquid formulations of the present invention.
US08007772B2 Compositions to be applied to the skin and the integuments
The present disclosure relates a cosmetic composition comprising in a physiologically acceptable medium at least one composite pigment comprising an inorganic core at least partially coated with at least one organic coloring substance, wherein the color variation ΔE between the color of the bulk composition and the color after application is less than about 20.
US08007771B2 Flavors for oral compositions
The present invention relates to oral care compositions comprising stannous ions, a mint-type flavor oil, a protectant component that prevents generation of off odor and off taste in the composition, and orally acceptable carriers. The mint-type oils include peppermint, spearmint and corn mint. Suitable protectant components include copper salts and carbonyl compounds such as ascorbic acid; cis-jasmone; 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone; 5-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2(5H)-furanone; vanillin; ethyl vanillin; anisaldehyde; 3,4-methylenedioxybenzaldehyde; 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde; 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde; 2-methyoxybenzaldehyde; 4-methoxybenzaldehyde; benzaldehyde; cinnamaldehyde (3-phenyl-2-propenal); hexyl cinnamaldehyde; α-methyl cinnamaldehyde; ortho-methoxy cinnamaldehyde; α-amyl cinnamaldehyde; and combinations thereof. The oral care composition may be a dentifrice.
US08007768B1 Pharmaceutical composition of nanoparticles
The invention discloses a pharmaceutical composition of the nanoparticles composed of chitosan, a negatively charged substrate, a transition metal ion, and at least one bioactive agent for drug delivery. The nanoparticles are characterized with a positive surface charge configured for promoting enhanced permeability for bioactive agent delivery.
US08007760B2 Process for producing enhanced alumina
The present invention provides an essentially dry method for preparation of enhanced alumina powders. The first step involves rapid calcination of an aluminum compound to produce alumina powder. The alumina powder is mixed with solid ammonium carbonate and a small amount of water. This mixture heats itself although some external heat is helpful to produce ammonium aluminum hydroxycarbonate (dawsonite-type) NH4AlCO3(OH)2 upon curing which is then decomposed to produce enhanced alumina having a specific desired morphology and nano-sized dimensions.
US08007758B2 Metal delivery system for nanoparticle manufacture
Described is a method for the production of pure or mixed metal oxides, wherein at least one metal precursor that is a metal carboxylate with a mean carbon value per carboxylate group of at least 3, e.g. the 2-ethyl hexanoic acid salt, is formed into droplets and e.g. flame oxidized. The method is performed at viscosities prior to droplet formation of usually less than 40 mPa s, obtained by heating and/or addition of one or more low viscosity solvents with adequately high enthalpy.
US08007753B2 Catalytic oxidation of hydrocarbon gas
A process for the catalytic oxidation of a hydrocarbon gas comprising the steps of releasing pulses of a compressed hydrocarbon gas into an expansion chamber (8) and passing the expanded hydrocarbon gas over a catalytic converter (11) to oxidize the hydrocarbon gas.
US08007752B2 Process for preparing oral calcium compositions
A process for the preparation of an orally administrable calcium composition comprising the steps of: (i) obtaining a physiologically tolerable particulate calcium compound having a mean particle size in the range of 3 to 40 μm, having a crystalline structure and having a surface area of 0.1 to 1.2 m2/g; (ii) mixing the calcium compound with a water-soluble diluent and an aqueous solution of a water soluble binder in a fluid bed granulation apparatus and dying the resulting mixture to produce a first granulate; (iii) optionally mixing the first granulate with one or more further components to produce a second granulate; and (iv) optionally compressing the first or second granulate to form tablets.
US08007747B2 Automated fluid handling cartridge, fluid processing system, and methods
The present invention relates to a cartridge, system, and methods that can be used for automated handling of fluids, such as blood. The cartridge can be configured to obtain a fluid sample from a sealed container, e.g., a septum sealed container. The system can be configured to handle the cartridge for operations such as obtaining a sample and/or dispensing the sample from the cartridge into, for example, a microtiter plate. The method of the invention can employ the cartridge or system of the invention.
US08007746B2 Microfluidic devices and methods of using same
An M.times.N matrix microfluidic device for performing a matrix of reactions, the device having a plurality of reaction cells in communication with one of either a sample inlet or a reagent inlet through a via formed within an elastomeric block of the device. Methods provided include a method for forming vias in parallel in an elastomeric layer of an elastomeric block of a microfluidic device, the method comprising using patterned photoresist masks and etching reagents to etch away regions or portions of an elastomeric layer of the elastomeric block.
US08007742B2 IRIS digester-evaporator interface
A digester-evaporator for partially digesting a sample and for evaporating the solvent after partial digestion. The digester includes at least one reaction coil; a heating element arranged along a portion of the reaction coil; at least a portion of the reaction coil proximate to its output being preheated by the heating element to a degree sufficient to convert a partially digested sample into vapor; a collector spoon with carrier water for collecting sample vapor; and an evaporator portion including an evaporation chamber including a substantially vertically-oriented tube The collector spoon is arranged in the top of the substantially vertically-oriented tube, and a gas supply tube for supplying a preheated gas provided in a top of the substantially vertically-oriented tube so as to create a cyclonic gas flow into the chamber and carry the sample to a container area in a bottom portion of the chamber.
US08007731B2 Fluid treatment device having a multiple ceramic honeycomb layered structure
A device for treating fluids, such as automotive exhaust gases is provided, as well as a method of manufacturing such a device. The device provides a honeycomb structure, a matrix of ceramic walls that defines a plurality of parallel, fluid-conducting cells oriented along an axis, arranged in a stacked or discontinuous configuration between an inlet and outlet, where adjacent layers of honeycomb structure are separated by layers of air spaces. Each matrix layer has opposing faces that defines the inlets and outlets of the cells, and a peripheral portion or peripheral region including an outer skin. The peripheral portions or peripheral regions of adjacent stacked ceramic layers are mutually contiguous to prevent fluid flowing through the stacked ceramic layers from leaking between said outer skins.
US08007730B2 Synthetic method and automation device for fluorine-18-ACETATE
An automatic synthesis device for fluorine-18-ACETATE ([18F]fluoroacetate) consists of a machinery housing that has multiple reactors and multiple raw material containers, and uses multiple control valves between each reactor and container, and operates the control valves through a control system to charge the raw material from each container to each reactor in an automatic and sequential fashion to execute the six procedures: fluorination, azeotropic dewatering, synthesis (reaction with precursors), purification and separation, hydrolysis and neutralization, purification and collection. The operation simply requires adding raw materials to the containers in advance, turning on power, charging reactive gases. In 50 minutes, the process to produce the product will be completed. The operation is really simple and can effectively improve production efficiency.
US08007727B2 Virtual semiconductor nanowire, and methods of using same
A multiple-gate field-effect transistor includes a fluid in a top gate, two lateral gates, and a bottom gate. The multiple-gate field-effect transistor also includes a patterned depletion zone and a virtual depletion zone that has a lesser width than the patterned depletion zone. The virtual depletion zone width creates a virtual semiconductor nanowire that is lesser in width than the patterned depletion zone.
US08007726B2 Microarray bioprobe device integrated with an amplifier having bottom-gate thin film transistors
The present invention provides a microarray bioprobe device integrated with an amplifier having bottom-gate thin film transistors. The present invention utilizes a micro-electro-mechanical process as well as a semiconductor process to integrate microarray bioprobes and an amplifier having bottom-gate thin film transistors on a flexible substrate. As such, a signal obtained by the microarray bioprobes can be amplified nearby to improve the signal-to-noise ratio and impedance matching. The microarray bioprobes are formed on the flexible substrate such that the present microarray bioprobe device can be disposed to conform to the profile of a living body's portion so as to improve electrical contact between the bioprobes and the living body's portion.
US08007721B2 In Situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining apparatus and method
An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. The reaction conditions for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide.
US08007719B2 Method and device for disinfecting a microtome cryostat
A device and a method for disinfecting a microtome cryostat with introduction of a disinfection agent (3) into the cryostat chamber (2), action of the disinfection agent on the cryostat chamber, removal of the disinfection agent (3) by precipitation in a colder area (6) and drainage away from there. To enable such a microtome cryostat (1) to be disinfected several times per day without prolonged interruption of operation, a disinfection agent is used (3) that is effective below 0° C. and is introduced as a mist into the cryostat chamber (2) at below 0° C., the disinfection agent (3) being effective as a frost deposit in the cryostat chamber, wherein the frost deposit is displaced into a colder area (6) by sublimation and is converted to liquid by sporadic defrosting phases of this area (6) and thus removed.
US08007714B2 Earth-boring bits
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for forming a bit body for an earth-boring bit. The bit body may comprise hard particles, wherein the hard particles comprise at least one of carbide, nitride, boride, oxide, and solid solutions thereof, and a binder binding together the hard particles. The binder may comprise at least one metal selected from cobalt, nickel, and iron and, optionally, at least one melting point reducing constituent selected from a transition metal carbide in the range of 30 to 60 weight percent, boron up to 10 weight percent, silicon up to 20 weight percent, chromium up to 20 weight percent, and manganese up to 25 weight percent, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the binder. In addition, the hard particles may comprise at least one of (i) cast carbide (WC+W2C) particles, (ii) transition metal carbide particles selected from the carbides of titanium, chromium, vanadium, zirconium, hafnium, tantalum, molybdenum, niobium, and tungsten, and (iii) sintered cemented carbide particles.
US08007712B2 Reinforced refractory crucibles for melting titanium alloys
Reinforced crucibles for melting titanium alloys having a facecoat including at least one facecoat layer, a backing including at least one backing layer, and at least one reinforcing element applied to at least a portion of one or more of the facecoat layer, the backing layer, or a combination thereof where the reinforcing element includes at least one composition selected from ceramic compositions, metallic compositions, and combinations thereof.
US08007706B2 Method for the production of a molded part
The invention relates to a method for the production of a molded part which comprises a base part consisting of a plurality of layers and a thermoplastic or duroplastic synthetic material bonded therewith, the bond of the base part with the thermoplastic or duroplastic synthetic material being formed such that the thermoplastic or duroplastic synthetic material is deformed under a pressure to become flowable, or that it is introduced already liquefied under pressure and forms a bond with the base part. According to the invention, the production of the base part and the production of the bond of the thermoplastic or duroplastic synthetic material with the base part is carried out in the same die.
US08007702B2 Methods of manufacturing linearly expandable ureteral stents
A method includes forming an elongated member having a tubular shape. The elongated member includes a sidewall that defines a lumen. A spiral-shaped opening is formed in the sidewall such that the elongated member is configured to move between a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration along a longitudinal axis of the lumen. In some embodiments, the method further includes forming a distal retention structure. The distal retention structure can be disposed at a distal end of the elongated member and can define a lumen in fluid communication with the lumen defined by the sidewall of the elongated member.
US08007701B2 Positionable gas injection nozzle assembly for an underwater pelletizing system
A positionable gas nozzle assembly having a nozzle tube for injecting and directing pressurized air or other inert gas into a pellet slurry so as to increase the velocity of the slurry from a pelletizer to and through a dryer. The variably positionable nozzle tube can be inserted, retracted and/or intermediately positioned either manually or using an automated control system. The automated control system preferably includes a pneumatic cylinder movably engaged with a carriage that is fixedly coupled to the nozzle tube. The pneumatic cylinder contains a piston that is magnetically coupled with the carriage such that movement of the piston in response to the injection of pressurized air into the cylinder also moves the carriage and the nozzle tube to obtain the variable positions.
US08007700B2 Coaxial cable of low dielectric constant, and a fabrication method and tool therefor
An electric cable for conveying signals, the cable having a diameter of less than 2 mm and comprising at least one conductor in an insulating sheath, the sheath having a dielectric constant ε of less than 1.7. To achieve this, the sheath is made of PTFE and it includes at least one continuous cell. Fabrication is preferably by performing the following operations: compressing a lubricant-impregnated PTFE powder in a converging chamber arranged in an extrusion die and around a guide for guiding said at least one conductor, the impregnated PTFE powder thus being thrust towards an extrusion orifice to form an extrudate; causing said extrudate to pass from said orifice along an extrusion passage inside the die, in which it is shaped around the conductor(s), and of inside section that corresponds to the outline desired for the sheath; passing said extrudate around at least one solid bar presenting, at least over a distance within the extrusion passage, the same section as said cell and thereby preventing the extrudate from occupying the section that is to be occupied by said cell, the cell(s) being formed from the downstream end surface(s) of the bar(s) and extending downstream therefrom; extracting the lubricant by evaporation; and sintering the resulting assembly.
US08007699B2 Process of making bicomponent fiber
Bicomponent fibers, methods of forming bicomponent fibers and articles formed from bicomponent fibers are described herein. The bicomponent fibers generally include a sheath component and a core component, wherein the sheath component consists essentially of a first metallocene polypropylene and the core component consists essentially of a second metallocene polypropylene.
US08007698B2 Wood composites bonded with phenol-formaldehyde by steam injection pressing
The present invention relates to a method for preparing a wood composite, and the related wood composite itself formed by steam injection pressing using a phenol-formaldehyde resin binder composition capable of rapidly curing in a saturated or superheated steam atmosphere.
US08007696B2 Method for preparing a porous ceramic material with high heat resistance
The present invention relates to a method for preparing a porous ceramic material, particularly for thermal insulation, comprising the steps of: providing a first composition in the form of a stable aqueous colloidal solution of silica and oxides of alkaline metals; providing a second stable composition in the form of a suspension in an organic liquid of inorganic and/or organic particles, the second composition containing compounds which, when the second composition is mixed with the first composition, can destabilize the first composition, forming gel, and can form an organic polymeric net together with a blowing agent; mixing the first composition and the second composition to form a mixture; forming from the mixture a porous structure in gel form, where an organic structure supports inorganic structures being formed; solidifying the porous structure in gel form, obtaining a porous ceramic material in which an organic polymeric net surrounds inorganic portions.
US08007692B2 Coating liquid for nickel film formation, nickel film, and production method thereof
It is aimed at providing: a coating liquid for nickel film formation suitable for forming a nickel film combinedly possessing an excellent electroconductivity and an excellent film-forming ability (surface flatness), by a coating method, particularly inkjet printing; a nickel film obtained by using the nickel film formation coating liquid; and a production method of such a nickel film.A coating liquid for nickel film formation comprises: nickel formate; and an amine based solvent having a boiling point within a range between 180° C. inclusive and 300° C. exclusive, as a main solvent, thereby allowing obtainment of a coating liquid for nickel film formation suitable for inkjet printing; and there can be obtained a uniform and flat nickel film having a low resistance and being excellent in film strength (adhesion force), by coating the nickel film formation coating liquid onto a substrate; drying the coated coating liquid; and subsequently calcining the dried coating liquid at a temperature of 200° C. or higher in an inert atmosphere or reducing atmosphere.
US08007685B2 Red light phosphor and multilayer photo-transforming film
The present invention relates to a red light phosphor, which is based on sulfide and activating agent containing rare earth strontium or hafnium. It is characterized by that the aforementioned materials are a fluorine-sulfur oxide containing lanthanum-yttrium-zirconium and/or hafnium with its stoichiometric formula as (La1-x-y-zYxAyMez+4O)2S1(F−1)2z, and activating agent based on A=(TR+3=Σ Eu, Sm, Gd, Tb)+(TR+4═Pr+4), in which Me+4=Zr+4 and/or Hf+4. Compared with standard materials, the luminous intensity of the phosphor according to the present invention is increased to 1.6-2.4 times. Further, the red light phosphor according to the present invention has a mean diameter of d50≈0.6 μm. The present invention also discloses a multilayer photo-transforming film, in which the three-layer agro-film is filled with phosphor. The agro-film is based on polythene and its derivatives and added with photostabilizer.
US08007677B2 Azeotrope compositions comprising 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropene and hydrogen fluoride and uses thereof
Disclosed herein are azeotrope and near-azeotrope compositions comprising E-1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropene (E-HFC-1225ye) and hydrogen fluoride. The azeotrope and near-azeotrope compositions are useful in processes to produce and in processes to purify E-HFC-1225ye and/or Z-1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropene (Z-HFC-1225ye). Also disclosed are processes for the extractive distillation to separate E-HFC-1225ye from Z-HFC-1225ye.
US08007675B1 System and method for controlling an etch process for a single crystal having a buried layer
A system and method is disclosed that terminates an etch process of a semiconductor crystal material at a precisely located depth. The semiconductor crystal is made of a first material and has a buried layer of a second material that is stoichiometrically different than the first material. The buried layer is located at a depth in the first material at which it is desired to terminate the etch process. During the etch process an optical emission spectrum of the first material is monitored. The intensity of the spectrum decreases when the etch process reaches the second material of the buried layer. The etch process is terminated when the decrease in spectrum intensity is detected.
US08007674B2 Method and devices for preventing restenosis in cardiovascular stents
Described herein are devices and methods fabricating devices having nanostructures that allow adhesion or growth of one cell type, such as endothelial cells, more than another cell type, such as smooth muscle cells. In particular, stent covers having such nanostructures are described, and methods for fabricating these stent covers. Also described herein are methods for optimizing the nanostructures forming the devices.
US08007673B2 Method of manufacturing circuit board
An adhesive layer, an insulating layer and a copper foil are laminated together on both surfaces of a metallic base material by way of for example thermal press molding. In this case, openings (window holes) are formed in opposed positions on a portion of the adhesive layer. A circuit pattern is formed by etching on the copper foil in this state, followed by an external shape machining step of executing separation treatment reaching the metallic base material in predetermined positions including the openings. After that, a part of the insulating layer is cut off along the edge of the opening to obtain a circuit board with the end of the metallic base material exposed.
US08007670B2 Laminated cassette device and methods for making same
A filtration cassette is described. The filtration cassette can include one or more filtrate channel spacers and one or more feed channel spacers. Each of the feed channel spacers and each of the filtrate channel spacers define an open interior volume bounded by an inner perimeter and include at least one feed port and at least one filtrate port. The filtrate channel spacers and the feed channel spacers are arranged such that the feed ports and the filtrate ports are positioned in respective alignment. The filtration cassette further includes one or more membranes disposed between the filtrate channel spacers and the feed channel spacers, and one or more retaining members at either end of the filtration cassette. A thin film of adhesive binds together the filtrate channel spacers, the feed channel spacers, and the membranes.
US08007665B2 Advanced wastewater treatment device having movable dividers
Disclosed herein is an advanced wastewater treatment device. The device includes a wastewater treatment bath having an anaerobic bath in which phosphorus is discharged, an anoxic bath in which denitrification of nitrate nitrogen is performed, and an aerobic bath in which decomposition and nitrification of organic matter is performed. A first movable divider separates the anaerobic bath from the anoxic bath and is movably provided in the wastewater treatment bath to change relative volume of the anaerobic and anoxic baths. A second movable divider separates the anoxic bath from the aerobic bath and is movably provided in the wastewater treatment bath to change relative volume of the anoxic and aerobic baths. A divider moving unit moves the first and second movable dividers. An air supply unit includes air nozzles, an air pump, and valves. A recycling unit recycles activated sludge of the aerobic bath to the anoxic bath.
US08007664B2 Floating dispenser for dispensing a solid dissolvable chemical into ambient water
A floating dispenser is provided for dispensing a solid, dissolvable water treatment chemical into ambient water. The dispenser includes a bucket having top and bottom ends, a top wall covering the top end, an opening for admitting ambient water into the bucket interior, and a floatation ring that keeps only the top end above water such that the interior is water filled when the dispenser floats. A basket is disposed in the interior of the bucket for carrying a solid, dissolvable water treatment chemical, such as calcium hypochlorite. The basket is buoyant and movable vertically toward the top wall of the bucket. The dispenser includes a refill indicator that indicates when most of a full load of said chemical has dissolved. The refill indicator includes a pair of tabs that are connected to the basket and slidably mounted in slots in the top wall. The tabs extend above the top wall when the buoyant basket floats upwardly, providing a visual indication of the need for a refill that can easily be seen from a side angle.
US08007663B2 Mesostructured zeolitic materials and methods of making and using the same
One aspect of the present invention relates to mesostructured zeolites. The invention also relates to a method of preparing mesostructured zeolites, as well as using them as cracking catalysts for organic compounds and degradation catalysts for polymers.
US08007662B2 Direct feed/effluent heat exchange in fluid catalytic cracking
Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes are described, in which hydroprocessed hydrocarbon streams or other hydrocarbon feed streams having a low coking tendency are subjected to direct heat exchange with the FCC reactor effluent, for example in the FCC main column. The processes operate with sufficient severity such that little or no net FCC main column bottoms liquid (e.g., with a 343° C. (650° F.) distillation cut point) is generated. Regeneration temperatures with the representative low coking tendency feeds are beneficially increased by using an oxygen-enriched regeneration gas stream.
US08007659B2 Reduced puffing needle coke from coal tar distillate
A reduced puffing needle coke is formed, which includes a reduced nitrogen content within the coke so that the coke particles do not experience as much puffing during the formation of graphitized carbon articles produced from such coke upon heating to graphitization temperatures.
US08007656B2 Enzymatic electrochemical biosensor
An electrochemical sensor strip has a base and a first electrode and a second electrode on the base. An oxidoreductase enzyme and a mediator are on the first electrode, and a soluble redox species is on the second electrode. The soluble redox species may be an organotransition metal complex, a transition metal coordination complex, an electroactive organic molecule, or mixtures thereof.
US08007653B2 Method and appartus for operation of pool cleaner with integral chlorine generator
An automated self-propelled pool cleaner having a housing, a water pump for moving water through the housing, drive means for moving the pool cleaner over the surface of the salt water pool to be cleaned, and an integral electrochemical chlorine generator mounted in the housing, includes a processor/controller that is programmed to activate the chlorine generator, the pump and drive means in predetermined operational sequences that minimize wear and tear on the water pump and drive means, while at the same time distribute and maintain a safe level of sanitizing chlorine in the pool, to thereby obviate the need for an in-line chlorinator or other chemical additive treatments; an optional automated sensor device can be provided to activate a secondary maintenance program which enables the pool cleaner to operate over prolonged periods of time as the sole means for filtering and sanitizing the pool water. An electrochemical cell manual mounting system permits the cell to be secured in place for operation and manually removed for maintenance, repair or replacement by the user without special tools or training.
US08007648B2 Integrated electrokinetic devices and methods of manufacture
Devices with electrokinetic elements are disclosed as well as their method of microfabrication for use in micro-scale analysis, mixture separation and reaction. The devices consist of solid hydrophilic-matrix films that have been microfabricated into a variety of micro-scale structures. These structures include hydrophilic-matrix conductors for electrokinetic species transport and separation. They also include hydrophilic-matrix cladding containing chemical species adjacent to either an open conduit or a hydrophilic matrix conductor. Also described are other integrated microstructures consisting of hydrophilic-matrix materials such as micro-reaction zones for retaining chemical species for on-chip chemical reactions and integrated detection structures for on-chip species detection. In general, a hydrophilic matrix on a substrate functions as a conductor that is covered by an electrically insulating, preferably water permeable material.
US08007647B2 Retention of counterions in the separative bioreactor
A bioreactor with an anode and a cathode, and a plurality of reaction chambers each having an inlet and an outlet and each including a porous solid ion exchange wafer having ion-exchange resins. Each of the reaction chambers is interleaved between a cation exchange membrane and an anion exchange membrane or between either a cation or an anion exchange membrane and a bipolar exchange membrane. A product chamber is separated from one of the reaction chambers by either a cation or an anion exchange membrane. Recirculation mechanism is provided for transporting material between the reaction chamber inlets and outlets. A method of producing organic acids, amino acids, or amines using the separative bioreactor is disclosed.
US08007646B2 Fluorescent detection of proteins in polyacrylamide gels
The mechanism of the UV light-induced reaction between the indole moiety of tryptophan and chloroform, and the structure of the modified tryptophan and polypeptides including such modified tryptophan residues. The excited indole moiety, which is formed upon UV light irradiation, emits a solvated electron which initiates a series of events that yield fluorescent derivatives that have CHO group covalently bound to the indole moiety. These derivatives are herein referred to as formyltryptophan, and are relatively stable. Similar reactions are observed when 5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-fluorotryptophan, or N-methylindolacetate are used in place of tryptophan, or when other haloalkanes, such as trichloracetic acid, trichlorethanol, trichlorethane, bromoform, and iodoactetate are used in place of chloroform. The derivatives can be used in a variety of applications in fluorescence spectroscopy, and for nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray crystallography, infra-red spectroscopy, circular dicroism and mass spectroscopy. Additionally, the UV light-induced reaction between the indole moiety of tryptophan and haloalkanes can be used to prepare derivatives of tryptophan for chemical cross-linking studies of proteins and peptides.
US08007644B2 Inclined carrier transferring apparatus
An inclined carrier transferring apparatus for use inline sputtering equipment. The inclined carrier transferring apparatus includes rollers and a guiding portion. The rollers transfer and support the bottom of a carrier. The guiding portion is installed diagonally with respect to the rollers, to support the top of the carrier in a non-contact manner.
US08007638B2 Sheet-like products exhibiting oleophobic and hydrophobic properties
A method of manufacturing a cellulosic sheet having at least one of hydrophobic and oleophobic properties comprises the steps of depositing a stock of cellulosic fibers onto at least one forming fabric at an impingement zone and forming a web therefrom in a formation process; combining a water-based composition comprising an adhesion promoter, an organic nanoparticulate polymer and a fluorocarbon with the web at a preselected combination stage prior to a heating stage at which the web is subjected to a temperature exceeding 60° C.; and heat-curing the composition with the web during a drying process. A water-based composition for imparting at least one of hydrophobic and oleophobic properties to a cellulosic sheet during manufacture comprises an adhesion promoter, an organic nanoparticulate polymer and a fluorocarbon. A cellulosic sheet or layer thereof has at least one of hydrophobic and oleophobic properties. Improved resistance of cellulosic sheets to oil or water is obtained.
US08007635B2 Lignocellulosic materials and the products made therefrom
A process comprising treating a lignocellulosic material preferably pulp in the presence of a transition metal catalyst with a oxidizing agent selected from a group consisting of hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorite, hypochlorous acid and any combination thereof to form a treated lignocellulosic material having a viscosity equal to or less than about 17 cp and having reducing functional groups selected from the group consisting of aldehyde and aldehyde type functional groups at the C6 and C1 positions but predominating at the C1 position.
US08007630B1 Method of multilayer film dry lamination of airbag fabrics
An inflatable automotive protective cushion and method of formation. The protective cushion includes a multilayer film coating with an adhesive layer and an overlying barrier layer. The adhesive layer is adapted to bond to a textile substrate and the barrier layer is adapted to block air permeability.
US08007629B2 Method of manufacturing multi-layer circuit board
A method of manufacturing a multi-layer circuit board including preparing a laminated member formed of (i) a core circuit board having a circuit pattern thereon and (ii) a prepreg sheet having a through-hole filled with conductive paste, forming a laminated structure such that the laminated member is sandwiched by lamination plates, and applying heat and pressure to the laminated structure. According to this method, selecting a lamination plate that has a thermal expansion coefficient that is equivalent to that of a core circuit board will protect the conductive paste from distortion, thereby offering a high-quality multi-layer circuit board having a reliable connection resistance.
US08007628B2 Cellular composite grid-stiffened structure
A cellular composite structure includes a grid having groups of angularly intersecting ribs. The ribs of each group are oriented substantially in the same direction to each other and angularly oriented from the other rib groups. An additional rib defines a composite structure outer perimeter wall and can be differently angularly oriented from the other ribs. A contiguous rib wall is created by segments of ribs defined by rib intersections. The contiguous rib wall bounds a cavity. A multilayer sheet cap member with extending walls to engage the contiguous rib wall is positioned within the cavity. The engagement walls extend from individual sheet perimeter portions angularly oriented to the sheet. The ribs and cap member have pre-impregnated resin. Heating the cap member and ribs activates the resin and co-cures the composite structure.
US08007623B2 Apparatus and method for intermittent application of stretchable web to target web
Apparatus and methods are provided to allow for cutting a stretchable first web into segments and securing the segments to a second web. The apparatus includes an infeed rate adjustment apparatus, a tension control device, a cutting apparatus, and means for securing the segments to the second web. The infeed rate adjustment apparatus is sized and configured to adjust the speed of the infeed of the first web to the cutting apparatus to space apart the segments.
US08007620B2 Translucent, flame resistant composite materials
A translucent composite material that can be used in various airplane interior applications that allows sufficient light transmissivity while preferably meeting Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flammability requirements for overhead materials in the cabin of a commercial aircraft. The material also meets FAA standards regarding vertical burn, smoke emissions tests, and toxic fume emissions tests. The composite material is formed by laminating long glass fibers and (PPSU) into a composite sheet under controlled heat and pressure. The composite sheet is then cut, bent or thermoformed to form the desired part. The parts formed are available for a wide variety of uses within the passenger cabin of a commercial aircraft. The long glass fibers may be unidirectional or weaved into a glass cloth like material. While preferably formed for airplane interior applications, these components may also be used in other aerospace or non-aerospace applications.
US08007619B2 Ceramic sanitary fixture
A ceramic sanitary fixture, in particular a ceramic toilet bowl (1) made by casting in resin or porous molds comprises: a first, bottom component (2) comprising a liquid collection pan (3) and a siphon portion (4) for draining out the liquids; a second, top component (5), or rim, composed of a front portion (6) forming the upper edge of the pan (3) and a rear extension (7) comprising a channel (8) for the passage of liquids; the first component (2) and the second component (5) of the bowl (1) are made in one piece in the mold to form a single part (2-5) and there is also a third, covering component (10), or outer casing, in which the single part (2-5) can be housed, the latter being able to be associated and assembled with the casing (10) at least at its upper edges.
US08007618B2 Image displaying medium with metallic image and thermal transfer sheet
The present invention provides an image displaying medium with a metallic image, which comprises a metallic image formed on a transfer receiving material with a color image formed thereon, wherein the metallic image is formed by using a thermal transfer sheet in which at least a resinous peelable layer and a metal thin layer are provided on one surface of a substrate film in this order, the resinous peelable layer comprising a pigment and a thermoplastic resin having a glass transition temperature of 60° C. or higher and the metal thin layer comprising a composition containing an aluminum pigment prepared by forming an aluminum film by deposition on a carrier sheet with a releasing layer provided thereon, and peeling the aluminum film from the carrier sheet to finely divide it, and a binder of a thermoplastic resin having a glass transition temperature of 50 to 150° C., and the 60°, 45°, 20° specular reflection of the image surface on which the metallic image is formed is 100% or greater, and a brightness (L*value) is 20 or greater.
US08007617B2 Method of transferring carbon nanotubes
Provided is a method of transferring carbon nanotubes formed on a donor substrate to an acceptor substrate which may include vertically forming carbon nanotubes on a first substrate, providing a second substrate, aligning the first substrate with the second substrate so that the carbon nanotubes face the second substrate, and transferring the carbon nanotubes onto the second substrate by pressing the first substrate onto the second substrate.
US08007615B2 Method of manufacturing versatile flexible cover
A flexible cover is formed from a rectangular sheet of plastic film material and a continuous elastic or rubber band. The sheet has a predetermined amount of material cut from each corner. The sheet is placed onto a table between four posts that extend from the table. The sheet is positioned so that a post lines up with each corner of the sheet. A rubber band is stretched across the four posts into a similar shaped rectangle and rests just above side edges of the sheet. The side edges of the sheet are folded inward and over the stretched band and heat sealed directly to the sheet. The band is now sealed within a pocket formed along the sides of the sheet. Each corner of the stretched band is released from its post, allowing the band to relax and pull the formed pockets toward the center.
US08007613B2 Method and apparatus for manufacturing tyres
The constituent elements of a carcass structure of a tire are formed by laying elementary components on a building support including an inflatable bladder set in an inflated condition in which it substantially reproduces the inner configuration of the carcass structure to be obtained. A belt structure carrying a tread band, both produced separately, is coaxially disposed around the carcass structure formed on the building support and applied thereto following a radial expansion of the inflatable bladder. In a vulcanization mold, the building support is submitted to an over-inflation step to press the tire against the inner walls of the mold. The circumferential edges of the inflatable bladder are in engagement with respective anchoring flanges with possibility of movement in a radial direction, so as to be submitted to an elastic expansion during the over-inflation step.
US08007610B2 Process and device for gluing dried fibres designated for the production of fibreboards
Dried fibers which are designated for the production of fiber boards are supplied to a fiber roller (17) from a metering device through a feed chute (10) which is subjected to negative pressure, which fiber roller is provided on its surface with a plurality of pins (18) and rotates in such a manner that the fibers (14) are deflected by the pins (18), are directed along a chute section (22) defined by means of a partial section (20) of the periphery of the fiber roller (17) and an opposite-lying wall (21) and gluing means and said fibers are accelerated to approximately the peripheral speed of the fiber roller (17) by means of the pins (18) and an air flow generated by said pins. The fibers (36) lie against a section of the wall and are glued in the region of or adjacent to one end of the wall section and exit at an outlet orifice (23) of the chute section (22). In the case of an alternative process, after exiting the chute section substantially horizontally the fibers are deflected in an upward or downward direction and are glued in this region by means of at least one spray nozzle.
US08007608B1 Infrared tracer composition and tracer projectile
The present invention is directed to a tracer composition for tracer bullets and other projectiles. One preferred formula of the tracer composition generally includes about 58 parts by weight of magnesium, about 38 parts by weight of polytetraflouroethylene, about 4 parts by weight of acrylic rubber, and a burn rate stabilizer such as about 1.5 parts by weight of carbon black or graphite. Tracer bullets including the tracer composition of the invention tend to exhibit a projectile path that is almost unnoticeable to the naked eye but quite visible through the use of equipment detecting energy in the near infrared range.
US08007606B2 Salvage process for spring elements
An improved method for salvaging a spring element with a degraded force constant for return to a work environment. The spring element is subjected to a high temperature and extended duration annealing treatment alone or in combination with other treatments. The resultant salvaged spring is characterized by a more durable force constant relative to the original spring when it was new.
US08007605B2 Method of forming a non-circular stent
A method for manufacturing a stent, includes the steps of winding stent wire around the outer surface of a longitudinal axis of a mandrel into a desired final shape that is polygonal in an elevation orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and forming a stent by setting the wound stent wire in the desired polygonal final shape. The outside diameter of the stent formed will be in co-columnar apposition with a blood vessel in which it is implanted. The mandrel employed in the methods can have a multiple-sided outer surface and a longitudinal axis.
US08007598B2 Dishwasher having multiple spray zones
A method and apparatus for providing multiple spray zones, including a localized spray zone for an upper rack and a silverware spray zone for a silverware basket, within the wash chamber of a dishwasher.
US08007590B2 Electronic device including a guest material within a layer and a process for forming the same
There is provided a portable substrate carrier enclosure. The carrier enclosure has a carrier support; a displaceable cover; spacers between the support and cover; a gas inlet; and a removable lid. There is also provided an assembly and a process for depositing an air-sensitive material onto a substrate using the portable substrate carrier enclosure.
US08007584B2 Compositions for use in construction and methods of applying the same
A composition for use in construction that is substantially free of volatile organic compounds (VOC) that when applied to a surface produces a smooth or textured, water-shedding (hydrophobic properties), aesthetically-pleasing, protective continuous coating. The coated surface as well as the method of preparing and applying the composition is also provided.
US08007582B2 UV curable coating composition and method of making
The present invention relates to solid, particulate free film-forming compositions, multi-layer composite coatings comprising such film-forming compositions and methods of applying such multi-component composite coatings to a substrate. The solvent free film-forming compositions include UV-curable powder coating compositions comprising an amorphous (meth)acrylate terminated poly(ester-urethane) and optionally a second (meth)acrylate terminated polyurethane.
US08007581B2 Incorporation of drilling cuttings into stable load-bearing structures
Cuttings from drilling through or into natural rock and/or soil can be incorporated into useful, high quality load-bearing structures such as vehicle roads and pads for deep drilling rigs. This process recycles a material previously regarded as valueless at best and often as a pollution hazard. The cuttings, optionally mixed with drilling mud and/or soil, are converted to the useful structures by pozzolanic and/or cementitious reactions after being mixed with suitable other materials and/or are bonded into the useful structures by asphaltic materials.
US08007580B2 Material used to combat thermal expansion related defects in high temperature casting processes
An additive to foundry sand molding and core aggregates is used to produce sand cores and molds comprising kyanite, spodumene, titanium dioxide, ilmenite and black iron oxide. The additive produces a sand-based foundry molding and core aggregate which resists the formation of some of the defects commonly associated with the production of castings produced by silica sand-based molding and core aggregates. In particular, the additive improves the quality of castings poured at temperatures higher than those of the pouring temperatures of molten iron, such as in steel castings, and in iron castings with “hot spots.”
US08007576B2 Chrome-free corrosion inhibitor composition
A chrome-free corrosion inhibitor composition includes: titanium chloride; a stabilizer including a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and at least a compound selected from nitric acid, persulfate, nitrate, and chlorate; and a film-forming enhancer selected from monosaccharide, oligosaccharide, polysaccharide, derivatives of saccharide, and combinations thereof.
US08007573B2 Filter and associated method
A filter includes a membrane having pores and that is air permeable. A nanoparticle precursor is dispersed throughout the pores, and the nanoparticle precursor is responsive to a stimulus to form a catalytically active nanoparticle. An associated method is also provided.
US08007572B2 Filter element, air cleaner, and methods
A filter arrangement includes a filter element, a frame construction secured to the filter element, and a handle member secured to the filter element. In preferred embodiments, the handle member is secured to the frame construction. Preferably, the filter element includes a central core member, wherein fluted filter media is coiled around the central core member. Preferably, the central core member includes a plurality of corrugations, wherein the corrugations mateably engage at least some flutes. Preferably, the handle member is integral with the central core member, and also includes a fastening member for connection to a frame construction on the filter element. Methods for cleaning air and servicing an air cleaner preferably include constructions as described herein.
US08007571B2 System for separating a waste liquid from a produced gas and injecting the waste liquid into a well
Produced natural gas containing carbon dioxide is dehydrated and chilled to liquefy the carbon dioxide and then fractionated to produce a waste stream of liquid carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Natural gas liquids may be first separated and removed before fractionation. After fractionation, the waste stream is pressurized and transmitted to a remote injection well for injection either for disposal of the waste stream and preferably to urge hydrocarbons toward the producing well. A hydrocarbon stream proceeds from fractionation to a methanol absorber system which removes carbon dioxide gas. The hydrocarbon stream is thereafter separated into at least hydrocarbon gas, nitrogen and helium. Some of the nitrogen is reintroduced into a fractionation tower to enhance the recovery of hydrocarbons. A methanol recovery system is provided to recover and reuse the methanol. The hydrocarbons are sold as natural gas and the helium is recovered and sold. Excess nitrogen is vented.
US08007570B2 Systems, methods, and apparatus for capturing CO2 using a solvent
Systems, methods, and apparatus for capturing CO2 using a solvent are provided. A gas that includes carbon dioxide may be mixed with a solvent that is operable to absorb at least a portion of the carbon dioxide from the gas. The solvent containing the carbon dioxide may be provided to at least one removal system operable to remove at least a portion of the liquid contained in the solvent. The solvent output by the removal system may be stripped to extract at least a portion of the carbon dioxide from the solvent.
US08007569B2 Method for removing hydrogen sulphide and other acidic gas components from pressurized technical gases
The invention relates to a method for removing hydrogen sulphide and other acidic gas components from pressurized technical gases by means of a physical detergent and for obtaining sulphur from hydrogen sulphide by using a Claus system. The hydrogen sulphide and the other acidic gas components are removed in an absorbent manner from the physical detergent, the physical detergent undergoes multi-step regeneration, said multi-step regeneration comprising at least one device for CO enrichment, a device for H2S enrichment, a device for CO2 stripping and a device for thermal regeneration. The various regeneration steps consist of various pressure steps and have a lower pressure than that of the absorption. A hydrogen sulphide rich Claus gas is withdrawn from one of the regeneration steps and is guided to a Claus system where sulphur is produced. The residual gas exiting from the Claus system is hydrated and is condensed under pressure, corresponding to one of the regeneration steps. The condensed residual gas is guided into said device which is used for CO enrichment. Said device for CO enrichment can be embodied as a flash column.
US08007564B2 Manufacture method of briquette for use as metal stock and manufacturing apparatus thereof
A manufacture method of briquette for use as metal stock is provided which increases the efficiency of drying porous masses so as to shorten a drying time, and which provides a simplified constitution for reducing an installation area of a system and for reducing the running cost and initial cost of the system. The porous masses are formed by compression molding a recyclable material containing metallic powder. The compression molded porous masses are fed into a tubular member, into which hot air is blown for drying the porous masses.
US08007561B2 Cermet insert and cutting tool
A cermet insert having a structure composed of a hard phase and a binding phase and, as a sintered body composition, containing Ti, Nb and/or Ta, and W in a total amount of Ti in terms of carbonitride, Nb and/or Ta in terms of carbide and W in terms of carbide of 70 to 95 wt. % of an entirety of the microstructure, and containing W in terms of carbide in an amount of 15 to 35 wt. % of the entirety of the microstructure, the sintered body composition further containing Co and/or Ni. The hard phase has one or two or more of the phases: (1) a first hard phase of a core-having structure whose core portion contains a titanium carbonitride phase and a peripheral portion containing a (Ti, W, Ta/Nb)CN phase, (2) a second hard phase of a core-having structure whose core portion and peripheral portion both contain a (Ti, W, Ta/Nb)CN phase, and (3) a third hard phase of single-phase structure including a titanium cabonitride phase. Moreover, the titanium carbonitride phase includes a W-rich phase unevenly distributed in the titanium carbonitride phase.
US08007556B2 Block for filtering particles contained in exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine
A block, particularly for filtering particulates present in the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine, includes a plurality of flow channels for the gases (14e,14s), each of the channels (14e,14s) being bounded by a side wall (22), a plug (15e,15s) and an opening (19e,19s) terminating outwardly. The block according to the invention is remarkable in that a first portion (34) of the side wall (22) of at least one of the channels (14p,14p″), called the “reinforced channel”, includes a reinforcement compared to the rest of the side wall (22) forming a second portion (36) of the side wall (22), the ratio (R) of the thickness of the first portion (34) to the thickness of the second portion (36), in any transverse plane of section (P), being between 1.1 and 3.
US08007555B2 Filter with multiple sections of different media
A panel air filter assembly, for use in heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, which has a single filter element with multiple portions. The single filter element is sectioned into substantially equally-dimensioned and separate filter portions. Each of the filter portions includes a specific type of medium and is distinct from one another, so as to remove different types of contaminants from the outdoor supply air before entering heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems. A waterproof paperboard frame securely supports the filter element at the filter element's marginal edges.
US08007553B2 Ceiling type air conditioner
There is provided a ceiling type air conditioner capable of controlling the operation of at least one of a moving unit for moving a brush assembly or a suctioning unit for suctioning foreign matters stored in the brush assembly based on the position of the brush assembly for collecting and storing the foreign matters filtered by a filter. Therefore, it is possible to properly control the movement of the brush assembly to effectively collect and store the foreign matters filtered by the filter. In addition, since a user does not have to exchange or clean the filter, it is possible to prevent inconvenience from being caused by exchanging or cleaning the filter and to prevent the filter from being contaminated.
US08007551B2 Super finishing stone and super finishing method
The super finishing stone has such a shape that a width of an abrasive surface in a direction perpendicular to a radial direction becomes gradually narrower from outside to inside in the radial direction, when the raceway surface and the abrasive surface in contact with the raceway surface are seen at a plurality of sections perpendicular to the radial direction of the object to be worked, so that the abrasive surface and the raceway surface in contact with the raceway surface may intersect with each other at a constant angle at opposite side edges of the abrasive surface.
US08007548B2 Pretreatment fluid and method of making and using the same
A pretreatment fluid includes an effective amount of a fluorinated surfactant and a vehicle. The fluorinated surfactant is selected from at least one non-ionic fluorinated surfactant, at least one ionic fluorinated surfactant, and combinations thereof. The effective amount is selected based upon: a system in which the pretreatment fluid is used, an ink composition used in the system, system pretreatment time, pretreatment vehicle components, or combinations thereof.
US08007541B2 Suction stent
The present invention relates to a stent for introduction into a hollow organ, in particular the gastrointestinal tract, of a human or animal patient, which brings about vacuum sealing of leaks, such as anastomosis insufficiencies, in the hollow organ.
US08007539B2 Metal-on-metal modular hybrid liner
A prosthetic joint assembly that includes a shell including an inner surface. The assembly also includes a bearing member including an outer surface. The bearing member is received by the shell such that the outer surface of the bearing member is adjacent the inner surface of the shell. Furthermore, the joint assembly includes a compressible member that is rigidly fixed to the inner surface of the shell or the outer surface of the bearing member to only cover a portion thereof. The compressible member is made of a material that is different from the shell or the bearing member.
US08007538B2 Shoulder implant for glenoid replacement
The invention features a glenoid (shoulder socket) implant prosthesis, a humeral implant prosthesis, devices for implanting glenoid and humeral implant prostheses, and methods of their use for the treatment an injured or damaged shoulder.
US08007537B2 Interspinous process implants and methods of use
Systems and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can includes an implant comprising a first wing, a spacer extending from the first wing, and a distraction guide. The distraction guide is arranged in a first configuration to pierce and/or distract tissue associated with adjacent spinous processes extending from vertebrae of a targeted motion segment. The implant can be positioned between the adjacent spinous processes and once positioned, the implant can be arranged in a second configuration. When arranged in a second configuration, the distraction guide can act as a second wing. The first wing and the second wing can limit or block movement of the implant along a longitudinal axis of the implant.
US08007535B2 Interbody fusion ring and method of using the same
The present invention provides an injectable annular ring useful in treating a deteriorating spinal disc. When used, the annular ring may be collapsed or folded in order for it to be placed through a small opening in a prepared intervertebral space within the annulus using minimally invasive techniques. Deployment or unfolding the ring in the intervertebral space provides an interior cavity bordered by the ring that is in direct contact with the vertebral endplates. When an internal volume of the ring is inject or filled with a load-bearing, hardenable material, the filled ring maintains the intervertebral spacing and prevents the ring from being expelled from the interior cavity through the small annular opening.
US08007534B2 Expandable implant with expander
An at least in part cylindrical threaded interbody spinal fusion implant having an expandable height.
US08007530B2 Tool and method for implanting an annuloplasty prosthesis
A simplified and more easily employed tool for holding an implantable annuloplasty prosthesis during passage of sutures through the prosthesis and for conveniently and efficiently releasing the prosthesis from the tool. Separation of the implantable prosthesis and the tool may be conveniently accomplished without requiring the use of a sharp instrument. Attachment between the prosthesis and its surgical carrying tool can be accomplished in a suture-less fashion. The tool includes a suture management device in some embodiments for selectively receiving and maintaining sutures otherwise securing the prosthesis to tissue.
US08007524B2 Heat treatment and heat loss reduction for treating meibomian gland dysfunction
A method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction. Heat is applied to the tissue proximate the patient's meibomian glands to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands. The application of heat assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. A force may also be applied to the tissue proximate the patient's meibomian glands to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in the tissue that causes convective heat loss. Thus, the application of force can further increase the temperature level and/or reduce the time to reach desired temperature levels for removing obstructions. Reaching increased temperature levels may improve the melting, loosening, or softening of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands while reducing the amount of time to reached desired temperature levels and/or aid in reducing discomfort to the patient during treatment.
US08007522B2 Methods for correction of spinal deformities
A method of treating a spinal column shape deformation includes fixing at least two fixation screw assemblies to respective vertebrae, sliding a rod between the arm extensions on each of the fixation screw assemblies, swinging the channels of the screw assemblies relative to the fixation screws so that the channels become less inclined to the axes of the fixation screws, and so that the rod is located generally posteriorly of the spinal column, locking the channel against swinging relative to the screw, rotating the rod about its axis relative to at least one of the channels, and locking the rod against movement relative to the channel.
US08007521B2 Percutaneous spinal implants and methods
A method includes positioning a medical device within a body between adjacent spinous processes, moving the medical device from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration within the body using an actuator removably coupled to the medical device, and removing the actuator from the body while the medical device remains between the adjacent spinous processes.
US08007516B2 Instruments and methods for manipulating vertebra
A method for manipulating a vertebra includes connecting a first bone anchor to a first vertebra, connecting a second bone anchor to a second bone anchor, positioning a spinal rod in a receiving member of the first bone anchor and in a receiving member of the second bone anchor, connecting a first instrument to the receiving member of the first bone anchor, and manipulating the first instrument to rotate first bone anchor and the first vertebra relative to the second vertebra.
US08007511B2 Surgical instrument design
A surgical instrument system having an instrument member or shaft with a distal portion positionable through an incision of a patient to an internal site and for operation by a surgeon from outside the patient. A tool is carried at the distal end of the instrument shaft controlled by the surgeon in performing a procedure at an operative site of the patient. At least first and second turnable members are spacedly disposed along the instrument shaft distal portion, both disposed within the internal site, and each controlled from outside the patient for providing at least respective first and second degrees of freedom of control of the tool. The turnable members may be either a pivot joint or a bendable section.
US08007508B2 System for tissue dissection and retraction
A system for tissue dissection and retraction is disclosed herein. A tissue dissection assembly generally comprises an elongate body shaft, an actuation member movable relative to the elongate body shaft, and at least one dissector arm member having at least a first end attached to the elongate body shaft, wherein the at least one dissector arm member is adapted to reconfigure within a plane from a low profile to an expanded profile when urged via the actuation member, and wherein the at least one dissector arm is further adapted to dissect tissue within the plane. In use, the assembly dissects tissue within the plane typically by advancing the elongate body shaft into the tissue region where the dissector arm member or members are then reconfigured within the plane from its low profile to its expanded profile to thereby dissect the tissue region along the plane.
US08007504B2 Device and method of use for functional isolation of animal or human tissues
A method and apparatus for functionally occluding the lumen of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is provided. Access to the LAA is through an epicardial approach. The devices function to capture the LAA through various non-invasive means. After capturing the LAA with the devices and methods provided, a clamping device is preferably disposed about the base of the appendage. In certain embodiments, the appendage remains viable subsequent to the functional occlusion of the lumen.
US08007502B2 Laser-resistant medical retrieval device
A medical device used for retrieving material from within a body includes an engaging assembly in which at least a portion of the engaging assembly is resistant to laser energy-induced damage.
US08007501B2 Curved positioning and insertion instrument for inserting a guide wire into the femur
A curved positioning and insertion instrument for inserting a guide wire into the femur has a curved guide tube with a distal end to be placed on the trochanter and/or the medial muscle and a proximal end for inserting a guide wire. The instrument also has a holding arm that links the guide tube to a handle. A positioning hook fitted with at least one correction bore for receiving the guide wire or another guide wire is arranged at the distal end of the guide tube. This structure makes it possible to easily insert further or additional guide wires relative to a reference guide wire.
US08007500B2 Extractable filler for inserting medicine into animal tissue
An extractable device is used to insert a medicinal filling into an animal tissue. The device comprises a filling member and a pasty medicine. The filling member is made of a flexible and permeable wall and is provided with a holding portion and an injection port via which the pasty medicine is injected into the holding portion after the filling member is inserted into the animal tissue. The holding portion is provided with an opening which is releasably lashed by one end of one or more threads so as to make the opening leakproof. Upon completion of solidification of the pasty medicine in the holding portion of the filling member, other end of the thread is pulled to unlash the opening of the holding portion, thereby enabling the filling member to be extracted from the animal tissue so as to leave only the medicine in the animal tissue.
US08007493B2 Methods and devices for treating tissue
The invention provides a system and method for achieving the cosmetically beneficial effects of shrinking collagen tissue in the dermis or other areas of tissue in an effective, non-invasive manner using an array of electrodes. Systems described herein allow for improved treatment of tissue. Additional variations of the system include array of electrodes configured to minimize the energy required to produce the desired effect.
US08007492B2 Cannula for receiving surgical instruments
A cannula (10) for receiving surgical instruments for performing a surgical procedure on a body includes a tubular structure (12) defining a passage (16) through which the surgical instruments are inserted into the body. The tubular structure (12) includes an expandable portion (40) for enabling an increase in the cross-sectional area of the passage (16). The expandable portion (40) of the tubular structure (12) has a slot (100) and a guide member (114) disposed in the slot. The guide member (114) is movable from a first end (102) of the slot (100) toward a second end (104) of the slot to enable the cross-sectional area of the passage (16) to increase. The expandable portion (40) has a stop (106) between the first and second ends (102 and 104) of the slot (100) engageable with the guide member (114) to retain the guide member in a position relative to the slot and resist movement of the guide member from the position relative to the slot.
US08007490B2 Reduced width dual-lumen catheter
A dual-lumen catheter for use in a body vessel. The catheter includes an elongate shaft having a longitudinal axis and defining at least a first and a second lumen. The elongate shaft has a cross sectional width normal to the longitudinal axis and a webbing section disposed between the two lumens. The webbing section has a webbing length less than the cross sectional width to reduce a tendency of the shaft to bend perpendicular to the webbing length when the shaft is rotated.
US08007483B2 Ostomy bag filter with interactive surfaces
An ostomy bag with a filter assembly having a gas filter and a pre-filter for preventing or delaying solid/semisolid matter and liquid from reaching the gas filter. The pre-filter is at least substantially flat and comprises a number of constrictions, such as ribs extending along and between two inner surface parts of the channel. These constrictions/ribs form narrower and wider passages where the gas may more quickly pass a narrow passage and where the wider passages tend to receive and hold the liquid, solid matter and semisolid matter. At least a part of one of the surfaces may comprise an interactive agent adapted to interact with the fluid passing through the gas channel.
US08007480B2 Delivery device, delivery container, and eye dropper provided with the same
The present invention has an object to provide a delivery device that is capable of preventing a content liquid from flowing back and achieving aseptic delivery of liquid drop (dripping), and provide a delivery container, and an eye dropper that can eliminate or reduce the use of an antiseptic agent and achieve smooth delivery of the liquid. The delivery device 10 of the present invention comprises the outlet portion 11 of a substantially bottomed tubular shape having the outlet orifice 12, the valve element support portion 13 of substantially cylindrical shape that is secured in the outlet portion 11 with a distal end 13a thereof exposed through the outlet orifice 12 to the outside of the outlet portion 11, and a valve element 14 that is secured in the outlet portion 11 with a distal end 14a thereof exposed through the outlet orifice 12 to the outside of the outlet portion 11. The distal end 14a of the valve element makes contact with the valve element support portion 13 so as to close the outlet orifice 12 when there is no liquid pressure applied to the distal end portion from the upstream U, and deforms so as to form a flow passage between the distal end portion and the valve element support portion 13 when subjected to liquid pressure applied from the upstream U. The delivery container 30 of the present invention has the delivery device 10 installed at the mouth 31a of the squeeze bottle 31.
US08007479B2 Implantable injection port
A surgical fastening system for implantable devices is disclosed. The implantable device may contain a plurality of fasteners in pre-deployment position, may have a housing fitted over or around it which contains a plurality of fasteners in pre-deployment position, or may be a part of a two-part system into which it fits. Accordingly, the present invention also encompasses a deployment system or tool that optionally positions the implantable device, and which causes the fasteners to move into post-deployment position. The fasteners may be staples, metal loops, coils, springs or hooks formed of biocompatible materials, including shape memory alloys such as NiTi.
US08007478B2 Portable type hygiene washer
A portable type hygiene washer comprises bottle body, fixing cover, adjusting cap, dispense lever and valve device, wherein fixing cover being lockingly combined with bottle opening of bottle body is protrudingly made with a liquid dispense ring and a vent hole; the adjusting cap is centrally made with a liquid dispense hole thereon and is made with a positioning ring flange to be sleevedly combined with liquid dispense ring of the fixing cover; the dispense lever having several nozzle holes at front end thereof is lockingly engaged with the top section of adjusting cap; the valve device comprising a tube piece, a ball and a ball retainer with a ball being contained inside thereof is sleevedly affixed to bottom end of tube piece; as such to allow woman in menstruation to thoroughly cleanse vagina or to wash anal area after toilet use thereby achieving multiple useful results.
US08007477B2 Surgical access port and method of using same
A surgical access port for insertion into a body cavity can have an elongate tubular body extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end, and a tip at the distal end of the tubular body for penetrating through a body wall and into the body cavity. The distal tip moves from a first, penetrating position to a second, retaining position when the body wall has been traversed. The surgical access port may further comprise a seal housing connected to the proximal end of the tubular body, the seal housing having an access port providing an opening into the tubular body to allow passage of surgical instruments. The distal tip may be sharp, pointed or bladed. The distal tip may also be substantially blunt or have a conical surface. The access port may further comprise a retention member for connecting the tubular body and the distal tip.
US08007474B2 Implantable medical device with reversible attachment mechanism and method
An attachment mechanism for a surgically implantable medical device includes one or more fasteners which may be simultaneously moved from an undeployed position to a deployed position by operation of an integral actuator. The attachment mechanism may be configured to be deactuated, and the fasteners simultaneously moved from a deployed position to an undeployed position, allowing removal or repositioning of the medical device. An applier includes a locator for detachably holding the implantable medical device, locating it at the desired position, and actuating the attachment mechanism. The applier is configured to undeploy the attachment mechanism the implantable medical device can be detached from the body tissue.
US08007473B2 Access assembly with multi-flapper design
An apparatus for the reception of an instrument inserted through a surgical portal apparatus includes a valve mount, a major opening through the valve mount, a primary valve for selectively sealing the major opening, a minor opening through the primary valve, and a secondary valve for selectively sealing the minor opening. Components of both the major valve and the minor valve may be displaced to permit passage of a broad instrument, while components of only the secondary valve may be displaced to permit passage of a narrow instrument.
US08007472B2 Universal seal for use with endoscopic cannula
A universal seal is shown with orbital movement of a center opening for use in endoscopic surgery. A two part seal housing encloses the universal seal in an annulus surrounding an insertion port. The outer periphery of the universal seal is clamped between the two parts at the outer edge of the annulus. An inner ring of the universal seal is free to move from side-to-side inside the annulus while maintaining rubbing contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the annuluses for vertical support. The seal housing and universal seal are mounted on a proximal end of a cannula which allows access therethrough for the endoscopic surgery. The center opening of the universal seal is in general alignment with the insertion port of the seal housing, but the center opening and inner ring may move from side to side when medical instruments are inserted through the insertion port, the center opening, and the cannula and moved from side to side.
US08007471B2 Medical instrument with laterally displaceable seal
A medical instrument has a cannula, a seal disposed in said cannula, said seal has an opening for guiding a shaft of another instrument through said seal in a sealed manner. An expansion device serves for expanding said opening in said seal. Said expansion device has an expansion cone comprising a plurality of slats mounted pivotably on an annular body at a first end, a second end of said slots opposite to said first end being connected to said seal in an area of said opening. A flexible casing structure is provided accommodating said seal and said expansion device.
US08007470B2 Minimally invasive medical device and method for delivery of therapeutic or diagnostic agents into a vessel wall
The invention relates to minimally invasive device for delivering therapeutic or diagnostic agents into a vessel wall. The device includes an introducer tube, a tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a first lumen extending therebetween, the tubular member being slidably disposed within the introducer tube; a plurality of hollow delivery struts, each delivery strut adapted to pierce through inner most layers of the vessel wall and each comprising at least one exit port and at least one stopper to prevent the delivery strut from piercing through the outer most layers of the vessel wall. The delivery struts are disposed on the distal end of the tubular member and are in fluid communication with the first lumen. The invention also relates to methods of delivering the device of this invention and methods of treating conditions or diseases of body lumens.
US08007469B2 Medical instrument inserter
A catheter system for positioning an instrument within a body that includes a hub defining a lumen therethrough for passage of the instrument toward the body. The catheter system also includes an elongate tubular member defining a lumen therethrough. The lumen of the elongate tubular member is in communication with the lumen of the hub for further passage of the instrument toward the body. The system also includes a slitter member that is coupled to the hub. The slitter member is disposed to slit the elongate tubular member as the elongate tubular member moves relative to the hub.
US08007466B2 System and method for delivering fluid into flexible biological barrier
A system and method for delivering fluid into a flexible biological barrier employs a microneedle structure wherein a final position of microneedles (12) inserted into the biological barrier (14) is generally sideways projecting from the delivery configuration instead of the conventional downwards projecting arrangement. The microneedles (12) project from a relief surface (16) which is distinct from a primary biological-barrier contact region (18, 26) of the delivery configuration, and is typically angled upwards away from the biological barrier. During insertion, the contact region (18, 26) is brought into contact with the biological barrier (14) and moved parallel to the surface of the flexible biological barrier so as to generate a boundary (20) between a stretched portion (22) and a non-stretched portion (24) of the barrier. Typically concurrently with this motion, the microneedles (12) penetrate into the flexible biological barrier such that, at the end of the motion, the microneedles extend into the flexible biological barrier from the boundary region (20) in a direction towards the non-stretched portion (24). Fluid is then injected through the bores of the hollow microneedles towards non-stretched portion.
US08007464B2 Tissue approximation device
A medical device includes a first catheter; a second catheter slidably disposed within the first catheter; a first expansible member disposed about the first catheter; a second expansible member disposed about the second catheter; and a locking mechanism for interlocking the first catheter and the second catheter to prevent relative movement between the first catheter and the second catheter. The first expansible member and the second expansible member are structured so as to approximate a first vessel and a second vessel.
US08007459B2 Ocular implant with anchoring mechanism and multiple outlets
Devices and methods for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. One ocular implant, has a substantially straight, rigid, elongate body. The body has a self-trephinating distal portion that narrows toward a distal end, and at least one inlet that communicates with at least one inner lumen that communicates with a plurality of outlets. The lumen has a sufficient length to extend from an anterior chamber of an eye to a physiologic outflow pathway. An anchor member extends from the implant.
US08007452B2 Medical slings
A medical sling made from material that is suitably shaped for use in a medical application has sides, portions of which are smoothed to prevent abrasion of surrounding tissue.
US08007450B2 Systems, devices, and methods for interpreting movement
According to some exemplary embodiments, a method or system can involve associating a plurality of biokinetographic comparison results with a first specific dysfunction from a group of specific dysfunctions, each of the biokinetographic comparison results obtained from a comparison of a biokinetographic value to a standard for a corresponding biokinetographic variable.
US08007448B2 System and method for performing arthroplasty of a joint and tracking a plumb line plane
A method of performing an arthroplasty of a ball and socket joint with a surgical navigation system includes the step of digitizing landmarks to provide geometrical parameters of the joint and a limb depending there from, including digitizing aspects of a socket region of the ball and socket joint. A range of motion parameter is determined. A soft tissue tension parameter is determined. A functional goal is computed based on landmark data, the range of motion parameter, the soft tissue tension parameter, and a database of potential implants. An optimal socket position is solved for to minimize impingement of potential implants. An implant is chosen based on the optimal socket position and the functional goal. The joint is prepared to receive the chosen implant. The chosen implant is installed into the joint.
US08007445B2 Analytical aid
The present invention relates to an analytical aid comprising a base body, a lancet and a test element. The base body comprises two subsidiary bodies hingedly connected to one another, the first subsidiary body carrying the lancet with lancet tip, and the second subsidiary body carrying the test element with test field and a sample application site. In an unused position of the analytical aid, the subsidiary bodies are arranged substantially in a common plane and the lancet is protected by a seal connected to the first subsidiary body and is separated from the test field of the test element. The two subsidiary bodies are pivotable relative to one another out of the common plane and the seal is openable so that the lancet tip is released for use.
US08007444B2 Catheters with fluorescent temperature sensors
A catheter with a fluorescent temperature sensor is shown and described. The catheter includes a lumen, a fiber-optic cable that extends through the lumen. A distal end of the fiber-optic cable is coated with a fluorescent material and a proximal end of the fiber-optic cable is connected to a console. The console includes a light source for transmitting light through the fiber-optic cable for exciting the fluorescent material. The console further includes a photo multiplier tube for converting light emitted by the excited fluorescent material to a plurality of analogue voltage signals. The console further includes a digital oscilloscope linked to the photo multiplier tube for converting the plurality of analogue voltage signals to at least one digital signal. The console further includes a processor linked to the digital oscilloscope for converting the at least one digital signal to a temperature value for the distal end of the fiber-optic cable.
US08007441B2 Pulse oximeter with alternate heart-rate determination
A pulse oximeter which determines multiple heart rates, and selects between them based on the metrics of only one of the heart rate calculations. A primary heart rate calculation method is selected, and is used unless its metrics indicate questionable accuracy, in which case an alternative rate calculation is available and is used instead.
US08007438B2 Ultrasound probe and ultrasound elasticity imaging apparatus
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasound probe which transmits/receives an ultrasound wave with respect to a subject to be diagnosed, an ultrasound wave transmit section which transmits an ultrasound wave for driving the ultrasound probe, a pressing section which applies an external pressure to the subject, a displacement measuring section which obtains two tomographic image data different in time series from a reflected echo signal received from the ultrasound probe and measures a displacement of each part in the subject based on the two tomographic image data, an image generating section which generates an elastic image from elasticity information based on the displacement of each part measured by the displacement measuring section, and a display section which displays the generated elastic image. Further, a pressing decision section decides whether or not the pressing operation by the pressing section is proper.
US08007437B2 Method and apparatus for interactive 4-dimensional (4D) virtual endoscopy
A method of performing 4-dimensional virtual endoscopy includes acquiring a sequence of cardiac images of a patient's heart from an imaging device; acquiring an electrocardiographic signal exhibiting cardiac cycles of the heart; and utilizing the electrocardiographic signal to gate the images for deriving respective 3-dimensional views in succession at corresponding cardiac cycles, from respective cardiac images at a selected phase point common to each of the corresponding cardiac cycles.
US08007430B2 Apparatus and method for treating female urinary incontinence
The present invention provides a surgical implant and method for supporting the urethra, the implant comprising a suburethral support suspended between two soft tissue anchors that do not penetrate the lower abdominal wall and are attached at either side of the suburethral support. The soft tissue anchors retain each anchor in soft tissue, suspending each side of the suburethral support. The suburethral support passes under the urethra to support the urethra. The implant has uses including treating urinary incontinence and uterovaginal prolapse.
US08007421B2 Trunk rotation
This trunk rotation device uses dynamic movement of one's body such as, shoulder, hip, knee, back, thigh, and abdominal musculature. The device provides a method for exercising the spinal column and the muscles of the torso, including those in the abdominal lumbar and thoracic regions involving rotational torque. In a preferred embodiment, the device is a golf exercise and flexibility apparatus. The golf exercise apparatus provides resistance to a golfer during a golf swing to strengthen and condition the muscles of the axial skeleton of the golfer in a functional posture.
US08007420B2 Portable exercise device and system including same
A portable exercise device. The portable exercise device includes a recoil assembly, a clutch assembly, an adjustable resistance assembly, a housing assembly, and a flexible cable member. The clutch assembly is coupled to the recoil assembly. The adjustable resistance assembly is coupled to the clutch assembly. The housing assembly includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion defines and opening therethrough and surrounds the recoil assembly and the clutch assembly. The second portion is rotatably coupled to the first portion, defines a configured projection, and surrounds the adjustable resistance assembly. The flexible cable member is coupled to the recoil assembly, and extends through the opening defined by the first portion of the housing assembly.
US08007415B1 Adjustable dumbbell and system
An adjustable weightlifting device having selectable weights. The adjustable weightlifting device allows users to select a desired number of weight plates, and then couples the selected weight plates to retention members disposed in the handle of the device.
US08007411B2 Apparatus for positioning a component of an exercise device
An exercise device including at least one positionable component configured to be positioned by a user. The exercise device includes a frame to which a collar is mounted. The positionable component includes a member slidably received within the collar that may be positioned therein by sliding. A locking assembly is coupled to the collar and operable to lock the member in a selected position within the collar, release the member from the locked position, and when released, allow the member to slide within the collar. The locking assembly includes a cam pivotably mounted to the collar and a cam follower assembly selectively biased by the cam against a portion of the member disposed inside the collar. The locking assembly also includes a pair of engagement members disposed inside the collar opposite the cam. The engagement members are moveable relative to one another and biased by the cam against member.
US08007408B1 Treadmill speed control system
A treadmill apparatus having a non-motorized tread, a sensor for sensing a parameter indicative of the tread speed, and a controller operatively connected to an angle adjustment mechanism to increase and decrease the angle of the tread. During operation of the treadmill, the controller compares the speed of the tread to a target speed, and based on the comparison, adjust the angle of the tread so that the operator's weight will adjust the speed of the tread.
US08007406B2 Complete body fitness machine
A “Complete Body Fitness Machine” that provides for a muscle building workout as well as a cardiovascular workout for the total body consists generally of an adjustable seat and two arms on either side, which are adjustable in height and have an infinitely and independently variable resistance possible in either clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. The arms are designed to have several types of mechanisms attached, so as to be able to work with a variety of body parts including, but not limited to, hands, arms, legs, feet, torso, neck and shoulders. When the proper attachment is used, the resistance for each direction of rotation of the arm is set, and the exercise is conducted. Depending on the workout desired, the seat and arms could be adjusted to different positions as well as the seat can be free-moving. This, combined with the fact that the arms can rotate 360-degrees, allows the user to simulate rotational cardiovascular exercises such as cycling, rowing, rotation of the arms in a circular motion (similarly to how the legs rotate in the cycling motion), and even running. The two independent arms are infinitely and separately adjusted for resistance in either rotational direction. This means that the body's natural design of using opposing muscle groups such as the bicep and triceps to bend and straighten the arm can be not only be utilized, but also maximized for efficiency of operation and workout.
US08007405B2 Rehabilitation and exercise machine
An improved rehabilitation and exercise machine is provided which allows a person with physical limitations, disabilities or chronic conditions to use the machine in order to rehabilitate their muscles, improve joint flexibility, and enhance cardiovascular fitness.
US08007404B2 Transmission shift signal for aftertreatment device control
Discontinuous torque ratio shifts by a transmission can result in complex transient exhaust conditions that can adversely affect exhaust air-fuel ratio control, which can result in ineffective regeneration. In extreme cases, the result can be irreversible damage to exhaust system components. The inventors' concept is to alter either regeneration scheduling or shift scheduling to avoid shifting while regenerating.
US08007403B2 Work vehicle having hydraulic stepless speed changing apparatus
A work vehicle includes a hydraulic stepless speed changing apparatus and a gear type speed changing apparatus operable to receive output from the hydraulic stepless speed changing apparatus to convert it into a plurality of stages of speed. A return oil passage connected to a high-pressure side circuit of the hydraulic stepless speed changing apparatus is connected to a hydraulic tank. The return oil passage incorporates an unload valve and a throttle valve, between which an operably coupling mechanism is provided. This operably coupling mechanism switches over the unload valve to an unload condition in response to an operational displacement of a brake operating member for operating a brake to its braking side.
US08007402B2 Control apparatus for hybrid vehicle drive system
A control apparatus for a drive system of a hybrid vehicle including (a) an engine, (b) an electrically controlled differential portion which has a first electric motor, and a differential mechanism operatively connected to the engine and the first electric motor and a differential state of which is controlled by controlling an operating state of the first electric motor, (c) a mechanical transmission portion constituting a part of a power transmitting path, and (d) a second electric motor connected to a power transmitting path between the electrically controlled differential portion and a drive wheel of the hybrid vehicle, the control apparatus including a control portion which is operable when a terminal portion of a shifting action of the mechanical transmission portion and a starting operation of the engine overlap each other, the control portion being configured to implement one of the shifting action and the starting operation prior to the other.
US08007398B2 Multi-speed transmission having at least ten speed ratios
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least ten forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
US08007397B2 Multi-speed transmission
An automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may be either brakes or clutches. Eight forward speeds or gear ratios and reverse are achieved by engaging various combinations of the brakes and clutches.
US08007396B2 Planetary transmission having common carrier for generating six forward and two reverse drive ratios
An automatic transmission includes a first planetary gearset having a first planet pinion set rotatably supported on a common carrier and drivingly engaged with a first sun gear and a first composite gear that acts both as a first ring gear and a second sun gear. A second planetary gearset includes a second planetary pinion set rotatably supported on the common carrier and drivingly engaged with a third sun gear, the first composite gear and a second composite gear that acts both as a second ring gear and a third ring gear. A third planetary gearset has a third planet pinion set rotatably supported on the common carrier and drivingly engaged with a third sun gear and the second composite gear. A series of nested clutches and multiple bakes are employed to establish six forward speed ratios and one reverse ratio using a single carrier.
US08007392B2 Automatic transmission
A second clutch (C2) which couples a carrier (Cr) of the compound planetary gear set (6) to a speed ring gear (Rf) of the single planetary gear set (5) is arranged between the single planetary gear set (5) and the compound planetary gear set (6). Then, a first clutch (C1) which couples a second sun gear (Sr2) of the compound planetary gear set (6) to a carrier (Cf) of the single planetary gear set (5), and a third clutch (C3) which couples a sun gear (Sr1) of the compound planetary gear set (6) to carrier (Cf) of the single planetary gear set (5) are arranged at the side of the compound planetary gear set (6) opposite to the single planetary gear set (5).
US08007389B2 Heavy object turning apparatus
A technique of a heavy object turning apparatus that is compact, is enabled to reduce the distance between the center of gravity of a heavy object and a pivot positioned on an axis, and is configured so that a turning arm and a drive unit has a length in the direction of an axis passing through the pivot around which the heavy object is turned. A control unit fixes a support base onto a stand. An orthogonal axis reduction gear serves as an anterior reduction gear and has a configuration in which an output shaft is on an axis of a planetary gear type reduction gear serving as the posterior reduction gear. An input shaft is perpendicular to the axis. The orthogonal reduction gear is constituted by a hypoid reduction gear or a worm-geared reduction gear. A motor is disposed on the bottom surface of the orthogonal reduction gear.
US08007385B2 Sliding contact guide for transmission device
In a sliding contact chain guide of the kind used in the timing transmission of an internal combustion engine, the back of the guide shoe, which engages a metal guide base, is formed with two, spaced longitudinal ribs, having between them a set of ribs formed in a lattice. The longitudinal ribs are wider than the ribs of the lattice.
US08007383B2 Low profile rear derailleur
A bicycle rear derailleur comprises a base member, a movable member that supports a chain guide including a pulley that rotates around a pulley axis, and a linking member coupled between the base member and the movable member so that the chain guide moves laterally relative to the base member between a first lateral position and a second lateral position. Examples of features include the linking member being coupled to the base member through separate pivot pins, the linking member straddling the base member, and the base member having link coupling projections with different thicknesses.
US08007380B2 Racket with moveably mounted bridge
The disclosure relates to a racket for ball games, and in particular, a tennis or squash racket, with a head region for receiving a stringing defining a stringing plane, a grip portion for holding the racket, and a heart region wherein the heart region has two arms and a bridge. The bridge may be pivot-mounted on both arms relative to an axis substantially perpendicular to the stringing plane. The present disclosure further relates to a method for manufacturing a racket including the step of manufacturing a racket frame with a head region, two arms, and a grip portion in a blow molding process. The method may also include manufacturing a bridge for a racket frame in the blow molding process. The method may further include connecting the bridge with the remaining racket frame.
US08007379B1 Tennis racket with adjustable balance and method for using the same
This invention provides a racket that allows for the adjustability of balance within the structure of the racket. The racket's adjustment mechanism and its function are easy to use and optimize any player's game. The adjustment mechanism resides in the handle in a manner that does not substantially (or in any way) alter the aerodynamic profile of the racket or affect its usability by providing unwanted external structures. Rather a movable mass/weight is contained within a hollow space of the handle and can be moved upwardly and downwardly along the handle using a guide mechanism and fixing or locking structure that can be illustratively activated by rotating a knob at the lower end of the racket handle (or by another low-profile external trigger). This can comprise a shaft with a thread or key that engages a corresponding thread or key slot on the mass/weight. The knob can include an indexing mechanism that facilitates rotatable restraint and/or alignment of the knob when not in use.
US08007370B2 Metal injection molded putter
The present invention relates to a method for forming golf club head using metal injection molding and the resulting golf club head. The method of the invention allows for a lower volume of powdered metal than current metal injection molding processes thereby decreasing overall production cost.
US08007369B2 Golf club head with stiffening and sound tuning composite member
A golf club head with sound tuning composite members forming at least a portion of the surface of the golf club head is disclosed herein. The composite members being a composite layer made out of a sandwiched core layer that is interposed inside the midsection of the composite member to provide vibration damping and sound tuning characteristics.
US08007368B2 Methods, apparatus, and systems to identify address position of golf club heads
Embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems to identify address position of golf club heads are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08007367B2 Miniature radar for measuring club head speed and tempo
A golf club head swing timing device that uses radar to measure the duration of a golf swing. Club head speed measurement is also provided. The details of the disclosed embodiments include the ability of detecting the start and end of a golf swing, and to do so from information from the radar signal. Preferably, RF Doppler radar is used. Various modes of use and display are provided.
US08007362B2 Method of displaying multiple kinds of independently processed display data
A terminal apparatus executes different kinds of network games provided by a server group. The user of the terminal apparatus can register other users who become acquainted with the user through network games in a friend list provided for each user. While the terminal device runs different game programs for different kinds of games, the terminal apparatus runs a common friend list program regardless of the game types. When the display of a game image is set to a window mode, the friend list program displays a friend list in a friend list window that is set separate from a game window. When the display of a game image is set to a full-screen mode, the friend list program displays a friend list synthesized with the game image in the form of a semi-transparent image.
US08007361B2 Facilitating a flat rate play session with a parallel game
A gaming device adapted to operate in a flat rate play mode has two credit meters. The first credit meter shows a credit balance associated with the flat rate play session. The second credit meter shows a concurrent credit balance associated with a parallel transactional play session. The player may cash out the balance of one, but not both credit meters.
US08007360B2 Gaming machine
A gaming machine according to one embodiment of the invention has a rotating reel display device that variably displays a plurality of kinds of identification information required for a game, and a transmissive image display device 30 to enable symbol information of the rotating reel display device to be visually recognized. The transmissive image display device 30 has a liquid crystal panel 34 that displays an image, and a light guide plate 37 that is provided on the back side of the display panel 34 and that irradiates the display panel while having display windows 37L, 37C and 37R formed therein to cause the symbol information of the rotating reel display device to be visually recognized, and prism sheets 40, each of which deflects the introduced light introduced to inside the light guide plate 37 toward the vertex area of the rotating reel, are provided in frame portions 37L, 37C and 37R of the display windows.
US08007355B2 Electronic roulette-type betting device having different odds at different points in time
An electronic roulette-type betting device and method is disclosed. The device comprises a display unit and an associated display control unit for the graphic reproduction of a roulette bowl device together with a rotating ball, at least one input unit for inputting symbols on which to bet, a time control unit for setting time limits for the betting process, said limits being reproducible on the display unit as ball rotating limits by means of the display control unit, an odds determining module that determines different winning odds for the individual symbols according to the pre-defined time limits supplied by the time control unit, a random generator for producing and transmitting random variables as winning symbols, and a comparison and evaluation unit for comparing the symbols bet on with winning symbols, and for determining and displaying wins in the event of a correlation of the symbols.
US08007354B2 Method and system for fixed odds exotic and straight betting with pari-mutuel rules
The system and method disclosed facilitates betting that allows the punter, bettor or wagerer to know the exact current odds and specify the minimum fixed odds and/or payout that will be received on a successful bet if the wager is accepted, while also assuring that the betting pool created is a true pari-mutuel. The disclosed system and method also guarantees that there will always be at least one winner of the betting pool regardless of the number, pattern and distribution of the bets placed. The system's features, in ensemble, make horse race wagering a much more analytic sport, where betting skills bring significant rewards. It elevates horse race wagering to a level where risk can be properly evaluated in terms of potential gain and maximizes the likelihood that a bet will be accepted at the most favorable odds possible. The present invention defines the winner of the pool as the bet that “most correctly” selects the winning combination from among the bets entered into the pool, which might not necessarily be the actual winning combination in the race(s). Determining the most correct punter ensures there is a winner from among the bets placed.
US08007352B2 Outside air introduction grill for inducting natural convection in air influx room
The present invention discloses that outside air flows into an APU room by using a difference in pressure of the inside and the outside of the APU room during driving of a bus to induct a natural convection in the APU room and thus cool an air drier provided in the APU room, and is discharged from the APU room. Accordingly, an increase in temperature of air drier is prevented and the high temperature compressed air generated in compressor is subjected to active heat exchanging in respects to the outside while passing through air drier, thereby preventing formation of moisture according to a change in temperature of the compressed air.
US08007350B2 Apparatus for the payout of coins from a pair of neighbouring coin tubes
An apparatus for the payout of coins from a pair of neighbouring coin tubes, in which one stack of coins at a time is supported on the bottom of a coin tube, with a payout disc below the coin tubes, which is rotatably mounted around an axis parallel to the axis of the coin tubes and which has a payout element on the side facing the coin tubes, which is moved along a curved slit in the bottom of the respective coin tube in an angular rotation of the payout disc, in order to capture the respective lowermost coin and to push it out, with an electric drive motor for the payout disc and a control device, which triggers the drive motor such that departing from a rest position, the payout disc is rotated at option about a limited rotational angle up to a final position, and is consecutively turned back into the rest position, wherein the payout disc has an extension in the rotational direction by which the stack of coins rests on the payout element in the final position of the payout disc, characterised in that on the lower side of the payout disc a stopper element is provided, which co-operates near the final positions with one dead stop at a time, the payout disc has a first mark on the side opposite to the stopper element which is detectable by two sensors arranged side by side, the payout disc has further one second mark at a time at both sides of the stopper element which is detectable by a sensor, wherein the second marks are situated in the region of the sensor when the payout disc is in one of the final positions, and the sensors are connected to the control device and the control device reduces the speed of the drive motor when one of the second marks reaches the sensor which is the first one in the rotational direction and reverses its rotational direction when it reaches the second sensor.
US08007348B2 Tools and methods for making and using tools, blades and methods of making and using blades, and machines for working on work pieces
Methods and apparatus for making and using tools, for example concrete cutting blades, may use laminations. They may also include inserts, such as structural inserts, damping inserts and fluid flow elements. Fluid flow elements may include a tube, a transition element including an inlet fitting, a fluid pressure containment structure inserted into the channel of the blade, an added material resistant to effects of the fluid including plastics, coatings and films, and other structures. Additional nozzle structures may be included. Methods and apparatus for making and using tools including concrete cutting blades having improved damping characteristics may include inserts, plugs and other structures, including those made from materials softer or more ductile than the tool material. Methods and apparatus for making and using tools including concrete cutting blades having improved flow directing capabilities may include inserts or other structures having vanes, foil structures, fluid diverting surfaces, baffles or other structures for affecting fluid flow in the area of the tool.
US08007343B1 Bust support
A bust support device utilizing a pillow member having a top, a bottom, and a pair of curving side portions to permit the pillow to be placed in the cleavage area of the bust. The side portions adjoining the bottom of the pillow underlie the breasts. The pillow may be supported to a garment worn by the user, or directly to the torso of the user by a pair of straps.
US08007342B2 Exercise or toy foam sword and method of making same
A foam sword having a sword blade made from a flexible, soft foam material having a blade-shaped, generally constant cross-section with a major dimension and a minor dimension is provided, having blade edges defined in a direction of the major dimension. The blade has first and second ends, and a longitudinally extending opening extends therethrough from the first end to the second end. The blade includes a reinforcing rod that extends partially therethrough from the first end to provide some rigidity and to which the sword handle is connected, and a plug closes the opening in the second end of the foam sword blade to present a sword-like appearance.
US08007338B2 Construction system and applications thereof
A construction system includes a plurality of construction elements having body member and a plurality of coupling members, each of said coupling members having an exterior portion and an interior locking device of hermaphroditic type. The interior locking device includes protrusions and a receiving block. A first coupling member belonging to one construction element can interlock with a second coupling member belonging to another element, so that the protrusions of the first coupling member resiliently deflect away from each other and subsequently retract, and settle, into provided recesses in the receiving block of the second element. Concurrently, the protrusions of the second coupling member settle into corresponding recesses in the receiving block of the first coupling member. Applications of the construction system in toy construction sets, construction puzzles and board games are provided.
US08007334B2 Display panel and manufacturing method of display panel
A manufacturing method of a display panel including a light emitting element including a first electrode, a carrier transporting layer constituted of at least one layer and a second electrode so as to layer the first electrode, the carrier transporting layer and the second electrode, and the manufacturing method includes forming the first electrode in a predetermined region on a substrate, forming an opening from which only a predetermined region of the first electrode is exposed by patterning an insulation film by carrying out an etching after forming the insulation film on the substrate including the first electrode and forming the carrier transporting layer at least on the first electrode which is exposed from the opening.
US08007326B2 Connector capable of suppressing board—induced contact damage
A connector capable of preventing a contact portion of a contact from being damaged. The contact is held by a housing having an accommodating portion for accommodating an inserting portion of an inverter board. The contact has a contact portion which is capable of being brought into contact with the inserting portion accommodated in the accommodating portion along the direction of the thickness of the inverter board. A slider which brings the contact portion of the contact into and out of contact with the inserting portion of an inverter board by sliding is slidably mounted on the housing.
US08007324B2 Electrical connector with improved fastening device
An electrical connector includes a housing located in the front of the electrical connector, a plurality of contacts received in the housing, a plurality of cables connected to the contacts, and a cover assembled on the housing. The housing further includes a base portion, a mating portion frontward extending from the base portion and defining a mating direction, and a fastening portion rearward extending from the base portion. The fastening portion includes a bottom surface defining an inclined plane, and an angle is formed between the horizontal plane and the inclined plane.
US08007312B2 Modular test plug
A modular test plug assembly is disclosed having a design which may be arranged in a plurality of different configurations. The test plug assembly includes a plurality of modules, having blades for insertion into a test switch assembly. The modules are positioned in a stacked arrangement and are secured together by end plates and a rod extending therebetween.
US08007307B2 Connector with fastening and extension plates for fastening cover thereof to body thereof
A connector is provided. The connector includes a connector body, a signal transmitting unit, a cover, a fastening plate, and an extension plate. The connector body has side walls to enclose an assembly hole. The signal transmitting unit is disposed in the assembly hole. The cover has a first end, a second end, and a first pivot and is disposed outside the assembly hole. The first end and the first pivot are disposed on two ends of a side case of the cover. The second end is opposite to the first end while the first pivot is axially connected to one side of the assembly hole. The fastening plate has a second pivot opposite and parallel to the first pivot. The second pivot axially connected to the side wall around the assembly hole. One end of the extension plate has a third pivot parallel to the first pivot and is rotatably connected to the fastening plate. The other end of the extension plate has a pressing portion to press the second end of the cover from outside to make the cover rotates toward the connector body and press the signal transmitting unit.
US08007302B2 Plug type connector
The invention relates to a plug-type connector with a cable, which has at least one line, a contact carrier, which has at least one contact element, which is connected to the at least one line of the cable, and an encapsulation, which is injected around the cable and the contact carrier, wherein a sealing element for sealing the encapsulation off from the outer sheath of the cable is provided.
US08007296B2 Safety gates for electrical outlets
A safety gate for selectively covering socket holes of an electrical outlet comprises an upper slide plate comprising an upper space with an upper recessed platform on a first side and an upper slant on an opposed side. A lower slide plate comprises a lower space with a lower slant on a first side and a lower recessed platform on an opposed side. The upper and lower spaces allow load plug pins to pass through, and the intervals of the spaces correspond to the interval of load plug pins. The upper slide plate is stacked with the lower slide plate to overlap the upper recessed platform with the lower slant and the upper slant with the lower recessed platform. The upper slide plate slides relative to the lower slide plate. Load plug pins slide along the inclined slopes of the upper and lower slants to slidingly displace the upper and lower slide plates a distance that is no less than the thickness of a pin.
US08007294B2 Connector
A connector is provided which makes it possible to have the soldered states of contacts thereof checked or have itself removed with ease. A row formed by terminal portions of first and second signal contacts and terminal portions of ground contacts is disposed rearward in the fitting/removing direction with respect to rows formed by terminal portions of contacts for non-high-speed transmission. The terminal portions of contacts for non-high-speed transmission are disposed between the contact portions and terminal portions of the first and second signal contacts and the ground contacts. The terminal portions of the first and second signal contacts and the terminal portions of the ground contacts are formed to have a surface-mount type planar shape. The terminal portions of the contacts for non-high-speed transmission are each formed to have a through hole insertion-type pin shape.
US08007293B2 Grounding rebar connector
Disclosed herein is an electrical connector. The electrical connector includes a bolt member, a first connector member, and a second connector member. The bolt member has a general “U” shape. The first connector member includes a first surface, a second surface, and first openings. The second connector member includes second openings. The second connector member is a one-piece member. The first end and the second end of the bolt member extend through the first and second openings. The electrical connector is adapted to receive a bar member between the bolt member and the first connector member. The electrical connector is adapted to receive an electrical conductor between the first connector member and the second connector member. The first surface of the first connector member is adapted to electrically contact the bar member. The second surface of the first connector member is adapted to electrically contact the electrical conductor.
US08007288B2 Apparatus for connecting a multi-conductor cable to a pin grid array connector
An apparatus for connecting a multi-conductor cable of a first device to a pin grid array connector of a second device, wherein said apparatus comprises a first printed circuit board (PCB) for terminating the conductors of the cable, which are connected to a first PCB surface mounted connector mounted on the first PCB. The first PCB surface mounted connector is mated with a second PCB surface mounted connector mounted on a second PCB, on which a PCB surface mounted socket grid array is also mounted for mating to the pin grid array connector of the second device. This apparatus allows the same (i.e., standardized) multi-conductor cable with the same first PCB and the same first PCB surface mounted connector to be used regardless of what style connector is used by the second device.
US08007287B1 Connector system having contact overlapping vias
An electronic connector system includes an electronic package and an interposer connector assembly. The electronic package has a body with a conductive member disposed on a mating surface of the body. The conductive member is coupled with a conductive via that extends into the body and is oriented along a center axis. The interposer connector assembly includes a substrate with an elongated conductive pad mounted to the substrate and a contact joined to the conductive pad. The contact engages the conductive member when the electronic package mates with the interposer connector assembly such that the center axis extends through the contact.
US08007285B2 Circuit device and manufacturing method therefor
A circuit device is made smaller in higher. The circuit device includes a wiring substrate, a first circuit element, and a second circuit element. The circuit substrate includes an insulating resin layer, a wiring layer provided on a main surface of the insulating resin layer, and a wiring layer provided on the other main surface of the insulating resin layer. The wiring layer includes first interconnectors to which the first circuit element connects, and wiring portions. The film thickness of the first interconnector is made thinner than that of the wiring portion. The wiring layer includes second interconnectors and wiring portions. The first interconnectors and the second interconnectors are connected through the medium of conductors.
US08007283B2 Reorientable electrical receptacle
There is provided systems and methods for a reorientable electrical outlet. In one embodiment, a system includes a housing configured to be coupled to an electrical power source, the housing having a first rotation stop, and an electrical plug receptacle, mountable within the housing, the insert having a second rotation stop, the first and second rotation stops configured to cooperate with each other to limit rotation of the insert within the aperture at a number of degrees, wherein the plug receptacle is configured to receive an electrical plug.
US08007281B2 Laparoscopic and endoscopic trainer including a digital camera with multiple camera angles
A videoendoscopic surgery training system includes a housing defining a practice volume in which a simulated anatomical structure is disposed. Surgical instruments can be inserted into the practice volume to access the anatomical structure. A digital video camera is disposed within the housing to image the anatomical structure on a display. The position of the digital video camera is supported within the practice volume by a camera bracket that enables a position of the video camera relative to the bracket to be selectively changed, thereby changing a viewing angle achieved by the video camera. In one embodiment the camera bracket is coupled to a boom, a proximal end of which extends outside the housing to enable additional positioning of the digital video camera by user adjustment of the proximal end of the boom. The housing preferably includes a light source configured to illuminate the anatomical structure.
US08007274B2 Fuel nozzle assembly
A fuel nozzle assembly is provided. The assembly includes an outer nozzle body having a first end and a second end and at least one inner nozzle tube having a first end and a second end. One of the nozzle body or nozzle tube includes a fuel plenum and a fuel passage extending therefrom, while the other of the nozzle body or nozzle tube includes a fuel injection hole slidably aligned with the fuel passage to form a fuel flow path therebetween at an interface between the body and the tube. The nozzle body and the nozzle tube are fixed against relative movement at the first ends of the nozzle body and nozzle tube, enabling the fuel flow path to close at the interface due to thermal growth after a flame enters the nozzle tube.
US08007273B2 Premixing burner for generating an ignitable fuel/air mixture
A premixing burner has a swirl generator with at least two burner shells (1) which jointly enclose an axia conically widening swirl space and delimit tangential air inlet slits (3) through which combustion supply air passes into the swirl space in which an axially propagating swirl flow is formed, and with fuel injection devices at least partially along the tangentially running air inlet slits (3). The fuel injection devices include a fuel line (6) separate from the burner shell (1) and which is firmly attached to the burner shell (1) so as to be longitudinally movable with respect to the burner shell (1) and releasable perpendicularly to the surface of the burner shell (1). In the burner shell (1), orifices (4) are provided, into which issue fuel injectors (7) which are provided along the fuel line (6) and which project beyond the circumferential edge of the fuel line (6).
US08007268B2 Clamp assembly for clamping injection molding component
A clamp assembly includes a base, a clamp, a cutting blade, and a connecting shaft. The clamp includes a first claw pivotably connected to the base via a first rotating shaft, and a second claw movable relative to the first claw and pivotably connected to the base via a second rotating shaft. The cutting blade is coupled to an end of the second rotating shaft away from the clamp. The connecting shaft has one end fixed to the second claw and the other end fixed to the cutting blade for making the cutting blade capable of rotating along the second rotating shaft together with the second claw.
US08007267B2 System and method for making lab card by embossing
In one aspect of the invention, systems, methods, and devices are provided for creating microfluidic and nanofluidic structures. In some embodiments, such systems, methods, and devices are used to create features with high aspect ratios in lab cards.
US08007266B2 Compression moulding apparatus
An apparatus comprises: forming means movable along a first path for compression moulding doses of plastics; a plurality of transfer means for transferring said doses to said forming means; a plurality of arm means, each arm means being associated with a corresponding transfer means for moving said transfer means along a second path having a portion substantially coinciding with a further portion of said first path.
US08007265B2 Positioning mechanism for use in mold structure
A positioning mechanism (24) for use in a mold structure (100) to position a film (30) within the mold structure is provided. The mold structure includes a core mold portion (10) and a cavity mold portion (20) mating with the core mold portion. The core mold portion includes a core plate (12) and a core insert (14) formed on the plate. The cavity mold portion includes a positioning mechanism having a moveable cavity insert (242) and an elastic member (244) for outwardly biasing the cavity insert.
US08007264B2 Positive displacement pump apparatus and method
An improved positive displacement rotary pump apparatus and method is provided. The pump may include a front cover, a rotor body forming a chamber with the front cover, a gear case supporting a pair of hollow drive shafts, and a pair of rotors disposed in the chambers and each detachably mounted to one end of a respective hollow drive shaft via a stud that extends from the rotor through the hollow shaft to a fastener.
US08007259B2 Stator system
The invention relates to an eccentric screw pump and a method for its operation. Unlike the previously known prior art, where changes to the internal geometry of the pump stator caused by wear were always remedied with radially acting clamping measures, the invention is based on bringing this about by a change in the length of the lining.
US08007256B2 Electromagnetic reciprocating fluid device
An electromagnetic reciprocating fluid device in which a movable member is equipped with permanent magnets, resists a torque rotating the movable member about an axis thereof in the reciprocating direction. The electromagnetic reciprocating fluid device has a pair of electromagnets facing each other, and permanent magnets disposed in a space between the opposed electromagnets and held by a movable member. When an alternating current is applied to coils formed in the electromagnets, a magnetic force is generated between the electromagnets and the permanent magnets, whereby a driving force for reciprocation is applied to the movable member. One end of the movable member is connected to a piston of a first piston-cylinder assembly, while the other end is connected to a piston of a second piston-cylinder assembly. The first and second piston-cylinder assemblies are arranged such that an axis line of the first piston-cylinder assembly and an axis line of the second piston-cylinder assembly are non-coaxial and vertically offset from an axis of the movable member.
US08007255B2 Inverter-integrated electric compressor with inverter storage box arrangement
An inverter-integrated electric compressor enhances vibration resistance of an inverter apparatus integrated with a housing without degrading cooling performance, reduction in weight, or the ease of assembly of the inverter apparatus. An inverter-integrated electric compressor has an inverter apparatus integrated with an inverter storage box of housing. The inverter apparatus includes a metal plate secured in an inverter storage box, a plurality of power semiconductor switching elements mounted on the metal plate, a power substrate on which a power-related control circuit for operating the power semiconductor switching elements is mounted, and a busbar assembly formed by integrating a plurality of busbars with an insulator. The metal plate includes a protrusion extending in a width direction perpendicular to a motor shaft direction of an electric motor.
US08007252B2 Wave powered pumping apparatus
An apparatus is disclosed for an improved float type wave powered pump that uses the continuous rising and falling wave action in a body of water to pump a fluid. The pump includes piston and cylinder assemblies that are configured for relative reciprocal movement therebetween. One of the assemblies is anchored to the floor of the body of water and the other is vertically moveable in response to a drive float riding on a wave. The pump selectively includes a tide compensating device to reduce the ratio of vertical travel of the drive float to vertical travel of the moveable assembly. The pump also selectively includes a fluid inlet check valve incorporating a support plate of the piston assembly with openings therein and a cover for the same. The pump further selectively includes a directional pressure-activated seal at the point of sliding connection between the piston rod and the cylinder.
US08007251B2 Radial piston fuel supply pump
A high pressure radial piston fuel pump is featured having an hydraulic head with two or three individual radial pumping pistons and associated pumping chambers, annularly spaced around a cavity in the head where a rotating eccentric drive member with associated actuation ring are situated. A rolling interaction is provided between the actuation ring and the inner ends of the pistons for intermittent actuation. Relative rotation is provided between the actuation ring and the drive member. Respective inlet and outlet valve trains are situated in the head. The head is attachable to a removable mounting plate, and the drive member is rigidly carried by a drive shaft that is supported by two bushings, one located in the mounting plate and the other in the hydraulic head.
US08007248B2 Engine speed dependent oil pump pressure regulation
In an exemplary embodiment, the momentum of oil-containing air rotating with a crankshaft counterweight in an engine crankcase is converted to static pressure by blocking the flow and directing the resulting static pressure through an orifice to a vent chamber wherein the pressure acts against a cam ring of a variable displacement oil pump. The arrangement modifies the action of an oil pressure control by increasing the effective pump outlet pressure as a function of engine speed using relatively low cost modifications of the engine and oil pump. This pressure may also be used in various ways to modify the control functions of other devices.
US08007245B2 Shank shape for a turbine blade and turbine incorporating the same
A turbine includes a turbine wheel having a plurality of buckets, each of the buckets including a bucket airfoil, a bucket dovetail to connect the bucket to a turbine wheel and a shank shape to connect the airfoil to the bucket dovetail, the shank having an uncoated nominal profile including a concave, pressure side, substantially in accordance with Cartesian values of X, Y and Z′ set forth in Table I wherein the Z′ values are non-dimensional values in a range from 0 to 1 convertible to Z distances in inches by multiplying the Z′ values by shank height in inches, and a convex, suction side, substantially in accordance with Cartesian values of X, Y and Z′ set forth in Table II wherein the Z′ values are non-dimensional values in a range from 0 to 1 convertible to Z distances in inches by multiplying the Z′ values by the shank height in inches. The X and Y are distances in inches which, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define a shank profile section at each distance Z, the profile sections being joined smoothly with one another to form a complete shank shape.
US08007243B2 Blower including blades attached to a boss
A blower that can reduce noise and enhance efficiency by improving a blade structure of the blower used for, for example, an outdoor equipment of an air conditioner. An impeller includes plural blades attached to a peripheral surface of a boss at intervals in a peripheral direction, and a trailing edge of the blade has a protrusion-shaped part in which its central part in a radial direction is curved to expand to a suction side. With such a structure, a discharge velocity of air can be made uniform along the radial direction of the blade, and it becomes possible to reduce noise and to enhance efficiency.
US08007241B2 Bi-directional cooling fan
A radial fan comprises a base with a plurality of straight primary blades radially oriented and substantially uniformly spaced around the circumference of the base. A like plurality of splitter vanes are interspersed between successive primary blades. The splitter vanes have a length that is about 50-70% of the length of the primary blades. The inner edges of the splitter vanes are angled to improve airflow through the inlet area between primary blades while reducing the occurrence of vortices and recirculation. The addition of splitter vanes increases the airflow capacity of the fan without any significant increase in operating noise.
US08007240B2 Impeller of centrifugal fan and centrifugal fan disposed with the impeller
An impeller of a centrifugal fan includes an end plate, a plurality of blades and an end ring. The blades include blade bodies that are annularly disposed around a shaft and fixed to the end plate. The blades further include blade covers that are attached to the blade bodies. The blade covers and the blade bodies form a hollow space. The end ring is disposed such that it sandwiches the plural blades between itself and the end plate in a shaft direction. The blade covers form at least part of negative-pressure surfaces.
US08007239B2 Cooling fan having protrusion at air outlet thereof
A cooling fan (20) includes a housing (22) and an impeller (24). The housing has a base (221), a sidewall (222) extending from a periphery of the base with an air outlet (226) defined therein, and a cap (223) covering the sidewall. The impeller has a plurality of blades (242) rotatably received in the housing for generating an airflow. An air channel (225) is formed between tip portions of the blades and an inner face of the sidewall. The air outlet has a near section (226A) and a far section (226C). The airflow first reaches the near section and then the far section. The base of the housing has a protrusion (227) extending into the air outlet for guiding the airflow flowing towards the far section from the near section of the air outlet.
US08007238B2 Hanging fan with a ceiling mount structure
A hanging fan with a ceiling mount structure includes a ceiling mount disc mounted to a ceiling, an external disc portion having a plurality of arc slots, a cover having a transversal extending portion, and a fixing portion disposed at the extending portion, such that the fixing portion of the cover is passed through the arc slot and fixed with the ceiling mount disc to form the hanging fan structure of the invention.
US08007237B2 Cooled airfoil component
A gas turbine engine airfoil component having an airfoil body with a core cavity, an end opening in communication with the core cavity, and a wall having a plurality of cooling holes defined therein, each cooling hole being oriented such that the respective hole axis extends out of the core cavity through the end opening.
US08007236B2 Supporting system for suspended wind turbines
In a preferred embodiment, a supporting system for suspended wind turbines placed in mountainous areas and cliff seashores. The system includes: substantially vertical support the turbine is attached to and a turbine coupled using a mechanism allowing a full-circle rotation of the turbine around the support. A carrying cable stretched over the ground carries downward vertical loads applied to the system, and a number of guy ropes, placed angularly to each other, carry applied wind loads. In the second and the third versions of the invention it is disclosed modifications of the main structural system for supporting vertical-axis wind turbines and the turbines placed in cliff seashore.
US08007235B1 Orthogonal power unit
Orthogonal power unit contains a turbine with a shaft and blades of hydrofoil profile fixed around and along the shaft and the power generator. The turbine has six layers, and each layer has one blade fixed at the shaft. The blades of turbine layers are located uniformly in the peripheral direction around the turbine shaft forming three pairs of the adjacent blades. In each pair the blades are located at the opposite sides relative to the shaft, the blades in the utmost pairs have the same length L and the blades in the middle pair have the bigger length L0=L 20.25 each. The traverse masses of the middle and utmost blade pairs have the same ratio. The same balancing effect achieved by having the uniform length of all blades with the relative shift of balanced pairs of blades at 60° and with the uniform traverses masses.
US08007231B2 Flowing water energy device
This device transforms the energy of flowing water into useable energy and includes one or more flow diversion structures, one or more paddlewheels, and one or more generators. A gearbox or transmission may be added to increase the rotational speed of the generators. A subsea cable can be included to transmit the electrical energy from device to shore.
US08007225B2 Cross flow fan
An improved cross flow fan assembly applicable but not limited to a panel meter of fitness equipments includes: a housing and a cross flow fan made of plastic; a fan body, having symmetric circular flanges integrally formed on both lateral ends by plastic injection molding; two side covers, embedded into two circular flanges; and a shock absorption positioning member, installed at an external side of the right panel, and including: an axle center with a front section embedded into a bushing of the right cover and a rear section sheathed into a bearing, and a rubber pad, embedded into a circular hole of the right panel by its circular groove at the periphery for wrapping the bearing, so as to constitute a plastic cross flow fan module, and achieving a fast and convenient assembling and a vibration resisting effect, and the fan comes with a smooth operation to reduce noises.
US08007221B1 Lifting apparatus for remote controlled robotic device
A retrofittable lifting apparatus for use on an articulated robotically controlled device is disclosed. The lifting apparatus includes a structure for mating the apparatus to the robotic device and a mechanism for the remotely controlled lifting of an ordnance or other object. Actuation of the lifting mechanism may be provided by existing sources of motion on the robotic device, or by additional sources of motion attached to the robotic device.
US08007219B1 Sweep tarp
The sweep tarpaulin has an upper sheath, a bottom sheath and an intermediate sheath. An upper tube is housed in the upper sheath. A lower tube is housed in the bottom sheath. An intermediate tube is housed in the intermediate sheath. The sides of the tarpaulin engage the container side walls. Left and right resilient members hold the upper tube in a loading position. The bottom sheath and the lower tube are supported on a reciprocating floor slat conveyor. Cargo and the lower tube move toward the rear during unloading. The left and right resilient members are deformed to release the upper tube. A winch returns the upper tube to the cargo receiving position. The left and right resilient members are deformed when the upper tube returns.
US08007217B2 Arrangement for the backlining or the headbanding of a book block spine
An arrangement performs backlining or headbanding of a spine of a book block conveyed on a conveying section of a book production line through a backlining station. A feeding device feeds backlining material in a transfer direction perpendicular to a book block conveying direction. A unit includes a cross cutter to cut the backlining material into backlining sections, a transfer mechanism to transfer the backlining sections onto the book block spine, and a support table to support the backlining section being transferred onto the book block spine. A guide element is disposed above and at a distance to a book block spine in a production position, which guide element is advanced to bridge the book production line to transfer the backlining material through the book production line to allow at least one of outfitting or retrofitting of the backlining station.
US08007209B2 Milling tool for the processing of workpieces by cutting
A milling tool for the processing of workpieces by cutting is provided with multiple cutting flanks (3) and flutes (4) arranged in between these. The cutting flanks (3) have cutting edges (6) along the cutting side (5) of which bezels (10) are provided. At least one bezel (10) extending along a cutting edge (6) has an effective cutting angle (y2) that differs from the effective cutting angles (y2′, y2″, . . . ) of the bezels (10) extending along the further cutting edges (6). This asymmetric arrangement of the bezels (10) in a tool results in a calmer running of the tool which impacts the surface quality of the processed surface and results in a better serviceable life of the tool.
US08007207B2 Cutting tool with replaceable insert supporting cassette
A cutting tool includes a cutting insert, the insert including a cutting edge. The cutting tool also includes a cassette including an insert clamp for clamping the insert relative to an abutment surface of the cassette, and a generally cylindrical base portion. The cutting tool also includes a tool holder body, the tool holder body having a cylindrical opening in which the base portion of the cassette is disposed. A cassette clamp including a wedge is provided for clamping the cassette relative to the tool holder body. The cutting edge extends beyond a periphery of the tool holder body when the insert is clamped relative to the abutment surface of the cassette and the cassette is clamped relative to the tool holder body.
US08007199B2 Dowel device with closed end speed cover
Disclosed are a concrete dowel placement devices and a method of utilizing the same. A metallic stud is driven, screwed, or otherwise attached to a form. The stud may be a unitary structure, or may be a hollow tube with conventional fastening means such as nails and screws extending through and holding the hollow tube to the form. A cover having an interior compartment substantially equal in diameter to the stud is slidably placed thereon, and a first enclosed area is developed with a plurality of forms. Concrete is poured into the first enclosed area, and upon curing, the form and the stud are removed, leaving the cover embedded in the concrete. A metallic dowel is inserted into the cover, and a second enclosed area is developed with like configured forms. The metallic dowel extends into the second enclosed area. Upon pouring concrete into the second enclosed area, a cold joint is formed between the concrete of the first enclosed area and the concrete of the second enclosed area, supported and braced by the metallic dowel.
US08007196B2 Small handling pole locking assembly
In various embodiments, the system includes a tubular female end portion of the first pole section and a male end portion of the second pole section that is insertable into the female end portion. Additionally, the system includes a locking nut including a body portion and a neck portion and is threadingly engaged with the male end portion. Furthermore, the system includes a biased locking sleeve assembly that includes a locking sleeve having an internal cavity such that the locking sleeve fits over the locking nut neck portion, and a biasing device located within the interior cavity of the locking sleeve for applying opposing forces to the locking nut and the locking sleeve.
US08007195B2 Writing implement with pivoting roller
A writing implement that includes a body which extends longitudinally along a central axis Z; an ink reservoir, and a roller having a radial outer writing surface being located at one of the ends of the body, which is connected to the ink reservoir and is mounted so that it is able to rotate around the primary axis Y. The ink roller is also mounted so that it is able to pivot around a second axis X, which is perpendicular to the primary axis Y and the secondary axis X being secant to the primary axis Y.
US08007193B2 Laterally-actuated dispenser with one-way valve for storing and dispensing substances
A dispenser for dispensing a substance, such as a pharmaceutical, ophthalmic, dermatological, cosmeceutical, cosmetic or other product, has a body with a variable-volume storage chamber for storing the product. A dispensing portion of the dispenser is connected with the body and has a compression chamber in fluid communication with the storage chamber for receiving substance therefrom, and an outlet aperture coupled in fluid communication with the compression chamber. A one-way valve of the dispenser includes an axially-extending valve seat and an axially-extending flexible valve cover seated on the valve seat and defining a normally-closed, axially-extending seam therebetween forming a fluid-tight seal between the valve cover and valve seat. The flexible valve cover is movable relative to the valve seat and the seam is connectable in fluid communication with the outlet aperture to allow the passage of substance through the seam and out of the dispenser.
US08007190B2 Tape drive and printing apparatus
A tape drive for use in for example a transfer printing apparatus to drive a printer ribbon. The printer ribbon is mounted on two spools each of which is driven by a respective stepper motor. A controller controls the energization of the motor such that the ribbon is transported in at least one direction between spools mounted on the spool support. The controller is operative to energize both motors to drive the spools of ribbon in the direction of ribbon transport to achieve push-pull operations. Ribbon tension is monitored to enable accurate control of ribbon supply and ribbon take-up, the ribbon tension being monitored, for example, by monitoring power supply to the two stepper motors.
US08007188B2 Stabilized mount for, and method of, steadily supporting a motion-sensitive, image capture device
A stabilized mount stably supports a motion-sensitive, image capture device, such as a cellular telephone or a personal digital assistant, on a support surface, such as a tripod or analogous camera equipment. The device is operative for capturing an image over a field of view along an optical axis perpendicular to an image plane. The mount includes a holder for holding the device during image capture, and a fixed base integral with the holder and lying in a base plane perpendicular to the image plane when the base is supported by the support surface in a supported orientation. The base is operative for steadily positioning the holder and the device on the support surface in the supported orientation during the image capture.
US08007182B2 Asymmetrical triple-row anti-friction bearing
The invention relates to an anti-friction bearing comprising a first bearing race, a second bearing race and a plurality of anti-friction bodies that are located between the first bearing race and the second bearing race. According to the invention, the anti-friction bearings are arranged in several rows, which are asymmetrical in the longitudinal direction of the anti-friction bearing in relation to any plane that runs perpendicularly to said longitudinal direction of the anti-friction bearing.
US08007180B2 Sealing arrangement
The invention relates to a sealing arrangement that seals at least one radial intermediate space between at least one inner bearing ring and at least one outer bearing ring. Said sealing arrangement comprises at least one first support that supports at least one elastic seal and a second support which supports at least one encoder located outside the intermediate space. The encoder is radially oriented towards at least one sensor that is disposed above the encoder in a radially outward direction.
US08007178B2 Bearing materials and method for the production thereof
A plain bearing and a method for the production thereof is described, the method being for the deposition on a substrate of a layer of material having a metallic matrix, the method comprising the steps of: producing a powder of a desired aluminium-based alloy composition having a predetermined oxide content; depositing said aluminium alloy powder onto a bearing substrate by a metal spraying technique.
US08007173B2 Calibration of imaging geometry parameters
Some embodiments include determination of a first projection image of a phantom based on first imaging geometry parameters associated with a first radiation-based imaging system and on a virtual model of the phantom, acquisition of a second projection image of the phantom based on radiation emitted from the first radiation-based imaging system, the phantom located at a first position and determination of a difference between the first projection image and the second projection image. Second imaging geometry parameters are determined based on the first imaging geometry parameters and the difference between the first projection image and the second projection image, a third projection image of the phantom is determined based on the second imaging geometry parameters and on the virtual model of the phantom, and a fourth projection image of the phantom located at the first position is acquired based on radiation emitted from the first radiation-based imaging system. A difference between the third projection image and the fourth projection image is determined and it is determined that the difference between the third projection image and the fourth projection image is less than a threshold.
US08007172B2 Imager based object positioner system and method
An apparatus and a method for guiding the placement of an object to a desired location based on an image generated by an image intensifier where the apparatus includes a first coupling mechanism that is configured to be releasably attachable to one of the transmitter and receiver of the image intensifier and a second coupling mechanism that is coupled to the first coupling mechanism and includes an object holding mechanism, the object holding mechanism is configured to releasably hold the object and where at least a portion of the second coupling mechanism is visible in the image generated by the image intensifier when the apparatus is attached to the image intensifier.
US08007170B2 Electronic sensor and method for the manufacture of a sensor
The present invention relates to an electronic sensor, particularly an inductive sensor, comprising a casing sleeve, a sensor element for measuring a physical measurand, the sensor element being placed at a measurement end of the casing sleeve, an electronic module located in the casing sleeve and a connector, which is placed on a connection end of the casing sleeve opposite to the measurement end. According to the invention, the sensor is characterized in that the casing sleeve is provided with a plastic internal lining, which is closed at the measurement end of the casing sleeve and that the internal lining extends to the casing sleeve connection end to such an extent that the connector is in a sealing engagement with the internal lining. The invention also relates to a method for the manufacture of a sensor.
US08007160B2 Display device, image forming apparatus having the same, and light guide for display device
Disclosed are a light guide which distributes light, transmitted from a light source, uniformly to a light emission surface of the light guide, and a display device and an image forming apparatus using the light guide. The light guide includes a light incidence part having a diffusion structure diffusing light, a reflecting surface reflecting the light diffused by the diffusion structure to reduce a light loss from the light guide, and a light guide part guiding light between the light incidence part and the light emission part.
US08007159B2 Surface illuminator and liquid crystal display having the same
The invention provides a surface illuminator capable of achieving high display quality by employing an array of discrete light sources constituted by a plurality of LEDs and a liquid crystal display having the same. The surface illuminator includes an LED module which is a plurality of LEDs alternately and discretely provided along a light entrance surface and a color irregularity correcting resistor which is connected in parallel with a predetermined LED at an end of the LED module and which provides a bypass for a current supplied to the LED.
US08007155B2 Camouflaged composite military vehicle lamp
A composite lamp assembly for use on a camouflaged military vehicle comprises a lamp housing colored to match the camouflaged scheme of the vehicle. The lamp housing defines an interior space, a first opening and a plurality of second openings in communication with the interior space. The lamp assembly includes a clear lens attached to the housing to occupy the first opening and a plurality of diffusers attached to the housing to occupy the plurality of second openings, the diffusers being colored to match the camouflaged scheme of the vehicle. The lamp assembly further includes a circuit board arranged within the interior space of the lamp housing having first and second pluralities of LEDs mounted thereto. The first plurality of LEDs is positioned to provide light through the clear lens and the second is positioned to provide light through the diffusers.
US08007150B2 Vehicular illumination lamp
A vehicular illumination lamp includes a convex lens positioned on an optical axis in a vehicular longitudinal direction and a light emitting element positioned in a proximity of a rear side focal point of the convex lens. The vehicle lamp is configured so as to form a light distribution pattern that has a horizontal cut-off line and an oblique cut-off line in an upper end portion thereof by exercising deflection control, with a use of the convex lens, over light directly emitted from the light emitting element. The light emitting element includes a light emitting chip that has a rectangular light emitting surface.
US08007149B2 Vehicle lighting assembly and light guiding lens for use in vehicle lighting assembly
A vehicle lighting assembly is provided which uses a light guiding lens without a dedicated light source. The vehicle lighting assembly can include: a light source configured to emit light rays used at least for forming a target light distribution; a light guiding member made of a transparent or semi-transparent material, the light guiding member including a plurality of individual reflective light emitting surfaces configured to be illuminated with light rays entering the light guiding member from the light source, the light guiding member including another reflective light emitting surface configured to be illuminated with parallel light rays entering the light guiding member; and a reflector having a first reflective surface configured to reflect light rays emitted from the light source for use in forming the target light distribution and a second reflective surface configured to adjust a leak portion of light rays that are not for use in forming the target light distribution so that the leak portion of light rays are made parallel with each other.
US08007148B2 Vehicular illumination device
In a vehicular illumination device which illuminates a lower part around an opened part of a door at a side of a vehicle, a side sill garnish is provided below the door-opened part, and a lamp and a lamp garnish which retains the lamp are arranged on a lower face of the side sill garnish. As the lamp is retained by the lamp garnish, the lamp can efficiently and appropriately illuminate an underfoot floor when a person rides on and off the vehicle. Moreover, the lamp garnish has a recess, and an edge which is provided around an opened part of the recess. As the lamp is arranged in the recess, the lamp is not visually recognized directly from the exterior of edge parts, thereby preventing a following vehicle from falsely recognizing the lamp as a backup lamp.
US08007142B2 Lamp with fastening device
A lamp includes a lamp head, a lamp rod and a fastening device fixing the lamp head onto the lamp rod. The fastening device includes a tube-shaped lamp seat extending from the lamp head, a tightening device disposed in the lamp seat, a connecting device connecting the tightening device to the lamp seat, and a locking device mounted to the lamp seat. The tightening device includes an inner face and an outer face opposite to the inner face. The inner face of the tightening device and an inner face of the lamp seat sandwiching an end of the lamp rod therebetween. The tightening device can move along a radial direction of the lamp seat. The locking device presses the tightening device toward the end of the lamp post to urge the tightening device to tightly press the lamp rod.
US08007138B2 Lighting device
A lighting device can be configured to prevent light beams emitted from a light source from passing through an outer peripheral surface of a lens and from being projected outside of the illumination direction of the lighting device. In the lighting device, the light source can be disposed within a lighting chamber defined by a substrate and the lens. The lens can have a lens cut portion on the rear surface thereof. A reflection surface can be formed in the outer peripheral surface of the lens. The substrate can also have a reflecting portion configured to project light beams reflected by the outer peripheral surface of the lens in the illumination direction. The reflecting portion can be disposed on the front side of the substrate. Light beams emitted from the light source at a certain angle with respect to the main optical axis of the light source cannot be reflected by the lens cut portion but can be reflected by the front surface of the lens toward the outer peripheral surface of the lens to be allowed to pass therethrough.
US08007133B2 Light source device and projector
A light source device adapted to generate an illumination light beam for illuminating an illuminated surface includes a light source adapted to emit a light beam, a light path conversion member adapted to rotate around an axis perpendicular to a center axis of the light beam emitted from the light source to convert a light path of the light beam emitted from the light source, an overlapping illumination element adapted to overlap a light beam emitted from the light path conversion member on the illuminated surface, the overlapping illumination element having an entrance position of the light bream input to the overlapping illumination element varies with time, and a rotating section adapted to rotate the light path conversion member.
US08007132B2 Electric torch
An electric torch includes a main body, a holder and a connecting portion. The main body includes a lamp shade and a light emitting portion. The lamp shade defines a receiving space. The light emitting portion is secured in the receiving space and configured for emitting light. The holder is rotatably connected to the main body via the connecting portion and configured for supporting the main body. The connecting portion includes a protrusion, a locating rod and a torsion spring. The protrusion is extended from the main body and communicates with the receiving space of the lamp shade. The locating rod is inserted into the protrusion and received in the holder with two ends fixed to the holder. The torsion spring is sleeved on the locating rod with one end attached to the lamp shade and another end attached to the holder.
US08007131B2 LED lamp having enhanced waterproofing
An LED lamp includes a heat sink, a plurality of LED modules attached to the heat sink, and an envelope disposed on the base of the heat sink. The heat sink includes a base and a plurality of fins extending from the base. The envelope defines a receiving groove therein surrounding the LED modules. The receiving groove is stepped to have an upper portion and a lower portion recessed downwardly from a bottom of the upper portion. The LED lamp further includes an annular waterproof gasket. The waterproof gasket includes a main body received in the upper portion of the receiving groove and an engaging portion protruding downwardly from a bottom thereof and engagingly received in the lower portion of the receiving groove. The lower portion and the upper portion of the receiving groove are both rectangular in cross-section.
US08007129B2 LED-based christmas light string assembly with parallel-wired lighting units
An LED light string assembly has a plug for providing a low DC voltage, an extension socket, a light string connected between the plug and the extension socket. The light string has multiple LED Christmas bulbs connected in parallel. Each LED Christmas bulb includes an LED and a resistor connected in series. Even one of the LED Christmas bulb burns out, all the remaining LED Christmas bulb of the light string will not be affected and still can be normally turned on as required to generate light.
US08007127B2 Lens for LED outdoor lamp, and its applied road lamp, security lamp, tunnel lamp, park lamp, guard lamp, industrial flood lamp, and outdoor lamp
Disclosed is a lens for an LED outdoor lamp, and a road lamp, a security lamp, a tunnel lamp, a park lamp, a guard lamp, an industrial flood lamp, and an outdoor lamp using the lens. There is an advantage in that the shape of a light field can be a square shape by controlling light distribution. Brightness is very uniform within a available illumination range, and stray light is hardly generated outside of the range.
US08007123B2 Blacklight with power supply clips and liquid crystal display device including such backlight
A backlight includes a cold cathode fluorescent lamp, a container for receiving the same and a liquid crystal display, device having the container. The lamp includes a lamp tube, a first electrode having a first end disposed inside the lamp tube and a second end disposed outside the lamp tube and a second electrode plated on an outer surface of the lamp tube. The cold cathode fluorescent lamp is easily coupled/separated to/from the container having a clip type power-supplying module in a clip-coupling manner. In addition, a shock absorbing member is installed at the clip type power-supplying module so as to absorb an impact applied to the cold cathode fluorescent lamp.
US08007120B2 Safety flag
A safety flag includes reflective material, a light source and a controller. The safety flag meets legal requirements when used for extended loads in vehicles in day and night use.
US08007118B2 Direct-lit backlight with angle-dependent birefringent diffuser
A direct-lit backlight includes a diffuse reflector disposed in front of a light source. The diffuse reflector has a continuous phase material and a disperse phase material, at least one of which is birefringent, and the disperse phase material is formed into particles having a transverse dimension less than 1 micrometer for efficient visible light scattering. The continuous and disperse phases have refractive indices tailored so the diffuse reflector transmits light from the light source substantially more strongly for obliquely incident light than for normally incident light to provide bulb-hiding characteristics.
US08007115B2 Lamp driving apparatus and control method thereof
A lamp driving apparatus configured to drive a plurality of types of lamps, each of the plurality of lamps is attached with lamp identification information for uniquely identifying the lamp. The lamp driving apparatus includes: a lamp power supply configured to drive the lamp; a read circuit configured to read the lamp identification information from the lamp; and a control circuit configured to control the lamp power supply on the basis of a result of identification obtained by use of the read lamp identification information. The control circuit, if the lamp is found to be authorized, makes the lamp power supply drive the lamp.
US08007112B2 Image display apparatus having a plurality of light-shielding members
An image display apparatus includes a light source, a color separation unit configured to separate light from the light source into colored light beams, liquid crystal display devices each configured to modulate a corresponding one of the colored light beams in accordance with an image signal, light-shielding members each configured to block light that enters an area outside an effective display area of a corresponding one of the liquid crystal display devices, a color combination unit configured to combine the colored light beams that have been modulated by the liquid crystal display devices, and a projection unit configured to project light produced by combining the colored light beams with the color combination unit, wherein the liquid crystal display devices are fixed to a heatsink, and wherein the light-shielding members each include a base member fixed to the heatsink and a mask member detachably mounted on the base member.
US08007111B2 Projector having image pickup unit, distance measuring unit, image signal processing unit, and projection unit and projection display method
A projector includes: an image pickup unit which obtains an image of a subject; an image signal processing unit which cuts an image corresponding to a projection display area of the subject contained in an image obtained by the image pickup unit, and processes an image signal such that the cut image has a predetermined size to produce a projection image signal; and a projection unit which produces an image according to the image signal produced by the image signal processing unit and projects the image.
US08007107B2 Illuminating apparatus for an operating microscope
The present invention relates to an illuminating apparatus for an operating microscope comprising two observation beam paths (152, 154) for a first observer (main surgeon) and two observation beam paths (156, 158) for a second observer (assisting surgeon), comprising an illuminating system (102; 106a, 108a, 172) and deflecting means (118, 120, 170), for deflecting light emanating from the illumination system onto an object (200) that is to be observed, wherein the deflecting device comprises a first deflecting element (118) which is associated with a first observation beam path (152) of the first observer and a first observation beam path (156) of the second observer, and a second deflecting element (120) which is associated with a second observation beam path (154) of the first observer and a second observation beam path (158) of the second observer.
US08007103B2 System and method for prescription of visual aids
In one aspect, the invention features a method for determining an eyeglass prescription for an eye. The method includes obtaining a measurement of a wavefront indicative of the refractive properties of the eye, establishing an optimization space corresponding to a plurality of possible prescriptions for the eye, determining a value for a merit function for each of the possible prescriptions in the optimization space, where the merit function value corresponds to a visual function of the eye when corrected using the corresponding possible prescription, generating a representation of the merit function values, and outputting the representation to an eye care professional.
US08007098B2 Inkjet printer and printing method
An inkjet printer using solvent ink containing an organic solvent and a colorant. The inkjet printer includes an inkjet head configured to eject the solvent ink to a medium, and a microwave irradiation unit configured to irradiate the medium, to which the solvent ink was ejected, with microwaves.
US08007096B2 Ink compositions for use in highlighter markers and associated methods
Highlighter ink compositions can be prepared which provide improved abilities to reduce smear during highlighting. Highlighter ink compositions can include an acid buffer having a pKa from about 2 to about 6, a highlighter colorant, and a liquid vehicle. The image for highlighting can be formed on the substrate using any conventional printing technique, such as ink-jet printing or other printing techniques. Application of the highlighter ink compositions of the present invention to a printed image results in a reduced degree of image smear, particularly when the image was produced by an ink-jet printing process. Further, the acid buffer can be configured for reducing mobility of specific ink-jet colorants. In this way, the highlighter ink composition can be specifically tailored for reducing smear of various printed inks.
US08007093B2 Print engine for inkjet printer
A print engine for an inkjet printer includes an inkjet cartridge having a cartridge body, a pagewidth printhead, a capper unit extending a length of the pagewidth printhead and housing a capping element which is movable between a capped position in engagement with the pagewidth printhead and a retracted position spaced from the pagewidth printhead, and an ink supply. The cartridge body supports the pagewidth printhead, the capper unit and the ink supply for simultaneous removal and replacement as a unitary component. The print engine further includes a cradle having a body for receiving the removable inkjet cartridge and to control the operation of the printhead for printing, the cradle having a capper drive for engaging the capper unit and drawing the capping element to the uncapped position; and a print controller board received in the cradle, the print controller board including one or more electrical terminals for engaging with corresponding electrical terminals on the inkjet cartridge. The cradle is secured to the inkjet printer to receive print media from a media input tray and to deliver printed media to a media output tray via a media feed path extending between the pagewidth printhead and the capping element. The print controller board is pivotally received in the cradle to pivot into and out of contact with the corresponding electrical contacts of the inkjet cartridge in response to the actuation of a cover assembly for covering the cradle unit.
US08007087B2 Inkjet printer having an ink cartridge unit configured to facilitate flow of ink therefrom
Provided is an inkjet printer having an ink cartridge unit. The cartridge unit includes a main body defining a number of ink reservoirs. Each reservoir has a layered stack of absorbent material arranged to form a micro-capillary array for suspending ink inside said reservoir. A base of each ink storage reservoir is provided with a raised portion which surrounds an ink outlet. The raised portions are molded into the main body to separate each outlet from the base of the ink storage reservoir to facilitate a sufficient flow rate of ink from the reservoir. The cartridge unit also includes a lid assembly covering the main body to seal ink inside the ink reservoirs, as well as a printhead assembly operatively fed with ink via the ink outlets from the ink reservoirs in the main body for printing onto a printing medium.
US08007078B2 Microfluidic device and a fluid ejection device incorporating the same
A microfluidic device includes first and second substrates bonded together. The first substrate has first and second opposed surfaces. A die pocket is formed in the first opposed surface, and a through slot extends from the die pocket to the second opposed surface. The second substrate is bonded to the second opposed surface of the first substrate whereby an outlet of a channel formed in the second substrate substantially aligns with the through slot. The channel of the second substrate has an inlet that is larger than the outlet.
US08007075B2 Printhead having nozzle plate formed on fluid distributors
A printhead is provided having a nozzle plate having a plurality of nozzles defined therethrough and a plurality of adjacently arranged structures on which the nozzle plate is formed. The structures have a plurality of passages for distributing fluid to the nozzles and each structure has elongate apertures to the passages. The long dimension of the elongate apertures in the abutting sides of adjacent structures are angled relative to each other.
US08007073B2 Liquid ejecting apparatus and method of wiping liquid discharge head in liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes two liquid discharge heads, a wiper unit, and an actuating mechanism. Each of the two liquid discharge heads has a nozzle face on which at least one nozzle opening for discharging liquid is formed. The two liquid discharge heads are located so that the nozzle faces of the two liquid discharge heads face each other. The wiper unit is pressed against each of the nozzle faces of the two liquid discharge heads at a position at which the wiper unit is placed between the nozzle faces of the two liquid discharge heads. The actuating mechanism reciprocally moves the wiper unit relatively along the nozzle faces of the two liquid discharge heads.
US08007064B2 Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and recording medium storing program that causes the apparatus to execute the method
An image forming apparatus includes ink cartridges, image forming units, an ink-remaining-amount manager, a maintenance determiner, an information writer, an ink-amount estimator, and a maintenance-executability determiner. If an ink near-empty or empty state occurs in one of the ink cartridges due to image formation, the ink-amount estimator estimates an amount of ink required to execute the maintenance on the other ink cartridges based on the at least one of the need for and the type of maintenance determined by the maintenance determiner. If the maintenance-executability determiner determines that the maintenance is unexecutable on at least one of the other ink cartridges based on the required ink amount and a remaining ink amount, the maintenance-executability determiner determines that the unexecutable ink cartridge is at an ink near-empty or empty state and stops writing or updating information indicative of a spent state on the memory of the unexecutable ink cartridge.
US08007061B2 Storage panel guiding device with a magnetic damper
Embodiments of the present invention may provide a storage panel guiding device, which is configured to dampen movement of a storage panel movement using magnetic attractive force to thereby reduce damper friction. The storage panel guiding device of the present invention comprises the following: a magnetic damper including a first magnetic body, a second magnetic body and a thin plate interposed therebetween; a storage panel to which the first magnetic body is attached; a guide panel to which the second magnetic body is attached; a slide rail having a slot in which the guide panel can move; and a storage case accommodating the magnetic damper, the storage panel and the guide panel.
US08007060B2 Slide assembly with locking device
A slide assembly includes an outer slide, a blocking member mounted on the outer slide, an inner slide slidably attached to the outer slide, a sliding block slidably mounted on the inner slide, and a long bar slidably attached to an inner side of the inner slide. A groove is defined in the blocking member. The sliding block is inserted in the groove to fix the inner slide on the outer slide. A slanted protrusion extends from the long bar. When the long bar is pulled towards a first direction, the slanted protrusion pushes the sliding block. The sliding block moves towards a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction to disengage the inner slide from the outer slide.
US08007056B2 Brake control apparatus and control method thereof
A brake control apparatus has first and second wheel cylinders; a master cylinder unit; first and second systems; a separation valve; a pressure control mechanism that controls the working fluid pressure transferred to at least one of the first and second wheel cylinders independently of the brake operation, and a brake ECU. The brake ECU generates a differential pressure across the separation valve by operating the pressure control mechanism when there is no brake operation while a running drive source of a vehicle is stopped to determine whether the separation valve has a leakage abnormality.
US08007054B2 Vehicle brake hydraulic pressure control apparatus
A control unit 20 includes an initial current value calculation unit 22 for calculating an initial current value when a caliper pressure shifts to a pressure increasing state, a target current value setting unit 23 which, when no pressure increasing cycle was performed last time, estimates a road surface friction coefficient, determines a target differential pressure based on the road surface friction coefficient so estimated, and sets a current value corresponding to this target differential pressure as a target current value, and a valve opening amount adjusting unit 25 which reduces an energization amount from the initial current value towards the target current value with a predetermined gradient.
US08007050B2 Degradation assembly
A degradation assembly comprises a rotating portion and a fixed portion. The rotating portion comprises a wear resistant tip bonded to a carbide bolster. The bolster is attached to a shaft adapted for a rotatable connection within a bore of the fixed portion. The fixed portion is adapted for a rigid connection to a driving mechanism. The fixed portion includes an O-ring slot formed within its bore and with an O-ring being disposed therein. The O-ring is at least 15 percent compressed such that the O-ring resists rotation of the shaft.
US08007049B2 Breaking or excavating tool with cemented tungsten carbide insert and ring
An exemplary breaking or excavating tool includes a body having a mounting end and a working end. A seating surface at the working end includes a cavity and axially projecting sidewalls formed integral to the body, an insert mounted within the cavity has a tip at an axially forwardmost end, a tapered forward surface, a side surface and a transition edge at an intersection of the forward surface and the side surface. A ring located radially outward of the projecting sidewalls is formed of a material harder than the body of the tool. The transition edge and an axially forwardmost surface of each of the sidewalls and the ring are arranged in an axially rearwardly extending stepped configuration. A material removal machine on which the breaking or excavating tool is mounted and a method of manufacturing the breaking or excavating tool are also disclosed.
US08007047B2 Mine refuge
A mine refuge for use in a mine includes a chamber having an interior space sized and shaped for occupancy by at least one person. An oxygen supply is installed in the chamber for supplying oxygen to the chamber. A mask is operatively connected to the oxygen supply and is adapted for donning by the person to supply oxygen to the person. In some embodiments, an air supply in addition to the oxygen supply is provided.
US08007043B1 Child car seat with enhanced features
A child car seat with electronic entertainment features is herein disclosed, comprising an integral sound system with pre-recorded sounds or music, and a pair of speakers embedded in the car seat near the child's head. Also, a plurality of flashing lights that can be synchronized with the music is provided along a perimeter region. Finally, a vibrating mechanism in the base of the seat may operate in a synchronous manner with the music or provide a soothing and comforting effect thereto the child to lull the child to sleep. The seat is capable of manual or automatic operation as selected using a front-mounted switch control panel or may be controlled remotely via a handheld wireless controller. The car seat is powered by connection to a cigarette lighter socket within the vehicle.
US08007026B2 Lockout feature for full open hinge
A hinge mechanism having a vehicle bracket that includes a pawl engagement member extending therefrom. A horizontally-rotating swing arm is rotatably coupled with the vehicle bracket. The hinge mechanism includes a pawl with an engagement portion and an abutment portion. The pawl is connected with the swing arm and operable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. A door bracket is rotatably coupled with the swing arm. A lever actuation member extends from the door bracket and is aligned to engage the abutment portion of the pawl.
US08007025B2 Fastening device for hinges of a motor vehicle door
In a preassembly position, the hinge elements of the two hinges of the vehicle door are each connected fixedly to the vehicle door via a pivotable hinge element of the two hinges. The vehicle door is held in position with precise gap positioning in a side wall door cutout of the vehicle body. In a final assembly position, the positionally fixed hinge element of the two hinges is connected to outer and inner wall parts of a vehicle pillar of the vehicle body via fastening screws and via a torque strut.
US08007021B2 Mounting system for mounting a body to a vehicle tailgate
A mounting system for mounting a body to a tailgate having first and second latch assemblies that engage a pair of striker plates. The mounting system includes a first mounting bracket having a first striker plate to engage the first latch assembly and a second mounting bracket having a second striker plate to engage the second latch assembly. The first and second mounting brackets mount the body on the tailgate when the first and the second mounting brackets are attached to the body and when the first and second striker plates are engaged with the first and second latch assemblies.
US08007019B1 Clamp having symmetrical configuration
A clamp includes a pivot, a first lever, a second lever, and two stretched resilient members. The first and second levers are pivotally coupled to each other via the pivot. Each of the first and second levers includes a first handle and, a second handle arranged at opposite sides of the pivot. Each of the first and second levers includes a first jaw member arranged on a distal end of the second handle thereof and a second jaw member arranged on a distal end of the first handle. One of the stretched resilient members is interconnected between the first handle of the first lever and the second handle of the second lever, and the other of the stretched resilient member being interconnected between the second handle of the first lever and the first handle of the second lever.
US08007016B2 Grease interceptor latching and riser system and method of use thereof
A riser kit for a grease interceptor having upwardly extending walls, an open top and a cover to close the open top. The riser kit comprises at least one collar extension having, a lower edge for engaging an upper edge of the upwardly extending walls of the grease interceptor, a middle portion forming an upward wall extension for the grease interceptor, and, a top edge sized and shaped to engage the cover to permit the cover to be secured to the extended grease interceptor. The riser kit also has a means to secure the collar extension to the grease interceptor. Also disclosed is a latch assembly for securing a cover onto a container, the latch assembly comprising a catch member secured to the container transverse to a container wall at an upper end thereof, a latch member pivotally mounted to the cover adjacent an edge thereof and positioned to register with the catch member. The latch member has a hook portion and a lever portion wherein pivoting the lever portion when the cover is positioned on the container causes the hook portion to engage and disengage with the catch member. A method of installing a wastewater grease interceptor is also disclosed.
US08007008B2 Foldable media holder and related method for blocking wind
A foldable media holder for blocking wind includes a foldable frame and a flexible sheeted material. The foldable frame has an erect configuration and a folded configuration and the flexible sheeted material is attached to the foldable frame. The foldable frame includes first, second, third, fourth, and central elongated support members, each having first and second ends. The first and second elongated support members have first and second pivots, respectively. The first end of the central elongated support member is operatively connected to first end of the first elongated support member and the second end of the central elongated support member is operatively connected to the first end of the second elongated support member. When the foldable frame is in the erect configuration the central elongated support member is positioned substantially parallel to the third and fourth elongated support members and is about centrally positioned therebetween.
US08007005B2 Vehicle body frame structure
A vehicle body frame structure includes, in a front frame assembly, a front suspension supporting section having paired right and left cushion top end supporting parts, paired right and left upper arm supporting parts, paired right and left upper arm supporting parts, paired right and left lower arm supporting parts, and paired right and left lower arm supporting parts. In the vehicle body frame structure, the front frame assembly has a configuration which is vertically bisected chiefly into an upper front frame and a lower front frame. The upper front frame includes the right and left cushion top end supporting parts. The lower front frame includes the right and left upper arm supporting parts, the right and left upper arm supporting parts, the right and left lower arm supporting parts, and the right and left lower arm supporting parts.
US08007002B2 Air bag with fill hose and method of assembly
An air bag module (60) including an inflatable air bag (50) having a first region formed by opposing edge borders (102, 104) of two facing panels or panel pieces (52, 54), the first region initially open to receive a gas distribution hose (40), the gas distribution hose comprising a tubular portion (42) and a flat portion (44) integrally formed with the tubular portion, the tubular portion configured to receive inflation gas at one portion and having openings (49) therein to permit the egress of inflation gas; the flat portion of the hose located between the opposing edge borders of the facing panels; and a seam or seams (110) extending through the facing borders to join the flat portion of the hose between the facing edge borders in a gas tight manner.
US08007001B2 Auxiliary inflatable belt device and auxiliary supporting belt device
An auxiliary inflatable belt device is provided on a seat and includes an inflatable belt body, an inflating device and a fixing device. The interior of the inflatable belt device is formed with an air chamber and provided with at least one inflating port. The inflating device is communicated with the inflating port of the inflatable belt body. The fixing device is connected to the inflatable belt body. After the inflatable belt body is inflated completely, it forms a cubic body for allowing the body and head of a user to rest thereon and supporting the person who sleeps on the seat. Thus, the sleep quality can be enhanced. The present invention further provides an auxiliary supporting belt device.
US08006997B2 Air bag device for pedestrian
An air bag device for pedestrian includes an inflator which discharges an inflating gas, in operation, and an air bag which is inflated with the inflating gas supplied from the inflator thereby to cover a front face of the front pillar. The air bag is contained in a folded state, in an area covered with the front fender panel which is positioned in front of a front pillar and outside of a vehicle along a lateral direction of a hood panel. The front fender panel includes a cover part which is positioned at its back edge close to the front pillar, and arranged so as to cover an upper part of the air bag in the folded state. The cover part is deformed and opened, when it is pressed with the air bag which is being inflated, thereby to protrude the air bag so that the air bag can cover the front face side of the front pillar.
US08006988B1 Self-leveling air spring suspension system
A suspension system includes a plurality of suspension members, each suspension member including a housing having an interior surface that bounds a chamber and a piston slidably disposed within the chamber. The piston seals against the interior surface of the housing so as to separate the chamber into a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment and second compartment being filled with a gas. A first gas lines extends in fluid communication between the first compartment of a first suspension member and the second compartment of a second suspension member. A second gas lines extends in fluid communication between the second compartment of a first suspension member and the first compartment of a second suspension member.
US08006984B2 Stackable dolly
The dolly is constructed with wheels to provide mobility and with posts to allow for stacking of one dolly on another for storage purposes and return shipment purposes. A long dolly may also be provided with laterally mounted posts for receiving and supporting a shorter, but wider, dolly thereon. Each corner post is provided with a dependent pin that is able to fit into an opening in the upper end of a post of a dolly below. Removable support feet are provided for supporting a loaded dolly for transport with the wheels in an elevated position.
US08006982B2 High temperature dynamic seal
A high temperature dynamic seal and methods of assembly and use. The dynamic seal is provided as a rotating seal, which includes a stationary ring and rotating ring assembly, with a seal ring that is positioned between the stationary ring member and the rotating ring assembly. One or more high temperature seals create a seal between the stationary ring member and a device in which the dynamic seal is used. Similarly one or more high temperature seals create a seal between the rotating ring assembly and a rotating shaft of the device. One or more of the high temperature seals are formed from a metallic material with various cross-sectional shapes.
US08006981B2 Moving target system for defensive training
A moving target system for defensive training includes an elongated ground-based track defining a track axis, a trolley operable to move along the track, the trolley having a target support facility, a driver operable to move the trolley along the track, and the target facing in a direction angularly offset from perpendicular to the track axis. The target support facility may be operable to fall from a vertical position when the trolley reaches an end of the track. There may be an actuator operably connected to the driver to initiate movement of the trolley when actuated.
US08006979B1 Game for sculpting objects and method of playing same
A multi-player game for sculpting a designated object by players of the game and judging said designated object by a judge, wherein the players earn points for each sculpted object chosen by the judge as most representing the designated object. The game broadly comprises a judge's board, a plurality of player's boards, sculpting dough, a plurality of object cards, a smasher, an eye mask, a timer, a plurality of points indicators, and a game box for storing the above-listed items. A method of performing the game broadly comprises the steps of (a) selecting a judge from the plurality of players for a round of play of the game; (b) selecting an object to be sculpted; (c) preventing the selected judge from visually seeing the sculpting of the objects; (d) sculpting the selected object; (e) presenting the sculpted objects to the judge; and (f) selecting a winning sculpted object.
US08006977B1 Wheel indicator and progressive bonus apparatus
A game system including a progressive bonus apparatus connected to a plurality of individual game units. In an exemplary embodiment, the progressive bonus apparatus receives score contributions from each game unit to increase a progressive score. When players achieve a predetermined result on a game unit, they receive an award based on the progressive score. Each game unit connected to the progressive bonus apparatus may take the form of a game with a rotating wheel.
US08006975B2 Method and apparatus for conveying a sheet back into the overlapping stream in the event of a machine stop
A method and an apparatus are provided to convey and align sheets being fed to a processing machine. In the event of a machine “stop,” a sheet, which has been separated from an overlapping stream, is conveyed back into the overlapping stream by raising the rear sheet edge with a mechanical or pneumatic device.
US08006974B2 Paper feeding module and multi-function peripheral having the same
A multi-function peripheral includes a main body and a paper feeding module. The paper feeding module includes a supporting base, a feeding element and a paper separating elastic element. The supporting base is disposed on the main body. The supporting base is suitable for supporting multiple paper sheets and defines a paper feeding path. The feeding element is disposed above the supporting base for feeding the paper sheets along the paper feeding path. The paper separating elastic element has a fixed end connected to the supporting base and a free end disposed on the paper feeding path. When the feeding element feeds the papers along the paper feeding path, the free end applies a frictional force on the paper sheets such that one paper sheet passes the paper separating element and keeps moving while the rest of the paper sheets are blocked from moving by the paper separating elastic element.
US08006973B2 Replaceable unit, sheet conveyance apparatus and image forming device
A replaceable unit includes a feeding roller that feeds a sheet from a sheet accommodation portion that accommodates the sheet; a conveyance roller that conveys the sheet fed by the feeding roller downstream; a first frame body that supports the feeding roller and the conveyance roller so as to be rotatable; and a second frame body that supports the first frame body so as to be movable and is removably mounted at a position at which the feeding roller can touch against the sheet accommodated at the sheet accommodation portion.
US08006972B2 Paper sheet processing apparatus
A paper sheet processing apparatus has a take-in device which takes in notes set in a setting unit, a judgment device which judges the quality and condition of a note taken in by the take-in device, a stacking box which stacks the note judged the quality and condition by the judgment device, a backup which is provided movably up and down in the stacking box and stacks notes, and a control device which variably controls the position of the backup based on the result of judgment by the judgment device.
US08006966B2 Glass support pin
A glass support pin for supporting a glass substrate for use with a liquid crystal display device is provided. In one embodiment, the glass support pin includes a plurality of branch pins, and one or more elastic members. The plurality of branch pins is structured to have top ends. The top ends of the branch pins are spread outwardly in the radial direction. The one or more elastic members are attached to the branch pins. The glass support pin is open by pulling the top ends of the branch pins outwardly according to a longitudinal movement of the glass support pin.
US08006965B2 Vibration isolator
A vibration isolator having an inner passage of a communication tube that communicates the negative pressure chamber with the valve chamber. A pipe connection part and a supply/discharge pipe communicate the valve chamber with the supply/discharge port of a switching valve on the outside of the vibration isolator. The switching valve selectively communicates the supply/discharge port to either an intake manifold as the negative pressure supply source, or an atmosphere space. The negative pressure chamber communicates with the valve chamber through the communication tube on the inner peripheral side of the outer cylinder member. Thus, either of a negative pressure and an atmospheric pressure, which is same as a pressure in the valve chamber, can be supplied into the negative pressure chamber, by supplying either of the negative pressure and the atmospheric pressure into the valve chamber through the supply/discharge pipe and the pipe connection part.
US08006961B1 Apparatus and method for treating process fluid
In an improvement of the apparatus and method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,354,029 B1, a Process Fluid Treating Apparatus includes an ejector assembly fluidically connected to a process fluid supply assembly. A Coanda airfoil is located in the ejector assembly. Primary fluid is injected into the ejector duct and forms a Coanda layer, flowing adjacent to the walls of a Coanda Airfoil. A process fluid, or part of it, flows toward the ejector assembly through the Process Fluid Supply Assembly, which forces the process fluid to flow through a plurality of fluid ports to separate that process fluid into a plurality of separate streams and turns those separate streams of process fluid through its perforated tip towards the Coanda layer whereby the contact between the process fluid and the Coanda layer is controlled. Shear and other forces and pressure gradients associated with the Coanda layer serve to transport the process fluid from the source and to operate on the process fluid to atomize the process fluid and/or to de-agglomerize solid particles entrained in the process fluid. Alternatively, a mechanical pump could be used for process fluid delivery to the Coanda layer.
US08006956B2 Tarp loading structure and method for using same
A building structure for covering a large object with a cover comprising: multiple frames, each frame being part of a building structure); at least one motor suspended from at least one of said plurality of frames and connected to one or more spools; and an arm lifting structure suspended from the frame and comprising: at least two arms; a plurality of lifting connectors, each attached on one end to an arm on a first end and attached to one of the spools on a second end; and at least one fastening roller member mounted to each arm for temporarily securing the cover to the arms. Alternate embodiments of the building structure include laterally and/or longitudinally translating motors and/or guides for ensuring that the arms are raised and lowered straight up and down.
US08006950B2 Apparatus support
An apparatus support (11) with a damping characteristic comprises a rigid reinforcing component, in particular a steel plate (19), encapsulated by a body (16) of compliant material, particularly a composite of particulate mineral material and synthetic binder. The plate (19) defines an opening (19a) at spacing from the upper side of the body (16) and a mounting ring (21) is embedded in the body so as to be disposed at least partly above the opening. The ring (21) has a peripheral flange (21a) which is spaced from the plate (19) and from the upper side of the body and overlaps the plate in vertical projection. Material of the body is thus disposed above the flange (21a) and also sandwiched between the flange and the plate so that a damping zone is present around the ring both above and below the flange.
US08006949B2 Seat slide device for vehicle
A seat slide device includes a handle rotatably supported in holding holes provided respectively at a pair of upper rails to rotate a radial projection portion for releasing a lock mechanism, and a bearing member having an outer edge portion disposed between the upper rail and the radial projection portion formed at the handle, a holding portion disposed between the upper rail and the outer periphery of the handle, and a cushioning portion allowing the handle to move in an axial direction. The bearing member is disposed to fit into the holding hole for supporting the handle.
US08006947B1 Spiral/coil wrap stand
Coil/helix shaped stands and methods of using and installing the stands that can be wrapped about elongated supports. The stands can have looped holders for supporting objects such as planters and pots, off ground level. The looped holders can be adjustable so as to remain level with different size diameter elongated supports. The stands can be aesthetically pleasing and attractive and be easy to assembly and mount. The stands are easily removable. Additionally, the coil stands can support other objects such as tables, flagpoles and umbrellas.
US08006944B2 Fixing device
A fixing device for a bicycle includes a base, a bracket member, a pin and a band. When fastening of the band is loosened, the bracket member comes to be rotatable in a direction of an arrow DR20 with respect to the base, allowing adjustment of a component angle. When fastened to the pipe by the belt, the base and the bracket member are engaged with each other and held in the engaged state, so that bracket cannot be rotated in a direction of an arrow DR20 with respect to the base.
US08006938B2 Spacecraft servicing vehicle with adaptors, tools and attachment mechanisms
An in-space spacecraft servicing system (10) includes a servicing spacecraft (22) and a propellant module (24). The servicing spacecraft includes a client servicing system (136), as well as navigation avionics (108) for independent flight operation and a servicing propellant tank (170). The propellant module moves the servicing module from an upper stage drop off location and releases it in proximity to a client spacecraft (16) for a servicing mission. It has a propellant tank (172) with capacity for multiple missions and is used to refill the servicing spacecraft's propellant tanks between missions. Either or both the servicing spacecraft and the propellant module may have navigation avionics. The servicing spacecraft also has a universal docking adaptor (70) for different client spacecraft, and can convert a client spacecraft from non-cooperative to cooperative.
US08006936B1 Parachute deployment control
In one form of the invention, a deployment control for releasing a rocket recovery device such as a parachute includes an electrical heating element extensible along a heat-severable reach of an elongate retainer capable of being wrapped closely about the recovery device to retain the recovery device in a compact form until the reach is severed as the result of electricity being supplied to the heating element to thereby release and deploy the recovery device. In other forms, an apparatus for cutting a heat meltable retainer to release and deploy a rocket recovery device includes a heating element extending along at least a short reach of the retainer, and a control device for supplying electricity to the heating element for heat severing the retainer reach.
US08006935B2 Channel slide cargo handling system and method
A cargo handling system and method employing a plurality of slide units and tracks. The tracks are mounted in or on a floor of a cargo area of a mobile platform, and also on a ramp of the mobile platform. The slide units slide within the tracks and enable container roll in, roll out platforms (CROPs) and 1077 flatracks to be slidably moved into and out from the cargo area. The slide units are arranged at the four corners of each CROP or 1077 flatrack and can be positively locked to a CROP or 1077 flatrack by a standard ISO twist lock assembly. The slide units eliminate the need for a K-loader and a crane to be present at the site where loading or unloading is to occur. Instead, suitable vehicles such a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTTs), which are more readily transported to remote cites, can be used to assist in slidably loading and offloading CROPs and 1077 flatracks.
US08006931B2 Aircraft wing arrangement comprising an engine attachment pylon defining, in the forward region, a lateral airflow channel
An aircraft wing arrangement including a wing and at least one strut for attaching the aircraft engine suspended under the wing and including a front zone situated projecting towards the front with respect to a leading edge of the wing. The front zone includes a lateral projection delimiting a lateral air flow channel while being projected towards a proximal end of the wing.
US08006927B2 Attenuated seatbelt stopper
A force limiting device for use with a safety belt retractor is provided. The safety belt retractor includes a spool and a safety belt webbing attached to and wound around the spool for payout of the webbing under the influence of forwardly directed movement of a vehicle occupant. The force limiting device comprises a fixed member, a shaft connected to the fixed member and a coupling received on the shaft and operatively connected to the spool. The coupling is configured to move along the longitudinal extent of the shaft towards the fixed member during payout of the webbing. Engagement of the coupling with the fixed member prevents further payout of the webbing. The shaft is configured to limit movement of the coupling along the shaft during payout of the webbing to control effective belt force on the vehicle occupant during a crash condition.
US08006924B2 Refiner plate assembly and method with evacuation of refining zone
A refiner plate assembly and method includes an annular arrangement of adapter subplates that mount to a refiner disk of a disk refiner using a conventional mounting technique, such as bolted in a standard pattern associated with the particular disk refiner. The adapter subplate arrangement remains mounted to the disk and provides a universal mounting surface for an annular arrangement of individual removable refiner segments. A steam and/or accept evacuation channel is provided in this assembly via filter passages at a radially intermediate location in one or more refiner segments which communicate with a recess or channel in one or more associated adapter subplates that direct the steam and/or accepts through outlet ports in the outer rim of the adapter subplate(s). Refining efficiency is provided in a universal refiner plate assembly by eliminating steam volume and already refined pulp from outer portions of the refining zone. The filter section(s) can be placed at an optimal location of high volume fraction of pulp fibers where mounting hardware is typically located in conventional refiner segments.
US08006919B2 Sprinkler with dual shafts
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a sprinkler is provided, having a first shaft coupled to a drive mechanism and a grooved deflector. A second shaft is disposed within the first shaft, coupled to a water flow adjustment mechanism and an adjustment region on the top of the deflector. The first shaft transfers rotational movement from the drive mechanism to a grooved deflector on the top of the sprinkler. The second shaft rotates with the first shaft during normal operation due to a friction clutch within the sprinkler. When the user desires to adjust the water flow (i.e., the radius of the water), the friction of the clutch can be overcome by rotating the second shaft, increasing openings of flow passages within the sprinkler body. In this respect, flow adjustments can be made from the top of the sprinkler while the deflector rotates.
US08006909B2 Methods of forming and detecting non-visible marks and articles marked in accordance with the methods
The present invention provides methods of forming and detecting non-visible marks and articles marked in accordance with the methods. In accordance with the methods of the invention, a marking material is applied to a substrate to form a mark that is contrastable from the substrate in one or more regions of the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The mark is covered with a film, which can be a bonded coating or a non-bonded covering sheet, that comprises an amount of one or more inorganic pigments such that the film appears opaque in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum but is sufficiently transmissive in one or more regions of the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to facilitate the detection of the mark covered by the film. The non-visible marks can be applied to articles such as automobile parts, aircraft parts and other articles of manufacture to deter counterfeiting.
US08006908B2 Data support with identifications written thereon by means of a laser beam and method for production thereof
The invention relates to a data carrier into which, by a laser beam, identifiers (20, 22) are introduced in the form of patterns, letters, numbers and/or images that are visible due to local changes in the optical properties of the data carrier, effected by the laser beam and resulting from material transformations. According to the present invention, the data carrier comprises a laser-sensitive recording layer (26) that is transparent in the visible spectral range and that is provided with a surface relief in the form of a lens grid (28). The identifiers are introduced with the laser beam from different directions through the lens grid (28) into the recording layer (26) and are perceptible when later viewed from those same directions. The data carrier is transparent at least in the area of the introduced identifiers (20, 22).
US08006905B2 Method of reducing noise in an optically read image using an optical collection device
A system and method of reading an indicia and rejecting ambient light is disclosed. An imaging signal and an ambient signal are received by the system where the imaging signal corresponds to indicia information and a first portion of the ambient light, and the ambient signal corresponds to a second portion of the ambient light. The imaging signal and the ambient signal are mathematically manipulated to subtract the contribution of the first portion of the ambient light from the imaging signal.
US08006903B2 Proximity-based inventory management system using RFID tags to aid in dispensing and restocking inventory
An apparatus is provided that includes a processor configured to operate a software application, which is configured to receive selection of a number of discrete groups into which to divide a plurality of identified products. The products are located at respective storage locations in a collection of storage locations. The software application is therefore configured to divide the identified products into discrete groups such that the areas of the resulting groups of products at respective storage locations are substantially non-overlapping. The software application is further configured to assign the groups of products to respective workstation computers, each of which is configured to generate and transmit, for each of one or more of the products of a respective group, a signal to an associated RFID tag to thereby direct the RFID tag to generate a notification signal. A method and a computer program product for managing inventory are also provided.
US08006899B2 Entrance ticket with lighting effect
A ticket having an embedded processor in a substrate for creating a synchronous lighting effect at a controlled access venue and a method for creating a lighting effect at a controlled access venue while controlling access to the venue simultaneously using a ticket that coordinates with the performance allowing a holder of the ticket to perform with the performance.
US08006895B2 Apparatus and method for providing payment service in mobile communication system
An apparatus and a method for providing payment service in a mobile communication system. According to the method, when an event for processing a credit payment is detected, a first FACILITY message requesting a credit payment process is created and transmitted to a mobile communication network. Accordingly, a portable terminal can provide a credit payment service even if it does not have a communication module or chip for payment processing.
US08006878B2 Splitting method and device for connecting rod
A splitting devices for a connecting rod, having a fixed stage fixed on a base, a movable stage installed so as to be approachable and departable from the fixed stage, a load mechanism for applying a breaking load to a press fit direction of a wedge member, and second hydraulic cylinders for clamping a cap section by pressing from above an end section of third work support members. The third work support members and the second hydraulic cylinders are individually fixed to the movable stage so as to be displaceable together with the movable stage.
US08006877B2 Backpack for self contained breathing apparatus
A backpack assembly for a self contained breathing apparatus comprises a plurality of components positioned in housings that define a body for the backpack assembly. The body is assembled to a back frame. A pivoting and swiveling hip plate is connected to the back frame in multiple distinct positions to provide a customizable and comfortable fit for the wearer.
US08006872B2 Pressure package system
A pressure package system for providing a working pressure on a fluid included in a pressure package, the system being provided with a pressure package (2) in which a product chamber (4) is included for holding the fluid and in which a working pressure chamber is included for keeping a propellant at the working pressure, the system being further provided with a pressure controller (5) and a high-pressure chamber (6) connected with the pressure controller for keeping the propellant in supply at a relatively high pressure, the pressure package system being further provided with a wall (7) which is designed to be movable relative to the pressure controller, a first side (8) of the wall bounding the working pressure chamber at least partly and a second side (9) of the wall, facing away from the working pressure chamber, bounding the product chamber at least partly.
US08006867B2 Caulking gun
A caulking gun includes an easily repositionable handle for better ergonomic balance. The handle, able to slide along the length of the gun below the cartridge holder, is engaged and disengaged using the trigger. The handle disengages from the cartridge holder when the trigger is cocked upwards, and then relocks on the cartridge holder when the trigger is squeezed. A nozzle cutter is positioned away from the action of the trigger and handle and a retractable, adjustable arm clip provides a positive secure secondary connection with the user. A trigger bar connects the trigger to an actuator plate, is aligned with a restraining plate and set to engage and disengage with the plunger advancing mechanism such that the plunger shaft slides rearward slightly relieving a cartridge's internal pressure each time the trigger is released.