Document Document Title
US08022080B2 Small molecules with antiprotozoal activity
The present invention provides new chemical compositions with desirable biological activity and toxicity profiles for the enhanced treatment of malaria.
US08022079B2 Methods of modulating PPAR gamma-type receptors
Novel compounds having the general formula (I) below: are useful in a wide variety of applications in human or veterinary medicine (in dermatology, and also in the fields of cardiovascular diseases, immune diseases and/or diseases associated with lipid metabolism), or, alternatively are formulated into cosmetic compositions.
US08022077B2 Pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines useful as HCV inhibitors, and methods for the preparation thereof
The present invention relates to the use of pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines of formula (I) wherein L, R1, R2 and R3 have specific meaning. The present invention also relates to the use of the compounds of formula (I) as inhibitors of HCV replication as well as their use in pharmaceutical compositions aimed to treat or combat HCV infections. In addition, the present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) per se and their use as medicines. The present invention also concerns processes for the preparation of such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and combinations of said compounds with other anti-HCV agents.
US08022076B2 Substituted thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines as potassium channel inhibitors
This invention relates to novel compound of formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The invention is also directed to the uses of compounds having formula (I) in the treatment or prevention of diseases or disorders which requires potassium channel inhibition to an animal, mammal or human in need thereof. The invention is also directed to the use of compounds having formula (I) in the treatment or prevention of arrhythmia to an animal, mammal or human in need thereof.
US08022074B2 4-(phenyl-piperazinyl-methyl)benzamide derivatives and their use for the treatment of pain, anxiety or gastrointestinal disorders
The invention relates to at least one compound of general formula I wherein R1 is phenyl, pyridinyl, thienyl, furanyl, imidazolyl, pyrrolyl, triazolyl, thiazolyl, or pyridine N-oxide, where each R1 phenyl and R1 heteroaromatic ring may optionally and independently be substituted by 1, 2 or 3 substituents selected from CF3, methyl, iodo, bromo, fluoro, and chloro; R2 is independently selected from ethyl and isopropyl; R3 is hydrogen or fluoro; R4 is —NH2 or —NHSO2R5; and R5 is hydrogen, —CF3, or C1-C6 alkyl, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; at least one process for making at least one compound in accordance with Formula I; at least one method for treating at least one δ receptor associated condition with at least one compound in accordance with Formula I; and at least one pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound in accordance with Formula I.
US08022073B2 Substituted pyridazine compounds and fungicidal uses thereof
A pyridazine compound of the formula: has an excellent plant disease controlling effect.
US08022072B2 Azolylmethylidenehydrazine derivative and use thereof
An azolylmethylidenehydrazine derivative represented by the formula (I) wherein Ar is an aryl group optionally having substituent(s) or a heteroaryl group optionally having substituent(s), R1 and R2 are the same or different and each is an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aralkyl group optionally having substituent(s), an aryl group optionally having substituent(s), a heteroarylalkyl group optionally having substituent(s), or R1 and R2 are bonded to each other to form a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group optionally having substituent(s), and X is CH or a nitrogen atom, or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof is useful as a medicament, particularly as an antifungal agent, or an anti-inflammatory agent or an antiallergic agent.
US08022071B2 Nitrogenous heterocyclic compounds
The present invention relates to nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which have inhibitory activity on the phosphorylation of kinases, which inhibits the activity of such kinases. The invention is also related to a method of inhibiting kinases and treating disease states in a mammal by inhibiting the phosphorylation of kinases. In a particular aspect the present invention provides nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which inhibit phosphorylation of a PDGF receptor to hinder abnormal cell growth and cell wandering, and a method for preventing or treating cell-proliferative diseases such as arteriosclerosis, vascular reobstruction, cancer and glomerulosclerosis.
US08022067B2 Synergistic mixtures of anthranilamide invertebrate pest control agents
Disclosed are mixtures and compositions for controlling invertebrate pests relating to combinations comprising (a) 3-bromo-N-[4-chloro-2-methyl-6-[(methylamino)carbonyl]phenyl]-1-(3-chloro-2-pyridinyl)-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide, and its N-oxides, and suitable salts thereof and a component (b) wherein the component (b) is at least one compound or agent selected from neonicotinoids, cholinesterase inhibitors, sodium channel modulators, chitin synthesis inhibitors, ecdysone agonists, lipid biosynthesis inhibitors, macrocyclic lactones, GABA-regulated chloride channel blockers, juvenile hormone mimics, ryanodine receptor ligands, octopamine receptor ligands, mitochondrial electron transport inhibitors, nereistoxin analogs, pyridalyl, flonicamid, pymetrozine, dieldrin, metaflumizone, biological agents, and suitable salts of the foregoing. Also disclosed are methods for controlling an invertebrate pest comprising contacting the invertebrate pest or its environment with a biologically effective amount of a mixture or composition of the invention.
US08022064B2 Phenylpentadienoyl derivatives and their use as PAR 1 antagonists
The present invention relates to compounds of general formula (I): wherein: R1 and R2, identical or different, represent: an atom of hydrogen or halogen, CN or NO2, with R1 and R2 not representing hydrogen simultaneously, m represents: 1 or 2 n represents: 0, 1 or 2 R3 represents: phenyl substituted or not by one or more residues chosen among halogen, hydroxyl or C1-C6 alkyl; C2-C6 alkyl substituted or not by one or more residues chosen among halogen or hydroxyl; cycloalkyl; pyridine; thiophene; pyrrole substituted or not by C1-C6 alkyl; thiazole or furan; or the therapeutically-acceptable salts or solvates thereof.
US08022063B2 CRTH2 receptor ligands for medicinal uses
Compounds of formula (I) are useful for the treatment of disease responsive to modulation of CRTH2 receptor activity, such as asthma, rhinitis, allergic airway syndrome, and allergic rhinobronchitis, wherein A represents a carboxyl group —COON, or a carboxyl bioisostere; A1, is hydrogen or methyl; ring Ar1 is an optionally substituted phenyl ring 5- or 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring, in which AA1CHO— and L2 are linked to adjacent ring atoms; rings Are2, Ar3 each independently represent a phenyl or 5- or 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring, or a bicyclic ring system consisting of a 5- or 6-membered carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring which is benz-fused or fused to a 5- or 6-membered monocyclic heteroaryl ring, said ring or ring system being optionally substituted; t is 0 or 1; L2 and L3 are linker radicals as defined in the description.
US08022061B2 N-aryl pyrazole compounds, compositions, and methods for their use
Compounds having formula I: where A1, A2, L, V, W, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as described herein, compositions thereof, and their use for the treatment or prevention of type 2 diabetes and type 2 diabetes-related conditions are provided herein.
US08022058B2 Agents for preventing and treating disorders involving modulation of the RyR receptors
The present invention provides novel compounds of Formula I and salts, hydrates, solvates, complexes, and prodrugs thereof. The present invention further provides methods for synthesizing compounds of Formula I. The invention additionally provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of Formula I and methods of using the pharmaceutical compositions of Formula I to treat and prevent disorders and diseases associated with the RyR receptors that regulate calcium channel functioning in cells. Such disorders and diseases include, by way of example only, cardiac disorders and diseases, skeletal muscular disorders and diseases, cognitive disorders and diseases, malignant hyperthermia, diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome. Cardiac disorder and diseases include, but are not limited to, irregular heartbeat disorders and diseases; exercise-induced irregular heartbeat disorders and diseases; sudden cardiac death; exercise-induced sudden cardiac death; congestive heart failure; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; and high blood pressure. Irregular heartbeat disorders and diseases include and exercise-induced irregular heartbeat disorders and diseases include, but are not limited to, atrial and ventricular arrhythmia; atrial and ventricular fibrillation; atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmia; atrial and ventricular tachycardia; catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT); and exercise-induced variants thereof. Skeletal muscular disorder and diseases include, but are not limited to, skeletal muscle fatigue, exercise-induced skeletal muscle fatigue, muscular dystrophy, bladder disorders, and incontinence. Cognitive disorders and diseases include, but are not limited to, Alzheimer's Disease, forms of memory loss, and age-dependent memory loss.
US08022054B2 Liquid ganaxolone formulations and methods for the making and use thereof
In certain embodiments, the invention is directed to composition comprising stable particles comprising ganaxolone, wherein the volume weighted median diameter (D50) of the particles is from about 50 nm to about 500 nm.
US08022051B2 Composition for protection and improvement of skin, or reinforcing skin barrier function comprising phosphatidylserine
Disclosed is a composition containing phosphatidylserine as an effective ingredient, and more particularly to a composition containing phosphatidylserine as an effective ingredient for protecting and improving a skin, reinforcing a skin barrier function, suppressing and alleviating an inflammatory response, treating and improving an atopic skin, activating PPAR-a promoting a differentiation of the skin, protecting the skin and preventing and improving skin aging and wrinkle. Accordingly, it is possible to protect and improve the skin from the injury due to the ultraviolet or the external stimulating material such as chemical material and to reinforce and strengthen the skin barrier function using the composition, thereby improving a general skin state.
US08022048B2 Method of treating vitamin B12 deficiency
A novel method and composition for treating vitamin B12 deficiency mammals that fail to respond to oral vitamin B12 therapy.
US08022046B2 Microsphere-based composition for preventing and/or reversing new-onset autoimmune diabetes
A method is provided that includes using an antisense approach to reverse and/or delay an autoimmune diabetes condition in vivo. The oligonucleotides are targeted to bind to primary transcripts CD40, CD80, CD86 and their combinations.
US08022045B1 Inhibitors of TGF-R-signaling for treatment of CNS disorders
The present invention relates to the use of oligonucleotides for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of a disease, wherein neurogenesis and/or neuroregeneration has a beneficial effect, in particular a disease like Morbus Alzheimer, Morbus Parkinson, Lewy Body Dementia, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Spinocerebellar Atrophies, Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease, Frontemporal Dementia, Morbus Pick, AIDS Dementia Complex, Vascular Dementia, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Corticobasal Degeneration, Multisystem-Atrophy, Hallervorden Spatz Disease, Huntington's disease, Stroke, Traumatic Brain and spinal cord Injury, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Cochlea Degeneration, Depression, Schizophrenia, Multiple Sclerosis, and developmental neurodegeneration.
US08022038B2 Composition for acceleration of type I collagen production
It is an object of the present invention to provide a composition for promoting the production of type I collagen by human skin fibroblasts, and the present invention relates to a composition for promoting type I collagen production containing silybin and a peptide that promotes collagen production (peptide having an amino acid sequence of Gly-Pro-Hyp, Gly-His-Lys, Lys-Thr-Thr-Lys-Ser (SEQ ID NO: 1) or Gly-Glu-Pro-Arg (SEQ ID NO: 2).
US08022032B2 Method for customized dispensing of variable dose drug combination products for individualizing of therapies
The method set out herein involves identifying the concentration of each of two or more active therapeutics tailored to treat a particular patient's unique metabolism and one or more diseases, communicating that information to a producer who has multiple fixed or variable concentrations of each active available, where the producer then combines the individual concentrations of each active into single units such as a tablets or pills, and distributes those indirectly or directly to the patient.
US08022030B2 Polymer conjugates for a controlled release of active molecules
The present invention relates to the field of perfumery. More particularly, it concerns co-polymers, derived from a maleic anhydride derivative and a ethylenic derivative, comprising at least one β-oxy or β-thio carbonyl moiety capable of liberating an active molecule such as, for example, an α,β-unsaturated ketone, aldehyde or carboxylic ester. The present invention concerns also the use of polymers or co-polymers in perfumery as well as the perfuming compositions or perfumed articles comprising the invention's compounds.
US08022026B2 Odor elimination composition comprising triethylene glycol for use on soft surfaces
A method and composition for deodorizing soft surfaces such as carpeting and upholstery are disclosed. The method includes the spraying of a liquid composition on a soft surface and allowing the composition to absorb into the soft surface, form liquid agglomerations within the soft surface to the agglomerations can make contact with malodorants disposed within the soft surface. The composition is capable of penetrating rapidly and deeply into the soft surfaces for contacting odor-causing substances embedded therein. The composition comprises an active ingredient such as a glycol or triethanolamine. Other ingredients that contribute to the surface penetration and/or agglomeration formation include ethanol, water, fragrance and a combination of at least one nonionic and at least one ionic surfactant.
US08022025B1 Heterocoagulate, and compositions and method for polishing and surface treatment
A heterocoagulate comprises first particles, having a particle size of at most 999 nm, on a second particle, having a particle size of at least 3 microns. The first particles comprise cerium oxide, and second particle comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of silicon oxides, aluminum oxides and zirconium oxides.
US08022022B2 Lubricating oil additive and lubricating oil composition containing same
A molybdated succinimide complex is disclosed which is prepared by a process comprising (a) reacting an alkyl or alkenyl succinimide of a polyamine of formula I wherein R is an about C12 to about C30 alkyl or alkenyl group; a and b are independently 2 or 3, and x is 0 to 10, with an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid or anhydride thereof; and (b) reacting the product of step (a) with an acidic molybdenum compound. Also disclosed is a lubricating oil composition containing at least (a) a major amount of a base oil of lubricating viscosity and (b) a minor amount of the molybdated succinimide complex.
US08022021B2 Low ash controlled release gels
The present invention relates to a controlled release gel with an ashless component and defined ash-producing component. Further, the invention relates to the use of a controlled release gel with a controlled level of ash-producing (i.e., metal) components for delivery of additives into lubricants wherein the gel has reduced ash and SAPS producing components.
US08022020B2 Universal synthetic penetrating lubricant, method and product-by-process
A penetrating lubricant with the capacity to offer a both penetration into rust and corrosion. Further, this lubricant actively penetrates the crystalline surface of the metal while exhibiting extreme pressure lubrication, non-migrating with lasting protection. Further lubricant exhibits dielectric strength of over 8000 volts, at the same time cleaning electrical contacts, thereby reducing resistance and associated heat. The preferred embodiment may contain alpha-olefins, low-odor aromatic solvents, base oils, and high flash mineral spirits.
US08022015B2 Method of fracturing with phenothiazine stabilizer
Compositions and methods of treating high temperature subterranean formations of up to about 500° F. (260° C.) are provided. The compositions and methods utilize a high molecular weight synthetic copolymer and a pH buffer than maintains a pH in a range of about 4.5 to about 5.25 for the compositions. The high molecular weight synthetic copolymer is derived from acrylamide, acrylamidomethylpropanesulfonic acid, and vinyl phosphonate.
US08022011B2 Photocatalyst element, method and device for preparing the same
A photocatalyst according to the invention comprises a photocatalytic film of a compound of titanium and oxygen and is characterized in that the photocatalytic film is made porous and has 0.02 or higher value as a value calculated by dividing the arithmetical mean deviation of profile Ra with the film thickness. The photocatalytic film can also be specified by the intensity ratio between x-ray diffraction peaks of the anatase structure of titanium oxide. Such a porous photocatalytic material can be obtained by a reactive sputtering method in conditions of adjusting film formation parameters such as the film formation rate, the sputtering pressure, the substrate temperature, the oxygen partial pressure and the like in proper ranges, respectively, and the photocatalyst material is provided with excellent decomposition and hydrophilization capability.
US08022010B2 NOx storage materials and traps resistant to thermal aging
Nitrogen oxide storage materials and methods of manufacturing nitrogen oxide storage materials are disclosed. The nitrogen oxide storage materials can be used to manufacture catalytic trap disposed in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine which is operated periodically between lean and stoichiometric or rich conditions, for abatement of NOx in an exhaust gas stream which is generated by the engine. In one embodiment, the nitrogen oxide storage material comprises alkaline earth material supported on ceria particles having a crystallite size of between about 10 and 20 nm and the alkaline earth oxide having a crystallite size of between about 20-40 nm.
US08022007B2 Ligands and catalyst systems thereof for the catalytic oligomerization of olefinic monomers
The present invention relates to a ligand and its use in a catalyst for the oligomerization of olefinic monomers, the ligand having the general formula (II); P(R1)(R2)—P(R4)═N(R3)  (II) wherein: the R1 group is selected from a hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, heterohydrocarbyl and substituted heterohydrocarbyl group; the R2 group is selected from a hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, heterohydrocarbyl and substituted heterohydrocarbyl group; the R3 is selected from hydrogen, a hydrocarbyl group, a substituted hydrocarbyl group, a heterohydrocarbyl group, a substituted heterohydrocarbyl group, a silyl group or derivative thereof; the R4 group is an optionally substituted alkylenedioxy, alkylenedimercapto or alkylenediamino structure which is bound to the phosphorus atom through the two oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen atoms of the alkylenedioxy, alkylenedimercapto or alkylenediamino structure or an optionally substituted arylenedioxy, arylenedimercapto or arylenediamino structure which is bound to the phosphorus atom through the two oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen atoms of the arylenedioxy, arylenedimercapto or arylenediamino structure.
US08022005B2 Halogen substituted heterocyclic heteroatom containing ligands-alumoxane activation of metallocenes
This invention relates to an activator, catalyst system, and the use thereof. In one aspect, the catalyst system includes one or more polymerization catalysts and at least one activator. The activator comprises one or more heterocyclic heteroatom containing ligands coordinated to an alumoxane, wherein the activator is a reaction product of one or more alumoxanes and one or more heterocyclic heteroatom containing compounds, the one or more heterocyclic heteroatom containing ligands represented by the formula: where Y is O, S, PH or NH; wherein each substituent X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, and X7 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, chlorine, fluorine, iodine, and bromine, provided at least one of X2, X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 is not hydrogen when Y is NH; and wherein the ratio of the heterocyclic heteroatom containing ligand to aluminum is between about 0.01 and about 10 molar equivalents. The catalyst system may be supported or non-supported.
US08022002B2 Integrated regeneration of non-noble metal catalysts
Regeneration flue gas streams containing unacceptable levels of CO can be effectively combusted (i.e., for more complete combustion or oxidation of CO to CO2) by contact with a second catalyst undergoing regeneration, for example in a second regenerator. While the second catalyst may also be regenerated by contact with an oxygen-containing gas stream, this second catalyst additionally comprises a noble metal, or is present in combination with a combustion comprising a noble metal. Representative catalysts used in an integrated regeneration process are those used for oxygenate conversion and olefin cracking, both for the purpose of producing light olefins (e.g., ethylene and propylene).
US08021992B2 High aspect ratio gap fill application using high density plasma chemical vapor deposition
A high density plasma chemical vapor deposition process including exciting gas mixture to create a plasma including ions, and directing the plasma into a dense region above the upper surface of the semiconductor wafer, heating the wafer using an additional heat source, and allowing a material from the plasma to deposit onto the semiconductor wafer.
US08021982B2 Method of silicide formation by adding graded amount of impurity during metal deposition
A method is provided for forming a metal semiconductor alloy that includes providing a deposition apparatus that includes a platinum source and a nickel source, wherein the platinum source is separate from the nickel source; positioning a substrate having a semiconductor surface in the deposition apparatus; forming a metal alloy on the semiconductor surface, wherein forming the metal alloy comprises a deposition stage in which the platinum source deposits platinum to the semiconductor surface at an initial rate at an initial period that is greater than a final rate at a final period of the deposition stage, and the nickel source deposits nickel to the semiconductor surface; and annealing the metal alloy to react the nickel and platinum with the semiconductor substrate to provide a nickel platinum semiconductor alloy.
US08021975B2 Plasma processing method for forming a film and an electronic component manufactured by the method
A plasma processing method for forming a film on a substrate using a gas processed by a plasma. The plasma processing method for forming a film includes the steps of forming a CF film on the substrate by using a CaFb gas (here, a is a counting number, and b is a counting number which satisfies an equation of “b=2×a−2”), processing the CF film with the gas processed by the plasma, and forming an insulating film on the CF film processed by using an insulating material processed with the plasma.
US08021973B2 System and method to reduce the bondwire/trace inductance
A method and system for reducing the inductance on an integrated circuit. The method and system comprises providing a first differential line, including a first input and a first output, the first differential line including at least two bondwire traces which are coupled in parallel. The method and system also comprises providing a second differential line including a second input and a second output, the second differential line including at least two bondwire traces which are coupled in parallel, the first differential line being of opposite polarity to the second differential line. The method and system further comprises cross-coupling of the first input with the second input and the first output with the second output to reduce the inductance caused by bondwire traces. A technique in accordance with the invention uses the coupling factor K to help to further reduce the inductance. By changing the input ordering of differential bondwires/traces, the bondwire/trace magnetic coupling factor K can be used to reduce the line inductance.
US08021967B2 Nanoscale wicking methods and devices
A fluid transport method and fluid transport device are disclosed. Nanoscale fibers disposed in a patterned configuration allow transport of a fluid in absence of an external power source. The device may include two or more fluid transport components having different fluid transport efficiencies. The components may be separated by additional fluid transport components, to control fluid flow.
US08021966B2 Method fabricating nonvolatile memory device
A method of fabricating a nonvolatile memory device includes; forming a first sacrificial layer pattern including a first open area that extends in a first direction on a lower dielectric layer, forming a pre-lower dielectric layer pattern including a recess that extends in the first direction using the first sacrificial layer pattern, forming a second sacrificial layer pattern including a second open area that extends in a second direction on the pre-lower dielectric layer pattern and the first sacrificial layer pattern, wherein the second open area intersects the first open area, forming a lower dielectric layer pattern including contact holes spaced apart in the recess using the first sacrificial layer pattern and second sacrificial layer pattern, wherein the contact holes extend to a bottom of the lower dielectric layer pattern, and forming a bottom electrode in the contact hole.
US08021964B2 Method of producing segmented chips
To provide a method of producing segmented chips preventing the chips from being damaged by the chip jumping or by the contact of the neighboring chips while the back surfaces thereof are being ground. A method of producing segmented chips by grinding the back surface of a material to be ground which includes a plurality of chips segmented into individual chips by at least partly cutting the chips in the direction of thickness thereof along the boundaries of the chips, wherein the gaps among the individual chips are filled with a liquid adhesive, the material to be ground is laminated on a rigid support material in a manner that the back surface thereof is exposed, and the adhesive is cured or solidified to form a laminate of the material to be ground having the plurality of chips, the adhesive solid material and the rigid support material arranged in this order; the laminate is ground from the back surface side of the material to be ground, the rigid support member is removed from the laminate, a flexible adhesive sheet is adhered onto the adhesive solid material, and the individual chips are picked up and recovered.
US08021961B2 Process of fabricating microfluidic device chips and chips formed thereby
A process for fabricating multiple microfluidic device chips. The process includes fabricating multiple micromachined tubes in a semiconductor device wafer. The tubes are fabricated so that each tube has an internal fluidic passage and an inlet and outlet thereto defined in a surface of the device wafer. The device wafer is then bonded to a glass wafer to form a device wafer stack, and so that through-holes in the glass wafer are individually fluidically coupled with the inlets and outlets of the tubes. The glass wafer is then bonded to a metallic wafer to form a package wafer stack, so that through-holes in the metallic wafer are individually fluidically coupled with the through-holes of the glass wafer. Multiple microfluidic device chips are then singulated from the package wafer stack. Each device chip has a continuous flow path for a fluid therethrough that is preferably free of organic materials.
US08021948B2 Scalable interpoly dielectric stacks with improved immunity to program saturation
A method for manufacturing a non-volatile memory device is described. The method comprises growing a layer in a siliconoxide consuming material, e.g. DyScO, on top of the upper layer of the layer where charge is stored. A non-volatile memory device is also described. In the non-volatile memory device, the interpoly/blocking dielectric comprises a layer in a siliconoxide consuming material, e.g. DyScO, on top of the upper layer of the layer where charge is stored, the siliconoxide consuming material having consumed at least part of the upper layer.
US08021946B2 Nonvolatile memory device and method for fabricating the same
A nonvolatile (e.g., flash) memory device includes a substrate having a plurality of isolation areas and active areas; a trench formed on the isolation area; a first electrode layer formed on an inner wall of the trench; a first gate oxide layer formed between the inner wall of the trench and the first electrode layer; a junction area formed on the active area; a second gate oxide layer formed on the entire surface of the substrate including the first electrode layer, the first gate oxide layer, the trench and the junction area; a tunnel oxide layer formed on a part of the second gate oxide layer corresponding to the active area; and a second electrode layer formed on the active area and in the trench.
US08021940B2 Methods for fabricating PMOS metal gate structures
Methods of forming a microelectronic structure are described. Those methods may include forming a gate dielectric layer on a substrate, forming a metal gate layer on the gate dielectric layer, and then forming a polysilicon layer on the metal gate layer in situ, wherein the metal gate layer is not exposed to air.
US08021936B2 Method of manufacturing thin film transistor
A thin film transistor (TFT) and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The TFT includes a transparent substrate, an insulating layer on a region of the transparent substrate, a monocrystalline silicon layer, which includes source, drain, and channel regions, on the insulating layer and a gate insulating film and a gate electrode on the channel region of the monocrystalline silicon layer.
US08021934B2 Method for making a transistor with metallic source and drain
A method including: making a structure on a substrate, said structure comprising at least a portion of a semiconductor material forming a channel of a field effect transistor, a gate located on the channel; forming at least one dielectric portion completely covering said structure and zones of the substrate corresponding to locations of a source and a drain of the field effect transistor; making two holes in the dielectric portion on each side of said structure, such that the locations of the source and the drain form bottom walls of the two holes and sides of the channel are exposed; depositing a first metallic layer on at least the bottom walls of the two holes, at least covering said sides of the channel; and depositing a second metallic layer on the first metallic layer-to form the source and the drain of the field effect transistor.
US08021928B1 System and method for routing supply voltages or other signals between side-by-side die and a lead frame for system in a package (SIP) devices
An integrated circuit or chip includes a first die and a second die positioned on a lead frame of a package including a lead frame, such as a QFP, DIP, PLCC, TSOP, or any other type of package including a lead frame. The integrated circuit further includes a redistribution layer formed on the first die to couple selected bond fingers of the lead frame to selected bonding pads of the first and second die. The selected bond fingers may correspond to bond fingers that receive a first supply voltage or the first supply voltage and a second supply voltage.
US08021915B2 Field effect transistor, method of producing the same, and method of producing laminated member
There is provided a field effect transistor having an organic semiconductor layer, including: an organic semiconductor layer containing at least porphyrin; and a layer composed of at least a polysiloxane compound, the layer being laminated on the organic semiconductor layer so as to be in intimate contact with the organic semiconductor layer. As a result, there can be provided a field effect transistor which enables an organic semiconductor layer having high crystallinity and high orientation to be formed and which exhibits a high mobility.
US08021914B2 Manufacture of cadmium mercury telluride
A method of manufacture of cadmium mercury telluride (CMT) is disclosed. The method involves growing one or more buffer layers on a substrate by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Subsequently at least one layer of cadmium mercury telluride, Hg1-xCdxTe where x is between 0 and 1 inclusive, is grown by metal organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE). The use of MBE to grow buffer layers allows a range of substrates to be used for CMT growth. The MBE buffer layers provide the correct orientation for later MOVPE growth of CMT and also prevent chemical contamination of the CMT and attack of the substrate during MOVPE. The method also allows for device processing of the CMT layers to be performed with further MOVPE growth of crystalline CMT layers and/or passivation layers. The invention also relates to new devices formed by the method.
US08021912B2 Method of fabricating an image sensor having an annealing layer
A method of manufacturing an image sensor is provided. In this method, a photoelectric conversion unit may be formed within a semiconductor substrate, wherein the semiconductor substrate includes an active pixel region and an optical black region. An annealing layer may be formed on the active pixel region and the optical black region and etched so that the annealing layer covers at least a portion of the optical black region. A wiring pattern may be formed on the annealing layer. A light-blocking pattern may be formed on the wiring pattern so as to cover the entire photoelectric conversion unit of the optical black region, thereby blocking light from being incident upon the optical black region.
US08021910B2 Method for producing single crystal silicon solar cell and single crystal silicon solar cell
A method for producing a single crystal silicon solar cell including the steps of: implanting ions into a single crystal silicon substrate through an ion implanting surface thereof to form an ion implanted layer in the single crystal silicon substrate; forming a transparent electroconductive film on a surface of a transparent insulator substrate; conducting a surface activating treatment for the ion implanting surface of the single crystal silicon substrate and/or a surface of the transparent electroconductive film on the transparent insulator substrate; bonding the ion implanting surface of the single crystal silicon substrate and the surface of the transparent electroconductive film on the transparent insulator substrate to each other; applying an impact to the ion implanted layer; and forming a p-n junction in the single crystal silicon layer.
US08021908B2 Method and apparatus for dark current and blooming suppression in 4T CMOS imager pixel
A method and apparatus for operating an imager pixel that includes the act of applying a relatively small first polarity voltage and a plurality of pulses of a second polarity voltage on the gate of a transfer transistor during a charge integration period.
US08021907B2 Method and apparatus for thermally enhanced semiconductor package
A semiconductor package includes a semiconductor die. Encapsulant is flowed around a portion of the semiconductor die. The encapsulant is etched and a conductive material is deposited into the etched portion of the encapsulant to form a thermally conductive structure. In one embodiment, a trench is etched into the encapsulant and a thermally conductive material is deposited into the trench to form a thermal channel. In alternative embodiments, thermally conductive through hole vias (THVs) are formed in the encapsulant. A thermally conductive pad may be formed over the semiconductor die to facilitate removal of heat energy from the hot spots of the semiconductor die. A thermally conductive trace is formed to interconnect the thermal channel and the thermally conductive pad. A heat sink may be deposited over the semiconductor package. The packages are singulated by cutting through the encapsulant or the thermal channel.
US08021902B2 Method for fabricating light emitting diode
A method of fabricating a light emitting diode includes the following steps. A substrate is provided and a first semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second semiconductor layer are placed on the substrate. A carbon nanotube structure is provided and the carbon nanotube structure is lie on the second semiconductor layer. A first electrode is formed on the carbon nanotube structure. A portion of the first semiconductor layer is exposed and a second electrode is formed on the exposed portion of the first semiconductor layer to obtain the light emitting diode.
US08021901B2 Method of fabricating vertical structure nitride semiconductor light emitting device
A method of fabricating a vertical structure nitride semiconductor light emitting device having a cross-sectional shape of a polygon having five or more sides or a circle. A light emitting structure is formed on a sapphire substrate. A metal layer having a plurality of patterns is formed on the light emitting structure. The patterns of the metal layer each have a shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of a wanted final light emitting device and are spaced apart by a predetermined distance such that an upper surface of the light emitting structure is partially exposed. The light emitting structure is divided into a plurality of individualized light emitting structures by removing the light emitting structure below the exposed region between the patterns of the metal layer. The sapphire substrate is separated from the light emitting structure by irradiating a laser beam.
US08021899B2 Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including optical test pattern above a light shielding film
The semiconductor device of the present invention includes a first insulating film on a substrate having a first region and a second region, a light shielding film formed in the first region and an interconnect film formed in the second region in the first insulating film and a second insulating film having a first concave portion above the light shielding film in the first region and an interconnect hole having a via hole and a second concave portion in the second region in the second insulating film on the first insulating film, wherein an area of the light shielding film is overlapping an area of the first plurality of concave portions.
US08021897B2 Methods of fabricating a cross point memory array
Some embodiments include cross-point memory structures. The structures may include a line of first electrode material extending along a first horizontal direction, a multi-sided container of access device materials over the first electrode material, a memory element material within the multi-sided container, and a line of second electrode material over the memory element material and extending along a second horizontal direction that is orthogonal to the first horizontal direction. Some embodiments include methods of forming memory arrays. The methods may include forming a memory cell stack over a first electrode material, and then patterning the first electrode material and the memory cell stack into a first set of spaced lines extending along a first horizontal direction. Spaced lines of second electrode material may be formed over the first set of spaced lines, and may extend along a second horizontal direction that is orthogonal to the first horizontal direction.
US08021888B2 Rapid comparative genomic hybridization using acoustic surface waves
Disclosed is a method for performing nucleic acid hybridization assays which involve the application of acoustic surface waves. The hybridization assays may be used for detecting and mapping chromosomal or genetic abnormalities associated with various diseases or associated with predisposition to various diseases. In a particular aspect, the present method relates to the use of rapid nucleic acid hybridization methods, such as comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), for comparing nucleic acid segments of one genome to corresponding nucleic acid segments in another genome(s).
US08021884B1 Detecting bacteria by direct counting of structural protein units or pili by IVDS and mass spectrometry
A system and method for detecting the presence of submicron sized particles in a sample taken from the environment. More particularly, the system may be used to detect and identify bacteria by detecting the presence of bacterial pili which have been separated from bacterial cells in the sample. The system includes means for collecting a sample from the environment, separating pili from bacteria in the sample, and purifying and concentrating the submicron sized pili in the sample based on the size of the pili. The purified and concentrated pili are detected with an apparatus which includes an electrospray assembly having an electrospray capillary, a differential mobility analyzer which receives output from the capillary, and a condensation particle counting device for counting the number of pili sized particles that pass through the differential mobility analyzer.
US08021879B2 Adaptor protein that binds to mammalian toll-like receptor 3 and gene thereof
A novel adaptor protein and its gene are provided. The novel adaptor protein has a property of binding to mammalian Toll-like receptor 3, which controls type I interferon production that is effective for prevention/treatment of viral infectious disease such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and the like, treatment of tumors, and the other purposes. Novel adaptor protein TICAM-1, which has an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2 or 4, specifically binds to the mammalian Toll-like receptor 3 and induces production of type I interferon. A mutant of the adaptor protein TICAM-1 has similar properties, provided that it has TIR domain (an amino acid sequence ranging from 394-position to 532-position in the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2 or an amino acid sequence ranging 396-position to 534-position in the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4). The gene is a gene encoding the adaptor protein TICAM-1.
US08021873B2 Portable, point-of-care, user-initiated fluidic assay methods and systems
Methods and systems to perform point-of-care, user-initiated fluidic assays, using substantially self-contained, portable, user-initiated fluidic assay systems. Exemplary assays include diagnostic assays and chemical detection assays. Diagnostic assays may include, without limitation, enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assays (ELISA), and may include one or more sexually transmitted disease (STD) diagnostic assays. An exemplary assay system includes a housing having one or more fluid chambers, a fluid controller system to dispense fluid from the one or more fluid chambers, and a user-initiated actuator to control the fluid controller system. The actuator may be configured to move fluid controllers from functionally closed positions to functionally open positions, to control fluid flow from the fluid chambers. The fluid controller system may be configured to dispense fluids serially, and may be configured to mix a plurality of fluids. The housing may include one or more fluid paths amongst the fluid chambers and/or between the fluid chambers and an assay portion, and the fluid controller system may be configured to serially align fluid chamber outlets with corresponding fluid paths. The user-initiated actuator system may include an external user-operated trigger mechanism to initiate the actuator system. The actuator system may include a mechanical actuator system, and may include a compressible spring actuator system. The assay apparatus may include a display window to view assay results. Exemplary methods of preparing portable, user-initiated fluidic assay systems, and methods of using portable, user-initiated fluidic assay systems are disclosed.
US08021871B2 Integrated bio-reactor monitor and control system
Systems and methods for automatically controlling conditions of a process are disclosed. In one example, a controller is programmed with a sequence of steps and parameters required to carry out a bioreactor process. A sensor system interacts with the bioreactor to receive information related to a condition of the bioreactor and/or receive a sample from the bioreactor, which it analyzes. The sensor system sends data signals related to the information and/or the sample to a controller, which determines a control signal based on the received information. The controller sends the control signal to the sensor system which, based on the control signal, performs an action that affects a condition of the bioreactor or affects the sensor system itself.
US08021870B2 Method of biotreating a solid material comprising an organic compound
A method of biotreating a solid material including an organic compound is provided. According to the method, a nonstirred bioreactor having a void volume of greater than or equal to 25% with a mixture including a solid material to be biotreated and a plurality of coarse substrates having a particle size greater than or equal to about 0.6 cm is formed. The solid material to be biotreated includes an organic material. The mixture includes sufficient coarse substrates to provide the reactor with at least 100 square meters of surface area per cubic meter of reactor space. The solid material in the bioreactor is biotreated until the organic material within the bioreactor is reduced to a desired concentration.
US08021869B2 Method of cell storage in a delivery system comprising a fibrous matrix
Cell storage and delivery systems and methods for storing and delivering viable cells to a mammal are disclosed. The cell storage and delivery systems include a biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fibrous matrix physically associated with viable cells to contain and release the cells at a controlled rate. The biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable matrix can be formed by electrospinning fibers of biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fiberizable material. The methods include methods for storing viable cells and for delivering viable cells to a mammal using the cell storage and delivery system.
US08021868B2 Anti-allergy lactic acid bacteria
The invention described relates to novel strains of lactic acid bacteria and their use in anti-allergy. The composition may be in the form of foodstuffs or in the form of pharmaceutical compositions.
US08021867B2 Rationally-designed meganucleases with altered sequence specificity and DNA-binding affinity
Rationally-designed LAGLIDADG (SEQ ID NO: 37) meganucleases and methods of making such meganucleases are provided. In addition, methods are provided for using the meganucleases to generate recombinant cells and organisms having a desired DNA sequence inserted into a limited number of loci within the genome, as well as methods of gene therapy, for treatment of pathogenic infections, and for in vitro applications in diagnostics and research.
US08021863B2 Polypeptides with starch debranching activity
Polypeptides comprising a catalytic starch debranching domain and a starch binding domain are disclosed. The polypeptides comprising the starch binding domain have an improved functionality in raw starch degradation compared with same catalytic unit in same amount but without the starch binding domain.
US08021858B2 Method for making polyalkylene oxide modified hemoglobin
The present invention is a method for preparing a hemoglobin based oxygen carrier to deliver oxygen to tissue. The method comprises mixing a deoxygenated hemoglobin with a maleimide-activated polyakylene oxide (PAO) to obtain an oxygen carrying product. This product is characterized as having 2 to about 8 PAO moieties covalently bound to a deoxygenated hemoglobin and a p50 less than native stroma-free hemoglobin from the same animal source when measured under the same conditions.
US08021857B2 Glyphosate-N-acetyltransferase (GAT) genes
Novel proteins are provided herein, including proteins capable of catalyzing the acetylation of glyphosate and other structurally related proteins. Also provided are novel polynucleotides capable of encoding these proteins, compositions that include one or more of these novel proteins and/or polynucleotides, recombinant cells and transgenic plants comprising these novel compounds, diversification methods involving the novel compounds, and methods of using the compounds. Some of the novel methods and compounds provided herein can be used to render an organism, such as a plant, resistant to glyphosate.
US08021856B2 Antibody glycosylation variants having increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity
The present invention relates to the field of glycosylation engineering of proteins. More particularly, the present invention relates to glycosylation engineering to generate proteins with improved therapeutic properties, including antibodies with increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity.
US08021854B2 Method of treating vascular disease
A method for attenuating the incidence and severity of endovascular disease, arrhythmias and malignancy via a reduction in the total circulating platelet volume is presented. The method will achieve the reduced rates of acute coronary syndromes observed in patients with essential thrombocytopenia and will overcome the shortcomings of current anti-platelet therapies that fail to recognize that the mere presence of platelets above certain threshold concentrations is injurious to the endothelium. This method may include pharmacologic platelet inhibition and anticoagulation prior to mechanical or pharmacologic reduction of platelet counts and total circulating platelet volume and does not permit any transient increase in the total circulating platelet activity, or a transient or permanent increase in the total number of platelets, activated platelets, immature platelets or platelet precursor cells in the peripheral circulation.
US08021852B2 Methods and compositions for detecting spermatozoa or semen in a sample
The present invention concerns compositions and methods for evaluating fertility in humans and animals. The invention may also be used to identify reproductive cancers such as testicular cancer. In various embodiments of the invention, an Sptrx-3 enzyme is used as a fertility marker. Sptrx-3 may be detected in accordance with the invention in vitro or in vivo.
US08021851B2 Thr51 phosphorylated HP 1β protein for the assessment of DNA damage
This invention relates to the finding that HP1β is phosphorylated at Thr51 at an early stage in the DNA damage response in cells. Thr51P HP1β is therefore a biomarker for DNA damage which may be useful, for example, in assessing DNA damage, cancer susceptibility or the responsiveness of an individual to DNA damaging therapies.
US08021849B2 Methods and kits for the determination of sirolimus in a sample
Methods and kits for determining sirolimus in a sample known or suspected to contain sirolimus are provided. The methods and kits according to the invention use one or more antibodies generated using a fragment of sirolimus, such as the northern fragment of sirolimus.
US08021847B2 Microvesicle-based compositions and methods
Methods and compositions for diagnosis and/or analysis of a condition in a mammal are disclosed in which RNA from microvesicles is enriched and differentiated to so obtain a result that is indicative of the condition of tissue or organ from which the microvesicle originated. In especially preferred embodiments, the condition is a neoplastic disease of a human and can be identified and staged by differential analysis of one or more distinct RNAs, optionally together with identification and analysis of a non-RNA component of the microvesicle.
US08021843B2 Biological sample reaction chip and biological sample reaction method
A biological sample reaction chip, including: a plurality of reaction vessels; a first channel connected to one end of each of the reaction vessels and comprising an opening for introducing a reaction solution; and a second channel connected to the other end of each of the reaction vessels, wherein when a capillary force of the first channel is defined as A, while a capillary force of connected portions between the reaction vessels and the first channel as B, a capillary force of the reaction vessels as C, a capillary force of connected portions of the second channel and the reaction vessels as D, and a capillary force of the second channel as E, the following is established: A
US08021842B2 Nucleic acid analysis using sequence tokens
The present invention provides methods and compositions for tagging nucleic acid sequence fragments, e.g., a set of nucleic acid sequence fragments from a single genome, with one or more unique members of a collection of oligonucleotide tags, or sequence tokens, which, in turn, can be identified using a variety of readout platforms. As a general rule, a given sequence token is used once and only once in any tag sequence. In addition, the present invention also provides methods for using the sequence tokens to efficiently determine variations in nucleotide sequences in the associated nucleic acid sequence fragments.
US08021840B2 Diagnostic marker for interferon responsiveness in multiple sclerosis
Disclosed is a method of determining interferon responsiveness in a patient suffering from multiple sclerosis. The method comprises determining an amount of a XAF-1 gene expression level in a blood sample, which is obtained from the patient undergoing interferon therapy. The amount of the XAF-1 gene expression level in the blood sample is then correlated with the responsiveness of the patient to the interferon.
US08021839B2 Methods and compositions for detecting polynucleotides
Methods of determining the presence or amount of a target polynucleotide in a sample are provided. A sample that contains a target polynucleotide, a polynucleotide that may include nucleic acid analogs and that is complementary to a target nucleic acid sequence of the target polynucleotide, and a dye for which the rate of change in an optical property is different in the presence and absence of a target polynucleotide/polynucleotide hybrid are combined to produce a reaction mixture. The rate of change in an optical property of the dye in the reaction mixture is compared to a reference value characteristic of the rate of change in the optical property of the dye in a similar reaction mixture containing a known amount of a polynucleotide/polynucleotide hybrid to determine a relative rate of change in the optical property. The relative rate of change in the optical property of dye in the reaction mixture is correlated with the presence or amount of the specified target polynucleotide in the sample.
US08021828B2 Photoresist compositions and methods related to near field masks
A structure and a photolithography method. The method includes forming a first layer of a first photoresist including a first polymer and a first photosensitive acid generator. A second layer of a second photoresist, including a second polymer having at least one phenyl or phenolic moiety, is formed directly onto the first layer. The second layer is patternwise imaged, resulting in exposing at least one first portion. The first portion is removed, revealing at least one first region of the first layer. A second portion of the second layer remains forming a structure having opaque regions. The structure and first region are exposed. The opaque regions shield from radiation at least one second region of the first layer, resulting in producing acid in the first region and in the structure. The structure and base-soluble regions of the first layer are removed. A structure is also described.
US08021826B2 Copolymer and composition for organic and antireflective layer
The present invention provides an organic anti-reflection coating composition comprising a copolymer represented by the following Formula 1, a light absorbent, a thermal acid generating agent, and a curing agent: wherein R1, R2 and R3 are each independent to each; R1 represents hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; R2 represents hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an arylalkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; R3 is hydrogen or a methyl group; m and n are repeating units in the main chain, while m+n=1, and they have values of 0.05
US08021824B2 Polymer compound, resist composition and method of forming resist pattern
A polymer compound including a structural unit (a0) represented by general formula (a0-1) shown below: wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a fluorinated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; R2 and R3 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or an alkoxy group, or R2 and R3 may be bonded together to form an alkylene group that may include an oxygen atom or sulfur atom at an arbitrary position, —O— or —S—; R4 and R5 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group that may include an oxygen atom at an arbitrary position, a cycloalkyl group that may include an oxygen atom at an arbitrary position or an alkoxycarbonyl group.
US08021822B2 Positive resist compositions and patterning process
A positive resist composition comprises (A) a resin component which becomes soluble in an alkaline developer under the action of an acid and (B) an acid generator. The resin (A) is a polymer comprising specific recurring units, represented by formula (1). The acid generator (B) is a specific sulfonium salt compound. When processed by lithography, the composition is improved in resolution and forms a pattern with a satisfactory mask fidelity and a minimal LER. Herein R1 is H or methyl, m is 1 or 2, and n is 1 or 2.
US08021819B2 Sulfonium compound, photosensitive composition containing the compound and pattern-forming method using the photosensitive composition
A photosensitive composition, which comprises a compound represented by formula (I): wherein R1 to R13 each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent, and at least one of R1 to R13 is a substituent containing an alcoholic hydroxyl group; Z represents a single bond or a divalent linking group; and X− represents a counter anion; and a pattern-forming method using the photosensitive composition.
US08021814B2 Toner, and oilless fixing method and process cartridge using the toner
A toner useful for an oilless fixing method, includes a binder resin; a colorant; and 2.0 to 4.5% by weight of a wax which is soluble in n-hexane, based on a total weight of the toner, wherein the wax is dispersed in the toner, the wax forming wax domain particles (DA) comprising wax domain particles (DS) exposed at a surface of the toner and wax domain particles (DI) encapsulated in the toner and not exposed at the surface of the toner, wherein a weight of the DS is greater than a weight of the DI, wherein the toner from which the DS have been eluted with n-hexane comprises vestigial concavities having an area of 0.01 πμm2 or more on the surface of the toner in an amount of from 1 to 7 pcs/4 μm2, and wherein 60% or more by number of the DA having a particle diameter of 200 nm or more have a spindle or cylindrical shape having an aspect ratio of 4 or more.
US08021810B2 Image carrier, process cartridge and image-forming apparatus
An image carrier includes a conductive base material and a photosensitive layer formed on the base material. The photosensitive layer has an outermost surface layer that contains particles having a number-averaged particle sphericality represented by Formula (1) of approximately 0.7 or less: sphericality=4πA/L2 (1), where π represents the circular constant, A represents the projection area of the particle, and L represents the peripheral length of the projected particle image.
US08021802B2 Phase shift mask for double patterning and method for exposing wafer using the same
A phase shift mask includes a substrate; a first phase shift pattern formed in a groove shape having a first depth within the substrate so that when a first light with a first wave length is incident, the first light transmitted through a surface of the substrate and the first light transmitted through the groove are destructively interfered and when a second light with a second wave length is incident, the second light transmitted through the surface of the substrate and the second light transmitted through the groove have a phase difference of 180 degrees; and a second phase shift pattern formed in a groove shape having a second depth within the substrate so that when the first light with the first wave length is incident, the first light transmitted through the surface of the substrate and the first light transmitted through the groove have a phase difference of 180 degrees and when the second light with the second wave length is incident, the second light transmitted through the surface of the substrate and the second light transmitted through the groove are destructively interfered.
US08021800B2 Hologram recording material, process for producing the same and hologram recording medium
The present invention provides a hologram recording material which is suitable for volume hologram record and attains high refractive index change, flexibility, high sensitivity, low scattering, environment resistance, durability, low shrinkage and high multiplicity in holographic memory record using not only a green laser but also a blue laser; a process for producing the same; and a hologram recording medium having the hologram recording material. A hologram recording material comprising: a metal oxide containing at least Si and Zr as metals, wherein an aromatic carboxylic acid compound is coordinated to Zr; and a photopolymerizable compound. The aromatic carboxylic acid compound is, for example, toluic acid. A hologram recording medium (11) comprising the hologram recording material layer (21).
US08021799B2 High-performance ceramic anodes for use with strategic and other hydrocarbon fuels
The embodiments generally relate to a high performance ceramic anode which will increase flexibility in the types of fuels that may be used with the anode. The embodiments further relate to high-performance, direct-oxidation SOFC utilizing the anodes, providing improved electro-catalytic activity and redox stability. The SOFCs are capable of use with strategic fuels and other hydrocarbon fuels. Also provided are methods of making the high-performance anodes and solid oxide fuel cells comprising the anodes exhibiting improved electronic conductivity and electrochemical activity.
US08021797B2 Bipolar plate and fuel cell comprising such a bipolar plate
The invention relates to a bipolar plate, for fuel cells, characterized in comprising a layer of a hydrophobic material which is soluble in a solvent, on the surfaces thereof. Water forms small droplets on the surfaces of the bipolar plate due to said layer, which are loosely held on the surface of the bipolar plate and which can be reliably removed from the fuel cell even with low flow speeds for the operating gases. The thickness of the layer and thus the hydrophobicity thereof and the electrical contact resistance between the bipolar plate and a contacting electrode may be adjusted in a simple manner, by varying the concentration of the hydrophobic material in the solvent.
US08021796B2 Catalyst-coated ionomer membrane with protective film layer and membrane-electrode-assembly made thereof
The present invention relates to the field of electrochemical cells and fuel cells, and more specifically to polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). It is directed to catalyst-coated ionomer membranes (“CCMs”) and membrane-electrode-assemblies (“MEAs”) that contain one or more protective film layers for protection, sealing and better handling purposes. The one or more protective film layers are attached to the surface of said catalyst-coated membranes in such a way that they overlap with a region of the passive non-coated ionomer area, and with a region of the active area that is coated with a catalyst layer. Furthermore, the present invention discloses a process for manufacture of CCMs and MEAs that contain protective film layers. The materials may be used as components for the manufacture of low temperature fuel cell stacks.
US08021795B2 Method for manufacturing solid oxide electrochemical devices
A method for manufacturing a solid oxide electrochemical device comprising disposing electrolyte between a first electrode and a second electrode, applying a bonding agent between the first electrode and a first interconnect, applying a sealing agent between the first electrode and the first interconnect, disposing a second interconnect adjacent to the second electrode, heating the first interconnect, the first electrode, the electrolyte, the second electrode, the second interconnect, the bonding agent, and the sealing agent to at least one intermediate temperature for at least one intermediate length of time, and then to a curing temperature, for a curing time, effective to bond and seal the first electrode to the first interconnect, wherein the at least one intermediate temperature is less than the curing temperature.
US08021790B2 Battery structure and lithium secondary battery using the same
A battery structure includes a positive electrode layer, a solid electrolyte layer, and a negative electrode layer disposed in that order, wherein the solid electrolyte layer has a chemical composition, excluding incidental impurities, represented by the formula aLi·bX·cS·dY, where X is at least one element of phosphorus (P) and boron (B), Y is at least one element of oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N), the sum of a, b, c, and d is 1, a is 0.20 to 0.52, b is 0.10 to 0.20, c is 0.30 to 0.55, and d is 0 to 0.30. The solid electrolyte layer includes a portion A in contact with the negative electrode layer and a portion B in contact with the positive electrode layer, and d in the portion A is larger than d in the portion B. A lithium secondary battery includes the battery structure.
US08021786B2 Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell superior in resistance against continuous charging at high potential is provided. The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell includes: a positive electrode having lithium phosphate and a positive electrode active material comprising lithium cobalt oxide containing at least one selected from Mg, Al, Ti, and Zr; and a separator having pores having an average diameter of 0.05 to 0.2 μm.
US08021783B2 Lithium manganese-based composite oxide and method for preparing the same
The present invention provides a lithium manganese-based composite oxide represented by the compositional formula: Li1+x(Mn1-m-nFemTin)1−xO2, wherein 0
US08021782B2 Nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery
The present invention provides a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery with an excellent packing property and remarkably improved high-temperature cycle characteristics and thermal stability. The nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery 10 includes a positive electrode plate 11 having a positive electrode active material able to absorb and desorb lithium ions, a negative electrode plate having a negative electrode active material capable of absorption and desorption of lithium ions, and a nonaqueous electrolyte, and the positive electrode active material includes a mixture of material A: LiwNixCoyMnzO2 (where 1.00≦w≦1.30, x+y+z=1, 0.40≦x≦0.50, and 0.30≦y≦0.40) and material B: LiwNixCoyMnzO2 (where 1.00≦w≦1.30, x+y+z=1, 0.30≦x≦0.35, and 0.30≦y≦0.35).
US08021779B2 Battery sheath having radiation layer formed thereon and lithium polymer battery using the same
A battery sheath having a radiation layer on its surface and a lithium polymer battery using the sheath are provided. The radiation layer improves radiation performance and mechanical strength of the battery, and also improves the response of a PTC device. The battery sheath comprises a metal layer having first and second surfaces, a radiation layer on the first surface of the metal layer, and a cast polypropylene (CPP) layer on the second surface of the metal layer. The lithium polymer battery has a PTC device electrically connected to a protective circuit module. The PTC device directly contacts the radiation layer of the battery sheath, thereby improving the response of the PTC device.
US08021775B2 Cell structure for electrochemical devices and method of making same
An electrochemical device comprising alternating layers of positive and negative electrodes separated from each other by separator layers. The electrode layers extend beyond the periphery of the separator layers providing superior contact between the electrodes and battery terminals, eliminating the need for welding the electrode to the terminal. Electrical resistance within the battery is decreased and thermal conductivity of the cell is increased allowing for superior heat removal from the battery and increased efficiency. Increased internal pressure within the battery can be alleviated without damaging or removing the battery from service while keeping the contents of the battery sealed off from the atmosphere by a pressure release system. Nonoperative cells within a battery assembly can also be removed from service by shorting the nonoperative cell thus decreasing battery life.
US08021771B2 Composite heat assisted magnetic recording media with temperature tuned intergranular exchange
A thin film structure including a plurality of grains of a first magnetic material having a first Curie temperature embedded in a matrix of a second material having a second Curie temperature, wherein the second Curie temperature is lower than the first Curie temperature and the second material comprises one or more of an oxide, a sulfide, a nitride, and a boride.
US08021770B2 Perpendicular magnetic recording medium
A perpendicular type of magnetic recording medium includes a substrate, a soft magnetic underlying section including a plurality of distinct layers soft magnetic material, a recording section, and an intermediate section upon which the recording section is formed. The intermediate section is provided to improve the crystal orientation and impart a desired magnetic characteristic to the recording section. An uppermost one of the layers of soft magnetic material which, of all of the layers of soft magnetic material, is disposed closest to the intermediate section is predisposed to induce the intermediate section to crystallize in a desired way as it is formed. Therefore, the intermediate section may have a minimal thickness and yet achieve a crystallization that is sufficient to control the forming of the recording section.
US08021768B2 Plain copper foodware and metal articles with durable and tarnish free multiplayer ceramic coating and method of making
Soft and porous material is coated with a multilayer ceramic coating by physical vapor deposition. The coated material is suitable for use as foodware, particularly, a copper foodware article including a plain copper substrate, a base coating, and a ceramic coating. The base coating is deposited by sputtering and cathodic arc in combination, providing the good corrosion resistance and adhesion to the substrate. The ceramic coating includes a PVD nitride or carbonitride layer, providing a tarnish-free surface, good durability, and thermal stability. The coated copper foodware article has the same heat conductivity as pure copper, good corrosion resistance, high durability, excellent cooking, and ease of cleaning. A metal article having a multilayer coating and a method of making a metal article are also described.
US08021763B2 Phosphorescent OLED with interlayer
The present invention relates to phosphorescent stacked OLEDs having an interlayer.
US08021762B2 Coated articles
This invention relates to articles coated with a thermally sprayed coating of a high purity yttria or ytterbia stabilized zirconia powder, said high purity yttria or ytterbia stabilized zirconia powder comprising from about 0 to about 0.15 weight percent impurity oxides, from about 0 to about 2 weight percent hafnium oxide (hafnia), from about 6 to about 25 weight percent yttrium oxide (yttria) or from about 10 to about 36 weight percent ytterbium oxide (ytterbia), and the balance zirconium oxide (zirconia). The articles include, for example, blades, vanes and seal surfaces of gas turbine engines coated with a thermal barrier coating.
US08021761B2 Plating member
A plating member comprising a lead-free plating material is obtained by the present invention in a manner such that whisker formation on a plating layer 16 of the plating member can be suppressed and thus the plating member has good solderability. In the case of such plating member having, on the surface of a base material 15, a plating layer 16 comprising a lead-free material (Sn—Cu alloy, etc.), the plating layer 16 has a layer structure of two or more layers (a1 to a3), the average particle diameter of plating particles (P1 to P3) constituting each layer varies from layer to layer, and the plating particle volume fraction of the plating layer 16 is 80% to 90% when the proportion of plating particles occupying a unit volume is defined as a plating particle volume fraction of 100% on the assumption that a unit volume 20 is filled with plating particles P3 each having the maximum average particle diameter.
US08021751B2 Bi-layer structured sheet having excellent printability when printed by hard roll and method for producing the same
There are provided a sheet having a silicon/plastic bi-layer structure capable of easily transferring a paste even when a hard roll is used, the hard roll having excellent durability but having disadvantages that the paste is poorly transferred when the paste is printed on a plastic base, and a method for producing the same. The bi-layer structured sheet having excellent printability when printed by hard roll includes a flexible substrate and a silicon resin formed on the substrate.
US08021746B2 Article comprising oxygen permeable layer
Disclosed are rigid or semi-rigid multilayer structures that provide high oxygen permeability values comprising metallocene polyethylene, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers or highly neutralized blends of ethylene acid copolymers, organic acid salts and optionally one or more ethylene-containing polymers or silicon-containing polymers. Such structures have improved oxygen permeability and are useful in packaging food products such as case ready meat, fish, sausage, fresh produce, and the like that require breathable packages.
US08021743B2 Process chamber component with layered coating and method
A substrate processing chamber component is capable of being exposed to an energized gas in a process chamber. The component has an underlying structure and first and second coating layers, the first coating layer comprising a first material having a first thermal expansion coefficient and a first surface having an average surface roughness of less than about 25 micrometers. The second coating layer is over the first surface of the first coating layer, the second coating layer comprising a second material having a second thermal expansion coefficient that differs by less than 5% from the first thermal expansion coefficient of the first material and a second surface having an average surface roughness of at least about 50 micrometers.
US08021736B2 Substantially flame retardant-free 3GT carpet
Substantially flame retardant-free carpets comprising poly(trimethylene terephthalate) yarn having minimal carrier and, optionally, minimal antistatic agent, are disclosed, as are methods for making such carpets.
US08021735B2 Stitchbonded fabric with a substrate having diverse regional properties
A stitchbonded fabric has a regionally segmented base layer in which one or more physical properties in at least one region is substantially different from those of another region. Typical physical properties that can differ among substrate regions include density, basis weight, chemical composition, thickness, porosity, permeability, elongation, elasticity, tensile strength, barrier properties, dyeability, abrasion resistance, and texture. The stitchbonded fabric thus has an improved combination of properties. In one aspect the base layer is discontinuous such that at least one region is devoid of all substrate material. The base layer is stitched continuously over its full extent such that all regions including open areas devoid of substrate material are stitched. The stitchbonded fabric with a discontinuous base layer advantageously can provide enhanced stretch capability to the overall fabric, especially in the cross direction and is particularly useful for stretchable skirts of mattress covers. A process for making a stitchbonded fabric includes continuously feeding substrate webs of diverse properties to a stitchbonding machine. Optionally, the webs are laterally separated or partially excised to create regions devoid of substrate material.
US08021733B2 Disposable bath mat
Disclosed is a disposable bath mat for use in bath facilities, such as bathtubs and shower stalls. The disposable bath mat comprises a top layer and a bottom layer coupled to a bottom surface of the top layer. The top layer is composed of a biodegradable material and the bottom layer is composed of a slip-resistant material.
US08021732B2 Fishing lures and adhesive covers for same
Customizable adhesive covers for fishing lures are provided. In one implementation, an adhesive cover includes a top laminate layer adhered to a base layer that is adhered to a bottom adhesive layer. The base layer is treated to facilitate acceptance of a personalized design applied to the middle layer. The adhesive cover is contoured to partially or completely cover one or more sides of a fishing lure.
US08021726B2 Compositions and processes for preparing color filter elements using alkali metal fluorides
The present invention provides compositions derived from a polycarboxylic acid, a polyhydroxy compound, a dye and a basic crosslinking agent. The compositions can be used to prepare cross-linked films that exhibit low solvent-swell characteristics. The cross-linked films can be used to prepare color filter elements via thermal transfer processes.
US08021724B2 Optical film, manufacturing method of the same, and polarizing plate and liquid crystal display using the optical film
An optical film having an inner portion exhibiting an N value defined by the following equation smaller than an N value at a surface of the optical film: N=(nx+ny)/2−nz wherein nx represents an in-plane refractive index in a slow axis direction of the optical film, ny represents an in-plane refractive index in a fast axis direction of the optical film, and nz represent a refractive index in a thickness direction of the optical film.
US08021723B2 Method of plasma treatment using amplitude-modulated RF power
A method for processing a substrate by plasma CVD includes: (i) forming a film on a substrate placed on a susceptor by applying RF power between the susceptor and a shower plate in the presence of a film-forming gas in a reactor; and (ii) upon completion of step (i), without unloading the substrate, applying amplitude-modulated RF power between the susceptor and the shower plate in the absence of a film-forming gas but in the presence of a non-film-forming gas to reduce a floating potential of the substrate.
US08021720B2 Process for extending the cyclic service life of thermal barrier coatings, in particular on gas turbine components
A process for extending the cyclic service life of thermal barrier coatings made of yttrium-stabilized zirconium oxide (YSZ) or the like which have been applied to a substrate with an oxidizing bond coat in between includes increasing or long-term stabilizing the strain tolerance of the thermal barrier coating.
US08021712B2 Wafer and manufacturing method of electronic component
The present invention relates to a wafer formed with an evaluation element and capable of improving productivity and a manufacturing method of an electronic component using the same. In a wafer according to the present invention, a plurality of elements connected to electrode films through lead-out conductive films are arranged and a chip area is defined for cutting out the plurality of elements in a given number. In the wafer, at least one evaluation element is formed in an area outside the chip area. The lead-out conductive films extend to the outside area and are connected to the evaluation elements. With this wafer, since the lead-out conductor is shared between the element and the evaluation element, the electrode film connected therewith can be shared, too. Accordingly, evaluation can be performed by using the evaluation element without the need of providing the wafer with a lead-out conductor and an electrode film exclusively for the evaluation element, so that the chip area to be cut out from the wafer can be made larger than before.
US08021709B2 Systems and methods for separating proteins from connective tissue
Methods and systems for separating muscle tissue from connective tissue are provided, in which animal tissue containing both muscle tissue and connective tissue is subjected to stress, and muscle proteins are separated from the connective tissue. Slurries of separated myofibrillar protein are also provided.
US08021708B2 Method for simulating the functional attributes of human milk oligosaccharides
The present invention is directed to a novel method for increasing the production of acetate, decreasing the production of butyrate, increasing the population and species of beneficial bacteria and slowing the rate of fermentation of prebiotics within the gut of a formula-fed infant. The method comprises administration of a therapeutically effective amount of PDX to the infant.
US08021696B2 Anti-inflammatory dissolvable film
Provided, among other things, is a slowly dissolvable film comprising: herbal bioactive agent(s); and polymer(s), dissolvable in the aggregate, wherein the film becomes adhesive as it is placed against a mucosal surface and begins to absorb moisture therefrom.
US08021692B2 Graft materials containing bioactive substances, and methods for their manufacture
Described are packaged, sterile medical graft products containing controlled levels of a growth factor such as Fibrob-last Growth Factor-2 (FGF-2). Also described are methods of manufacturing medical graft products wherein processing, including sterilization, is controlled and monitored to provide medical graft products having modulated, known levels of a extracellular matrix factor, such as a growth factor, e.g. FGF-2. Preferred graft materials are extracellular matrix materials isolated from human or animal donors, particularly submucosa containing extracellular matrix materials. Further described are ECM compositions that are or are useful for preparing gels, and related methods for preparation and use.
US08021689B2 Nanoparticles for immunotherapy
Nanoparticles that activate complement in the absence of biological molecules are described. The nanoparticles are shown to specifically target antigen presenting cells in specifically in lymph nodes, without the use of a biological molecule for targeting. These particles are useful vehicles for delivering immunotherapeutics.
US08021688B2 Formulations of active components in the form of a solid dispersion
Formulations of active compounds in the form of a solid dispersion, where the solid dispersion is formed from at least one active component and a carrier characterized in that the carrier is a mixture of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) with a weight average molecular weight of ≦1 500 000 Da and of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) which is semi-solid or solid at temperatures of 17 to 22° C. and has an average molar mass of 950 to 3300 Da.
US08021686B2 Lipid-encapsulated polyanionic nucleic acid
Methods for the preparation of a lipid-nucleic acid composition are provided. According to the methods, a mixture of lipids containing a protonatable or deprotonatable lipid, for example an amino lipid and a lipid such as a PEG- or Polyamide oligomer-modified lipid is combined with a buffered aqueous solution of a charged therapeutic agent, for example polyanionic nucleic acids, to produce particles in which the therapeutic agent is encapsulated in a lipid vesicle. Surface charges on the lipid particles are at least partially neutralized to provide surface-neutralized lipid-encapsulated compositions of the therapeutic agents. The method permits the preparation of compositions with high ratios of therapeutic agent to lipid and with encapsulation efficiencies in excess of 50%.
US08021683B2 Wound dressing
A composition comprising a non-volatile silicone fluid in admixture with fumed silica, a volatile diluent and a silicone elastomer.
US08021682B2 Palatable suspending vehicle for pharmaceutical ingredients
The invention relates to a liquid vehicle that can be used to create suspensions and/or solutions of liquid or powdered medications. The vehicle is thixotropic and has improved stability and rheologic characteristics. Vehicles of the invention include an aqueous medium and a suspending agent comprising a polysaccharide having at least 50% glucose repeating saccharide units and at least 90% alpha linkages. The polysaccharide can be a starch, modified starch, or glycogen. The aqueous medium and individual components of the vehicle provide a palatable and easily ingested drug preparation. The invention also provides a vehicle containing an aqueous medium, suspending agent comprising a polysaccharide having at least 50% glucose repeating saccharide units and at least 90% alpha linkages, buffer, and artificial sweetener, the combined suspending vehicle having a pH of about 3 to about 10 and an osmolality of 300 mOmsol or less.
US08021678B2 Implantable medical device with polymer coating in a surface area to volume ratio providing surface erosion characteristics
The present invention relates to an implantable medical device comprising therapeutic agents coated on the device using polyesters for the drug reservoir layer that exhibit surface-eroding characteristics.
US08021676B2 Functionalized chemically inert polymers for coatings
Provided herein are methods for functionalizing an polymer for forming a coating and coatings and devices formed thereof or for functionalizing a coating or device surface including an polymer.
US08021671B2 Pro-apoptotic bacterial vaccines to enhance cellular immune responses
Whole-cell vaccines and methods for their use in producing protective immune responses in vertebrate hosts subsequently exposed to pathogenic bacteria. The present invention involves a method of enhancing antigen presentation by intracellular bacteria in a manner that improves vaccine efficacy. After identifying an enzyme that has an anti-apoptotic effect upon host cells infected by an intracellular microbe, the activity of the enzyme is reduced, thereby modifying the microbe so that it increases immunogenicity. Also, the present invention provides a method of incrementally modifying enzyme activity to produce incrementally attenuated mutants of the microbe from which an effective vaccine candidate can be selected.
US08021669B2 Methods for inducing an immune response in a host comprising administering modified vaccinia virus ankara (MVA) recombinants comprising human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) genes inserted into one or more intergenic regions (IGRs)
The invention relates to novel insertion sites useful for the integration of HIV DNA sequences into the MVA genome, and to the resulting recombinant MVA derivatives.
US08021663B2 Antibodies to Lawsonia intracellularis
The present invention relates to the field of animal health and in particular to Lawsonia intracellularis. In particular, the invention relates to a method of diagnosing Lawsonia intracellularis infection and a diagnostic test kit using Lawsonia intracellularis-specific antibodies. The invention also relates to the use of the method or test kit for diagnosing Lawsonia intracellularis infections.
US08021660B2 Use of collagenase to facilitate guide wire crossing in total arterial occlusions
The use of a collagenase containing formulation for degrading collagen within an occlusive atherosclerotic plaque in a chronic fibrotic occlusion, chronically occluded animal tube or cavity. A medical-related apparatus is provided comprising a medical-related device having provided thereto a therapeutic amount of a collagen degrading composition comprising a proteiolytic enzyme containing formulation A method is provided for treating chronically occluded animal tubes and cavities by administering a therapeutic effective amount of a proteolytic enzyme-containing formulation adjacent to an occluding atherosclerotic plaque, waiting for a pre-angioplasty waiting period, followed by crossing the plaque with an angioplasty guide wire.
US08021659B2 Coenzyme Q10, lactoferrin and angiogenin compositions and uses thereof
Methods of enhancing the bio-availability of coenzyme Q10, and methods of supporting the cardiovascular system to accommodate the increase in cellular energy synthesis as a result of the bio-availability of coenzyme Q10 are described. Compositions which include coenzyme Q10, lactoferrin and/or angiogenin are described for use in the related methods, for multi-functional health applications.
US08021655B2 Methods of feeding ruminants
An isolated microorganism comprising a Propionibacteria strain is described. When the microorganism is fed to a ruminant, protein and fat levels in milk produced by the ruminant are increased, while body condition and milk production levels are maintained. When fed to the ruminant, the microorganism also has positive effects on various metabolic hormones and metabolites, e.g, an increase in energy balance, plasma non-esterified fatty acids levels, and plasma leptin level. Supplementation with propionibacteria reduced dry matter intake but did not affect milk production in the cows. Therefore, the propionibacteria of the invention made the cows more energy efficient as cows produced the same amount of milk, yet consumed less dry matter.
US08021645B2 Synthesis of human secretory IgA and IgM and the formation of a medicament therefrom
A composition for treating a subject is provided. The composition includes antigen specific dimeric secretory IgA and pentameric IgM therapeutic. A process for manufacturing a medicament for the treatment of C. difficile associated disease in a human is also provided that the modification of antigen specific dimeric secretory IgA and pentameric IgM with secretory component to form a antigen specific dimeric secretory IgA and pentameric secretory IgM therapeutic. The antigen specific dimeric secretory IgA and the pentameric secretory IgM therapeutic is then mixed with formulating agents to create a capsule, tablet, liquid or suppository dosing form. The therapeutic is amenable to enrobement directly through microencapsulation or the dosing form is coated with an enteric coating. A method of C. difficile treatment with the therapeutic is also provided that is amenable to supplementation with concurrent or prior antibiotic administration.
US08021635B2 Combustion furnace humidification devices, systems and methods
An injection device for humidifying a reactor space and injecting and dispersing reagents into the humidified reactor space, including an exterior injection duct for high-velocity gas injection and at least one interior injector for reagent and humidifying agent injection as droplets with a droplet environment. The high-velocity gas ensuring the humidification of the liquid droplet environment and mixing and dispersion of the liquid reagent droplets into the reactor. A multiple injection device system and a method for operating the system are also described.
US08021631B2 Body fluid testing device
Body fluid testing device for analyzing a body fluid comprises a test media tape adapted to collect the body fluid. The test media tape comprises a tape and test media portions. A free tape portion without test medium is located between successive test media portions. The testing device further comprises a supply portion. The supply portion comprises a housing in which uncontaminated test media tape is contained. The housing further has an opening for withdrawing test media tape from the housing. The testing device further has a sealing means for closing the opening against the surrounding. A free tape portion of the test media tape is located between a wall of the housing and the sealing means when the sealing means closes the opening. Further aspects concern a test media cassette with sealing means and a method for providing test media while holding them sealed against humidity during onboard storage.
US08021627B2 Pipetting device
A pipetting device with a displacement chamber, a flexible membrane delimiting the displacement chamber, a driving equipment for deforming the membrane, a coupling equipment between the driving equipment and the membrane for coupling the driving equipment with the membrane, an equipment for detachably holding a pipette tip, a connection channel between the displacement chamber and the equipment for detachably holding the pipette tip, and an aperture equipment, covering the edge region of the membrane with at least one adjustable aperture opening straight through which the central region of the membrane is deformable.
US08021625B2 Interrupted, gravity-promoted, diffused flow chromatography strip testing device and method
A device and method for enhancing rapid confirmatory immunological testing (“RCIT”) in chromatography strip-type rapid IVD devices useful in, for example, clinical, point-of-care, laboratory or over-the-counter settings. The device drives a flow fluid, primarily under the force of gravity alone, through a first chamber having a porous dam structure to enhance and substantially complete the first affinity binding reaction between a source of mobilizable labeled binding members and an analyte in the fluid. Flow through the dam causes a delay, mixing and trapping of the typically chemically disuniform initial fluid front so that fluid exiting the dam exhibits a more uniformly high degree of first affinity binding and decreased non-affinity binding. Afterward, and without further human interaction, the fluid then flows under the combined, turbulence creating forces of gravity, siphoning, and capillarity, through a second chamber containing a chromatographic strip which captures the labeled analytes in a second affinity binding reaction. By separating the two affinity binding reactions, competition for analytes during each reaction is reduced, and thus accuracy improved.
US08021622B2 Heat insulating container
Disclosed is a heat insulating container, including a heat source, a housing that houses the heat source therein and a temperature detection unit that is formed on a surface of the housing and reflects radiation.
US08021619B2 Separation module, method for its production and its use
A separation module which contains at least one bundle of ceramic capillaries (9), in which, for controlling the material transport and the flow in the separation module, a certain distance is established between the capillaries (9) by joining. The separation module can be used in a variety of ways in the separation of substances by filtration, also in combination with further measures of chemical process engineering.
US08021607B2 Methods for inhibiting corrosion in aqueous media
Methods are provided to inhibit corrosion of metals in contact with aqueous systems such as cooling water systems. In accordance with the methods, a hydroxyacid compound and orthophosphates are used to treat the system. Additionally, an adjuvant including poly(epoxysuccinic acids), an additional hydroxy acid, and a polycarboxylic acid, may be added to the system water.
US08021604B2 Preparation of filler-metal weld rod by injection molding of powder
A filler-metal weld rod of a filler-metal composition is prepared by providing a mass of metallic powders, mixing the metallic powders with a temporary thermoplastic binder to form an injection-moldable mixture, and thereafter injection molding the injection-moldable mixture at an injection-molding temperature above the thermoplastic temperature of the thermoplastic binder to form an injection-molded rod. Any excess thermoplastic binder is removed from the injection-molded rod, and the injection-molded rod is thereafter sintered to form a filler-metal weld rod, with the temporary thermoplastic binder removed in the step of sintering.
US08021603B2 Rotary charging device for a shaft furnace equipped with a cooling system
A rotary charging device for a shaft furnace, in particular a blast furnace, is disclosed. The charging device is equipped with a cooling system. The rotary charging device includes a rotatable support for rotary distribution means as well as a stationary housing for the rotatable support. The cooling system includes a rotary cooling circuit fixed in rotation with the rotatable support as well as a stationary cooling circuit on the stationary housing. A heat transfer device is provided which includes a stationary heat transfer element configured to be cooled by a cooling fluid flowing through the stationary cooling circuit and which includes a rotary heat transfer element configured to be heated by a separate cooling fluid circulated in the rotary cooling circuit. These heat transfer elements are arranged in facing relationship and have there between a heat transfer region for achieving heat transfer by convection and/or radiation through the heat transfer region without mixing of the separate cooling fluids of the rotary and stationary cooling circuits.
US08021597B2 Method and apparatus for producing plastic containers
The invention relates to a method and a device for the production of blow-molded two- or multi-layer containers made of thermoplastic, and a plastic container produced accordingly, having view strips, particularly for storage and for transport of contents. To this end, molten plastic material is deflected in an extrusion head (10) from the inner, natural-colored layer (34) of the tubular preform (18) into the outer layer (36) in a process technical step, and incorporated there, whereby a view strip (24) is formed in the colored outer plastic layer (36).
US08021595B2 Composite material
A method of producing a panel having at least one feature comprising a discontinuation in curvature of surface in the surface, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first reinforced layer of long and/or continuous parallel fiber reinforced thermoplastic of a first polymer (102a, 104a); providing a core layer of thermoplastic with at least roughly 70% by volume of a second polymer which is compatible with the first polymer (106); providing a second reinforced layer of long or continuous parallel fiber reinforced thermoplastic of the first polymer (102b, 104b); stacking the layers such that the reinforced layers are separated by the core layer; introducing the stack into a panel mould and heating the mould to at least the melting point of the predetermined polymer to consolidate the layers and form the panel.
US08021589B2 Molded article with metal reinforcing and method for its manufacture
A composite article (10) comprises a channel-shaped metal reinforcing element (12) and molded plastic shell (14) including a portion formed as a wall (18) mechanically closing the open side of the channel shape. The reinforcing element may include a plurality of open channels (46) each of them being closed by a portion of the plastic coating. Constructive elements (50) comprising at least two such composite articles may be manufactured, for example a flat panel made of parallel elongated beams. A method for manufacturing the composite article in an assembly mold (70) includes inserting a mold core (20) in the metal reinforcing element (12) via the open side of the channel transversely to the channel axis, assembling all parts of the mold, molding of the plastic coating (14), disassembling the mold; and removing the mold core from the composite article in direction parallel to the channel axis.
US08021587B2 Method and apparatus for delivering sequential shots to multiple cavities to form multilayer articles
Method and apparatus for sequentially delivering multiple shots of polymer material to a plurality of mold cavities to form multilayer articles. A first shot of greater than 50% of the total article weight of a first polymer material is simultaneously delivered to a plurality of mold cavities using, at each cavity, a chamber of predetermined volume that is prefilled with the first polymer material. A second shot of no greater than 10% of the total article weight of a second material is simultaneously delivered to all of the cavities beginning subsequent to the step of delivering the start of the first shot delivery step. The second shot of second material is delivered through a manifold channel that fluidly communicates with each cavity, and is injected to all cavities under pressure exerted by a source of the second material that is common to all of the plurality of cavities.
US08021586B2 Amphiphilic block copolymer-toughened epoxy resins and powder coatings made therefrom
A curable resin composition and powder coating compositions made therefrom including (a) an epoxy resin; (b) an amphiphilic block copolymer containing at least one epoxy resin miscible block segment and at least one epoxy resin immiscible block segment; wherein the immiscible block segment comprises at least one polyether structure provided that the polyether structure of said immiscible block segment contains at least one or more alkylene oxide monomer units having at least four carbon atoms; such that when the epoxy resin composition is cured, the toughness of the resulting cured epoxy resin composition is increased; and (c) at least one curing agent required for the manufacturing, application and proper performance of the powder coating. The amphiphilic block copolymer is preferably an all polyether block copolymer such as a PEO-PBO diblock copolymer or a PEO-PBO-PEO triblock copolymer.
US08021583B2 Aerogel containing blanket
A process of producing a blanket is described and can involve forming an aqueous slurry of hydrophobic aerogels, fibers, and at least one wetting agent, drying the aqueous slurry to form a substantially dried product, and calendaring the substantially dried product to form the blanket. The blanket can be used in a variety of applications, including windows.
US08021582B2 Method for producing microparticles in a continuous phase liquid
A continuous phase liquid and a dispersed phase liquid are permitted to flow together through a co-flow channel. Preferably, the dispersed phase liquid is arranged to flow within the flowing body of the continuous phase liquid in the co-flow channel so that the dispersed phase liquid is sheathed by the continuous phase liquid. The continuous phase and dispersed phase liquids are comminuted into microparticles in the co-flow channel by intermittently blocking the co-flow channel.
US08021580B2 Conductive metal paste
The present invention provides a conductive metal paste, available for fabrication of a metal fine particle sintered product layer, which has excellent adhesion to a surface of an underlying substrate such as a glass substrate and also has good conductivity. The conductive metal paste according to the present invention contains, per 100 parts by mass of the metal fine particles whose average particle size is 1 to 100 nm, 10 to 60 parts by mass in total of one or more compounds which are used in a coating molecular layer on a surface of a metal fine particle and which have a group capable of coordinate bonding to a metal element contained in the metal fine particles via a lone pair held by a nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur atom, and also contains one or more metal compounds which are reduced by heating up to 250° C. or higher to be able to precipitate a metal atom such that a total amount of metals contained in the metal compound is within a range from 0.3 to 7 parts by mass, and further, 100 to 500 parts by mass of an amine-based solvent capable of dissolving the metal compounds blended per 10 parts by mass in total of metals in the metal compounds, wherein all of these components are uniformly dissolved and dispersed in an organic solvent used as a dispersion solvent for the metal fine particles.
US08021575B2 Metal hydroxy carbonate nanoparticle coated phosphor and method for preparing the same
Disclosed herein are a metal hydroxy carbonate nanoparticle-coated phosphor and a preparation method thereof. The phosphor coated with metal hydroxy carbonate nanoparticles exhibit improved thermal stability and an increased luminance lifespan, when applied to display devices, e.g., PDPs and lamps.
US08021573B2 Near-infrared-absorbing material and near-infrared-absorbing filter
The present invention provides a near-infrared-absorbing material including: a luminescent agent, and a near-infrared-absorbing compound obtained by oxidizing a compound represented by the following formula (II): wherein R211, R212, R221, R222, R231, R232, R241 and R242 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an aliphatic group or an aromatic group; R203, R213, R223, R233 and R243 each independently represent a substituent group; and n203, n213, n223, n233 and n243 each independently represent an integer from 0 to 4.
US08021572B2 Optical laminate, polarizing plate, image display, and process for producing an optical laminate
An object of the present invention is to provide a thin optical laminate a refractive index of which is three-dimensionally controlled.The optical laminate of the present invention comprises a retardation layer containing a polycyclic compound having at least one of a —SO3M group and a —COOM group, and having an index ellipsoid satisfying a relationship of nx≦nz>ny; and a retardation layer having an index ellipsoid satisfying a relationship of nx≧ny>nz.As the polycyclic compound, for example, a quinoxaline derivative represented by the following formula (I) is used.
US08021570B2 β-peptide lyotropic liquid crystals and methods of manufacture and use thereof
The present invention provides materials and methods that make liquid crystal phases accessible with relatively short β-peptides in aqueous solvents.
US08021568B2 Nickel-molybdenum-doped lead zirconate titanate, method for the production of a piezoceramic component using said lead zirconate titanate, and use of the piezoceramic component
A piezoceramic composition of a calculated empirical formula Pb1-aREbAEc[ZrxTiy(NinMom)z]O3, wherein RE represents a rare earth metal having a rare earth metal content b, AE represents an alkaline earth metal having an alkaline earth metal content c, nickel is provided with a nickel content n.z, and molybdenum is provided with a molybdenum content m.z. Furthermore, the following correlations apply: a<1; 0=b=0.15; 0=c=0.5; n>0; m>0; 0.1=n/m=5; x>0; y>0; z>0, and x+y+z=1. In a method for producing a piezoceramic component a) a green ceramic member containing the piezoceramic composition is supplied; and b) the green member is subjected to a thermal treatment such that the piezoceramic material of the component is produced from the piezoceramic composition. The thermal treatment encompasses calcining and/or sintering of the piezoceramic composition. The piezoceramic composition is compressed below 1000° C., thus allowing metals melting at a lower temperature to be sintered along with the piezoceramic composition.
US08021567B2 Oxide-type, magnetic material and it's production method, and sintered ferrite magnet and it's production method
A sintered ferrite magnet having an M-type ferrite structure and comprising Ca, an R element which is at least one rare earth element indispensably including La, Ba, Fe and Co as indispensable elements, which is represented by Ca1-x-yRxBayFe2n-zCoz, wherein (1−x−y), x, y, z and n are numbers representing the amounts of Ca, the R element, Ba and Co and a molar ratio, meeting 0.2≦x≦0.65, 0.001≦y≦0.2, 0.03≦z≦0.65, and 4≦n≦7.
US08021566B2 Method for pre-conditioning CMP polishing pad
An apparatus and method suitable for the pre-conditioning of a polishing pad on a CMP apparatus prior to the polishing of production wafers on the apparatus. The apparatus includes a pre-conditioning arm on which is mounted an ingot of suitable material. In use, the ingot is pressed against the polishing surface of the rotating polishing pad for a selected period of time to increase the temperature of the polishing surface by friction. The pre-conditioned polishing pad facilitates uniform polishing rates of production semiconductor wafers subsequently polished on the apparatus.
US08021564B2 Method for detecting an end point of resist peeling, method and apparatus for peeling resist, and computer-readable storage medium
A method for detecting an end point of a resist peeling process in which a resist is gasified to be peeled off by producing hydrogen radicals by catalytic cracking reaction where a hydrogen-containing gas contacts with a high-temperature catalyst, and contacting the produced hydrogen radicals with a resist on a substrate, includes monitoring one or more parameters indicating a state of the catalyst and detecting the end point of the resist peeling process based on variations of the monitored parameters. The hydrogen-containing gas may be a H2 gas. The parameters indicating the state of the catalyst may be one or more electrical parameters when a power is supplied to the catalyst. Further, the catalyst may be a filament made of a high melting point metal.
US08021563B2 Etch depth determination for SGT technology
A method for determining the depth etch, a method of forming a shielded gate trench (SGT) structure and a semiconductor device wafer are disclosed. A material layer is formed over part of a substrate having a trench. The material fills the trench. A resist mask is placed over a test portion of the layer of material. The resist mask does not cover the trench. The layer of material is isotropically etched. An etch depth may be determined from a characteristic of etching of the material underneath the mask. Such a method may be used for forming SGT structures. The wafer may comprise a layer of material disposed on at least a portion of a surface of semiconductor wafer; a resist mask comprising an angle-shaped test portion disposed over a portion of the layer of material; and a ruler marking on the surface of the substrate proximate the test portion.
US08021561B1 Optical component having features extending different depths into a light transmitting medium
The optical device includes a plurality of waveguides and an optical grating. A first portion of the waveguides act as input waveguide configured to carry a light beam that includes multiple light signals to the optical grating. The optical grating is configured to demultiplex the light signals. A second portion of the waveguides act as output waveguides configured to carry the demultiplexed light signals away from the optical grating. A method of forming the optical device includes sequentially forming the waveguides and the optical grating while a single mask defines the location of the waveguides and the optical grating.
US08021556B2 Method of clarifying industrial wastewater for the reduction of organic waste content using cationic dispersion polymers combined with powdered activated carbon and anionic flocculent polymers
A method is provided for clarifying wastewater containing contaminants including soluble organic compounds and insoluble organic compounds. The wastewater is treated with a paculant admixture including a cationic coagulant polymer and powdered activated carbon. The cationic coagulant polymer is polydiallydimethylammonium chloride, poly quaternary amine, and/or a starch-based organic polymer. After an at least 2 second delay, a flocculent is added to the wastewater to achieve (i) microcoagulation of the cationic coagulant polymer with the contaminants to form coagulated particles having an effective mass and cationic charge to react with an anionic flocculent to be added thereafter, and (ii) absorption of the soluble organic compounds on the powdered activated carbon. The anionic flocculent as added and reacted with the coagulated particles to form a sludge, containing agglomerated particles including the coagulated particles and powdered activated carbon, of sufficient size for mechanical removal. The sludge is removed to provide clarified wastewater.
US08021555B2 Recycled suppressor regenerants
A suppressed ion chromatographic apparatus using a regenerant recycle loop, comprising (a) an ion separation device, (b) a membrane suppressor, (c) a detector, (d) a container for regenerant solution, (e) a first conduit between the ion separation device and the suppressor, (f) a second conduit between the regenerant solution container and the suppressor, (g) a third conduit between the suppressor and the regenerant solution container, and (h) a regenerant solution recycle loop out of fluid communication with the detector outlet.
US08021554B2 Method and apparatus for liquid-liquid extraction
A Liquid-Liquid Extraction apparatus for extracting at least one species from a donor liquid solution (6) into at least one recipient liquid (8) is disclosed The apparatus comprises one or more cells comprising a cartridge (3) with an open macro-porous solid matrix made o a micro-porous material having affinity to an extractant material, so that a thin layer of liquid extractant may attach to the matrix.
US08021553B2 Systems and methods for forward osmosis fluid purification using cloud point extraction
A process for purification of fluids, for example, desalination of seawater or brackish water, using organic solutes in a concentrated water solution for use in a forward osmosis process, to extract fresh water out of salt water through the forward osmosis membrane, and subsequently separating the organic solutes out of the diluted forward osmosis permeate by cloud point extraction, thereby regenerating a concentrated organic solution for recycling to the forward osmosis process, and fresh water for potable water use.
US08021552B2 Process and reactor for anaerobic waste water purification
The invention is directed to a process for the anaerobic purification of waste water using a sludge bed system, which process comprises feeding waste water and recycle water to the lower part of an upflow reactor containing mainly granular biomass thus producing biogas in the treatment passing the resulting gas/liquid/solid mixture upward and separating the gas and solid from the liquid in a three phase separator and thereby generating an anaerobic effluent that is withdrawn from the top of the separator, the improvement comprising withdrawing the recycle water separately from the effluent, after the separation of the gas from the liquid, either from the three phase separator or from the top of the reactor outside the three phase separator, and to an upflow reactor suitable for this process.
US08021550B2 Central core element for a separator assembly
The present invention provides a central core element for separator assemblies useful in the purification of fluids, for example separator assemblies useful for the desalination of seawater. The central core element provided by the present invention comprises at least two porous exhaust conduits wherein each porous exhaust conduit comprises an exhaust channel and one or more openings which allow fluid communication between an exterior surface of the porous exhaust conduit and the exhaust channel. The central core element defines a cavity into which may be disposed a first portion of a membrane stack assembly. In the preparation of a separator assembly comprising the central core element provided by the present invention, a second portion of the membrane stack assembly forms a multilayer membrane assembly disposed around the central core element. Also provided are central core elements for salt separator assemblies and spiral flow reverse osmosis devices.
US08021549B2 Method and apparatus for producing potable water from seawater using forward osmosis
A method and apparatus for desalinating seawater which uses an ammonia bicarbonate forward osmosis desalination process. Seawater is pumped through one side of a membrane assembly. A draw solution is pumped through the other side of the membrane assembly. The draw solution withdraws water molecules from the seawater through the membrane into the draw solution. A draw solution separator receives a heated draw solution which then decomposes into ammonia, carbon dioxide and water. Potable water is separated from ammonia has and carbon dioxide gas. The ammonia gas and carbon dioxide gas are recombined with a portion of the potable water stream to reform the ammonium bicarbonate draw solution.
US08021548B2 Lattice structure, use of the lattice structure and vessel with lattice structure
A lattice structure for the passage of a first medium against a second medium with transverse webs and longitudinal webs, lattice openings with a clear width of ≦300 μm being arranged between the transverse webs and the longitudinal webs. On at least one side of the lattice structure, the transverse webs and/or the longitudinal webs have a rib arrangement of ribs projecting vertically to the lattice plane, at least one first group and a second group of ribs being arranged which differ from one another at least by their heights H1, H2 with H1>H2. A vessel with at least one water inlet window and an air outlet window, both windows being provided with the lattice structures.
US08021546B2 Screen clamp
This invention relates to a method for easy installation and removal of a screen assembly for vibratory machinery and more particularly to shake table screening. The screen assembly comprises a screen frame, a screen cloth and a screen bed, whereby no clamping components are visible on top of the screen. Each assembly section can be controlled independently and clamping force is controlled by a pneumatic regulator located near an air line connection on the side of a shaker.
US08021544B2 Wastewater screening device
A screening device for wastewater overflow weirs and the like includes a perforate screening member through which wastewater flows from a bottom to top sides thereof, with a frame and a plurality of screening rods arranged in a laterally spaced apart, mutually parallel relationship. The opposite ends of the screening rods are fixedly connected with the frame to capture solids in the wastewater. The screening rods are each configured with narrow portions at the opposite ends.
US08021543B2 Wastewater treatment system
A wastewater treatment system for treating excess wastewater from a sewer system includes a container having first and second portions adapted to receive excess wastewater from the sewer system, and a generally horizontally oriented screen arrangement disposed in the second portion of the container. The system further includes a treating agent dispenser for introducing a treating agent into the wastewater, and an effluent passage in fluid communication with the second portion of the container. During a sufficient rain event, the wastewater flows from the sewer system into the container, through the screen arrangement, and then into the effluent passage, such that the wastewater flows generally in a first direction through the first portion of the container, then generally in a second direction different than the first direction through the second portion of the container. The treating agent dispenser is operative to introduce the treating agent to thereby sufficiently disinfect at least a portion of the wastewater.
US08021541B2 Coolant inspection and filtering system patent
The present invention relates to an automotive engine cooling system and the ability to filter contaminates from the cooling system liquid thus slowing down metal erosion of internal cooling system components. The present invention also allows the user to visually see the condition of the filtering device and the condition of the cooling system liquid. If the filtering device should plug or clog, a by-pass system is in place to allow the cooling system liquid to continue circulation not affecting the vehicle's engine temperature.
US08021537B2 Steam generation apparatus and method
The present invention provides for steam generation replacing natural gas with a selected refined product of a feedstock of bitumen, asphaltenes or heavy oil using locally produced surplus bitumen, asphaltene or heavy oil, separating the asphaltenes and other components of the feedstock for use in providing a liquid fuel for steam generation. The lighter products from the separation equipment not used for liquid fuel may be blended into the produced bitumen, asphaltenes or heavy oil, to increase its API gravity and reduce the diluent required for transportation. This technology may be employed in open pit mining operations for the generation of steam and power. The refined components of the feedstock used to provide liquid fuel are selected to optimize energy output balancing planned energy demand against the value of the components of the feedstock used.
US08021534B2 Electroforming mold and method for manufacturing the same, and method for manufacturing electroformed component
To provide an electroforming mold for manufacturing a multi-step structure minute component and a method for manufacturing the same, for which height control is possible and manufacturing process does not become complicated. On the upper face of a film of an electroconductive layer 2 formed on the upper face of a substrate 1, a resist 3 is formed in which a first soluble portion 3b and a first insoluble portion 3a are formed. Next, a light-absorbing body 10 is formed on the upper face of the resist, exposure and development are carried out, in addition a film of an electroconductive layer 2 is formed on the upper face thereof, and a light-absorbing body 10 and an electroconductive layer 5 on the upper face of the light-absorbing body 10 are removed by liftoff. Further, a resist is formed on the upper face thereof, in which a second soluble portion 6b and a second insoluble portion 6a are formed. Next, the first resist and the second resist are developed to remove the first soluble portion 3b and the second soluble portion 6b, thereby giving an electroforming mold 101 having an electroconductive layer on the basal part of respective steps.
US08021533B2 Preparation of hydrogen storage materials
A candidate hydrogen storage material, M, capable of reaction with hydrogen to form a hydride, MHm (m=number of H atoms per formula unit), and to subsequently release hydrogen on demand, is processed electrochemically to enhance its absorption/desorption properties. For example, a magnesium hydride (MgH2) composition, arranged as a positive electrode, is reduced with lithium ions in a direct current electrolytic cell to form nanometer-size particles of magnesium (and lithium hydride). The cell operation may be reversed to oxidize magnesium to nanometer size particles of magnesium hydride. Thereafter, the nanometer-size particles of M/MHm adsorb and desorb hydrogen at higher yields and under more moderate storage processing conditions.
US08021526B2 Household appliances which utilize an electrolyzer and electrolyzer that may be used therein
A household appliance incorporating an electrolyzer for electrolysis of water to H2 and O2 and an electrolyzer therefor. The appliance may include a burner for the hydrogen produced and an electric conductive member to provide household current to the electrolyzer. The electrolyzer comprises an outer housing defining a chamber which houses at least one cathode and at least one anode. The electrolyzer may comprise a plurality of field electrodes and the field electrodes may comprise first and second field electrodes which are electrically connected together and spaced apart to define an intra cell gap. Field electrodes may then be spaced apart to define an inter cell gap between electrodes of adjacent field electrodes. At least one of the anode and cathode may be connected to an electrically conductive member that is molded in situ in the housing and at least some of the electrodes may be configured to dimensionally stabilize the electrodes during operation of the electrolyzer. The number of field electrodes may be from 40 to 60 if a voltage of 120 V is supplied to the electrolyzer, 80 to 120 if the voltage is 240 V, or 4 to 6 if the voltage is 12 V. The gap between adjacent electrodes may vary between top and bottom and the electrolyzer may incorporate a plastic heat sink.
US08021514B2 Remote plasma source for pre-treatment of substrates prior to deposition
A plasma processing chamber particularly useful for pre-treating low-k dielectric films and refractory metal films subject to oxidation prior to deposition of other layers. A remote plasma source (RPS) excites a processing gas into a plasma and delivers it through a supply tube to a manifold in back of a showerhead faceplate. The chamber is configured for oxidizing and reducing plasmas in the same or different processes when oxygen and hydrogen are selectively supplied to the RPS. The supply tube and showerhead may be formed of dielectric oxides which may be passivated by a water vapor plasma from the remote plasma source. In one novel process, a protective hydroxide coating is formed on refractory metals by alternating neutral plasmas of hydrogen and oxygen.
US08021509B2 Method for affixing adhesive tape to semiconductor wafer, and apparatus using the same
A separator separating/collecting operation is controlled in correspondence with an adhesive tape supplying operation such that a separating point of a separator on an adhesive tape when supply of the adhesive tape and separation of the separator are stopped is deviated from a surface of a semiconductor wafer in a subsequent adhesive tape affixing operation.
US08021508B2 Method for producing wood fibre boards
The present invention is directed to a method for manufacturing a panel containing wood fibers. The wood material is cut into strands having a thickness and a width perpendicular to the grain direction and a length parallel with the grain direction, the length being significantly greater with respect to the other dimensions. An adhesive is applied to the strands, the glued strands are formed into an assembly, wherein the strands are substantially parallel in the longitudinal direction, and the strands remaining substantially parallel in the longitudinal direction are extruded by applying a thrusting force substantially perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal direction of the strands.
US08021506B2 Process of thermal transfer using hot melt adhesive lamination for forming a carpet backing and finished carpet or tile product
A method for binding a greige carpet and a secondary backing material using a hot melt adhesive is disclosed. A heated application roll may be provided and the secondary backing material may be contacted with the hot melt adhesive and greige carpet and pressed against the heated application roll.
US08021501B2 Single point incremental forming of metallic materials using applied direct current
A method for forming a sheet metal component using an electric current passing through the component is provided. The method can include providing a single point incremental forming, the machine operable to perform a plurality of single point incremental deformations on the sheet metal component and also apply an electric direct current to the sheet a metal component during at least part of the forming. The direct current can be applied before or after the forming has started and/or be terminated before or after the forming has stopped and can reduce the magnitude of force required to produce a given amount of deformation, increase the amount of deformation exhibited before failure and/or reduce any springback typically exhibited by the sheet metal component.
US08021497B2 Method for producing a hardened steel part
The invention relates to a method for producing a hardened steel part having a cathodic corrosion protection, whereby a) a coating is applied to a sheet made of a hardenable steel alloy in a continuous coating process; b) the coating is essentially comprised of zinc; c) the coating additionally contains one or more oxygen-affine elements in a total amount of 0.1% by weight to 15% by weight with regard to the entire coating; d) the coated steel sheet is then, at least in partial areas and with the admission of atmospheric oxygen, brought to a temperature necessary for hardening and is heated until it undergoes a microstructural change necessary for hardening, whereby; e) a superficial skin is formed on the coating from an oxide of the oxygen-affine element(s), and; f) the sheet is shaped before or after heating, and; g) the sheet is cooled after sufficient heating, whereby the cooling rate is calculated in order to achieve a hardening of the sheet alloy. The invention also relates to a corrosion protection layer for the hardened steel part and to the steel part itself.
US08021494B2 Method for the decontamination of an oxide layer-containing surface of a component or a system of a nuclear facility
A method of decontaminating an oxide layer-comprising surface of a component or a system of a nuclear facility. An acidic water film is produced on the surface, the film of water is brought into contact with a gaseous acid anhydride, and the oxide layer is treated with gaseous ozone as oxidizing agent.
US08021489B2 Substrate treatment process
A method of forming a plasma to physicochemically modify properties of a fluid spray in a substrate treatment processes includes providing an applicator in proximity to the substrate. The applicator comprises an electrically insulated main body portion containing a cavity, a tube axially positioned within the cavity for transporting a first fluid, an annular electric-field generator positioned within the cavity between the main body portion and the tube, a region between the tube and the generator for transporting a second fluid, and a nozzle connected to the main body portion for mixing the first fluid with the second fluid to form the fluid spray. The tube, the nozzle or the substrate are selectively grounded. Upon activating the electric-field generator, plasma is formed within the tube or about the region between the tube and the generator when the tube is grounded, within the nozzle when the nozzle is grounded or between the nozzle and the substrate when the substrate is grounded.
US08021488B2 Sealing structure of vacuum device
A sealing structure for sealing a gap between a vacuum container 2 and a lid 3 contacted to an opening of the vacuum container 2 to close it. A cavity 66 is formed in an elastomer O-ring 64 interposed between the vacuum container 2 and the lid 3, and a cooling pipe 65 is inserted in the cavity 66. The O-ring is cooled by circulating coolant in the cooling pipe 65. Since permeability of gas in a solid depends on a temperature, the amount of gas permeating the O-ring 64, especially oxygen, can be reduced by cooling the O-ring 64, thus maintaining a vacuum level in the vacuum container 2 at a high level. Since the O-ring 64 is cooled from its inside, only the O-ring 64 can be cooled locally without influencing temperature controls at other parts of the vacuum device.
US08021483B2 Flowable chips and methods for the preparation and use of same, and apparatus for use in the methods
A method for recharging a crucible with polycrystalline silicon comprises adding flowable chips to a crucible used in a Czochralski-type process. Flowable chips are polycrystalline silicon particles made from polycrystalline silicon prepared by a chemical vapor deposition process, and flowable chips have a controlled particle size distribution, generally nonspherical morphology, low levels of bulk impurities, and low levels of surface impurities. Flowable chips can be added to the crucible using conventional feeder equipment, such as vibration feeder systems and canister feeder systems.
US08021482B2 Method for eliminating the precipitates in a II-IV semiconductor material by annealing
A method for eliminating precipitates contained in an II-VI solid semiconductor material, in which the solid semiconductor material is a congruent sublimation solid semiconductor material, the method including: providing an inert gas flow; heating the solid semiconductor material under the inert gas flow up to a temperature T, between a first temperature T1, corresponding to compound II-VI/element VI eutectic, and a second temperature T2, corresponding to maximum congruent sublimation temperature; maintaining the solid semiconductor material at this temperature T under a neutral gas flow for a time period sufficient to eliminate the precipitates; cooling the solid semiconductor material under the inert gas flow from temperature T to ambient temperature, at a rate such that, during the cooling, the solid semiconductor material merges with its congruent sublimation line; and recovering a precipitate-free solid semiconductor material.
US08021481B2 Process and apparatus for large-scale manufacturing of bulk monocrystalline gallium-containing nitride
A method for large-scale manufacturing of gallium nitride includes a process for reducing and/or minimizing contamination in the crystals, for solvent addition to an autoclave, for improving or optimizing the solvent atmosphere composition, for removal of the solvent from the autoclave, and for recycling of the solvent. The method is scalable up to large volumes and is cost effective.
US08021480B2 Microfluidic free interface diffusion techniques
A static fluid and a second fluid are placed into contact along a microfluidic free interface and allowed to mix by diffusion without convective flow across the interface. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the fluids are static and initially positioned on either side of a closed valve structure in a microfluidic channel having a width that is tightly constrained in at least one dimension. The valve is then opened, and no-slip layers at the sides of the microfluidic channel suppress convective mixing between the two fluids along the resulting interface. Applications for microfluidic free interfaces in accordance with embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, protein crystallization studies, protein solubility studies, determination of properties of fluidics systems, and a variety of biological assays such as diffusive immunoassays, substrate turnover assays, and competitive binding assays.
US08021478B2 Process to produce portland cement clinker and obtained clinker
A process for producing Portland cement clinker at low temperatures fixing the sulfur produced by burning high sulfur content coke fuel. The invention also describes a Portland cement clinker that includes new additional phases.
US08021472B2 Ink composition for ink jet recording
An object of the present invention is to provide an ink composition with which images with high quality without white streaks or roughness can be provided even when the images are printed at a low resolution on coated printing paper such as art paper. The ink composition for ink jet recording at least includes a colorant, water, an alcohol solvent, and a surfactant, wherein the alcohol solvent contains a slightly water-soluble alkanediol, a water-soluble 1,2-alkanediol, and a dialkylene glycol.
US08021469B2 Control methods for an air treatment system
A control system and associated methods for an air treatment system. In one aspect, the present invention provides a control system and method for controlling blower speed as a function of separately determined smoke and dust concentrations. In one embodiment, the control system and method provides a variable delayed between changes in motor speed to address undesirable rapid changes between speeds. In another aspect, the present invention provides a system and method for calibrating a sensor to provide more uniform operation over time. In yet another aspect, the present invention provide a system and method for calibrating motor speed to provide more consistent and uniform motor speed over time. The present invention also provides a system and method for tracking filter life by as a function of time, motor speed and/or a sensed variable, such as particulate concentration in the environment.
US08021467B2 Cleaning process for cleaning filtration material of a gas filter and a device for carrying out the process
A cleaning process for filtration material of a gas filter is disclosed. A first step hinders the gas flow from passing through the filtration material by closing the clean gas side of a single segment or a row of filter segments. A second step provides a slow gas flow to the closed filter segments to cause a reverse gas flow through the filtration material. A third step opens an impulse valve for an ultra short time to create a compressed gas impulse for disengaging the particles which did not fall off the filtration material during the second step of the cleaning process. A fourth step shuts off the reverse flow gas supply. A device for separating one or several filter segments from the clean gas side of the filter filtration material is also disclosed.
US08021466B2 Fluid flow filter and method of making and using
A filter well suited for paint arrestor usage having a monolithic high loft manmade fiber body with a convoluted flow contact surface. The filter is preferably formed by a convoluter as in one with a roller set and blade cutter to form mirror image fiber filter sheets from a received fiber batt. Provided is a well mixed proper fiber blend, such as one having a set of fibers made of a majority of course fibers joined by way of thermal bonding fibers which facilitate, during convoluting, formation of a crisp cut and high integrity three dimensional surface, as in one of rows of peaks separated by valleys. The projection/recess arrangement over the flow contact surface as well as the thickness and relative projection-to-base dimensions are arranged to provide a high paint holding capacity without too fast a load up of, for example, paint particles and while avoiding too great of a pressure drop within that load up time.
US08021460B2 System and method for producing metallic iron nodules
A method for producing metallic iron nodules by assembling a shielding entry system to introduce coarse carbonaceous material greater than 6 mesh in to the furnace atmosphere at location(s) where the temperature of the furnace atmosphere adjacent at least partially reduced reducible iron bearing material is between about 2200 and 2650° F. (1200 and 1450° C.), the shielding entry system adapted to inhibit emission of infrared radiation from the furnace atmosphere and seal the furnace atmosphere from exterior atmosphere while introducing coarse carbonaceous material greater than 6 mesh into the furnace to be distributed over the at least partially reduced reducible iron bearing material, and heating the covered at least partially reduced reducible iron bearing material in a fusion atmosphere to assist in fusion and inhibit reoxidation of the reduced material during fusion to assist in fusion and inhibit reoxidation of the reduced material in forming metallic iron nodules.
US08021459B2 Method and apparatus for controlling metal separation
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling a continuous metal removal in conjunction with a zinc preparation process, in which the metal removal is performed in one or more reactors (11a-c), in conjunction with the reactor, the redox potential (16a-c) and the acidity and/or basicity are measured, and based on the measurement results, the process variables (17a-c) of the metal removal are adjusted towards the desired direction. According to the invention, the redox potential measurements (16a-c) are performed from the sludge produced in the reactor in conjunction with the outlet pipe of the reactor outside the reactor, and the measuring instrument (16a-c) is purified at predetermined intervals.
US08021456B2 Filter element with high temperature polymer retaining straps and method of manufacture
A filter element for removing particles from a particulate laden fluid stream includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a filtration media formed into a tubular configuration and that a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart pleats. The filter element also includes at least one melt-extruded retention strap extending circumferentially around the filtration media to limit radial movement of the filtration media at operating temperatures up to about 500° F. Each melt-extruded retention strap is formed from a melt extrudable amorphous thermoplastic polyimide.
US08021452B2 Vacuum cleaner with removable dust collector, and methods of operating the same
A vacuum cleaner includes a dust collector that compresses dust stored inside a dust container to minimize the volume of the dust. The dust collector would include one or more pressing plates that are used to compress the dust stored in dust collector. Various methods are used to control movements of the movable pressing plates to facilitate the compression operations. Also, various methods are used to determine when the dust collector is full and needs to be emptied.
US08021451B2 Fine α-alumina particle
The present invention provides a fine α-alumina particle having a degree of α-transformation of not less than 95%, a BET specific surface area of not less than 10 m2/g, a degree of necking of not more than 30%, and a total content of Si, Fe, Cu, Na and Mg of not more than 500 ppm.
US08021448B2 Method and system for producing a hydrogen enriched fuel using microwave assisted methane plasma decomposition on catalyst
A method for producing a hydrogen enriched fuel includes the steps of providing a flow of methane gas at a selected flow rate, providing a catalyst, producing a methane plasma at a negative pressure using microwave irradiation at a selected microwave power, directing the methane plasma over the catalyst, and controlling the flow of methane gas and the microwave power to produce a product gas having a selected composition. A system for producing a hydrogen enriched fuel includes a methane gas source, a reactor having a reaction chamber containing a catalyst, a microwave power source configured to form a methane plasma, and a vacuum pump configured to maintain the reaction chamber at a negative pressure.
US08021443B2 Triacylglycerol based wax composition
Wax compositions that have a high triacylglycerol content are provided. The wax compositions can be used to produce candle and are particularly useful in the production of container candles. The wax compositions commonly have a melting point of about 50° C. to 57° C. and include a triacylglycerol component, which has a fatty acid composition including about 14 to 25 wt. % 16:0 fatty acid.
US08021441B2 Method of vaporizing solid organometallic compound
A method of vaporizing a solid organometallic compound in which the method comprises filling the solid organometallic compound into a container, introducing a carrier gas to the container and taking out the gas containing the organometallic compound, wherein the solid organometallic compound is in the form of pellets and contains an inert support.
US08021439B2 Two-part hair dye
A two-part hair dye including a first part containing an alkali agent, a second part containing hydrogen peroxide, and a non-aerosol foamer vessel to discharge in the form of foam a liquid mixture of the first part and the second part, wherein the liquid mixture contains anionic surfactant (s) selected from the following components (A): (A) a carboxylic type anionic surfactant selected from salts of a C8 to C22 fatty acid; and wherein the content of component (A) in the first part or the second part is 0.1 to 30% by mass.
US08021437B2 Organic catalyst with enhanced enzyme compatiblity
This invention relates to cleaning compositions comprising organic catalysts having enhanced enzyme compatibility and processes for making and using such cleaning compositions.
US08021433B2 Modular long bone prosthesis
A prosthesis for partial replacement of a long bone in humans or animals, the prosthesis including: a proximal or distal end component forming one component of a prosthetic joint; a shaft on or assembled with the distal or proximal end component in use; a stem for engagement in a resected bone; and an initially separate collar assembled to the shaft or an extension thereof in use, the collar being dimensioned to abut the resected end face of the bone into which the prosthesis is to be fitted, wherein the end face of the collar facing the resected face of the bone is sized and shaped to correspond to the resected end face of the bone.
US08021422B2 Actuating mechanism for pneumatically-driven artificial heart
A pneumatic pump comprises two coaxial cylindrical pumping chambers, each enclosing a piston connected to the other through a partition by a tube, thereby forming a monolithic piston assembly that is driven axially by a common electrical actuator providing reciprocating motion. The volume in the bottom chamber is selected as needed to provide the desired pressure in the left ventricle of an artificial heart driven by the pump. The diameter of the tube connecting the pistons is selected such that the stroke volume of the top chamber is reduced with respect to that of the bottom chamber as needed to match the reduced pressure requirements of the right ventricle of the artificial heart. Check valves are used in each chamber to ensure venting of excess pressure during the blood ejection phase and to limit the vacuum during the fill phase.
US08021419B2 Stent graft
A stent graft (10; 40; 80) has a tubular body (12; 42; 82) of a biocompatible material and at least two fenestrations (18, 20; 48, 50; 84, 86, 88). The at least two fenestrations (10, 20; 48, 50; 84, 86, 88) are adjacent each other and each has a tube {24, 26; 54, 55; 90, 92, 94) extending into the tubular body (1 2; 42; 82). The tubes (24, 26; 54, 55; 90, 92, 94) are joined inside the tubular body (12; 42; 82) into a single larger tube (30; 60; 96) to facilitate catheterization.
US08021415B2 Insert for a conduit
There is disclosed an insert (2) for a conduit (4) adapted to effect helical flow in the conduit (4) comprising a longitudinally extending member having a helical formation.
US08021412B2 Iliac extension with flared cuff
A leg extension (10) for a stent grafting system to connect between an aortic graft and an iliac graft. The leg extension is a tubular body (12) of a biocompatible graft material with self-expanding stents connected along the length of the tubular body and the tubular body having a distal end with a connection region. The connection region has a flared stent defining an external frusto-conical surface to provide a connection arrangement to engage within an internally flared portion of an iliac graft.
US08021410B2 Delivery system with helical shaft
A delivery system is provided for releasing a medical device within a body cavity. The delivery system may be used in an intravascular procedure to implant a self-expandable stent. A helical structure on the shaft of the delivery system engages the inner surface of the stent. As a result, the stent may be released by rotating the shaft relative to the stent which pushes the stent forward from the distal end of the shaft.
US08021394B2 Stenotic device
A spinal implant is configured to be received between bony spinal protrusions of adjacent vertebrae particularly, but not necessarily, in the lumbar region of the spine and hold them apart. The spinal implant may be used interlaminar, interbody or interbony protrusion. The present bony spinal protrusion spacer is not fixed to any bony structures of the vertebrae and, as such, use of the present bony spinal protrusion spacer does not result in fusion. It may therefore be removed if necessary. Attachment structures formed as part of the bony spinal protrusion spacer receive and engage portions of adjacent bony protrusions. The attachment structures provide one or more ridges, bumps, protrusions, projections, lips, flanges, overhangs, overhangs that are threadably engaged, extensions and/or the like that form one or more pockets or cavities into which portions of adjacent bony spinal protrusions are separately lodged and held. In this manner (via retention of the bony spinal protrusions), appropriate and/or desired spacing between adjacent vertebrae is maintained. As such, the present bony spinal protrusion spacer is designed to remain safely and permanently in place without attaching to the bone or ligaments of the back.
US08021385B2 Removable anchored lung volume reduction devices and methods
A method for treating a lung using an intra-bronchial device may be placed and anchored in an air passageway of a patient to collapse a lung portion associated with the air passageway. The method includes using an obstructing member that prevents air from being inhaled into the lung portion, and an anchor that anchors the obstruction device within the air passageway. The anchor may piercingly engage the air passageway wall. The anchor may be releasable from the air passageway for removal of the obstructing member. The anchor may be releasable by collapsing a portion of the obstructing member, or by drawing the obstructing member toward the larynx. The obstructing member may be a one-way valve.
US08021384B2 Extending intrabody capsule
A medical device includes a device body for insertion into an organ of a patient and one or more arms, which are attached to the device body and are arranged to extend outward from the device body within the organ so as to contact respective points-of-contact on an inner surface of the organ, and to apply a repetitive motion at one or more of the points-of-contact.
US08021382B2 Safety single use blood lancet device with adjustable puncture depth
A safety single use blood taking lancet, having an adjustable puncture depth, includes a blast-off structure and an adjusting head. The blast-off structure comprises a sleeve, an end cap, a needle core with a needle pin, a spring and a push element. Two elastic clips extend from the end cap. The needle core and the elastic clips form a lock structure and a structure blocking the needle core to return to an initial position. An inside face has a revolving inclined plane or a revolving ladder plane. When changing the revolving angle of the adjusting head, the revolving inclined plane or the revolving ladder plane bumps into an impact face of the needle core at different depth of the needle hole.
US08021381B2 Balanced ultrasonic end effector
A balanced ultrasonic surgical instrument according to the present invention includes an ultrasonic transmission rod which is connected to a blade or end effector by a balance portion, which includes first and second balance asymmetries designed to compensate for the imbalances induced by the blade.
US08021380B2 Obstruction removal system
An obstruction removal system for percutaneous removal of clots or obstructions within the vascular system is disclosed. The obstruction removal system includes a multi-lumen catheter with a plurality of circulating capture devices attached to or integral with a drive belt. The circulating capture or interference devices affect removal of the clot or obstruction bit-by-bit through a series of passes. The obstruction removal system may include one or more drive mechanisms, such as a pulley system and/or a vacuum source and/or a pressurization source, on its proximal end for driving the drive belt and capture devices through the catheter in a circulating manner. The obstruction removal system may also include one or more cleaning mechanisms, such as a vacuum chamber and/or a fluid rinse chamber, for removing the captured clot pieces from the capture devices.
US08021378B2 Surgical clip
A surgical clip includes a U-shaped configuration with first and second arms, and a bridge portion therebetween. The first arm is provided with a tip preferably having a catch, and the second arm extends into a deformable retainer having a tissue-piercing end and preferably also a hook. During application, tissue is clamped, and the clip is forced over the clamped tissue and the retainer of the second arm is bent and may be pierced through the tissue. The retainer is toward and around or adjacent the tip of the first arm preferably until the hook is engaged about the catch to secure the clip to the tissue and prevent the clip and tissue from separating. The clip is provided with structure that facilitates the stacking of a plurality of clips in a clip chamber of a clip applier.
US08021372B2 Medical retrieval device with independent rotational means
A medical retrieval device used to remove objects such as urinary and biliary calculi from the body comprising a handle assembly with an independent rotational means, a sheath, and an object entrapping assembly. In preferred embodiments, the handle assembly comprises a longitudinally stationary base portion and a thumb slide actuation means. The longitudinally stationary portion comprises a handle base and a rotating means. In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the thumb slide actuation means is located between the distal and proximal ends of the handle base portion during the complete actuation cycle. Actuation of the thumb slide relative to the handle base causes the object entrapping assembly to be actuated between the open and closed positions. Rotation of the rotating means relative to the handle base causes precise rotation of the object entrapping assembly. The thumb slide actuation means and rotating means are separate and independent of each other, preventing inadvertent adjustment of the degree of actuation during rotation and preventing inadvertent adjustment of rotational position during actuation.
US08021370B2 Instrument for positioning a cup component of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis
An instrument for positioning a cup component of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis includes a shaft, and a flange located near an end of the shaft on which the cup component can be fixed. The flange extends from the shaft transversely, and can be retracted from an in-use position wherein the flange is received in a groove in the internal surface of the cup component when positioned over the said end of the instrument, and a retracted position in which the flange is withdrawn toward the axis of the shaft from the in-use position, allowing the cup component to be released from the instrument.
US08021367B2 Toe deformity repair using bioabsorbable pin
Methods and apparatus for repair of toe deformities using a bioabsorbable pin. The apparatus is a kit of part comprising a bioabsorbable pin, a predrill, a bone tamp, a cutter and a forceps. One surgical method of repairing toe deformities includes resecting a proximal interphalangeal joint, drilling a hole in a proximal phalanx using a proximal portion of a pin, removing the pin from the proximal phalanx, drilling a tip of a toe through middle and distal phalanxes, driving the pin retrograde and traversing the distal, middle and proximal phalanxes until the pin stops advancing due to resistance at a proximal cortex, holding the pin and powering a pin driver to separate a distal portion of the pin, and suturing the wound.
US08021366B2 Axial load limiting system and methods
An axial load limiting system can include a handle having a lever pivotably connected to the handle, a hollow shaft slidably attached to the handle, and a rod operably connected on the proximal end to the lever and movable axially inside the shaft. A surgical implement, for example, a curette, can be connected to the distal end of the rod and pivotably connected to the distal end of the shaft. The system can include a biasing mechanism adapted to be compressed within a cavity in the handle by an axial load in excess of a predetermined axial load. When pivoting of the surgical implement is restricted due to an obstruction, such as hard tissue, and the excessive axial load is placed on the rod, the rod and the surgical implement can move the shaft in the distal direction so as to compress the biasing mechanism, thereby relieving the rod and surgical implement of the excessive axial load.
US08021364B2 Rasp attachment for a motor-driven surgical hand-held device
A rasp attachment for a motor-driven surgical hand-piece includes a mounting means for mounting the rasp attachment to the motor-driven surgical hand-piece and a rasp area which is implemented to take off material from a surface in a reciprocating movement of the rasp attachment caused by the motor-driven surgical hand-piece. the rasp to is curved and elastically deformable at least in the rasp area.
US08021357B2 Body-insertable apparatus
A body-insertable apparatus including a balloon for storing a medical fluid in a capsule-like casing, and an injection needle including an elastic membrane. The body-insertable apparatus discharges the medical fluid due to contraction of the balloon, applies a discharge pressure of the medical fluid to the elastic membrane to expand the elastic membrane, and projects the injection needle from the casing due to the expansion of the elastic membrane. Further, the body-insertable apparatus has a channel forming unit for forming a channel connecting to the balloon and a channel connecting to the injection needle, and a communication adjusting mechanism. The communication adjusting mechanism adjusts a communicated state between the channels and, thereby controlling the start of medical-fluid discharge operation by the balloon.
US08021354B2 Needleless injection structure
A needleless injection structure includes a duct, a stuff base and a casing. The duct has a through channel. The duct has a ring channel and a transverse channel formed on a top thereof. The stuff base is disposed on the top of the duct. The stuff base has an uneven portion, a first fillet, a plurality of first protrusions and a closed space. The casing is assembled on the duct. The casing has an opening, a second fillet, an accommodating space and a plurality of second protrusions. The opening communicates with the accommodating space. The stuff base stays in the accommodating space. The improved needleless injection structure is provided thereby, which results in increasing the use of safety, saving the cost, and mitigating the pain of the patient.
US08021353B2 Heat exchanger connector assembly
A connector assembly for a heat exchanger has a fitting and a mount to which the fitting couples. The fitting has an elongate body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. At the proximal portion there is a crossbar, and at the distal portion there are an inlet and an outlet that protrude away from the body. Two wings extend from the body in a direction opposite to that of the inlet and outlet. There is formed on each of the wings a locking protrusion. The mount has a top portion where there is a groove dimensioned to accept the crossbar of the fitting. A longitudinal channel is formed orthogonal to the groove in the mount. Two sidewalls extend from the mount each for accepting a corresponding one of the wings, when the fitting is coupled to the mount. Apertures are provided at the sidewalls at the wings.
US08021348B2 Wound treatment apparatus
An apparatus comprising a housing, a controller, a fluid source, a negative pressure source, and a canister. The controller, the fluid source, the negative pressure source, and the canister are carried by the housing. The fluid source is couplable to the bandage. The negative pressure source is couplable to the bandage through the canister. The controller is operable to provide a first signal resulting in automated fluid delivery to the bandage from the fluid source. The controller is operable to provide a second signal resulting in the negative pressure source applying negative pressure to the bandage through the canister.
US08021347B2 Thin film wound dressing
A composite wound dressing and delivery apparatus includes a substantially transparent dressing layer having a lower surface that is coated with a pressure sensitive for applying the dressing layer over a wound to define a reservoir in which a negative pressure may be maintained. A substantially transparent backing layer adhered to the lower surface of the dressing layer in a releasable manner, and a vacuum port is centrally located on the dressing layer. The vacuum port is adapted to provide fluid communication between a vacuum source and the reservoir through the dressing layer. A targeting grid associated with either the dressing layer or the backing layer includes regularly spaced reference marks along at least two axes extending from the vacuum port.
US08021342B2 Liquid medication dispenser
A liquid medication dispenser includes a housing that has open top and bottom. The housing includes a central channel and a plurality of internal compartments disposed around the central channel. Each internal compartment is configured to hold liquid medication. The central channel is provided with symmetrically disposed bottom apertures configured to open into respective internal compartments. A shaft is configured to rotate and advance within the central channel. The shaft has a bottom hollow portion and at least one lateral aperture thereon configured to align with each one of the bottom channel apertures. The lateral shaft aperture aligns with a respective bottom channel aperture to allow transfer of liquid medication under gravity from the corresponding internal compartment into the bottom hollow portion of the shaft. The bottom hollow portion is apertured at one end to allow for transferred liquid medication to drip out of the dispenser in a controlled fashion.
US08021340B2 Enhanced apparatus for percutaneous catheter implantation and replacement
A medical apparatus and method of use for implanting a percutaneous catheter in a patient's body which catheter can be easily positioned, repositioned, and replaced. The apparatus includes an elongate sleeve having a tapered forward portion to facilitate its insertion through an undersized incision. The sleeve provides an interior elongate passageway which extends from a sleeve proximal end to a sleeve distal end. The sleeve is intended to be percutaneously implanted through an incision in the patient's skin so that the sleeve distal end resides subcutaneously. The sleeve outer peripheral surface carries a layer of porous material intended to be placed under the patient's outer skin layer in contact with the dermis to promote tissue ingrowth for anchoring the sleeve and forming an infection resistant barrier. The sleeve passageway is dimensioned to snugly accommodate the outer surface of catheter while permitting the catheter to slide relative to the sleeve. A sealing device is mounted around the catheter adjacent to the sleeve proximal end to prevent deleterious material from migrating into the patient's body along the catheter outer surface. A locking member secured to the sleeve can be pivoted to an unlocked portion for permitting axial and rotational movement of said catheter relative to said sleeve and or to a locked position for preventing such relative movement.
US08021339B2 Surgical portal apparatus with centering mechanism
A surgical portal apparatus is provided. The surgical portal apparatus includes a portal member defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal opening therethrough for receiving a surgical object, a seal member positioned along the longitudinal opening for receiving a surgical object in a sealing manner, and a centering mechanism maintained within the portal member, wherein the centering mechanism including a pair of rollers arranged in general diametrical opposed relation, the rollers movable relative to the longitudinal axis from a radial inward position to a radial outward position to permit passage of the surgical object, the rollers being biased toward the radial inward direction to correspondingly bias the surgical object in general alignment with the longitudinal axis.
US08021326B2 Instrument driver for robotic catheter system
A robotic medical system comprises an operator control station having a master input device, a catheter instrument, and an instrument driver in communication with the operator control station. The catheter instrument includes an elongate flexible catheter member, a flexible control element extending within the catheter member, and a proximal drivable assembly configured to axially move the control element relative to the catheter member to perform a kinematic function at a distal end of the catheter member. The instrument driver is configured to operate the drivable assembly to axially move the control element in response to control signals generated, at least in part, by the master input device. The drivable assembly is mounted to the instrument driver, thereby providing mechanically close relationship between the drivable assembly and the instrument driver.
US08021323B2 Soft tissue augmentation by needle-free injection
The invention relates to needle-free apparatus that can be used to augment soft tissue. More specifically, the needle-free injectors of the present invention allow injection of more viscous materials such as collagen, hyaluronic acid, and other polymers that are useful as dermal fillers. The needle-free injectors of the present invention allow injection of such materials to fill the undesired lines, wrinkles, and folds of a patient. The present invention also relates to kits comprising such needle-free injectors and a quantity of dermal filling material. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of augmenting soft tissue using needle-free apparatus.
US08021316B2 Weight-bearing lower extremity brace
The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to a device and/or system (e.g., redistributing weight away from a subject's foot), which may comprise (a) a platform, (b) at least one vertical support fixed to the platform and extending upwardly from the platform, and (c) at least one cuff (i) configured to surround and releasably grip at least a portion of a subject's leg other than the foot and (ii) adjustably mounted to the at least one vertical support at a vertical position along the at least one vertical support sufficient to suspend a subject's foot in a non-weight-bearing position above the platform during ambulation, wherein the platform, the at least one vertical support, and the at least one cuff together are configured to bear at least the subject's full weight.
US08021314B2 Device for applying a pulsating pressure to a local region of the body and the applications thereof
The present invention generally relates to a device for applying a pulsating pressure to a local region of the body and applications thereof. The device may be used to increase the blood flow in a local region of the body, and in preferred embodiments provides a device for regulating the core body temperature of a patient.
US08021312B2 Arrangement, method and computer program for determining physical activity level of human being
An arrangement, method and computer program for determining the physical activity level of a human being. The arrangement comprises a movement sensor to be attached to an upper limb of the human being for measuring upper limb movements, a processing unit connected to the movement sensor for filtering upper limb movements following one another more frequently than a predetermined threshold period from upper limb movements during a determination period, for forming the number of upper limb movements during the determination period from the filtered upper limb movements during the determination period, and for determining the physical activity level on the basis of the number of upper limb movements during the determination period formed from the filtered upper limb movements during the determination period.
US08021311B2 Mechanical honing of metallic tubing for soldering in a medical device construction
Medical devices and methods for manufacturing medical devices. An example manufacturing method includes providing a metallic tubular member having a inner surface with a metal oxide layer disposed thereon, mechanically scoring and/or removing a portion of the metal oxide layer to create a bonding zone along the inner surface, and soldering an additional metallic structural element to the bonding zone.
US08021310B2 Work of breathing display for a ventilation system
A breathing support system is provided. The system may include a breathing support device configured to deliver gas to a patient and a display device associated with the breathing support device. The display device may be configured to display a work of breathing graphic indicating one or more work of breathing measures regarding the patient's breathing.
US08021309B2 Algorithm for automatic positive air pressure titration
An algorithm for measuring the breathing of a patient for diagnosing breathing disorders and for controlling a breathing aid device for treating a patient. Sensors record pressure and flow rates of air delivered to a patient. The data is statistically manipulated to find the start of a breath, the end of a breath, the duration of a breath, the shape of a breath, the volume of a breath, the breathing rates, flow rates, snoring index, flattening index, and other useful data to diagnose and treat a patient. The data is used to diagnose the condition of a patient and to control a breathing aide device for treating a patient at the most optimal pressures and flow rates for the patient's condition. Inspiration and expiration data are tracked separately and compared throughout the algorithm as a check the accuracy of the data manipulation by the algorithm.
US08021306B2 Method, device and computer program product for monitoring the physiological state of a person
The invention relates to a method, device, and computer program product for monitoring the physiological state of a person. In the method, the heartbeat of the person is detected in order to obtain a pulse signal, and at least one parameter depicting the respiration of the person is determined in the time domain with the aid of time stamps made of the basis of the pulse signal. With the aid of the method, it is possible to calculate an estimate of the person's energy consumption during exercise, without complicated calculations or preliminary data based on measurements.
US08021293B2 Medical treatment endoscope
The medical treatment endoscope according to the present invention includes a sheath having a flexibility; at least one arm member having a bending part that projects out from a front end of the sheath and performs bending actions; an open/close mechanism which directs the arm member from a direction along a central axis of the sheath to a direction deviated from the central axis of the sheath, and from a direction deviated from the central axis of the sheath to a direction along the central axis of the sheath; and a viewing device and an illuminating member that are disposed to the front end side of the sheath.
US08021292B2 Magnetic therapy device
Various example embodiments are disclosed. According to one example embodiment, an apparatus may include a voltage source coupled to a motor via a diode, the diode coupled to the motor and the voltage source, a rechargeable battery, and a motor. The diode may be configured to allow current to flow from the voltage source to the motor. The motor may be configured to spin a disk upon which a plurality of magnets are mounted. The apparatus may be configured to recharge the rechargeable battery with the voltage source and to enable the rechargeable battery to supply power to the motor when a voltage of the voltage source drops below a threshold voltage level.
US08021290B2 Oil centrifuge for extracting particulates from a fluid using centrifugal force
A centrifuge is employed to continuously remove particulates from a fluid. In one embodiment, the centrifuge removes small particles of soot from lubricating oil of diesel engines. The fluid is introduced into the centrifuge through a distribution rotor so that vortexes are not propagated in the fluid. Laminar flow of the fluid down the sides of the outer rotor may contribute to the soot-removal effectiveness of the centrifuge.
US08021279B2 Bicycle tire boot and method of use thereof on a trainer
Embodiments comprise a tire boot for installation over a bicycle wheel, typically a rear wheel, and the wheel's associated tire. The tire boot is intended for use in conjunction with an indoor training device wherein the boot includes a wear surface that is relatively resistant to wear when spun in contact with a roller of the training device.
US08021275B2 Variable geometry flexible support systems and methods for use thereof
An exercise apparatus comprises: a frame having a base portion and having first and second right support elements and first and second left support elements; a crank system comprising first and second crank coupling locations, the crank system being supported by the frame; a right foot support member; a left foot support member; a right guide element coupled to the right foot support member and; a left guide element coupled to the left foot support member; a first flexible support system comprising a first flexible element, the first flexible element coupled to the first and second right support elements and the right guide element and coupled to the first crank coupling location; and a second flexible support system comprising a second flexible element, the second flexible element coupled to the first and second left support elements and the left guide element and coupled to the second crank coupling location, wherein alternating motion of the right and left foot support members causes the first and second crank coupling locations to rotate.
US08021274B2 Stride adjustment mechanism
In an elliptical step exercise apparatus a dynamic link mechanism can be used to vary the stride length of the machine. A control system can also be used to vary stride length as a function of various exercise and operating parameters such as speed and direction as well as varying stride length as a part of a preprogrammed exercise routine such as a hill or interval training program. In addition the control system can use measurements of stride length to optimize operation of the apparatus.
US08021273B2 Tumbler apparatus
In one embodiment, a tumbler apparatus comprises a metal roller padded with foam, a frame to give support and height to the roller and elastic bands connected at opposite ends of the roller to connect the roller to the frame. The elastic bands connect to support hooks on the frame risers.
US08021265B2 Multi-speed transmission
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, an intermediate member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include four clutches and at least one brake. The torque transmitting devices are each selectively engageable to interconnect at least one of the first, second, and third members of the planetary gear sets with at least one of another of the first members, the second members, the third members of the planetary gear sets, the intermediate member and the stationary member in combinations of at least three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
US08021262B2 8-speed transmission
The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets, six torque-transmitting devices, two fixed interconnections and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is selectively connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, the input member and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
US08021260B2 Transmitting torque limiting apparatus for vehicle
A transmitting torque limiting apparatus, used in a power transmitting apparatus, includes side gears (40) and side gears piece (42) one of which are axially shiftable. The side gears (40) and the side gear pieces (42) respectively have first engaging teeth (60a) and second engaging teeth (60b) each being provided with a pressure angle (Alpha). Due to such pressure angle, when an excessive torque is inputted into the power transmitting apparatus, a thrust force (F1) is generated for disengaging the engagement between the first engaging teeth (60a) and second engaging teeth (60b). Thus, inputting of the excessive torque into the power transmitting apparatus can be limited.
US08021247B2 High-precision golf club
The invention relates to a device for a golf club providing an excellent orientation of the club head in the target direction. The disclosed golf club comprises a head having a striking surface, a grip having a butt end, and a shaft connecting the head at its upper end, and the grip at its lower end; wherein the butt end comprises an aiming notch oriented perpendicular to the plane of zero loft of the striking surface, and wherein the head comprises stabilizing profiles on its lower face.
US08021245B2 Method for making a golf club face
An improved face for a golf club head includes shallow and deep markings configured to provide a pleasing appearance when viewed head on, and to frame the central region of the impact surface of the face when viewed at address. Use of only shallow markings in the central region of the impact surface prevents existence of stress fractures resulting from use of deep markings in the central region. This allows for a face thinner than those incorporating conventional grooves in the central regions of their impact surfaces, resulting in both superior resistance to cracking and improved C.O.R. Specified methods of manufacture are particularly suited for making clubs incorporating these shallow and deep markings.
US08021234B2 Spring seat and damper disk assembly
Second spring seats 62 each have a first support component 63, a second support component 64, and a pair of reinforcing components 65. The first support components 63 support the ends of second coil springs 61a in the rotational direction. The second support components 64 extend in the rotational direction from the first support components 63, and support the ends of the second coil springs 61a in the radial direction. The reinforcing components 65 link the first support components 63 and the second support components 64, and extend in the radial direction from the second support components 64.
US08021228B2 Wagering game with active paytable highlighting winning combinations
A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a game display, a display arrangement, and a controller. The game display is operable to display a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game in response to receiving a wager from a player. The display arrangement displays a video image and overlays the game display. The video image includes a paytable having paytable regions indicating respective winning combinations. The controller is in communication with the display arrangement, wherein in response to the randomly selected outcome including symbols of a winning symbol combination, the controller causes one or more aspects of the paytable region associated with the winning combinations to be distinguished from the other paytable regions.
US08021225B2 Gaming machine
When a predetermined amount of credits has been inserted into a slot machine, the game mode is switched from a non-insurance mode to an insurance mode according to the player's input operation via a touch panel. In the insurance mode, the number of games is counted. When the counted game number has reached a predetermined number, a predetermined amount of credits is paid out. In a case where the amount of credits paid out according to the rearranged symbols is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the counted number of games is reset. On the other hand, the predetermined amount is changed based on the change in the maximum bet amount according to the input operation via a setting change switch, which allows the set value of the maximum bet amount to be changed.
US08021223B2 Gaming machine having a pendulum-based payout indicator
A gaming machine comprises a central processing unit and a pendulum. The central processing unit operates the gaming machine in response to a wager and selects a game outcome from a plurality of possible game outcomes. The pendulum indicates the game outcome selected by the central processing unit.
US08021222B2 Game based on speed of play
In accordance with the present invention, a gaming device such as a slot machine calculates a speed of game play, and in turn determines a pay schedule based on the speed of game play. In some embodiments, a count is adjusted throughout a multiple play session based on point values associated with symbols on the reels of a slot machine, and payouts are awarded in accordance with (i) a finishing count, and/or (ii) a “virtual average speed”.
US08021218B2 Linear travel air damper
A damper suitable for use in a refrigerator provides for linear motion of a damper plate toward and away from a damper seat. The damper plate may be driven by an axial lead screw attached to a small DC motor and may employ a non-foam gasket to reduce water absorption and possible formation of obstructing ice.
US08021217B2 Self contained heating/cooling roof top unit with built in independent pressure relief
A self-contained pre-manufactured roof top unit is used to circulate fresh air, heat or cool a building. The housing has a blower connected into a circulation system to circulate air into and out of the building. The unit has a pressure relief opening for connection into the building that is used to relieve air pressure buildup within the building. The pressure relief opening is part of a pressure relief passage that is independent of the blower and has an exhaust vent that opens and closes automatically in response to pressure differential between the building and ambient air.
US08021213B2 Acrylic polisher
An acrylic polisher includes: a base with two oppositely disposed sideboards with a notch on each of them and a disposition surface in between, a cutting blade set performing a cutting process along the edge of the disposition surface, a stopping board driven by a driving device to move up and downs with respect to the disposition surface. When the stopping board moves downward to the side of the disposition surface, a machining span is formed between the stopping board and the disposition surface. Therefore, as the stopping board lowers to the side of the base, the operator only needs to push an acrylic object toward the stopping board and can quickly obtain the required machining span. The notches on the sideboards of the base form an open space around the disposition surface. The length of the acrylic object is thus not restricted.
US08021211B2 Substrate holder with liquid supporting surface
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a substrate transferring system. One embodiment of the present invention provides a substrate holder comprising a pedestal plate, a basin wall extending from a top surface of the pedestal plate, wherein the basin wall has a substantially leveled top surface, the basin wall and the pedestal plate define a basin configured to retain a liquid therein, and a liquid port opening to the basin, wherein the liquid port is configured to flow a liquid to the basin and allow the liquid to overflow from the basin wall, and a top surface of the overflow liquid in the basin is configured to support a substrate without contacting the basin wall or the pedestal plate.
US08021205B2 Organic light-emitting diode display device and method of manufacturing the same
An organic light-emitting diode (“OLED”) device includes an organic light-emitting substrate part and a protective cover part. The organic light-emitting substrate part includes a base substrate and an OLED display portion formed on the base substrate to display an image. The protective cover part includes a first frit glass disposed on the OLED display portion to cover the OLED display portion, and a second frit glass formed around a periphery of the first frit glass. The second frit glass is connected to the first frit glass.
US08021202B2 Method of manufacturing an organic EL display panel
One embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing an organic EL display panel in which a substrate which has a pixel electrode, a partition wall, a sub pixel which has a short side and a long side sectioned by the partition wall and a pixel including a plurality of the sub pixels are prepared and a first organic layer is formed and printed so as to form a stripe shape in the short side direction of the sub pixel and a second organic layer as a luminescent layer is formed on the sub pixel.
US08021201B2 Electrical contact configuration
An electrical contact configuration having a test contact point and a contacting element belonging to a testing device for manually touch-contacting the test contact point. The test contact point is a recess, and the contacting element has a contact region producing at least one line contact with the recess.
US08021200B2 Socket contact
A socket contact having a mating portion, a crimp portion, and a transition region connecting the mating portion with the crimp portion. The mating portion includes a first contact beam and a second contact beam. The first contact beam has a cantilevered portion with at least one first contact finger with a first contact point. The first contact beam also has an inflexible first fixed contact point which is positioned on the surface of the first contact beam. As a mating pin is inserted through the front aperture of the mating portion, the mating pin engages the first finger contact point causing the first contact beam to deflect. The mating pin then engages the inflexible first fixed contact point at a shallow mating angle and a reduced normal force, resulting in the first contact beam of the mating portion of the socket contacting the mating pin at multiple points of contact.
US08021198B2 Low-profile power adapter
A low-profile power adapter is disclosed. In one embodiment, a low profile power adapter is facilitated by improved approaches to construct and assembly of a power adapter plug for the power adapter. According to one aspect, a base for a power adapter plug of a power adapter can include a metal base connected to a blade (or prong) of the power adapter plug. The metal base can provide mechanical support to the blade as well as electrical connectivity to an internal terminal for the power adapter plug. According to another aspect, internal terminals used by a power adapter plug of a power adapter can be flexibly positioned on the power adapter plug, thereby facilitating interconnection with electrical components used by the power adapter.A molded base can be formed around the metal base leaving the blade and terminals exposed.
US08021197B2 Telecommunications connector
A contact element and mechanism for use in a connector, the connector comprising a socket adapted for receiving a cable plug comprising a terminal contact. The contact element and mechanism comprise a flexible dielectric substrate and a first conductive strip on a first surface of the substrate. When the plug is inserted into the socket, the terminal contact comes into contact with the conductive strip.There is also provided a compensating connector for interconnection with a cable plug, the plug comprising a plurality of terminal contacts. The connector comprises a socket adapted for receiving the plug, a plurality of contact elements disposed in the socket, each of the contact elements comprising a conductive strip, and a compensation network comprised of a plurality of compensating elements. Each of the compensating elements is located adjacent to one of the contact elements. When the plug is inserted into the socket, each of the terminal contacts comes into contact with a predetermined one of the conductive strips.
US08021193B1 Controlled impedance display adapter
A display adapter for a digital connector and an analog connector. The display adapter includes a PCB (printed circuit board). A first connector and a second connector are both mounted on the PCB. The first connector and second connectors can be VGA, DVI-I, DVI-D, or HDMI format. The PCB is configured to communicatively couple video signals between the first connector having one format and the second connector having a different format.
US08021192B2 LED illumination apparatus
Parts exchange or the like is not easy with an LED illumination apparatus that uses an LED attached to a socket of a conventional fluorescent light fixture. Or if there is no problem in parts exchange, other problems exist such as unfavorable operability and reliability, and necessitating additional parts. Provided herewith is an LED illumination apparatus including: a cap having a terminal electrically coupled to a socket of a fluorescent light fixture; and a main body having an end coupled with the cap, where the main body includes: an LED; and a coupler to electrically couple the terminal to the LED, the coupler being fitted in the cap, the cap includes a cap-side connecting section having flexibility or elasticity to electrically couple the terminal to the coupler, the coupler includes a main-body-side connecting section to electrically couple the LED to the cap-side connecting section, and by means of the flexibility or the elasticity, the cap-side connecting section removably couples the cap to the coupler.
US08021185B1 Surge snap-on module assembly
A surge snap-on module assembly includes a plug connector adapted to be received by an electrical device. A second housing is connected to a first housing. A surge protection device is disposed between the first and second housings. At least one first opening is formed in the second housing. A plurality of wires pass through the at least one first opening and are connected to the surge protection device. Accordingly, the surge protection device protects electrical apparatus connected to the electrical device from electrical surges.
US08021184B1 Connector apparatus for joining a lug with a conductor
A system for joining a lug with a conductor includes a lug, compression nut, and conductor. The lug has material removed to allow for compression, an internal hole sized slightly larger than the conductor, and a tapered end. The compression nut has an internal thread and tapered end to match the lug. When assembled, the conductor is compressed against the lug creating a strong mechanical and electrical contact. The tighter the lug is screwed, the greater the compression between the lug and conductor.
US08021182B2 Electrical connector assembly
An electrical connector assembly has a socket, a plug, a sliding slot, and a fastener. The socket includes having a slot and a first latch disposed at one side of the slot. The plug is insertable into the slot of the socket, and is provided with a second latch corresponding to the first latch of the socket. The sliding slot is disposed on the second latch corresponding to the first latch of the socket. The fastener is positioned on the second latch of the plug. When the plug is inserted into the socket, the fastener can be moved to connect the first and second latches to fasten together the plug and socket. Furthermore, the fastener can be moved along the sliding slot in a direction away from the first latch to unfasten the plug and the socket.
US08021179B1 Loading mechanism having proportional distributing arrangement
A loading mechanism includes a loading plate, a proportional distributing plate disposed under the loading plate and defining a frame structure. The proportional distributing plate includes engaging tabs at corners thereof and four sides each having an abutting section located at a lower level than the engaging tab. The loading plate depresses the tabs of the distributing plate which subsequently transfer the load applied on the tabs to the abutting sections of the sides.
US08021176B2 Power supply connector
A power supply connector is provided, which is applicable to both large current charging and low current charging, the power supply connector being able to not only maintain the accuracy of monitoring low current charging and the volumetric efficiency of a board by appropriately arranging two types of connector parts, but also contribute to the downsizing of the power supply connector and improvement of the reliability thereof by striking a balance between the volumetric efficiency and the heat radiation characteristics, and ensure safety in the use of the power supply connector while reducing the cost. Insertion holes 4 and connector pins 2 that configure a large current charging connector part are disposed in the vicinity of both ends of the power supply connector 1. There are disposed a plug insertion hole 9 and low current charging connector pins 11 that configure a low current charging connector part held between the insertion holes 4 and the connector pins 2.
US08021175B2 SIM card connector
A subscriber identification module (SIM) card connector for mounting a subscriber identification module (SIM) card to a mobile wireless terminal, with the subscriber identification module (SIM) card connector having a reduced thickness as compared to a conventional connector. The subscriber identification module (SIM) card connector includes a case and a tray. The case has a connection board and guiding grooves formed on both sides of the connection board, and the connection board electrically connected with a SIM card. The tray is designed to slidably connect with the guiding grooves of the case. The tray accommodates the SIM card thereon.
US08021170B2 Electrical connector having improved terminal module
An electrical connector has an insulative housing (10) having a front face (14) and a rear face (12), a number of terminal modules (20) mounted to the insulative housing in a back-to-front direction. The terminal module has a base (20), a number of terminals (23) and grounding contacts (25) exposed from the base and located adjacent to one another. Each terminal has a mounting end (233) and a mating end (231). The grounding contact has a tail (253) and a contacting portion (251). The mounting ends of the terminals are positioned along a back-to-front mounting face. The mating ends of the terminals are located in a second plane parallel to said back-to-front mounting face. The contacting portions of the grounding contacts are lied in a third plane parallel to the second plane.
US08021167B2 ‘All in one’ spring process for cost-effective spring manufacturing and spring self-alignment
A method of forming spring structures using a single lithographic operation is described. In particular, a single lithographic operation both defines the spring area and also defines what areas of the spring will be uplifted. By eliminating a second lithographic operation to define a spring release area, processing costs for spring fabrication can be reduced.
US08021166B1 Extended USB plug, USB PCBA, and USB flash drive with dual-personality for embedded application with mother boards
An extended universal serial bus (USB) storage device is described herein. According to one embodiment, an extended USB storage device includes a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) having a flash memory device and a flash controller mounted thereon, and an extended USB connector plug coupled to the PCBA for providing a USB compatible interface between an external device and the flash memory device and the flash controller, wherein the extended USB connector plug includes a first end used to couple to the external device and a second end coupled to the flash memory device and the flash controller. The extended USB connector plug includes multiple communication interfaces. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
US08021165B2 Arrangement for the secure connection of an electronic device
An arrangement for electrically connecting a motor vehicle accessory to an electrical energy source and to at least one electronic device of the vehicle, including: at least one power connector capable of being mounted on the accessory in a connected position for connecting the accessory to the electrical energy source, and at least one signal connector capable of being mounted on the accessory in a connected position for connecting the accessory to the electric device of the vehicle. The electrical connection of the accessory is performed on a support arranged below the steering column close to the region of a driver's feet. A motor vehicle electric power-assisted steering column equipped with such an arrangement of connectors for the electrical connection thereof.
US08021164B2 Method for teaching
Aspects of the present invention include one or more of capturing educational presentations by presenters using instructional aids, making productions of these presentations available over an Internet connection to consumers of educational services, aiding selection of a particular topic and a particular presenter, and financially compensating presenters in accordance with the popularity of their educational presentations.
US08021159B1 String math manipulative system and method
A string math manipulative system and method is provided including series of a particular number of holed objects threaded on strings. The holed objects comprise one or more variations in color and/or shape and/or material, with the variations configured to represent math facts. For example, to illustrate the number family summing to 5, three strings would be included in the set; one string having all holed objects of a first variation representing 5+0=5 or 0+5=5, one string having one holed object of the first variation and four holed objects of a second variation representing 4+1=5 or 1+4=5, and one string having two holed objects of the first variation and three holed objects of the second variation representing 4+1=5 or 1+4=5.
US08021158B2 Measurement instruction apparatus
A multi-scaled instructional apparatus is provided in which a plurality of measurement scales are disposed on a base medium. Each of the measurements scales are longitudinally aligned such that equal units of measure are commonly aligned among all of the measurement scales. A first measurement scale is provided in which a plurality of uniquely color-coded base units of measurement are periodically disposed on the base medium. A second measurement scale, uniformly aligned and adjacent to the first measurement scale includes a plurality of color-coded subunits of measurement periodically disposed on the base medium. Each set of subunits equaling one half of each base unit and color-coded in a color shade corresponding to the color of the base unit. An elongated element is provided to receive the base medium.
US08021157B2 Intuitively ordered tactile characters readable by visually impaired persons
A reduced number of selectable inputs that enable efficient communication. Simplified tactile and optically machine readable code of raised embossments, particularly for unsighted and visually impaired persons is provided, in which each character is represented by a cell of indicia of an intuitive systematic code. For the alphabet, the cells are configured in ordered positions, which correspond to the order of the alphabet, and thereby, assist in tactile perception so that a person may easily identify the character by touch. Also, optical machines are enabled to easily read the characters; and a keyboard is provided for producing the same.
US08021155B2 Roofing product display and method
A roofing product display and method has two miniature building halves with hollow interiors defined by interconnected sidewalls, pitched roof panels, transport bases and end panels, which are oriented at an angle to the associated transport bases. A hinge pivotally interconnects adjacent sides of the end panels to facilitate rotation of the miniature building halves between a folded storage position, wherein the roof panels come together in a generally straight plan configuration, and an unfolded display position, wherein the roof panels assume a generally L-shaped panel configuration with a roof valley therebetween. Roofing product samples are stored in the hollow building interiors, and are shaped for temporary placement on the roof panels in the display position to replicate installation on an actual building.
US08021153B2 Manufacturing a dental implant drill guide and a dental implant superstructure
Detail implant drill holes and the shape of a dental implant superstructure are shown by creating a computer model giving jawbone structural details, gum surface shape information and proposed teeth or dental prosthesis shape information. The computer model shows the bone structure, gum surface and teeth images properly referenced to one another so that implant drill hole positions can be selected taking into consideration proper positioning within the bone as well as proper positioning with respect to the dental prosthesis. Similarly, manufacture of the dental implant superstructure used for fixed dental prosthesis or overdentures can be designed based on knowledge of the actual implant positions referenced to an image of the gum surface and proposed dental prosthesis.
US08021152B2 Dental handpiece
A dental handpiece having a grip with a head in which a treatment tool may be detachably attached. A front casing portion of the grip is continuous to a rear casing portion at an obtuse angle. A first rotary shaft is rotatably supported in the rear casing portion. A cylindrical jacket extends from the head and is arranged in the front casing portion toward the first rotary shaft. A second rotary shaft is rotatably supported in the jacket, and is operatively connected to the treatment tool at one end and to the first rotary shaft at the other end via a gear. The rotary shafts transmit driving force to the head section to drive the treatment tool. The jacket is provided with an engagement groove on its circumferential surface. An engaging device disposed in the rear casing portion detachably engages the groove, thereby fixing the jacket in the front casing portion.
US08021149B2 Apparatus and method for replicating mandibular movement
An apparatus to replicate and analyze movement of a mandible relative to a maxilla with dental casts thereof includes a base frame, an arm connected to the base frame and a suspension assembly positionable by a plurality of electro-mechanical actuators. The arm connects to the base frame and supports the dental cast of the maxilla in a fixed position relative to the base frame. The suspension assembly, having opposing first and second sides, supports the dental cast of the mandible in working relation to the dental cast of the maxilla. The plurality of actuators each selectively impart movement to the sides of the suspension assembly such that the movement of the mandible obtained during a recording process can be replicated on the apparatus in real time.
US08021138B2 Rotating build plate
1. A powder bed additive layer manufacturing system including a linear traversing re-coater and a build plate characterised in that the build plate is mounted for rotation, relative to the re-coater or movement about an axis.
US08021134B2 Compressor slide valve support
A compressor (20) has an unloading slide valve (100). The valve has a valve element (102) having a range between a first condition and a second condition, the second condition being unloaded relative to the first condition. A first surface (200) of the valve element (102) is in sliding engagement with a second surface (202) of the housing (22) during movement between the first and second conditions. The valve element is coupled to an actuating piston (124). The compressor includes a linear bearing (132) guiding a piston shaft (122).
US08021133B2 Feed pump
A feed pump with a variable-speed drive for adjustably metering a feed quantity, which is designed as a single-stage centrifugal pump with a radial wheel arranged to rotate, without a sealing gap, in an impeller chamber of a pump casing, to convey a fluid between a pump inlet and outlet. The radial wheel is connected to a variable speed drive motor having a five-digit rotational speed range, receives the flow centrally, is provided with feed ducts, and has an outside diameter of up to 50 mm, while the centrifugal pump is designed for partial-load operation, the feed quantities of which range from 0 to 3600 ml/min with lifts of 20 to 300 meters. The inside diameter of the impeller chamber is at most 4% larger than the outside diameter of the radial wheel. A seal is arranged between the impeller chamber and the radial wheel or its shaft, and the circumference of the impeller chamber is provided with one or more outlet ducts arranged at an acute angle or tangentially to the outside diameter of the radial-wheel.
US08021131B2 Vacuum pump
A vacuum pump (50) includes a pumping arrangement, a shaft (10) for driving the pumping arrangement, a motor (60) for rotating the shaft (10) and a bearing arrangement supporting the shaft (10) for rotation, the bearing arrangement having a rolling bearing (12), supporting a first portion of the shaft (10), and a thrust bearing (30). The thrust bearing (30) houses a plurality of rolling elements (36) such that they are maintained in bearing contact with an outer race (18) of the rolling bearing (12) and a race (34) of the thrust bearing (30). In this way axial movement of the rolling bearing (12) can be resisted whilst allowing radial movement of the rolling bearing (12).
US08021128B2 Fluid pump and motor unit
A pump powered partly by a mechanical drive and partly by a pressurized fluid flow and comprised of one or more piston-in-cylinder assemblies in which one face of each piston provides a pumping action while a pressurized driving fluid flow is applied to the opposite piston face, thus supplementing the drive force applied to each piston via a piston rod. Input and output of the pumped flow is controlled by pump valves of a non-return poppet type operated by the pumped flow. Input and output of the driving fluid is controlled by poppet-type valves controlled by connection to the pump valves. Piston movement relative to both the cylinder and the piston rod is controlled, and a two-part pump valve is provided to simplify connection to the motor valves.
US08021120B2 Turbine blade with a cover plate and a protective layer applied to the cover plate
The invention relates to a turbine blade with a cover plate shaped onto the pan of the blade. The aim of the invention is to provide a turbine blade of this type that, while having a high level of efficiency, is designed for a particularly reliable and safe operation in a turbine, particularly of a steam turbine. To this end, the invention provides that a protective layer made on an alternative material is applied to the surface of the cover plate facing away from the pan of the blade. The friction behavior with regard to a turbine component, particularly a sealing strip, which is opposite the protective layer, can be specifically influenced whereby enabling favorable emergency running properties to be provided in the event of rubbing.
US08021116B2 Multi-bladed rotor system for rotorcraft
A rotor system for a rotorcraft includes a rotor having a plurality of pitch control links and a pair of rotor blades mechanically coupled with each of the plurality of pitch control links. A rotorcraft includes a power train, a mast extending from the power train, a rotor having a plurality of pitch control links, the rotor mechanically coupled with the mast, and a pair of rotor blades mechanically coupled with each of the plurality of pitch control links.
US08021111B2 Method for operating a wind turbine, a wind turbine and use of the method
A method for operating a wind turbine having a rotor with a number of wind turbine blades, wherein the rotor's axis of rotation is tilted in relation to the direction of the incoming wind, includes the steps of determining the azimuth angle (A) of the blades and adjusting the pitch angle of the blades in accordance with the azimuth angle (A) to ensure a substantially constant angle of attack (AoA) during at least a full rotation of the rotor. A wind turbine and use of the method are also contemplated.
US08021109B2 Turbine casing with false flange
A turbine casing may include an outer surface with a false flange and an inner surface with a heat sink positioned adjacent to the false flange.
US08021105B2 Hydrodynamic axial bearing
A hydrodynamic axial bearing with a floating disk is disclosed wherein two lubricating gaps on the two sides of the floating disk are formed by supporting surfaces of different size. This makes it possible to provide identical lubricating gaps on both sides, despite different rotation speeds between the floating disk and the bearing housing, and between the floating disk and the bearing comb.
US08021104B2 Compressor apparatus with recirculation and method therefore
There is provided a compressor (10) and associated method for providing a flow of recirculated air to control surging in the compressor. The compressor includes a housing (12) with a compressor wheel (16) rotably mounted therein. The housing defines at least one injection port (36) configured to receive compressed air from the compressor wheel and recirculate the compressed air to an inlet passage (20) of the compressor. In particular, each injection port defines an outlet (38) proximate to the leading edges (32) of the blades (18) of the compressor wheel such that the compressed air is delivered to the leading edges and reduces the occurence of surging.
US08021099B1 Reversed venturi system for separating and feeding nested foam cups
An apparatus for separating nested foam cups, includes a support for guiding a stack of nested foam cups in a first direction to a mandrel for printing thereon; a first annular opening in the support for supplying an annular supply of pressurized air to a position between a forwardmost foam cup and a next adjacent nested foam cup such that the pressurized air travels in a second direction having a component opposite to the first direction and such that the pressurized air travels in a cavity between the forwardmost cup and the nested adjacent cup to separate the forwardmost cup from the next adjacent cup; and second openings in the support downstream of the first annular opening for supplying pressurized air to the separated forwardmost cup in order to further advance the forwardmost cup toward the mandrel.
US08021098B2 Portable raise climbing system
A portable raise climbing system is provided that comprises a starter box for interfacing with an existing raise climb track, a raise climber that is deployed by the system onto the existing track for normal raise excavation operations, and a transporter. The transporter is configured to carry the raise climber from site to site by interfacing with moving equipment. The moving equipment preferably includes a front hydraulic quick connect/disconnect lift system, e.g. front-end loader, forklift, plough, scooptram, etc.
US08021097B2 Loading and unloading reel carrier truck
A cable reel carrier device, including at least one pair of work arms that engage a spindle bar in the center of a reel of cable and the like, and the work arms lift the reel on to or off of a truck bed. Where two pairs of work arms are used, the first reel is passed forward from the first pair to the second pair. A safety device engages the spindle bar to prevent inadvertent release of the reels.
US08021092B2 Section for the manufacture of hollow body elements, hollow body element and component assembly
A section (10; 110) is provided for the manufacture of hollow body elements, in particular for the manufacture of pierce and rivet nuts having a square or rectangular outline in plan view and a ring-like piercing section (36; 236) at a side confronting a component consisting of a sheet metal material or the like. The section (10; 210) is at least substantially rectangular in cross-section with two bars (14, 16; 214, 216) at the side (12; 212) later confronting the component. The bars are spaced apart and extend parallel to the longitudinal sides (18, 20; 218, 220) of the section, are likewise at least substantially rectangular in cross-section and form, in the finished element (11, 211), a feature providing security against rotation. The bars respectively each have an inclined flank (68, 70; 268, 270) at the inner side which forms an undercut (69, 71; 269, 271). The specification also describes and claims hollow body elements made from such a section and component assemblies formed by attaching such hollow body elements to sheet metal parts.
US08021090B1 Rocker slide lift adjustment mechanism
A router lift adjustment mechanism for an inverted router (50, 52) mounted to a router table (92) comprising an assortment of attachments (98a, 98b, 98c, 98d) that engage the height adjustment mechanism of various types routers. The routers height adjustment mechanism, the attachment (98), a flexible attachment holder (100), a driving shaft (104), and a rotatable adjustment mechanism, typically a hand wheel (122) are contiguously coupled respectfully. The driving shaft is retained by a rocker drive guide (112) providing the driving shaft (104) the ability to rotate and slide to and fro within the bore of a bushing (114) lined rocker drive guide (112). Additionally, the rocker drive guide (112) hinges pivotably on the base mount (128) which is typically mounted to a stable surface. The rotatability, pivotability and slideability of the driving shaft (104) and rocker drive guide (112) assembly prevent any binding of the driving shaft (104) upon movement of the router adjustment mechanism; thus providing a quick, safe and stable method for adjusting the depth of a router bit (90). The present embodiment can be retrofitted to a wide variety of existing routers, adjustment apparatuses that move spirally or provided as a feature of a newly manufactured router.
US08021089B2 Method and system for producing holes of various dimensions and configurations in a workpiece
Method and system for producing holes of various dimensions and configurations in a workpiece (42) using a portable orbital drilling machine (44), wherein said workpiece has attached thereto a template (10) with preformed guide holes (12-40) located in a pattern corresponding to the positions of the holes to be formed in the workpiece. Each guide hole (12-40) is provided with a readable information carrier (12i-40i) containing an identification of the respective guide hole. When fixating the drilling machine (44) in a guide hole, the latter is identified by a hole database (48) by sensing the respective information carrier. A control unit (50) associated with the hole database (48) controls the drilling machine (44) to perform a relevant hole-cutting process in the workpiece.
US08021088B2 Tool with releasably mounted self-clamping cutting head
A metal cutting tool has a cutting head releasably mounted on a front end of a tool shank, in a self-clamping manner. The tool shank's forward end is provided with a pair of shank coupling portions, each having a forwardly facing shank support surface. A pocket recess is defined between the shank's coupling portions. Within the pocket recess are a plurality of shank fixation surfaces which are parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tool shank. The cutting head has a cap portion and a fixation portion extending in rearward direction therefrom. The cap portion includes a pair of head segments, each having a rearwardly facing head base surface. The cutting head's fixation portion has a plurality of head fixation surfaces which are parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cutting head. In the assembled tool, the tool shank's forwardly facing shank support surfaces support the cutting head's rearwardly facing head base surfaces, while the plurality of head fixation surfaces abut the plurality of shank fixation surfaces.
US08021085B1 Engraving tool with a very strong cutter tip to reduce breakage
A conical shaped engraving tool has a tip configuration for increased strength that is especially desirable when engraving stainless steel. The improved conical tip consists of a thin V or U shaped slot or channel that touches the central axis of the tool and provides the cutting edge while leaving the maximum amount of material on the tip of the tool for maximum tool strength. A back angle is rotated 90 degrees to the cutting edge so that cutting forces are directed along the cutting edge instead of just on a point for further increasing the tip strength to prevent it from breaking. Also the thin slot is tilted on a slight angle away from a central axis thereby creating a downward force on the cutting edge of the tool when the tool is rotated, which results in pushing burrs into the cut creating an engraved line with better appearance.
US08021084B2 Cutting tool and cutting insert therefor
A cutting tool has a cutting insert retained within an insert pocket of an insert holder by a retaining screw. Spaced apart first insert rear abutment surfaces abut spaced apart first pocket rear abutment surfaces, a second insert rear abutment surface abuts a second pocket rear abutment surface, and spaced apart insert lower abutment surfaces abut spaced apart pocket lower abutment surfaces. The cutting insert has a first dimension taken between extremities of the insert side surfaces, a second dimension taken between extremities of the insert upper and lower surfaces, and, a fourth dimension taken between the insert lower abutment surfaces and the insert upper surface. The size ratio between the fourth dimension and the second dimension is in the range of 0.2 to 1, and, preferably, in the range of 0.55 to 0.6. The size ratio between the first dimension and the second dimension is in the range of 1 to 2.
US08021083B2 Grout pack assembly
The invention provides a grout pack assembly having a plurality of elongate elements shaped to extend about a grout pack and which are characterized in that they are configured to control circumferential expansion of the grout pack beyond the expansion permitted through material yield of the elements.
US08021082B2 Suction pile suitable for shallow depths
A suction pile comprising a cylindrical wall and a piston that is movable inside the cylindrical wall. The cylindrical wall has one suction end suitable for sinking into an ocean floor. The piston delimits two chambers, one being able to be filled with water. The suction pile includes a pump for extracting the water from the one chamber and for causing the sinking of the suction end. The pump comprises a device for stopping the piston while the cylindrical wall has one water intake end to allow water to enter into the other chamber. The piston is alternatively stopped and driven in movement as the suction end sinks.
US08021080B2 Containerized geophysical equipment handling and storage systems, and methods of use
Systems and methods for marine seismic cable deployment and retrieval are described. One system comprises a plurality of portable containers, each container temporarily storing a marine seismic component, at least some of the containers able to be removably fastened to a deck of a vessel of opportunity, and at least one of the portable containers storing a main cable winch on which is wound a marine seismic cable. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US08021078B2 Conveyor assembly for an asphalt paving machine
Conveyor assemblies for an asphalt paving machine and an asphalt paving machine. The conveyor assembly may include a first conveyor, a second conveyor generally parallel to the first conveyor, a central space being defined between the first conveyor and the second conveyor, and a cover assembly. The cover assembly may include a cover member positioned over the central space and covering the conveyor inner chains, the cover member having an upper surface substantially parallel to the conveyor surfaces, the cover member substantially preventing material from entering the central space between the first conveyor and the second conveyor, and a divider member connected to the cover member and extending generally perpendicular to the upper surface. The conveyor assembly may include scraper members operable to move material on the upper surface of the cover during movement of the conveyor chains.
US08021075B2 Capped and/or beveled jet blast resistant vehicle arresting units, bed and methods
Aircraft arresting beds at ends of runways may be subject to damaging effects of jet blast phenomena. Arresting units for that and other applications and which are resistant to such effects are described, with related methods.
US08021074B2 Capped and/or beveled jet blast resistant vehicle arresting units, bed and methods
Aircraft arresting beds at ends of runways may be subject to damaging effects of jet blast phenomena. Arresting units for that and other applications and which are resistant to such effects are described, with related methods.
US08021073B2 Shaft member coupling structure
A shaft member coupling structure includes first and second spool members lockably coupled in a condition wherein the spool members coaxially extend with a coupling part in the center, a fitting concave portion axially extends and is formed at the end of the first spool member and a fitting convex portion axially extends and can be fitted into the fitting concave portion and is formed at the end of the second spool member. A coupling pin is inserted into first and second coupling holes. Further, an annular holding groove concave in a circumferential direction is formed in a part in which the coupling hole is formed on the periphery of the first spool member, both ends of the coupling pin inserted into the coupling holes are covered with a ring fitted into the holding groove. Thus, the coupling pin is prevented from falling away.
US08021072B2 Mounting assembly
A tolerance ring (10) for providing an interference fit between inner and outer components (36, 50). The tolerance ring (10) comprises a deformable band having a plurality of radially extending projections around its circumference. The projections include a set of axially spaced protuberances (12, 13) separated by an unformed region (11) circumferentially adjacent to an axially elongate protuberance (15), the axial extent of which spans the axial extent of the set of axially spaced protuberances. This arrangement of protuberances facilitates the transfer of retention force to a component that is composed of a plurality of independent parts, e.g. two or more bearings (54, 56) separated by a spacer (58).
US08021070B2 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 that is slidably received within the collar and may be positioned by sliding the member to a selected position. A locking assembly is coupled to the collar and is operable to lock the member in a selected position within the collar, to release the member from the locked position, and when released, to 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 against which the cam biases the member.
US08021069B2 Redundant radial release apparatus
A redundant release apparatus having a multi-segment split spool with a central bore adapted to axially restrain a tensioned member. Two tensioned tapes are overlappingly wound around the spool segments thereby preventing radial movement of the spool segments. Overlapping winding design of each of the tapes provide predictable unwinding dynamics upon release. The multiple segments require less radial motion for release of the tensioned member.
US08021066B2 Device for packaging and applying a cosmetic or care product having a rotating component and corresponding application method
A device for packaging and applying a product. According to an advantageous example, the device includes a container for storing the product, a product applicator including a rotating component capable of being inserted into the container in order to be loaded with product and capable of applying the product removed onto an application surface. The device further includes a member for capping the container that bears the applicator and an applicator wiping member. The wiping member can include, for example, a flat surface against which the rotating component rolls along. The invention can be particularly advantageous, for example, in packaging and applying a cosmetic or care product.
US08021065B2 Electrical mascara brush structure with variable speeds
An electrical mascara brush structure includes a brush body having a chamber to hold an electrical motion component at one end and a brush rod with a brush at the other end. The electrical motion component includes a first shell and a second shell fully enclosing a power supply, a motor with a rotating shaft, and a circuit board. The circuit board includes a power control element and a variable speed control element. The electrical motion component is connected with a rotary unit disposed at the external of the first shell and the second shell. The rotary unit includes external teeth which matches with receiving teeth disposed at an interior of a handle, which can activate the electrical motion component and adjust the speed of the motor.
US08021064B2 Packaging and applicator device
A packaging and dispenser device includes at least two reservoirs containing two different compositions for application to the human body, and a fluid-application surface that is flocked at least in part, and onto which there open out at least two distinct dispenser orifices that are fed by the first and second reservoirs respectively.
US08021063B2 Printer with staggered transporting belts
A printer includes first transporting belts disposed in parallel at predetermined intervals in the direction intersecting the direction of transportation of print media. The first transporting belts transport a print medium while adsorbing the print medium. Second transporting belts disposed in parallel at predetermined intervals in the direction intersecting the direction of transportation of print media further transport the print media. The second transporting belts are separated from the first transporting belts at the downstream part of the first transporting belts in the direction of transportation of print media. A print head prints on the print medium. The position of separation at which the print medium is separated from the first transporting belts is different in the direction of transportation of print media between one of the first transporting belts and another one of the first transporting belts.
US08021060B2 Adjustable support head for optical or video/photographic equipment
An adjustable support head (1) for optical or video/photographic equipment, comprising a joint (5) including a first (3) and a second joint element (18), a body (3) defining the said first joint element, a connection plate (4) for the optical or video/photographic equipment, connected to the said second joint element, so as to enable the said connection plate to be freely adjustable in relation to the said body, locking means (25) mounted on the said body and including a clamping element (26) that can be selectively moved between a first non-operating position in which the clamping element is distanced from the second joint element and a second operating position in which the clamping element is in contact with the second joint element so as to lock the said second joint element in a desired position in relation to the first joint element. The head (1) also comprising adjustable friction means (35) mounted on the body and including at least one slide (36) placed in contact with the second joint element so as to adjust the sliding of the second joint element in relation to the first joint element. The friction means comprise resilient means (37) interposed between the clamping element and the slide to adjust the friction means by moving the clamping element between the first non-operating position and the second operating position.
US08021059B2 Monopole platform system for a camera
A support structure for supporting an image capture device generally comprises a base, a first vertically oriented, elongated support member supported by the base, and a mechanism that provides tilting and panning of the device relative to the first support member, and elevation of the device along the first support member. Preferred bases include bases that are foldable and/or rotatable, and ones that have a leveling device coupled to the base. Preferred support members can be rotatable relative to the base.
US08021056B2 Microfluidic connections
A junction is made between a first microfluidic substrate (12) having an elongate component (303) protruding from it and a second microfluidic substrate (22) having a corresponding conduit (261). Each of the substrates has a pair of alignment features, for example planar orthogonal surfaces (13, 15; 23, 25) or grooves (141, 151; 241, 251) in opposite sides of the substrate. The substrates are placed on an alignment jig 6 having location features (63, 65) corresponding to the alignment features. The elongate component can be surrounded by a compressible gasket 40). The substrates are pushed towards each other so that the elongate component enters the conduit and the gasket, if any, is compressed. A fluid-tight junction results so long as the substrates are maintained in the necessary position, either by permanent means, or, if a junction which can be disassembled is needed, by maintaining pressure between the substrates. Novel apparatus and novel microfluidic assemblies, including microfluidic chips having grooves in their sides, are described.
US08021054B2 Wheel bearing apparatus for a vehicle
A vehicle wheel bearing apparatus has an outer member with a body mounting flange, an inner member and double row rolling elements freely rollably contained between the inner and outer raceway surfaces of the inner and outer members. The body mounting flange is formed with a plurality of screw apertures. An inner side flange surface of the body mounting flange is formed by machining to have a flat vertical surface relative to a longitudinal axis of a wheel hub. An outer side flange surface of the body mounting flange is formed by forging to have a tapered surface of a predetermined inclined angle. Thus, the thickness of the body mounting flange is gradually reduced radially outward.
US08021051B2 Sleeve bearing assembly and method of construction
A sleeve bearing assembly and method of construction therefore has an inner portion constructed from a plurality of yarns to provide a journal bearing surface for receipt of a journal for relative movement therein and an elastic outer portion injection molded at least partially about the inner portion. The plurality of yarns are woven together with at least some of the yarns being woven in a warp direction corresponding to a length of the journal bearing surface and in a weft direction corresponding to a circumferential direction of the journal bearing surface to form a backing of the inner portion. At least one of the plurality of yarns is provided as a self-lubricating yarn woven with the backing in a weft direction to substantially form the bearing surface radially inwardly of the backing.
US08021048B2 End-stomp and closure mechanism for a reclosable pouch
A closure mechanism extends between side edges of a reclosable pouch and includes complementary interlocking closure elements each having an elongate profile extending between first and second ends thereof. Guide rails are disposed along exterior sides of the complementary interlocking closure elements. A slider is disposed in straddling relation over the guide rails and an end-stomp is defined by a fused-together portion of the interlocking closure elements proximate an end of the closure mechanism. The end-stomp may include a flattened region, a first raised ridge that is generally parallel to the interlocking closure elements, and a second raised ridge that is generally perpendicular to the first raised ridge. The second raised ridge extends away from a pouch interior and beyond opening side lateral edges of the complementary interlocking closure elements a distance that is sufficient to engage a top wall of the slider.
US08021047B2 Image capturing control apparatus
There is provided an image capturing control apparatus including: a communication unit which communicates with a radiographic imaging apparatus which captures a radiographic image represented by irradiated radiation and generates image information indicating the captured radiographic image; a radiation irradiating unit which is provided with a radiation source for generating the radiation and irradiates the radiation from the radiation source; a storage unit which stores correction information for correcting the radiographic image generated by the radiographic imaging apparatus; and a controller which controls an alarm unit to issue an alarm in a case where the radiation source provided to the radiation irradiating unit or a part which influences irradiation by the radiation source is replaced.
US08021046B2 Medical imaging system with a remote fluid coolant circulation pump relatively to its X ray emitting tube
A medical imaging system including a support, an X-ray emitting tube, and, facing the latter, a detector, the X-ray emitting tube being intended to accept displacements relatively to at least one portion of the support, the system also including a remote piece of equipment providing circulation of an oil intended to provide cooling and electric insulation of the X-ray emitting tube on the one hand, pipes in which said oil circulates, connecting the remote piece of equipment and the X-ray emitting tube, and a device for dehydrating the oil on the other hand, wherein the dehydration device includes means positioned in the circuit through which the oil flows during normal use of said imaging system and which provide or maintain dehydration of said oil during this use.
US08021045B2 Integrated portable digital X-ray imaging system
A mobile digital radiography system of a type including a mobile x-ray source; a mobile computer, the computer having a display for radiographic images and related information; a digital radiography detector, the detector and x-ray source in communication with and under control of the computer, means operatively associated with the computer for sending and receiving data concerning a patient, such data including diagnostic results, diagnostic images and requests for additional services, to and from separate image archiving and information systems; means operatively associated with the computer for comparing data from separate hospital image archiving and radiology information systems from a prior examination of a patient with data from a current examination of a patient using the mobile digital radiography system; and means operatively associated with the computer for aiding bedside interpretation of a patient's condition in view of the comparing of data from prior and current examinations.
US08021044B2 X-ray tomography apparatus
Fins are arranged on the rotating side of an X-ray computed tomography apparatus. The fins are rotated to generate airflow as the rotating side is rotated. This airflow serves to discharge wear debris to the outside of the X-ray CT apparatus, thereby preventing the wear debris from scattering toward an X-ray tube and support bearing. In consequence, in the X-ray CT apparatus provided with a slip ring, the wear debris produced in a contact space between the slip ring and a brush can be prevented from being scattered in the apparatus.
US08021041B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus that can accurately detect whether any one or multiple of a thermochromic member, an optical sensor, and a cooling fan are operating normally or abnormally, and accordingly can run the cooling fan without any failure. The image forming apparatus includes: first and second controlling unit; a thermochromic member that changes color according to the temperature of the first controlling unit; an optical sensor that optically detects a change in the color of the thermochromic member; and a failure detecting unit that is included in the second controlling unit and detects a failure occurring in the thermochromic member and/or the optical sensor based on whether a utilization of the first controller is high or low and a signal from the optical sensor.
US08021034B2 Backlight assembly and display device having the same
In a backlight assembly of a display device, a supporting frame receives a light-guide plate while exposing a light-exiting surface of the light-guide plate. A first receiving member covers an opposite surface of the light-guide plate facing the light-exiting surface, and a side first portion of the light-guide plate adjacent to a first side surface is inserted into a first sidewall portion of the first receiving member. A first light source is disposed between the first side surface and the first sidewall portion. A first reflective sheet is extended along an inner surface of the first receiving member and surrounds the first light source. The backlight assembly may further comprise a second receiving member, a second light source, and a second reflective sheet. A lamp reflector may be omitted, assemblability of the backlight assembly and the display device, and protection against heat, may be improved.
US08021028B2 Vehicle light
Lights for attachment to a vehicle including a first illuminating means directed substantially perpendicular to a surface plane of the light and a second illuminating means directed substantially parallel with the surface plane of the light. The second illuminating means may be mounted solely within a lower hemisphere of the light. The light may also include a covering hood.
US08021022B2 Lighting structure
A lighting structure adapted to be disposed at an electronic apparatus is provided. The lighting structure includes a lighting module, a first elastic element, a latch, and a second elastic element. The lighting module has a light source and a stopper element. The first elastic element is connected to the lighting module. The latch has an interfering portion for blocking the stopper element and is capable of sliding in the electronic apparatus. The second elastic element is connected to the latch. When the latch is subjected to an external force and slides to deform the second elastic element, the stopper element disengages from the interfering portion, and the first elastic element rotates the lighting module, such that the lighting module is at a different position, and the light source is used to illuminate part of the electronic apparatus.
US08021020B2 Lighted architectural mesh
A lighted architectural mesh includes a plurality of interconnected wires forming a plurality of transverse openings. At least one light carrier is slidably received within at least one of said transverse openings. The at least one light carrier includes light nodes emitting light through the interstices on the front and/or rear side of the architectural mesh. The at least one light carrier further comprises a plurality of connecting elements, wherein the light emitter nodes of the at least one light element are releasably interconnected in series by the connecting elements.
US08021018B2 LED display panel with openable front door
A LED display unit comprises a housing; an openable door coupled to a front of the housing for movement between a closed position and an opened position; a LED module mounted on a front of the openable door; and a sliding assembly coupled to an inside surface of the housing and an inside surface of the front door comprising: a first connection member fixedly mounted to an inside surface of the housing, a second connection member fixedly mounted to an inside surface of the front door, a sliding member slidely mounted to the first connection member and rotatably connected with the second connection member, so that the sliding member can move forward from the housing and rotate relative to the openable door so as to open the openable door.
US08021017B2 LED lamp having improved heat dissipation structure
The LED lamp contains one or more base plates, each having a plurality of through terminal holes connected by a patterned conduction layer. The base plates are separated by support tubes and a number of LEDs have their terminals threaded through the terminal holes and soldered to the conduction layers of the base plates. When the LEDs are turned on, the produced heat is dissipated first by the lengthy terminals of the LEDs between the base plates, and then by the extended conduction layers along the base plates. A large number of LEDs therefore could be packed into an even smaller space and the LED lamp has an even lower production cost.
US08021015B2 Clip and illuminant device
A plurality of clipping portions which clip a plurality of lamps to be juxtaposed are provided on one face, and a mounting portion to be mounted on a supporting member by which the lamps are supported, and holding projecting portions for holding positions of the clipping portions with respect to the supporting member are provided, and two flexible portions which can bend in a direction in which a distance between the supporting sections is changed are provided between at least two clipping portions.
US08021013B2 Lighting assembly with aperture alignment assembly
A lighting assembly includes a lamp alignment assembly for positioning the lamps after the lighting assembly is installed. The lighting assembly includes a ceiling pan for mounting to the ceiling support and a lamp assembly attached to the ceiling pan. The lamp assembly is adjustable in a transverse and rotational direction with respect to the ceiling pan. The lamp assembly is provided with alignment springs to align the lamp assembly at predetermined settings. A sight window is formed in the ceiling to visually set the lamp assembly in a selected position. A locking member on the lamp assembly locks the lamp assembly in a fixed position on the ceiling pan.
US08021000B2 Flat projection television
A flat projection television comprising an imagine engine mounted adjacent a top of an enclosure and optically coupled to a collimator mirror, a flat mirror, a mirror assembly comprising a plurality of cylindrical mirrors, and a diffuser screen. The image engine includes a cylindrical lens which expands an outgoing image horizontally. The image engine projects the image downward from the top of the enclosure toward the bottom of the enclosure where the horizontally expanding image encounters the collimator mirror which collimates the expanding beam bringing the horizontal lines back into parallel with one another. The collimator mirror also reflects the collimated image towards the front of the enclosure where it encounters the flat mirror oriented to deflect the image upward into the mirror box location of the enclosure at an appropriate angle. As the image is projected from the flat mirror, it encounters the cylindrical mirrors of the mirror assembly which expand each horizontal line of the image to present a fully expanded and complete image on the diffuser screen.
US08020999B2 Projection type image display apparatus
A projection type image display apparatus includes an image display element, and a projection optical unit, which is configured to project an image displayed on the image display element, enlargedly, upon a screen. The projection optical unit includes a lens group, which is configured to compensate an distortion on an image surface on the screen, a mirror for compensating a trapezoidal distortion on the screen. The mirror reflects lights emitted from the lens group, so as to project upon the screen obliquely.
US08020998B2 Projection type image display apparatus
According to the present invention, a projection type image display apparatus enables control of a large amount of light masking through a light-masking unit while maintaining a uniform illumination distribution in an area to be illuminated by the illumination light. The apparatus uses two array lenses on which lens cells are arranged in matrix form, where light-masking unit masks the array lens installed on the light source side in their particular area. The light-masking unit adjusts the amount of light emitted from the light source. The light-masking area of lens cells adjacent to lens cells closest to an optical axis is made smaller than the light-masking area of other cells.
US08020993B1 Viewing verification systems
A viewing verification system is disclosed that allows a user to view an image by providing a viewer for the image, determining the space bounded by the foveal-vision of the user, verifying whether substantially the entire meaningful portion of the image has been correlated to the space bounded by the foveal vision of the user.
US08020992B2 Human eye adaptive optical visual perception training method and apparatus thereof
The present invention proposes a human eye adaptive optical visual perception training apparatus, comprising: a human eye wave aberration measurement sub-system for measuring the human eye wave aberration of a person to be tested; a human eye wave aberration correction sub-system for driving and controlling the wavefront corrector to correct the human eye wave aberration of the person to be tested based on the measured human eye wave aberration of the tested person; and a visual perception training sub-system for processing and displaying sighting targets of different spatial frequencies and different contrasts, and presenting the sighting targets to the tested person, to conduct a human eye visual function measurement process and a visual perception training process. The apparatus according to the present invention is capable of several functions including eye aberration correction, visual function measurement, visual perception training. Finer visual stimulus is obtained by correcting human eye aberration, and then the human eye acuity limit can be measured, and the visual perception training effect and visual function of the human eye can be efficiently improved by performing visual perception training with such apparatus.
US08020991B2 Two-eye adaptive optical visual perception training method and apparatus thereof
The present invention proposes a two-eye adaptive optical visual perception training apparatus, comprising: left and right eye wave aberration measurement sub-systems for measuring eye wave aberrations of the left and right eyes of a person to be tested; left and right eye wave aberration correction sub-systems for driving and controlling the wavefront corrector to correct the wave aberrations of the left and right eyes of the person to be tested based on the measured wave aberrations of the left and right eyes of the tested person; and a two-eye visual perception training sub-system for processing and displaying sighting targets of different spatial frequencies and different contrasts and presenting the sighting targets to the tested person, to conduct a two-eye visual function measurement process and a visual perception training process. By means of the apparatus according to the present invention, finer visual stimulus is obtained by correcting aberrations of two eyes, and then eye acuity limit of the two eyes can be measured, and the visual perception training effect and visual function of the two eyes can be efficiently improved by performing visual perception training on the two eyes with such apparatus.
US08020982B2 Bubble removing apparatus for inkjet printer and method of removing air bubbles using the same
A bubble removing apparatus for removing air bubbles in ink to be supplied to a printer head of an inkjet printer and a method of removing the air bubbles are provided to provide a smooth flow of ink to the inkjet printer head. When an air bubble removing operation is performed, ink in an ink tank is moved towards the printer head through a filter unit by operating the pump in a forward direction, and the ink that has moved towards the printer head is returned to the ink tank through the filter unit by operating the pump in a reverse direction. Air bubbles trapped in the filter unit are moved to the ink tank due to the operation of the pump in the reverse direction and are removed in the ink tank by the gravitational force, and thereby a smooth flowing ink supply can be provided to the printer head.
US08020976B2 Reservoir assembly for a pagewidth printhead cartridge
The invention relates to a reservoir assembly for a pagewidth printhead cartridge. The cartridge has a fluid distribution molding with priming inlets in fluid communication with fluid channels for supplying printing fluid to a plurality of printhead integrated circuits. The assembly includes a reservoir compartment arranged in fluid communication with the fluid channels via a fluid outlet. The compartment includes porous absorbent material located inside the compartment to absorb printing fluid delivered via the priming inlets. A port is arranged in a side wall of the compartment for receiving a needle from a syringe to prime the reservoir compartment with printing fluid.
US08020975B2 Continuous particle transport and reservoir system
Various configurations and applications of traveling wave grids are disclosed. Systems for transporting particles to feed apertures, and/or for transporting particles from storage reservoirs are described. The systems are particularly useful for transporting toner particles in printing systems.
US08020974B2 Piezoelectric thin film device and piezoelectric thin film device manufacturing method, and inkjet head and inkjet recording apparatus
One objective of the invention is to provide a highly-efficient and reliable piezoelectric thin film device by improving the piezoelectric function of a piezoelectric thin film and obtaining a crystal structure wherein the dependency of a piezoelectric constant, relative to a voltage, is superior, and to also provide a method for manufacturing this piezoelectric thin film device. Another objective of the invention is to provide an inkjet head that satisfactorily exhibits the piezoelectric performance of the piezoelectric thin film device and that has a superior withstand voltage function and driving reliability, and to provide a high quality inkjet recording apparatus on which this inkjet head can be mounted. A piezoelectric thin film device includes: crystal grains that form piezoelectric thin film and grain boundaries that encircle the crystal grains, wherein the same crystal orientation is established for the grain boundaries and the crystal grains.
US08020969B2 Printhead assembly having modular printhead tile support structure with integrated electrical connector assemblies
A printhead assembly includes a printhead module having at least first and second modular printhead tiles, the first printhead tile having a first set of connection strips, and the second printhead tile having a second set of connection strips; an electrical connector assembly for electrically connecting the first and second printhead tiles, the electrical connector assembly having printed on a surface thereof a plurality of conducting strips; and first and second modular supports arranged end to end for respectively receiving the first and second printhead tiles, the first and second modular supports shaped to complementarily define a first cavity portion therebetween. The first printhead tile is received in the first modular support such that the first set of connection strips extend over the cavity portion. The second printhead tile is received in the second modular support such that the second set of electrical connection strips extend over the cavity portion. The electrical connector assembly is received in the cavity portion such that the conducting strips are in electrical contact with the first and second set of electrical connection strips.
US08020960B2 Inkjet printing system and manufacturing method of display device using the same
An inkjet printing system includes; a stage configured for mounting a substrate thereon, an inkjet head which drips an ink droplet on the substrate, a conveying device which moves the inkjet head, and a measuring device which measures a height of the ink droplet on the substrate.
US08020959B2 Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and control program for controlling a carriage upon conveyance failure
An image forming apparatus, an image forming method, and a control program therefor. The apparatus includes an image processing control unit to process image information sent from an external device, a carriage to move in a main scanning direction according to a control signal sent from the image processing control unit and having a nozzle to discharge an ink onto a recording medium, a conveyance unit to convey the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction, and a conveyance failure detection unit to detect a status of the recording medium. The image processing control unit identifies a type of a conveyance failure among a plurality of types of conveyance failures based on the status of the recording medium output from the conveyance failure detection unit and sends a conveyance failure correction signal to perform an operation for retracting the carriage to a predetermined or desired position in the main scanning direction.
US08020949B2 Kitchen appliance having floating glass panel
A kitchen appliance includes a door having an outer panel portion and an inner panel portion, with a plurality of mounting members being spaced about the outer panel portion of the door. A glass panel assembly, including a glass panel and a plurality of mounting elements, is detachably mounted to the door through the interengagement of the plurality of mounting elements with the plurality of mounting members. The mounting elements are adhesively secured to the glass panel. Neither the plurality of mounting members nor the plurality of mounting elements are readily visible normally when viewing the kitchen appliance such that the glass panel appears to float relative to the door.
US08020947B2 Vehicle turning motion control
A vehicle turning motion control apparatus includes a turning condition sensing section to sense a turning condition of the vehicle; and a vehicle deceleration control section to initiate a deceleration control to decelerate the vehicle when the turning condition exceeds a deceleration start threshold. The control apparatus further includes a running state sensing section configured to sense a running state of the vehicle, and a threshold setting section configured to set the deceleration start threshold in accordance with the running condition.
US08020940B2 Mining and demolition tool
Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with a mining and demolition tool are described herein. In an embodiment, a mining bit tool includes a mining and demolition bit tool base and a mining bit tool tip coupled to the mining bit tool base. The base includes a tapered portion and a stem. The tapered portion includes a first end and a second end, with a surface tapering from the first end to the second end. There are at least two flutes positioned along the tapered surface, where a first flute is positioned at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis passing through the center of the mining bit tool and a second flute is positioned to cross a path of the first flute. The stem extends from the first end of the tapered portion, and the tip is coupled to the second end of the tapered portion.
US08020939B2 Fastening belt system for particular use in child automobile transport solutions
A fastening belt system designed for use in child automobile transport solutions, and in particular, in child car seats is provided. The fastening belt system is characterized by its use of at least one belt and five anchor points potentially equipped with openings and buckles, which create a harness system composed of the right breast strap and the left breast strap that crisscross at the child's chest, while the right hip strap and the left hip strap belt in the child's legs at the hips. The right breast strap runs from the upper right anchor point to the lower left point; the left breast strap links the upper left anchor point with the lower right point; the right hip strap links the lower middle anchor point with the lower right point; the left hip strap runs from the lower middle anchor point towards the lower left point.
US08020937B2 Layered technology for energy management of vehicle seating
A vehicle seat assembly having a cushion composite attachable to a vehicle. The cushion composite has a structural layer of an expanded polymer and a cushion layer adjacent the structural layer. A trim material covers the cushion composite. The structural layer is proximate the vehicle when the cushion composite is attached to the vehicle. A surface of the structural layer defines a cavity extending into the structural layer. An opening of the cavity is disposed proximate the vehicle when the cushion composite is attached to the vehicle. The cavity is configured to facilitate flexure of the structural layer when a force is applied to the structural layer.
US08020936B2 Aircraft seat
An aircraft seat which can receive the load of a sitting person with only a back plate member, using no seat back frame, thus eliminating the need for sacrificing the sitting space, which results from the existence of the seat back frame, and at the same time, allowing the weight of the seat to be reduced, is provided. The aircraft seat (1) on which an aircraft passenger is to sit comprises a seat back (10) made up of a back plate member (11) that a cushion (12) is installed onto a front face (11a) thereof for receiving the back of a sitting person, and a reinforcing member (13) which is disposed on the rear face (11b) of the back plate member (11) for reinforcing the back plate member (11), and said back plate member (11) is formed in the shape of a curved surface which enhances the surface rigidity.
US08020932B2 Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat is disclosed which comprises a seat cushion (1), first and second seat backs (2, 3) separated from each other in a vehicle width direction and pivotally supported to the seat cushion (1), a first recliner device (22) for allowing the first seat back (2) to be pivoted in a forward/rearward direction with respect to the seat cushion (1), and a second recliner device (34) for allowing the second seat back (3) to be pivoted in the forward/rearward direction with respect to the seat cushion (1).
US08020929B2 Vehicle seat, especially motor vehicle seat
A vehicle seat (1), especially motor vehicle seat, is provided with a base (3) and a main carrier (7), which is collapsible in relation to the base (3), and can be converted from a forward position into a backward position by collapsing the main carrier (7). The vehicle seat (1) has two cushioned carriers (11, 12) with upholstery, which are displaceable in relation to the main carrier (7). The moved first cushioned carrier (11) with its upholstery serves as the seat part and the extended second cushioned carrier (12) with its upholstery serves as the backrest in the forward position. The extended first cushioned carrier (11) with its upholstery serves as the backrest and the moved-in second cushioned carrier (12) with its upholstery serves as the seat part in the backward position.
US08020927B2 Composite reinforcement member for a body structure of a motor vehicle
The reinforcement member of a body structure is composed of two member elements which are of u-shaped profile in cross section and which are arranged nested one inside the other. Turned-up limb portions of the outer member element have edge-side retaining lugs between which are arranged edge-side cutouts. The retaining lugs can be connected to turned-up limb portions of the inner member element, and connecting points to the bodywork outer shell are arranged in the interposed cutouts. The outer member element is composed of a high-strength steel material, with the inner member element being composed of a relatively low-strength steel material, and the terminating bodywork outer shell is formed from an aluminium material.
US08020918B2 Hinge with a viscous rotary damper
An assembly to pivotally connect an external vehicle closure panel to a vehicle body includes a first hinge member that is constructed to be mounted to one of the external vehicle closure panel and the vehicle body, a second hinge member that is constructed to be mounted to the other of the external vehicle closure panel and the vehicle body, a shaft that is constructed to pivotally connect the first hinge member to the second hinge member, and a viscous rotary damper. The damper includes a cover, a rotor, and a viscous material. The shaft connects to the rotor such that rotation of the external vehicle closure panel between a closing position and an opening position causes relative motion between the rotor and the cover of the viscous damper to provide a resistance for controlling the velocity of the external vehicle closure member.
US08020915B2 Openable roof system for a motor car
The openable roof system (R) comprises: a covering element or roof (3) which in the vicinity of its rear end (3b) is mounted rotatably about a horizontal axis (4) between two parallel side uprights (5) of the bodywork of the motor car (1), close to the rear of the passenger compartment (2), and; an essentially vertical stowage compartment (6) open towards the top, formed in the motor car (1) between and below said uprights (5). The arrangement is such that the covering element or roof (3) can be pivoted about the axis (4) between a closed position, where it is arranged so as to lie at least approximately horizontally, and a midway open position, where it is arranged so as to lie substantially vertically. The covering element or roof (3) is then displaceable downwards from said midway open position into a final concealed position where it is contained so as to lie substantially vertically inside the stowage compartment (6).
US08020911B2 Sliding cargo carrier for vehicle
A sliding cargo carrier for use in motor vehicles has a slideable frame assembly and deck for supporting cargo. The deck is supported on an upper frame which is slideably mounted on a base frame attached to the vehicle. The deck is extendable and retractable within the vehicle to allow easy access to cargo stored thereon. The slideable frame assembly can be readily removed and reinstalled in the vehicle. Additional storage assemblies selectively positioned on the slideable frame assembly increase the storage potential of the sliding cargo carrier.
US08020892B2 Cushion structure of side airbag
The invention provides a cushion structure of a side airbag that includes: an inflator generating inflation gas in response to an inflation signal that is inputted in a collision; and a cushion inflated by the inflation gas supplied from the inflator. The cushion is divided into an upper cushion and a lower cushion by an intermediate diaphragm. The upper cushion and the lower cushion are fluidly communicated with each other through the intermediate diaphragm having at least a communication hole, and receive the inflation gas from the inflator. The upper cushion inflates in larger width than the lower cushion.
US08020890B2 Apparatus and method for controlling an inflatable cushion
A control device for modifying the deployment characteristics of an inflatable cushion of an airbag module is disclosed herein, the control device having a releasable retention device releasably secured to an inner surface of the inflatable cushion at a first location and an actuator at a second location, the releasable retention device being configured to limit deployment of the inflatable cushion in a first direction when the releasable retention device is secured to the first location of the inflatable cushion and the actuator; and a venting system disposed within and comprising a portion of the inflatable cushion, the venting system providing at least one vent opening in the inflatable cushion when the releasable retention device is secured to the first location of the inflatable cushion and the actuator and the inflatable cushion is inflated by an inflation gas.
US08020886B2 Structural window in composite sandwich beam
A window for installation in a sandwich composite beam, notably a ski, that consisting of a window body installed in the composite beam and a tab which forms a structural connection between the window body and the composite beam. The window body protects the composite beam core from moisture and maintains the structural integrity of the beam across the opening of the window. The structural window also provides a platform for an imaging system for measuring speed and displacement.
US08020882B2 Trailing arm for a motor-vehicle rear independent suspension
A trailing arm for a rear independent suspension of a motor vehicle. The arm (10) includes a beam-like mounting structure (32) and a plurality of components including a first component (38, 40) for the mounting of a first bush (20) for articulated connection of the trailing arm (10) to the vehicle structure, a second component (42) for support of a wheel-carrying spindle; a third component (50, 56) for the mounting of a second bush (22) for articulated connection of the trailing arm (10) to a first rod (12), a fourth component (58) for the mounting of a third bush (24) for articulated connection of the trailing arm (10) to a second rod (12), a fifth component (28) for support of a spring, a sixth component (64) for connection of the trailing arm (10) to a shock absorber (16), and a seventh component (66) for connection of the trailing arm (10) to a torsion bar (18).
US08020879B1 Backpack convertible to a baby stroller
A child's stroller that collapses into a compact form that can be carried in a manner similar to a backpack is herein disclosed. When collapsed, an attached textile-based covering or bag is wrapped over the stroller portion and secured shut with a zipper. Adjustable straps are then placed over the parent's or caregiver's shoulders, thereby allowing the apparatus to be carried in a backpack manner. In such a manner, the stroller may be collapsed and carried when the stroller is not needed on a continual basis. As such, the parent or care provider may enjoy the convenience of a stroller when needed, but is not burdened with pushing or caring the stroller when the child is not in it.
US08020878B2 Body leaning control system, and a saddle riding type vehicle having the same
A body leaning control system includes a support mechanism arranged to support at least a pair of traveling members that contact a traveling surface and are provided at opposite sides of the vehicle body to be movable up and down relative to the vehicle body, a resistance applying mechanism arranged to apply to the support mechanism a resistance to up-and-down motions of the pair of wheels, a lean information detecting device arranged to detect information on a lean amount of the vehicle body, and a controller arranged to perform control, based on detection results received from the lean information detecting device, to set the resistance of the resistance applying mechanism to a first resistance when the lean amount of the vehicle body is increasing, and to set the resistance of the resistance applying mechanism to a second resistance smaller than the first resistance when the lean amount of the vehicle body is decreasing.
US08020877B2 Self-centering chuck
A self-centering chuck is provided for accurately fixing the position of workpieces on tables. The chuck has a basic body with guide grooves, a threaded spindle with right-handed and left-handed external threads and a centrally arranged groove, two slides screwed onto an external thread each with a clamping jaw each in the head area and with sliding blocks in the foot area. The slides are guided axially in the guide grooves and on the threaded spindle. The threaded spindle is centered in a central piece and can be fixed and locked on the basic body and on the central piece by fastening means guided in the groove. The clamping jaws arranged on the head side on the slides have clamping surfaces on both sides and can be used on both sides. The slides can be screwed on both sides onto left-handed and right-handed external threads of the threaded spindle.
US08020876B2 Tool having clamping chuck
A tool includes a shank having an engaging hole for receiving one end of a tool member and having a number of orifices for receiving detents, a control ferrule rotatably engaged onto the shank and having a number of notches each of which includes a deeper portion for selectively receiving the detents and for disengaging the detents from the tool member and a shallower portion for selectively forcing and actuating the detents to engage with the tool member and to detachably couple the tool member to the shank, and a spring member may actuate the shallower portions of the notches of the control ferrule to engage with the detents and then to detachably couple the tool member to the shank.
US08020874B2 Rotating wheel mechanism of construction machine and drive wheel mechanism of construction machine
A floating seal is provided between the fixed housing and the drive wheel, and an outside seal is provided so as to cover the outer circumference of the floating seal. The outside seal is composed of a gap between the fixed seal member secured to the fixed housing serving as a vehicle body and the rotating seal member rotatably secured integrally with the drive wheel. Blades that rotate on the outer circumference of the outside seal are provided on the outer circumference of the rotating seal member so as to protrude therefrom. By means of the blades, dirt accumulated in the fixed housing is scraped off. Therefore, dirt is prevented from being accumulated on the outer circumference of the outside seal, wherein it is possible to prevent dirt from entering the position of the floating seal and to appropriately discharge the dirt that has entered to the outside.
US08020873B2 Trading card game with attack graphic
The game is a trading card game involving 2D attack graphic arts displayed in one or a plurality of cards which incorporate with a particular illustrated character. Attack graphic arts can be selected by the player, and used to “attack” the other player's character.
US08020872B2 Blackjack and poker game combination
A gaming method is disclosed and comprises the following steps, which need not necessarily be performed in the exact order: allowing a player to play a first poker game using at least two card representations; allowing the player to play a blackjack game using card representations from the first poker game; and allowing the player to play a second poker game using the card representations used in the first poker game and the blackjack game.
US08020870B2 Pattern recognition and duplication process and game
A target pattern recognition and matching game using a game box, game slats, and a target pattern. A user is provided with multiple game slats and a game box. There is a predetermined target pattern which a user then tries to match by adding or removing game slats from the game box. The pattern may have multiple rows and columns and be matched by the display in display box of the game slats having the same number of rows and columns. Typically, the front of the game box will be transparent and the rear of the game box will be a predetermined color and then may appear on the target pattern and on portions on the game slats used to play the game. The rules of the game and the apparatus of the game may be adjusted to provide a very simply played game for young children or people who have mental impairments to much more complex patterns to provide a much more challenging game for advanced players. It may be played electronically on a computer or using a game program.
US08020869B2 Card game device, card data reader, card game control method, recording medium, program, and card
A game apparatus includes a game execution unit, casing, card arrangement panel, luminator that illuminates the panel, sensor unit that receives light from the panel and generates image data, and recognition unit to separate data of each card, and detect positions of the cards. Each of the plurality of cards is printed with a game character on one of its surfaces and formed on the other of the surfaces with a code pattern including data relating the game character. The sensor unit generates data of the image including the code patterns of the cards on the panel. The recognition unit separates data of each card, and detects position on play field of cards arranged on the panel, from the data of the image and supplies information thus obtained to the execution unit. The execution unit executes a game in response to card manipulation by an operator.
US08020865B2 Deflecting nip sheet shingling buffer mechanism
A novel media path mechanism which utilizes the position and/or motion of buffer nips to deflect the leading and trailing edges of the sheets entering the buffer to enable the sheets to be reliably shingled in the buffer media path. The sheets are stored in properly collated order until needed for insertion into the print stream. By shingling or overlapping successive sheets in close relationship in a row within the buffer, this process can greatly increase the volume of storage or parking of sheets within the buffer. This can significantly reduce the size or footprint of the buffer within the printing system or significantly increase the capacity of an existing system.
US08020862B2 Sheet conveyance device, image forming apparatus and image reading apparatus
A sheet conveyance device according to an aspect of the invention includes a guide member and a flexible guide assist member. The guide member constitutes a conveyance path for guiding a conveyed sheet. The guide assist member is provided in the guide member, the guide assist member is brought into contact with the conveyed sheet to apply a force to the sheet, and whereby the guide assist member assists the guidance of the sheet conveyance. The sheet conveyance device is characterized in that a sheet scanner is provided in the guide assist member. In the sheet scanner, photoelectric conversion devices formed by organic semiconductor devices are arranged.
US08020861B2 Sheet conveyance device and image forming apparatus
A sheet conveyance device according to an aspect of the invention includes a conveyance roller pair which is rotated to convey a sheet by receiving a driving force from a motor conveying a sheet; a conveyance guide which guides the sheet conveyed by the conveyance roller pair; and sheet detection unit for detecting the sheet guided by the conveyance guide. In the sheet conveyance device, a sheet conveyance speed of the conveyance roller pair is controlled based on information from the sheet detection unit. The sheet detection unit is a sheet scanner having an optical sensor layer in which photoelectric conversion devices formed by combinations of organic transistors and organic photodiodes are continuously arranged in a matrix shape, and the sheet scanner is provided in an area of the conveyance guide in order to continuously detect the sheet conveyed by the conveyance roller pair in a predetermined area.
US08020860B2 Devices and methods for aligning and moving a media sheet within an image forming device
The present application is directed to devices and methods for moving media sheets within an image forming device. One embodiment includes a registration mechanism located along the media path. The mechanism may include a series of discrete registration nips that each includes a pair of drive rolls and idler roll. The nips are spaced at intervals across the media path. Guide ribs are arranged across the media path and may be positioned between the nips. The guide ribs further guide the media sheets through the registration mechanism and along the media path.
US08020858B2 Accurate sheet leading edge registration system and method
Accurate sheet leading edge registration system and method including a first and second nip assembly, a first sheet leading edge sensor and a controller. The first and second nip assemblies being spaced apart from one another. The first sheet leading edge sensor capable of detecting an arrival of a leading edge of a sheet at a point in the process direction. The arrival being associated with engagement of the first and second nip assemblies with the sheet. The controller capable of imparting a rotational skew velocity to the sheet using the first and second nip assemblies. A center of rotation of the skew velocity being offset laterally from a center of the sheet leading edge. The method includes providing at least the above-mentioned nip assemblies, first sheet leading edge sensor and controller.
US08020855B2 Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet feeding apparatus including: a regulating member movable so as to regulate a position of a sheet in a sheet regulated position corresponding to the sheet to be contained in a cassette main body; a holding mechanism for holding the regulating member; and an operating portion disposed at the regulating member for releasing the regulating member from being held by the holding mechanism, wherein when the regulating member is moved in one direction or the other direction opposite to the one direction for regulating the sheet, the operating portion is press-operated in the direction intended to move so that the regulating member is released from being held by the holding mechanism.
US08020854B2 Sheet feeding apparatus, image processor and sheet feeding method
A sheet feeding apparatus includes: a transporting unit that transports a sheet; guiding members that regulate side portions, in a sheet transporting direction, of the sheet, and that guide the sheet being transported; a distance changing member that is configured to be movable, that is coupled with the guiding members, and that changes a distance between the guiding members; and a restricting unit that restricts movement of the distance changing member in conjunction with a transporting operation of the transporting unit.
US08020850B1 Removable input tray assembly having a dual function roller for feeding media and separating media in an image forming device
A removable input tray assembly for an image forming device according to one embodiment includes a media tray having a bottom surface defining a media storage location, a wall extending upward from the bottom surface and a housing having an opening therein to receive the tray. An inclined media dam having a media contact surface is formed in the wall. A channel extends the height of the wall and has a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom opening and a top opening. A separator roller is rotatably mounted below the media contact surface and has a first portion of its surface radially extending through a corresponding aperture in the media dam and a second portion radially extending through a corresponding aperture in the rear wall of the channel. A roller nip is formed in the channel within the media tray by the separator roller and an opposing backup roller.
US08020848B2 Paper feeder and image forming apparatus
In a paper feeder, a signal switching unit switches a paper present signal output from a paper detector to a paper absent signal indicative of absence of a paper in the second paper cassette if a first paper cassette is pulled out from a specific position.
US08020847B2 Multiple delivery web conversion apparatus and method of producing and delivering variable printed products
A web conversion and delivery apparatus is provided. The web conversion and delivery apparatus comprises a first delivery for transporting printed products, a second delivery for transporting printed products and a cutting apparatus upstream of the first delivery and the second delivery. The cutting apparatus is capable during a first print job of cutting first images of the fixed image length into first printed products for delivery to the first delivery. The second delivery is inactive during the first print job. The cutting apparatus is capable during a second print job of cutting second images of the fixed image length into second printed products for delivery to the first delivery and the second delivery. The second printed products have a length that is different from the first printed products. A printing press and a method of producing and delivering printed products of variable lengths are also provided.
US08020846B2 Sheet finisher, image forming apparatus using the same, and sheet finishing method
A sheet finisher of the invention includes a saddle stitch unit configured to stitch a center of a sheet bundle in which printed sheets are bundled, a fold unit configured to fold the center stitched by the saddle stitch unit and to form a fold line, and a fold reinforcing unit configured to reinforce the fold line formed by the fold unit, the fold reinforcing unit includes a placement table on which the sheet bundle transported from the fold unit is placed, and a roller unit that includes a reinforce roller and moves the reinforce roller along a direction of the fold line while pressing it to the fold line, and the placement table is provided with a groove-like edge clearance along an edge of the sheet bundle.
US08020845B2 Single level web conversion apparatus and method
A single level web conversion apparatus is provided. The single level web conversion apparatus includes a web guiding apparatus guiding a web, a former longitudinally folding the web downstream of the web guiding apparatus and a cutting apparatus cutting the folded web into a first signature and a second signature. The web guiding apparatus includes rolls having axes of rotation aligned with a vertical direction that guide the web in a vertical on-edge orientation. The former receives the web in a vertical on-edge orientation and folding the web such that the folded web has a horizontal orientation and travels in a horizontal plane. The first and second signature each travel in the horizontal plane. A method of producing and delivering printed products is also provided.
US08020844B2 Printer and control method for printer
A setting acceptor is operable to accept printing settings for a current printing job, including a setting of a first printing condition involving a confirmation print to print a copy set of sorted pages before a temporary pause waiting for a continuation instruction to print a designated number of copy sets, and a setting of a second printing condition involving a sorting print to print the designated number of copy sets of sorted pages, and a controller stores a last stack position in a previous printing job, as a first stack position, and is operable, as the printing settings accepted includes the setting of the first printing condition and the setting of the second printing condition, to discharge sheets in the confirmation print to a second stack position offset from the first stack position, and after the continuation instruction, discharge sheets of the designated number of copy sets in the sorting print to an alternating stack position alternating every copy set between the first and second stack positions, starting from the second stack position.
US08020843B2 Clamping fixture
A clamping fixture is provided for mounting work pieces. The clamping fixture includes a base, a supporting member, a covering member, and a positioning member. The supporting member and the positioning member are attached to the base. The work piece is clamped by the covering member and the supporting member. The positioning member is used for changing its position with respect to the base and fixedly mounted thereby for abutting against the work pieces.
US08020840B2 Versatile clamp
A versatile clamp which consists, at least in part, of at least one extendable arm, one fixed-length arm, pivotable clamping legs on the distal ends of the fixed-length arm and extendable arm, and locking means; wherein clamp adjustments, by the user, to the extendable arm and pivotable legs are retained by a locking action, which, prevents an inadvertent change of the extendable arm's effective length and the clamping legs' angular orientation from their set positions. The combination of a variable-length extendable arm and variable angular positioning of the legs enable a single versatile clamp to be used in a variety of clamping configurations. The versatile clamp may be easily made, without the use of any tools, to clamp onto thick and thin materials, alike, and to perform in applications which require an offset clamping operation. The versatile clamp may also feature one or more interchangeable clamping arm extensions and legs.
US08020839B2 Modular systems and methods for fluid dispersion
Modular systems and methods for fluid dispersion are provided. A base module includes a modular frame structure and fluid distribution conduits secured within the frame structure. Diffuser assemblies or other equipment may be coupled to the fluid distribution conduits via a mating tube. The mating tube is inserted into an aperture in the wall of the fluid distribution conduit, and provides a fluid tight joining method.
US08020836B2 Security barrier
A security barrier for use in a water location includes a plurality of barrier units, each having a plurality of individual panels; toppers attached between the barrier units for connecting the barrier units to one another and for disengaging the barrier units from one another when an impact occurs on the security barrier; butt plates attached between the toppers; a rope and a tube containing the rope for connecting individual panels; and a vertical pin for engaging the toppers and the butt plates.
US08020834B2 Method for obtaining a fuel injector for an internal-combustion engine, and an injector made according to said method
A fuel injector for an internal-combustion engine comprises an injector body and an injection-control valve, which in turn comprises: an open/close element; an elastic thrust element for pushing the open/close element; and a solenoid actuator, which can be actuated for exerting an action countering the thrust exerted by the elastic element. The solenoid actuator is formed by a monolithic assembly obtained in a mould, in which there is injected, on a core and a coil coupled to one another, a plastic material, which defines, once it has solidified, a body for insulation of the core from the injector body and which forms, once it has solidified, a monolithic assembly with the core and the coil.
US08020833B2 Pressure gas release valve for fire suppression
A two-step, self-regulating valve (16) controls gas flow from a gas cylinder (12) in a high pressure system. The valve (16) includes a valve body (24), a piston (26), a plug (28), a valve actuator (34), and a piston actuator (32). The piston (26) is movable within the valve body (24) along an axis between a first and a second position. The plug (28) is movable within the valve body (24) along the axis between a valve closed position, a partially open position, and a fully open position. The valve actuator (34) allows the plug (28) to move from the valve closed position to the partially open position. The piston actuator (32) causes the piston (26) to move from the first position to the second position when a gas pressure in the gas cylinder (12) is less than a setpoint. When the piston (26) moves to the second position, the piston (26) allows the plug (28) to move from the partially open position to the fully open position.
US08020832B2 Anti-skid sleeve for musical instrument stand
An anti-skid sleeve for a musical instrument stand comprises a body, having a containing portion formed on the top end of the body for insertion of the musical instrument stand and concavely provided on one side face of the body with a receiving portion extending toward the bottom end of the body, and two side walls formed respectively at two opposite sides of the receiving portion; a non-slip stud, having one end pivotally disposed between the two side walls of the receiving portion by a pivot assembly such that the other end of the non-slip stud may be pivotally moved between a first position in the receiving portion and a second position outside the receiving portion, and the pivot assembly able to clamp the two side walls of the receiving portion for fixing the position of the non-slip stud.
US08020831B2 Suspension for suspending a turbine engine from the structure of an aircraft
A suspension for suspending of a turbine engine from the structure of an aircraft using a beam with an attachment device which attaches to the structure and at least one link rod articulated via one end to a journal secured to the beam and via the other to a fitting secured to the turbine engine is disclosed. This suspension is one wherein the journal is mounted on the beam via a flexible coupling formed of two preloaded laminated, elastomer and metal, cylinders.
US08020829B1 Media player holder apparatus
The media player holder apparatus is easily, adjustably, and removably clamped onto an existing object. The clamp provides for adjustable gap without full separation of the two clamp halves. A stalk connects the clamp to a ball joint with selectively retained positioning via the clamp screw. The telescopic arm connected to the ball joint provides distance selectivity of the upper ball joint from the ball joint. The frictionally positioned upper ball joint positions the platform. The removable tray is positioned atop the platform with the multi-plane adjustment providing optimal positioning of a media player. The tray is hingedly lidded and further comprises a frictional surface within, with half straps for retaining a media player or other such device.
US08020828B2 Wedge lock anchor mount
An anchor mount formed of: a mounting device; a laterally expandable locking mechanism coupled to the base of the mounting device, the laterally expandable locking mechanism including first and second cooperating wedges, the first wedge being coupled to the base of the mounting device, and the second wedge being movable along an inclined plane of mutual contact with the first wedge and substantially laterally expandable relative thereto; a reaction surface fixed relative to the first wedge; an actuator having an actuation surface that is positioned adjacent to the reaction surface and movable relative thereto; and the second wedge being responsive to motion of the actuation surface of the actuator relative to the reaction surface for moving along the inclined plane of mutual contact with the first wedge and substantially laterally expanding relative thereto.
US08020823B2 Three-dimensional multi-directional rotation support
The present invention is to provide a three-dimensional multi-directional rotation support, which comprises a fixation base, a first connection base and a second connection base each having a plate with two opposite end edges bent at an angle and extended away from the plate to form a parallel portion respectively, wherein both of the parallel portions are parallel to each other and each of the parallel portion is formed with a pivot hole having a plurality of positioning points formed on the periphery thereof, so that the fixation base can be fixed on a plane, the second connection base can be fixed with an object, and the first connection base can be pivotally connected between the fixation base and the second connection base, enabling a user to adjust various angles of the object to a best direction in a three-dimensional space according to actual needs of the user.
US08020821B2 Wall hanger and assembly of the wall hanger and a computer device
A wall hanger includes first and second components. The first component includes a first main body for mounting to a computer device, an insert member provided on the first main body, and a first engaging member provided on the first main body and located above the insert member. The second component includes a second main body for mounting to a wall surface, an insertion groove portion provided on the second main body, and a second engaging member provided on the second main body and located above the insertion groove portion. The insert member is inserted into the insertion groove portion along an insertion direction until the first engaging member is brought into engagement with the second engaging member.
US08020818B2 Stand
A stand includes a connecting member, a first supporting member pivotably connected to the connecting member and rotatable along a first direction, two second supporting members pivotably connected to the connecting member and rotatable along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and two blocking members pivotably connected to the second supporting members respectively, opposite to the connecting member.
US08020811B2 Cable bracket and strap assembly
A cable bracket and strap assembly includes a cable bracket and a strap secured to the cable bracket. The cable bracket has a plurality of retention elements defining a plurality of conductor openings. The cable bracket also has a mounting flange, which includes a first aperture and a second aperture. The strap is secured to the cable bracket within the first aperture.
US08020810B2 Clamping element for holding at least one object, in particular a cable
A clamping assembly for holding at an object, in particular, a cable, is provided and includes a first part and a second part movable relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. The clamping assembly also includes an elastic element secured to the first part and having a generally arc-shaped deformable portion. The second part has a counter portion with a curvature that generally parallels the curvature of the generally arc-shaped deformable portion of the elastic element. The first part and the second part are securable in the closed position with an object to be held being retained and the generally arc-shaped deformable portion of the elastic element exerting a retaining on the object that is produced by a deformation of the generally arc-shaped deformable portion of the elastic element caused by the object.
US08020807B2 Aircraft front nose landing gear and method of making an aircraft landing gear
An aircraft vehicular front wheel landing gear assembly is provided that includes a nonelastomeric outer upper strut tubular member having an inner axial center bore with a tubular cylindrical frictional interface inner surface segment, and a nonelastomeric inner lower strut member having an outer bonding surface segment. The nonelastomeric inner member is rotationally received in the outer strut member inner axial center bore with the nonelastomeric inner strut member rotatable within said outer strut member. The assembly includes an elastomeric surface effect damper member encompassing the nonelastomeric inner strut member outer bonding surface segment. The elastomeric surface effect damper member has an inner bonding surface segment and an outer elastomer surface, the inner bonding surface segment is bonded to the nonelastomeric inner strut member outer bonding surface segment. The assembly includes a surface effect lubricant disposed between the elastomeric surface effect damper outer elastomer surface and the nonelastomeric outer strut member frictional interface inner surface segment with the elastomeric surface effect damper outer elastomer surface engaging the nonelastomeric outer strut member frictional interface inner surface segment and inhibiting an oscillating shimmy rotation.
US08020805B2 High altitude airship configuration and power technology and method for operation of same
A new High Altitude Airship (HAA) capable of various extended applications and mission scenarios utilizing inventive onboard energy harvesting and power distribution systems. The power technology comprises an advanced thermoelectric (ATE) thermal energy conversion system. The high efficiency of multiple stages of ATE materials in a tandem mode, each suited for best performance within a particular temperature range, permits the ATE system to generate a high quantity of harvested energy for the extended mission scenarios. When the figure of merit 5 is considered, the cascaded efficiency of the three-stage ATE system approaches an efficiency greater than 60 percent.
US08020801B2 Gyratory crusher with arrangement for restricting rotation
A gyratory crusher has a crushing head on which a first crushing shell is mounted, a frame on which a second crushing shell is mounted, and a driving device, which is arranged with a rotating eccentric to cause the crushing head to execute a gyratory movement for crushing of material. The crushing head is connected to the frame of a rotation-restricting arrangement, which comprises a beater in a tank. Spinning of the crushing head is restricted by the beater being braked, during operation of the crusher, by a liquid contained in the tank.
US08020798B2 Pulverizer
A pulverizer simplified in structure for easy maintenance and suppressed in cost. The pulverizer has a hopper (2) provided on one side thereof, a product discharge hole (4) provided on the other side thereof, and a raw material crushing chamber (3) for crushing raw material that is fed from the hopper (2) and discharging the crushed material from the product discharge hole (4) . The pulverizer further has at least one thin plate-like rotor (8) disposed on the upstream side inside the raw material crushing chamber (3), a hollow circular cylindrical space (S1) in which the rotor is placed, a classifying space (C) disposed on the downstream side of the hollow circular cylindrical space (S1) and formed in a hollow circular cylindrical shape having an inner diameter smaller than the hollow cylindrical space (S1), and a product discharge hole (4) which is coaxially disposed on the downstream side of the classifying space (C) having an inner diameter smaller than the classifying space (C). Airflow produced by the rotation of the rotor (8) causes raw materials to collide with each other to crush them or causes raw materials to collide with the inner wall surface of the raw material crushing chamber to crush them.
US08020797B2 Device for aligning the refining disc of a refining apparatus
A device for aligning the refining disc of a refining apparatus, in which refining apparatus lignocellulose-containing material is disintegrated and refined, which device is intended to be arranged in a support (701) for the axle package of the refining apparatus, the supporting (701) resting on a ground surface, which axle package comprises the rotary refining disc of the refining apparatus, a rotation axle to which the rotary refining disc is attached, and a bearing housing (702) in which the axle is journalled by means of bearings arranged in the bearing housing (704). The device comprises a first wedge-shaped member (703), which is slidable in a direction along said ground surface, and a second wedge-shaped member (704) provided between the first member (703) and the bearing housing (702) of the axle package, which second member (704) is slidable in a direction transverse to the sliding direction of the first member (703), and the first member (703) when displaced in its sliding direction is arrange to displace the second member (704). The device comprises a control device for displacing the first member (703) and a support means (706), on which the bearing housing (702) rests, which is provided between the second member (704) and the bearing housing (702) and arranged to engage with a to the support means (706) complementary recess (707) of the bearing housing (702). The support means (706) has a convex contact surface (708) against the recess (707) of the bearing housing (702), and the convex contact surface (708) of the support means (706) is displaceable in relation to the surface of the complementary recess (707) of the bearing housing (702). Support and refining apparatus comprising said device.
US08020793B2 Shredder with biometric detection safety feature
A shredder having a biometric information safety feature(s) that reduces potential safety hazards.
US08020792B2 Locked charge detector
An apparatus includes a mill, a rotary actuator configured to apply torque to the mill, a sensor configured to sense a parameter corresponding to rotation of the mill and a controller configured to generate control signals based upon acceleration of the mill. Rotation of the mill is modified as a result of the control signals.
US08020788B2 Showerhead with enhanced pause mode
A showerhead providing an improved pause mode that restricts the amount of water emanating from the head. The showerhead includes a first and second outlet nozzle, a valve body operative to be in fluid communication with a shower pipe, the valve body having first and second flow channels in fluid communication with the shower pipe, each of which is also in fluid communication with one of the outlet nozzles. The first and second flow channels have different cross-sectional areas. In another embodiment, the valve body further includes a valve center in fluid communication between the first flow channel and the shower pipe, and is also in fluid communication between the second flow channel and the shower pipe. The valve body further defines a first hole in fluid communication with the first flow channel and the valve center, and a second hole in fluid communication with the second flow channel and the valve center, with the second hole having a smaller cross-sectional area than that of the first hole.
US08020781B2 Operation unit
An operation unit includes: a plurality of operation members provided in an air conditioning system for conditioning air inside a passenger compartment of a vehicle in such a manner as to be operated to control the air conditioning system; a first rear-side member provided on a rear side of one of the plurality of operation members; at least one second rear-side member provided on a rear side of the operation members on which the first rear-side member is not provided; and an electrical functioning portion which is provided on the first rear-side member and has electrical functions for the operation member on which the rear-side member is provided and the operation members on which the second rear-side member is provided.
US08020780B2 Thermostatic control system having a configurable lock
A thermostatic control system having a configurable lock mechanism. The mechanism may be for preventing unauthorized or unintended operation of the thermostatic control system. The system may have a manual or an automatic lock out. If the manual or automatic lock out is not effected, the system may be configured to automatically effect a lock out after a certain period of time. To remove the lock out may require a coded entry. The lock out may be full or partial with respect to the functionality of the system. The lock out mechanism may be applicable to a wireless remote control of a thermostatic system; however, it may also be applicable, for instance, to a wall module thermostat.
US08020776B2 Multilayer element with an identification which can be read optically by a machine
A multi-layer body (10i) includes an optically machine-readable identification, wherein the multi-layer body has at least one first plastic material layer with a microscopically fine relief structure shaped in that layer and the optical effect of the microscopically fine relief structure can be altered region-wise for writing in an item of information. First and second regions have different relief structures and form a background pattern (1 through 7) which encodes a first item of information and which is partially altered for writing in an individualized code pattern (1i through 3i) which encodes an individualized second item of information and which overlaps the background pattern. There is also described a method of manufacturing such a multi-layer body and a method of reading the items of information.
US08020772B2 Noncontact data receiver/transmiter
A non-contact type data reception and transmission body has an inlet having a base substrate, and an antenna and an integrated circuit chip which are provided on one side surface of the base substrate, and connected to each other, and a magnetic substrate layer disposed so that the magnetic substrate layer covers at least one of the antenna and the integrated circuit chip which constitute the inlet, wherein the magnetic substrate layer has a main component of a resin including a filler made of magnetic microparticles.
US08020771B2 Media processing device
Swinging open the upstream-side cover part (31) and downstream-side cover part (32) of the check scanning apparatus (1) on a common support pivot (33) opens a U-shaped check transportation path (5). The check transportation path (5) can be opened with a simple single-action operation to remove checks (4) jammed in the check transportation path (5) and for maintenance of the magnetic head (84) and contact image sensors (82 and 83). When the task is completed, the open check transportation path (5) can also be returned to the original closed position by a simple single-action operation. If only those parts that require maintenance are exposed when the check transportation path is open, tasks that require opening the transportation path can be done without damaging other parts and without soiling the operator's fingers.
US08020770B2 Display method and display apparatus
A display method and display apparatus. Shooting a physical medium generates a captured image from the physical medium. An image pattern on the physical medium, which includes an identification code and binary indicators, is scanned. The identification code identifies a location on a storage medium of at least one image object. Each binary indicator is associated with a corresponding status parameter and has a positive value or a null value. At least one status parameter value is acquired and has a status parameter value for each status parameter whose binary indicator has the positive value. A display object is generated in dependence on the location appearing in the identification code and the acquired at least one status parameter value. The display object and the captured image are displayed, on a display unit of the display apparatus, in an overlapping relationship in which the display object overlaps the captured image.
US08020769B2 Handheld automatic target acquisition system
A target acquisition system. The novel system includes a housing, a first mechanism for obtaining position coordinates of the housing, a second mechanism for measuring a pointing angle from the housing toward a target, and a third mechanism for calculating coordinates of the target using the pointing angle and housing coordinates. The system may also include a fourth mechanism for determining a distance between the housing and the target, and a control circuit for receiving a user signal and in response thereto acquiring the housing coordinates, pointing angle, and distance data. The target coordinates may be calculated from the housing coordinates, pointing angle, and distance data, or from two or more sets of position coordinates and corresponding pointing angle data. The system may also include a transmitter for automatically transmitting the target coordinates to a remote weapons system or network.
US08020758B2 Apparatus and method for adding note dispensing positions to a secure cash dispenser
A note presenter and method is disclosed for dispensing notes at a plurality of dispensing locations that are spaced apart such that two or more persons can be positioned at the dispensing locations at one time. The note presenter is attached to a secure container for receiving the cash at a single exit slot and includes a rotatable mechanism for repositioning the cash in alignment with either one of the two dispensing locations, and a linearly moveable part to withdraw the notes from the exit slot and to extend the notes to either one of the two dispensing locations to two or more persons who can be positioned at the dispensing locations. Several different configurations are disclosed.
US08020757B2 Multiple financial institution automated teller machine apparatus, system and method for using same
An apparatus, system and method for providing to a network of ATMs (10) the ability to transact business in connection with several financial institutions (30, 40) using each financial institution's display interfaces (34, 44), and optionally provides for advertising and promotional materials (32, 42)) associated with each financial institution targeted to a specific user. The ATM platform is capable of delivering the same look, feel and functionality of each participating financial institutions through a single ATM, which allows for a financial institution to increase brand recognition, maintain customer loyalty and prevent market share loss.
US08020756B2 Authorization system and method
A system including a device having a screen and a memory to hold card data necessary to complete POS/ATM transactions. The device has an authorization, signature, PIN button and scroll wheel. Branding areas allow distributors to leverage space on the device. When the merchandise has been processed and ready to be paid for, the device holder either places their device in a docking station or holds it in front of a contact less reader. When the merchant is ready for authorization, the holder presses transmits the data to a register so the merchant can send the data through the card network for authorization. Once the transaction is authorized, the merchant requests the signature, fingerprint, and/or photo of the holder, which can be displayed, on the register to authenticate the holder. Upon completion, the transaction information is transmitted back to the device for storage and retrieval at a later date.
US08020754B2 System and method for funding a collective account by use of an electronic tag
A system and method for funding a collective account via aggregating usage of electronic tags is disclosed. The system and method promotes the use of electronic tags, and the funding of collective accounts that may be associated with charitable or other philanthropic causes. Further benefits may be realized by replenishing the prefunded account that serves as the source of funds for the electronic tag to an affinity account that also benefits the charitable or other philanthropic cause.
US08020753B2 Revolution counter for turning assemblies
A preferred embodiment of a revolution counter tool and method employs an adapter shaft with input and output ends coupled in-line between a driven part and a driving part, and an intermediate portion between the input and output ends that is coupled to a rotary encoder and encoder circuit. A memory counter circuit maintains a count of turns and increments of the driven part by the driving part, and a reference setting circuit sets a reference setting of the memory counter circuit when a count is to be taken. The device body has a first portion mounting the adapter shaft with the rotary encoder, an intermediate housing containing the memory counter circuit, and a second portion at a distance from the first portion and of a sufficient mass that acts to orient the device body to a gravity-determined position as a reference position. The memory counter circuit receives output signals from the rotary encoder circuit and maintains a count relative to a reference setting using the reference position of the device body as indexed by gravity.
US08020751B1 Apparatus for fastening and/or separating container portions
An apparatus for at least partially separating at least two container portions includes first and second container portions. At least one tear line extends at least partially between the first and second portions and at least partially defines the first portion. The first portion is at least partially separable from the second portion along the tear line(s). At least one releasable adhesive spot at least partially holds the first portion down prior to the at least partial separation of the first portion from the second portion.
US08020750B2 Method of attaching components to fluid delivery systems using diffusion bonding
A space-conserving integrated fluid delivery system which is particularly useful for gas distribution in semiconductor processing equipment. The invention also includes an integrated fluid flow network architecture, which may include, in addition to a layered substrate containing fluid flow channels, various fluid handling and monitoring components. The layered substrate is diffusion bonded, and may be partially integrated or fully integrated into a processing chamber which also includes diffusion bonded layers.
US08020749B2 Dissimilar metal joining method
According to a metal joining method of the present invention, first and second dissimilar metals are joined together by interposing between the first and second metal materials a third metal material dissimilar to the first and second metal materials and causing eutectic melting at least either at an interface between the first and third metal materials or at an interface between the second and third metal materials.
US08020747B2 Soldering method and soldering apparatus
Along with miniaturization of a solder connection portion in a bump repair or a local reflow, a void generated at the time of soldering remains in a solder to remarkably reduce connection strength, and there occurs a non-connection phenomenon in which the solder connection portion and a solder paste are melted, but are not fused with each other. During melting of a solder, a target component is clamped, ultrasonic oscillation is directly applied only to the target component. Further, start of solidification of the solder connection portion is detected by change of an electric impedance of a transducer while applying the ultrasonic oscillation, and the clamp is released before a substrate is warped.
US08020746B2 Method and device for controlling the generation of ultrasonic wire bonds
A method for generating a wire bond between a wire and an electrical contact member is provided. The method comprising the steps of: pressing a first surface of a portion of the wire against a second surface of the electrical contact member with a first force while vibrating the portion of the wire along the second surface in order to generate a bond; measuring the time dependent vibration amplitude of the portion of the wire at a number of discrete time steps during the generation of the bond; measuring the time dependent deformation of said portion of the wire due to said applied first force and said vibration at a number of discrete time steps during the generation of the bond; and generating a time dependent first signal from at least said vibration amplitude and said deformation at a number of discrete time steps during the generation of the bond that is a direct measure of the stability of the bond at the respective time step.
US08020739B2 Positioning device with actuating switching means for a hand-held setting tool
A positioning device for a hand-held setting tool (10) having an actuation switch (13) for actuating the setting tool (10), with the positioning device including a rod-shaped holder (21); a connection element (22) for the setting tool (10) arranged at an end of the holder (21), and an actuating switching device including an actuation element (24), a switching link (30) connecting an actuation element (24) to the actuation switch (13), and a safety device (40) for preventing actuation of the actuation switch (13) and having a gravity-controlled intermediate element (41) having an actuation position in which it is positioned between first controlling element (34) and second control element (35) of the switching link (30), and an interruption position (16) in which it interrupts the switching link (30).
US08020738B2 Harness for use with breathing apparatus
A harness (10) for use with breathing apparatus comprises: a back plate (11); two support straps (13, 14), each of which extends between an upper part of the back plate and a lower part of the back plate, the two support straps being disposed on opposite sides of a central axis of the back plate (11); and a tension equalizing mechanism (15, 16; 30, 32) connected to the support straps and being arranged such that, when tension is applied to a first strap (13, 14) of the support straps, it acts to transfer the tension to the other, second strap (13, 14), thereby increasing the tension in the second strap, the tension equalizing mechanism being resiliently biased towards a neutral configuration.
US08020735B2 Detachable threader
The present invention provides a detachable threader, which permits an upper holder block to be connected separately with a brake and a base; and the brake is linked with a propeller; a threading sheet is fixed on the propeller; with the orientation pin and restoring spring on the base, the upper holder block can be controlled in a manner to make the threading sheet move freely in the threading groove of the needle stand; additionally, a V-shaped groove is arranged at the bottom of the adapting hole; after the needle is inserted into the adapting hole, it can align automatically the needle hole with the threading groove; moreover, the base is linked with the detachable pedestal, wherein the inner space with an oblique surface is used to accommodate the needle and stitch.
US08020734B1 Hand washing timing system
A hand washing timing system includes a housing with a perimeter wall that has a dispensing aperture extending therethrough. A fluid dispensing assembly is mounted in the housing and dispenses fluid outwardly of the dispensing aperture when actuated. The fluid dispensing assembly includes an actuator. A light emitter is mounted on the housing and emits visible light outwardly away from the housing when turned on. A timing assembly is electrically coupled to the light emitter and turns on the light emitter for a specified amount of time when the timing assembly is actuated. The timing assembly is in communication with the fluid dispensing assembly and is actuated when the fluid dispensing assembly is actuated. A light diffuser is mounted on the housing and covers the light emitter to increase a viewing angle of light emitted by the light emitter to at least 120 degrees with respect to the light emitter.
US08020731B2 Dispenser
A fluid dispenser formed of a bottle for housing the fluid, a discharge mechanism for discharging fluid from the bottle, and a protrusion that is connected to and extends from the bottom of the bottle. The protrusion has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the bottom wall of the bottle. The bottle is capable of standing upward on a horizontal surface without the use of a separate base or mount when the protrusion extends into an aperture in the horizontal surface such that the bottom wall of the bottle rests on the horizontal surface.
US08020730B2 Slosh controlled personal hydration system
The present invention relates to a personal hydration system. In one exemplary embodiment, the personal hydration system may comprise a hydration reservoir for containing a supply of hydrating fluid, the hydration reservoir may comprise a plurality of compartments. The hydration reservoir may have a low profile and may comprise at least one baffle.
US08020729B2 Closable opening device produced with a semifinished product and method of fitting the same
A pouring nozzle with a flange and an internal thread and an external thread, and also a cutting element having an upper rim and a lower rim formed with teeth. A screw cap with catches acts on catches of the cutting element. To make fitting easier, the cutting element and the pouring nozzle are produced as a one-piece semifinished product, wherein the cutting element is connected to the lower rim by weakened bridges so that the lower rim of the cutting element lies in a plane with the upper rim of the pouring nozzle and the teeth are protected in the pouring nozzle. This structural design allows an easy fitting which also reduces the reject rate.
US08020726B1 Powder dispersion system
A powder dispersion method and apparatus comprising an air eductor and a powder dispensing syringe inserted into a suction connection of the air eductor.
US08020725B2 Medicine dispensing apparatus
A medicine dispensing apparatus which allows a prescribed quantity of medicines to be reliably taken out based on prescription data. The medicine dispensing apparatus includes a plurality of cassettes (3) which contain medicines in alignment, a pressing device (24) for pressing medicines in the cassette (3) toward one end side, a dispensing device (23) disposed at one end portion of the cassette and having a holding recess portion (26) for holding a medicine, a driving mechanism (51) for rotating the dispensing device (23) to a receiving position at which the medicine in the cassette (3) can be received in the holding recess portion (26) and to a taking out position at which the medicine held in the holding recess portion (26) can be taken out, a display (19) for displaying a cassette (3) containing medicines required to be dispensed among the cassettes, a driving switch (15) for rotating the dispensing device (23), and a controller (100) for rotating the dispensing device (23) from the receiving position to the taking out position by the driving mechanism (51) when the driving switch (15) of the cassette (3) displayed by the display is turned on.
US08020724B2 Vacuum based pill singulator and counter based thereon
A singulating disc, carried by a housing, has a plurality of openings around its periphery. The disc rotates vertically through a pickup chamber of a hopper carried by the housing. A vacuum is pulled through the openings by a pump which is connected to the disc. Items are placed in the hopper and, via gravity, fall to the bottom of the hopper where they contact the periphery of the rotating disc. The vacuum at the openings attaches an item and holds it while the disc rotates. At the top of the disc's rotation, a diverter directs the item into a path depending on the results of a fragment detection and/or counting mechanism. Items that are allowed to pass by the diverter are scraped off the disc into another path by a scraper. Negative pressure is used to singulate and count a multitude of sizes and shapes of items with no calibration. Retractable paddles, a vacuum management system, and RFID tags may be incorporated. The paddles aid in the pickup and agitation of the items while the vacuum management system conserves the vacuum capacity necessary to pickup and singulate items. The RFID tags may contain information such as the number of items left in the hopper, a par level for that item, an expiration date, among others. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims.
US08020722B2 Seamless multi-section pressure vessel
A lightweight, ergonomically beneficial, hydrodynamic, and volumetrically efficient hybrid pressure vessel having at least two longitudinally extending, semi-cylindrical sections with flattened rib portions at a common interface between the sections. Additional longitudinally extending sections may be employed to provide additional internal volume. One or more apertures extend through the ribs to provide communication between sections. The pressure vessel comprises a cast metal material, optionally including exterior reinforcing structure for containing internal pressure.
US08020718B2 Filler tube assembly for vehicles
A filler tube assembly for vehicles is disclosed. The filler tube assembly includes a fuel supply tube made of aluminum for injecting a fuel into a fuel tank of the vehicle, a gas circulation tube having one end coupled to a front end of the fuel supply tube and the other end coupled to the fuel tank, so as to circulate a gas when the fuel is supplied, a tube cap made of aluminum and fixed to the front end of the fuel supply tube, and a shutter fixed to an inner portion of the front end of the fuel supply tube to prevent reverse current of the fuel supplied in the fuel tank.
US08020714B2 Product merchandising system for walk-in display coolers and the like
A product merchandising unit having a plurality of shelf members adjustably positionable within a framework structure, each shelf member including a plurality of retractable pin members selectively movable for engagement with openings associated with the framework structure, and a plurality of removably attachable divider members engageable with the underneath portion of each shelf member anywhere along substantially their entire width, the divider members extending downwardly from the shelf member located thereabove into the product display space of the shelf member located therebelow forming product channels for guiding products therebetween, each divider member being selectively adjustable relative to another divider member to control and adjust the width of each product channel.
US08020709B2 Filter element
A filter element (1) has a filter pot (3) delimiting a cylindrical interior (5) and has a bottom part (7) with a fluid connection (11). A lid part (37) is opposite the bottom part. A filter medium (29) is adjacent to the inner wall of the filter pot (3) in the form of a hollow cylindrical body leaving the central region of the interior (5) free. Fluid passages (31) in the wall of the filter pot (3) surround the filter medium (29). A ring body (53) as a connecting part 10 between filter pot (3) and lid part (37) and has a jacket part (55) extending axially along the end section (57) of the filter pot (3). An end part (51) extends radially inward and spans the edge of the filter pot (3) and the edge of the lid part (37). On the end part (51) of the ring body (53) and on the lid part (37), interacting snap connectors (59, 61) are provided to form a snap connection between end part (51) and lid part (37).
US08020706B2 Fines removal apparatus and methods/systems regarding same
Apparatus, methods and systems are used to separate fines from objects of a feed mixture being processed (e.g., iron bearing pellets, chips and dust). For example, at least a portion of an endless belt defining a channel is movable up an incline relative to horizontal (e.g., an incline that is at an angle relative to horizontal that is greater than an angle of repose associated with the objects, but less than an angle of repose associated with the fines being removed). Further, obstruction elements may be used on the endless belt to impede the flow of the fines down the incline.
US08020703B2 Packaging system
A system comprising disposable medical devices and a packaging strip comprising a plurality of chambers containing the disposable medical devices. The strip is folded along breadthwise running fold lines to form a series of loops, each loop comprising opposing sections. The opposing sections of at least some of these loops are sealed to each other thus forming chambers between said sections. A cartridge contains such a packaging strip.
US08020698B2 Product packaging systems and methods
Disclosed is a product package which includes a packaging sleeve and a product container. The packaging sleeve has a first end that defines an opening and a closed second end. The sleeve includes at least one pair of locking tabs projecting from the first end, each locking tab including a locking edge and each locking tab being folded inwards into the opening. The product container has a body portion for receiving the product and a rigid end cap which sealingly engages with the body portion so as to house the product. The end cap is dimensioned to fit closely within the opening of the sleeve and includes a peripheral rim that, when the end cap is inserted into the sleeve opening, engages the sleeve end and prevents the end cap from being inserted further into the opening.
US08020697B2 Hinge-lid container with additional integral panels
A hinge-lid container includes a box portion and a lid portion hinged to the box portion. The box portion includes an integral first panel connected to the remainder of the container along a first hinge line and an integral second panel. The first panel in an initial position forms at least part of a wall of the box portion and the second panel in an initial position underlies the first panel. The first panel is defined in the wall of the box portion by at least one line of weakness in the initial position and is foldable about the first hinge line from the initial position to a second position in which it is hinged outwardly from the remainder of the container. The second panel is connected to the remainder of the container along a second hinge line. The box portion can include an integral third panel.
US08020694B2 Hyperpolarized gas transport and storage devices and associated transport and storage methods using permanent magnets
A transport unit includes a plurality of permanent magnets arranged to provide a magnetic holding field for protecting hyperpolarized gas during storage and/or transport. The permanent magnets are configured in a relatively light weight manner to project a substantially cylindrical magnetic holding field or spherical holding field in space. The magnet arrangements can include primary magnets and field shaping secondary magnets which act to enlarge the region of homogeneity. The permanent magnet arrangement can also be provided with a cylindrical shaped flex sheet magnetically activated to provide the magnetic holding field. The permanent magnet arrangements do not require disassembly to insert or remove one or more containers of hyperpolarized gas in or out of the transport unit.
US08020693B2 Belt link with half the surface inclined
A conveyor chain link has a leading edge, a trailing edge, two opposed side edges, a load carrying upper surface and a bottom face. The leading and trailing edges have pluralities of eye parts separated by openings, such that the trailing edge of one belt link may be arranged in the openings arranged on the leading edge of an adjacent belt link. The belt links are connected either by inserting a traverse rod through apertures in the eye parts or by fitting lateral notches in slots provided in sides of the eye parts on the opposite edge on the sides of the eye parts along one edge. Between the leading and trailing edges and the side edges at least a part of a load carrying surface has a one-sided inclination towards one side edge.
US08020689B2 Break-away positioning conveyor mount for accommodating conveyor belt bends
A break-away mounting system for a continuous-motion, high-speed position conveyor system is disclosed. A support cradle may be suspended from a conveyor belt such that the support cradle maintains a fixed position and orientation relative to at least one point on the conveyor belt without inducing appreciable stress on the conveyor belt, the support cradle, or the coupling between the conveyor belt and the support cradle. The mount may include a leading rotatable bearing attached to the support cradle which may releasably engage a first key attached to the conveyor belt, the rotatable bearing adapted to accommodate rotational forces applied to the support cradle by the conveyor belt. The mount may also include a slide bearing attached to the support cradle which may releasably engage a second key attached to the conveyor belt, the slide bearing adapted to accommodate longitudinal forces applied to the support cradle by the conveyor belt.
US08020682B2 Synchronizer device
A synchronizer device includes a first rotating member provided at a shaft, a second rotating member rotatably provided at the shaft and including a conical body on which an outer conical surface is formed, a synchronizer ring having an inner conical surface contacting the outer conical surface, and arranged between the first and the second rotating members, the synchronizer ring being movable in an axial direction of the first rotating member and integrally rotated with the first rotating member, a sleeve provided at an outer circumference of the first rotating member, and the sleeve being slidable in the axial direction of the first rotating member, a lever provided at an inner circumference of the sleeve and arranged between the first rotating member and the synchronizer ring, and a retracting member including an outwardly biasing portion and a retracting biasing portion for biasing the lever away from the synchronizer ring.
US08020681B2 Wedge one-way clutch
The present invention broadly comprises a one-way clutch, including inner and outer races and a clutch element. The outer race is arranged for rotational connection to a torque transmitting element and rotates independently of the inner race for relative rotation in a first direction. The clutch element is connected to the outer race and includes at least one engagement element radially disposed between the races. The element is biased radially inward and arranged to rotationally lock the races in response to rotation in a second direction. The present invention also broadly comprises a one-way clutch with inner and outer races, at least one engagement element, and at least one elastically deformable element. One of the races is arranged for connection to a torque transmitting element. The engagement element is radially disposed between the races and is radially asymmetrical. The deformable element biases the engagement element in a rotational direction.
US08020680B2 Hydrodynamic torque converter device for an automotive drive train
A hydrodynamic torque converter device for an automotive drive train, comprising a torsional vibration damper and a converter torus which is formed by an impeller, a turbine wheel and a stator. The torsional vibration damper has a first energy accumulating device with one or more first energy accumulators, and a second energy accumulating device with one or more second energy accumulators, which is connected in series to the first energy accumulating device.
US08020678B2 Traveling case with a foot stand assembly
A traveling case has a container and a foot stand assembly. The container has a top, a bottom, a rear, a handle, multiple wheels and a foot stand recess. The handle is mounted on the top of the container. The wheels are pivotally mounted on the bottom of the container. The foot stand recess is mounted on the rear of the container. The foot stand assembly is mounted on the rear of the container and has a foot stand and a telescopic strut. Therefore, when the traveling case is loaded, a carrier is not required to stabilize the traveling case in order to avoid the traveling case toppling. Therefore, the traveling case is convenient.
US08020672B2 Video aided system for elevator control
An elevator control system (24) provides elevator dispatch and door control based on passenger data received from a video monitoring system. The video monitoring system includes a video processor (16) connected to receive video input from at least one video camera (12). The video processor (16) tracks objects located within the field of view of the video camera, and calculates passenger data parameters associated with each tracked object. The elevator controller (24) provides elevator dispatch (26), door control (28), and security functions (30) based in part on passenger data provided by the video processor (16). The security functions may also be based in part on data from access control systems (14).
US08020671B2 Elevator installation, a guide rail of an elevator installation, brake equipment of an elevator installation and a method for guiding, holding and braking an elevator installation
An elevator installation includes a guide rail and brake equipment for guiding, holding and braking the elevator installation. The brake equipment has a brake lining which co-operates with a brake surface, advantageously with the brake surface of the guide rail, for the purpose of the braking and holding. The brake surface has at least one longitudinal wedge groove or wedge elevation which is oriented in the braking direction and on which the brake lining acts in case of need. An amplification of the braking force is achieved by the longitudinal wedge groove or wedge elevation.
US08020670B2 Arrangement for equalizing elevator rope force and elevator
An arrangement for equalizing rope force of an elevator may include: a hoisting machine, set of hoisting ropes, traction sheave, elevator car, guide rails, and compensating device. The hoisting machine may engage the hoisting ropes via the traction sheave. The elevator car may be at least partially supported by the hoisting ropes to move the elevator car. The elevator car may move along the guide rails. The compensating device may include first and second tensioning devices. The first tensioning device may be spaced apart from the second tensioning device. The first and second tensioning devices may be interconnected via a transmission device that transmits rotary motion. A first end of the set of hoisting ropes may be secured to a point in conjunction with the first tensioning device. A second end of the set of hoisting ropes may be secured to a point in conjunction with the second tensioning device.
US08020669B2 Elevator and traction sheave of an elevator
An elevator may include an elevator car, counterweight, set of hoisting ropes, and one or more rope pulleys. The elevator car and counterweight may be suspended on the set of hoisting ropes. The one or more rope pulleys may be provided with one or more rope grooves. Each rope groove may have a groove bottom and groove sides. At least one rope pulley may have a coating adhesively bonded to it. At the groove bottom, a thickness of the coating may be at most about 3 mm. At the groove bottom, the thickness of the coating may be substantially less than half a thickness of the at least one hoisting rope running in the one or more rope grooves. At the groove sides, the thickness of the coating may be at most about 3 mm. The coating may be thicker at the groove bottom than at the groove sides.
US08020668B2 Operating less than all of multiple cars in a hoistway following communication failure between some or all cars
A plurality of cars (A-C) traveling in the same hoistway (10) send communication check codes (27, 35, 70, 77) to each other over a first communication channel, and if a response is not received (30, 37, 73, 80) within a predetermined time (32, 38, 74, 81) the car not getting a response will send a failure mode command to the other two cars (53, 82). Either the car (A) which senses the failure, or a predesignated car (B) will assume a wild car mode (60, 88) after the other two cars are safely parked (56, 57; 85, 86) out of the way, under control of special sensors and signals sent over a second communications channel. Two out of three cars may operate if only one has communication failure with one or two of the others.
US08020663B2 Method for reducing the noise generated by a hole under a high energy gas flow
According to the invention, at least part of the edge of the hole is loosely surrounded with a mesh structure so as to create a space between the latter and said edge part.
US08020662B1 Acoustic base tray for a dishwashing appliance, and associated method
An apparatus and associated method for attenuating noise generated by a dishwashing appliance in operation is provided herein. During operation a dishwasher and its components generate thermo-acoustic waves associated with noise. A base tray comprising a major surface and an array of thermo-acoustic nodes are used to manage and control the thermo-acoustic waves. The array of thermo-acoustic nodes can be configured in a plurality of rows and columns with at least two thermo-acoustic nodes being interconnected. The array of thermo-acoustic nodes can be configured to channel the thermo-acoustic waves therebetween so as to control and manage the thermo-acoustic waves, thereby attenuating the noise associated with the thermo-acoustic waves. The base tray can be customizable with various arrangements of different thermo-acoustic nodes, clusters, stabilizers and/or channels.
US08020661B2 Steering system with integrated strain gauge
The invention relates to a steering system (10) for a motor vehicle. It is characterized in that at least one component part of the steering system (10) is made from a fiber composite material and that a strain gauge (16) for measuring a steering torque is integrated at least in parts into the fiber composite plastic material.
US08020660B2 Pump device
In a pump device applicable to a power steering apparatus, a pump element is housed within a pump housing and is configured to drain a working oil, an electric motor is configured to drive the pump element, a reservoir tank is installed on the housing and is configured to reserve the working oil supplied to the oil element, a passage is formed within the pump housing and is connected to the pump element, and a control valve is installed in the pump housing, is configured to communicate with the passage, and is configured to control a flow of the working oil caused to flow through the passage.
US08020659B2 Hydrostatically driven vehicle and method therefor
A hydrostatically driven vehicle has an engine operating a variable displacement propel pump, a displacement of which can vary based on an angle of a rotating swashplate, such that a fluid flow impelled by the pump transfers power to at least one propel motor rotating a wheel of the vehicle. An electronic controller of the vehicle senses an operating parameter of the system, for example, the angle of the rotating swashplate or the direction and speed of rotation of the propel motor with a sensor to yield an actual signal, and relays the actual signal to an electronic controller. The controller determines a desired angle for the rotating swashplate based on the control signal, and compares it to the actual signal from the sensor. Motion of the vehicle is stalled when the angle signal differs from the desired angle by a predetermined extent and for a predetermined period.
US08020656B2 Cooling conduit arrangement for hybrid vehicle with two radiators
An inflow conduit through which coolant flows into a hybrid radiator that is arranged in front of an engine radiator is arranged on an upper portion of a bumper reinforcement and attached to the front of the hybrid radiator. As a result, damage to the inflow conduit can be inhibited and the coolant can be cooled by running air before it is cooled in the hybrid radiator.
US08020652B2 Generator power-based cold start strategy
The method of the invention controls engine speed during engine starting for a hybrid electric vehicle that includes a battery, an engine and a generator, acting as a motor, whereby generator torque assists the engine to develop a stable running speed throughout an engine start event, particularly a cold engine start event, without violating battery power limits.
US08020650B2 Control of a starter-alternator during a high-voltage battery fault condition
A method sustains auxiliary power generation aboard a mild hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) in response to a high-voltage (HV) electrical fault condition and executes one of a pair of default limp-home modes depending on the state of the engine at the time of the fault. Each limp-home mode sustains auxiliary power generation during the fault, and at least one mode charges capacitors in the HV bus circuit to provide magnetizing current to a motor generator unit (MGU). An HEV includes a controller and algorithm for sustaining auxiliary power generation during the above fault condition, with the algorithm adapted to control output of an auxiliary power module (APM) and execute one of a pair of default limp-home modes, including a mode in which the APM charges the capacitors to enable a power inverter module (PIM) to provide an initial excitation current to the MGU after the starter motor restarts the engine.
US08020643B2 Ultra-hard constructions with enhanced second phase
Ultra-hard constructions include an ultra-hard body having a first region including a polycrystalline matrix first phase and a second phase material interposed therein. The first region is substantially free of a catalyst material used to form the first phase. The body is formed by removing the catalyst material and then replacing it with the second phase material. A second region is disposed within the body and includes the polycrystalline matrix first phase and a catalyst material used to form the first phase. The second phase material has a thermal characteristic that is more closely matched to the matrix first phase than the catalyst material. The body may be joined to a substrate, and the ultra-hard body may consist entirely of the first region. The second phase material can include non-refractory metals, ceramics, silicon, silicon-containing compounds, diamond, cubic boron nitride, polycrystalline diamond, polycrystalline cubic boron nitride, and mixtures thereof.
US08020641B2 Drill bit with continuously sharp edge cutting elements
A method of optimizing drill bit design and an optimized drill bit for drilling a well into an earth formation comprising a bit body; a number of blades spaced around the bit body, each blade having a curved outer edge and a forward face; a first row of cutter pockets recessed into the face along the outer edge of each blade; a second group of cutter pockets recessed into the face of each blade offset from the first row; and a plurality of cutting elements, each cutting element being brazed into a different one of the cutter pockets.
US08020632B2 Method and system for wellbore communication
A communication system for a casing while drilling system is provided. The casing while drilling system is adapted to advance a bottom hole assembly into a subsurface formation via a casing. The communication system comprises a high frequency modulator and a transducer. The modulator is positioned in the bottom hole assembly and adapted to generate a mud pulse by selectively restrict mud flow passing therethrough. The transducer is adapted to detect the mud pulse generated by the modulator.
US08020630B2 Swinging weight assembly for impact tool
A swinging weight assembly for an impact tool includes an anvil having an impact jaw that is reinforced with a circumferential flange. A hammer includes a hammer lug and a cam lug for pivoting the hammer between an engaged position in which the hammer lug strikes the impact jaw and a disengaged position in which the hammer moves past the impact jaw. The cam lug is separated from the cam lug to define a space in which the reinforcing flange is received.
US08020627B2 Equalized load distribution slips for spider and elevator
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus for supporting a tubular that more evenly distributes stress along the contact length of a tubular. In one embodiment, an apparatus for supporting a tubular is provided. The apparatus includes a bowl having a longitudinal opening extending therethrough and an inner surface for receiving a gripping member. The gripping member is movable along the surface of the bowl for engaging the tubular. The apparatus is configured so that an upper portion of the gripping member will engage the tubular before the rest of the gripping member engages the tubular.
US08020626B2 Torque wrench system having multiple torque stations
An improved multi-bolt and nut torque wrench for installing and removing bolts or nuts from flanged joints or the like which includes a plurality of torque stations having a plurality of high torque wrenches for engaging the heads of the bolts or nuts during a high torque phase of removal or installation; a plurality of low-torque motors operatively engaged with the wrenches for rotating the bolts or nuts during the low torque phase of removal or installation; a source of hydraulic fluid for driving the low-torque motors during the low-torque phase, and driving the high-torque wrenches during the high torque phase; and a mechanism for switching between the two phases depending on the torque needed.
US08020620B2 Methods of producing flow-through passages in casing, and methods of using such casing
Methods of making and using wellbore casing are described, one method comprising providing a plurality of flow-through passages in a portion of a casing while the casing is out of hole; temporarily plugging the flow-through passages with a composition while out of hole; running the casing in hole in a wellbore intersecting a hydrocarbon-bearing formation; and exposing the composition to conditions sufficient to displace the composition from the flow-through passages while in hole. Methods of using the casing may include pumping a stimulation treatment fluid through the casing string and into a formation through the flow-through passages in the first casing joint; plugging the flow-through passages in the first casing section; and exposing a second casing joint of the casing string to conditions sufficient to displace the composition from the flow-through passages in the second casing joint.
US08020616B2 Determining a status in a wellbore based on acoustic events detected by an optical fiber mechanism
A system for use in a well includes downhole equipment for positioning in the well, and an optical fiber for deployment in the well, the optical fiber to extend to a location of interest in the well in proximity of the downhole equipment. An analysis unit analyzes detected light signals returned from the optical fiber that has been affected by acoustic events generated by the downhole equipment and to determine a status in the wellbore based on the analyzing.
US08020613B2 Heat transfer controlling mechanism and fuel cell system having the heat transfer controlling mechanism
A heat transfer controlling mechanism and a fuel cell system, which allow working fluid to flow in a predetermined direction in a loop-shaped flow path without a back flow, having a simple structure independent of the orientation during use, low power consumption, and efficient heat transfer and size reduction. The mechanism includes a vaporizing portion, a condensing portion, and a loop-shaped flow path connecting the vaporizing and the condensing portions so as to seal working fluid. The mechanism transports heat by vaporizing the fluid in the vaporizing portion and condensing the fluid in the condensing portion to control heat transfer. The mechanism further includes a gas passage suppressing portion on one side in the flow path, for allowing liquid, but not gas, to pass therethrough and a liquid passage suppressing portion on the other side in the flow path, for allowing gas, but not liquid, to pass therethrough.
US08020608B2 Heat sink fin with stator blade
Systems, methodologies, and other embodiments are associated with a heat sink with a fin configured with a stator blade. One example includes a heat sink apparatus configured to experience a fan-assisted air flow. The example heat sink apparatus may be configured to include a fan that is configured to produce an air flow in the heat sink apparatus and a heat sink that houses the fan. The example heat sink may include a base and fins that are configured with stator blades.
US08020596B1 High efficiency integrated automotive wheel
The present device is an integrated automotive wheel for electric vehicles which substantially reduces energy loss due to tire flex and energy loss from a conventional drive train. The wheel includes an axle, a hub, two composite sidewalls, a low pressure inner chamber with shock absorbing hub protector, and at least one outer high pressure pneumatic chamber with tread. The hub can contain an electric hub motor which rotates the wheel, propelling the vehicle. The sidewalls include at least one pressurized chamber which position the outer tread ring and enable the wheel to simulate an energy efficient high pressure pneumatic wheel, experiencing little deformation when under smooth road conditions. When road conditions are rough, the sidewalls can temporarily buckle in response to the increased road forces, simulating a low pressure conventional tire having ample space for deformation, with suspension and shock absorption capability built in. The sidewalls and outer ring chamber can be filled with high pressure closed cell foam to prevent flats.
US08020593B2 Method of changing the distance between a rotary cutting tool and a work surface
A method of changing the distance between a rotary cutter disposed on a carriage assembly and a work surface. The method includes the steps of providing a first mechanism on the carriage assembly for making small distance changes between the rotary cutter and the work surface and providing a second mechanism on the carriage assembly for making larger distance changes between the rotary cutter and the work surface. The user selects one of the first and the second mechanisms to adjust the distance between the rotary cutter and the work surface and then activates the selected one of the first and the second mechanisms. Activation of the second mechanism automatically disengages the first mechanism.
US08020592B2 Planer
The invention provides a power tool planer which includes a drum with at least one blade thereon located within a chamber in the tool housing. One end of the chamber is provided with an opening which can be selectively closed by a guard. The guard can be moveable between a first closed position and a second position in which the chamber is opened, and the guard is moved into a recess in the housing to improve the ability to use the tool in confined spaces, as the guard lies flush with a side wall of the housing. Also provided is a dust and debris extraction system and a means for adjusting the depth of cut obtained using the tool.
US08020590B2 Nozzle for filling a container with at least two viscous materials
Nozzle for filling a container with at least a first and a second viscous or paste-like material, of the type including an outer cylindrical body having a delivery mouth. The nozzle has at least two cylindrical chambers, placed inside an outer cylindrical body and fluidly separated, for the respective passage of the first and of the second viscous material, each of the at least two chambers having an outflow section of the relative viscous material substantially positioned in correspondence to a delivery mouth.
US08020589B2 Hydrogen dispensing station and method of operating the same
A hydrogen dispensing station and method of operating a hydrogen dispensing station for dispensing to multiple receiving vessels. The station and method limit receiving vessel gas temperature during dispensing. Various components used to limit receiving vessel gas temperature during dispensing are mutual to multiple hydrogen service ports. Receiving vessel gas temperature during dispensing may be affected by pressure ramp rate control, cooling of hydrogen in a heat exchanger, and/or use of a lower temperature hydrogen source stream.
US08020587B2 Piston-in sleeve hydraulic pressure accumulator
A piston-in-sleeve accumulator includes a cleaning element positioned on the piston and configured to remove and prevent debris from lodging between the piston and a cylindrical nonpermeable sleeve within which the piston slides. A seal on the piston is positioned to engage an opposing surface in the event of a leak, and thereby prevent the possibility of a complete drainage of pressurized fluid from occurring through the accumulator's fluid port. A position contactor switch is further provided to signal position of the piston within the accumulator.
US08020582B2 Excess flow valve
An excess flow valve having a housing, a valve seat, a poppet and an adjusting ring. The adjusting ring lies within a bore in the housing and there is an opening through the housing permitting access to the adjustment ring from outside the bore of the housing. Rotation of the adjusting ring controls the maximum travel distance between the poppet and the valve seat. In an embodiment a travelling valve guide is rotatably mounted within the adjustment ring to change the maximum travel distance between the poppet and the valve seat. A spring may bias the poppet and the valve seat away from each other.
US08020580B2 Drain pipe connector for fluid filters
The present invention is directed to a no-leak drain pipe connector for a fluid filter which helps prevent the splashing of hot fluid on individuals performing filter element and oil changes.
US08020574B2 Method for closing fluid passage, and water hammerless valve device and water hammerless closing device used in the method
A fluid passage is emergently-closed in a short time without causing a water hammer by an extremely simple device and operation. A water hammerless closing device includes an actuator operated valve provided in a fluid passage, an electro-pneumatic conversion device for supplying a 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa to an actuator operated-type valve, a vibration sensor removably secured to the pipe passage on the upstream side of the actuator operated-type valve, and a tuning box receiving a vibration detection signal Pr from the vibration sensor and delivering a control signal Sc to the electro-pneumatic conversion device for controlling the step operating pressure Ps′ of the 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa so that, with the control signal Sc being regulated, the electro-pneumatic conversion device outputs the 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa with the step operating pressure Ps′ capable of bringing the vibration detection signal Pr substantially to zero.
US08020565B2 Modulated pulsed ultrasonic power delivery system and method
A method and apparatus for delivering energy during a surgical procedure such as phacoemulsification is provided. The method and apparatus include applying energy during at least one pulsed energy on period, typically sufficient or intended to rapidly induce and beneficially employ transient cavitation. Applying energy during the pulsed energy on period comprises applying energy during a first high energy period, and applying energy during a second nonzero lower energy period.
US08020559B2 Device for the angular positioning of a limb of a patient resting on an operating table
The invention relates to a device for angularly positioning a member of a patient lying on an operating table (TO), comprising means for positioning a cradle (Be) supporting the member of the patient relative to lateral guide rails (RG1, RG2) of the operating table (TO). Said positioning means comprise: means (MS1, MS2, MS3) for fixing the cradle positioning means (Be) on either of the two lateral guide rails (RG1, RG2) of the operating table (TO), and; means for positioning this cradle (Be) along an axis (?3) contained in a plane parallel to that defined by the operating table (TO), and perpendicular to the principal axis (Δ) of the operating table (TO).
US08020558B2 System for providing flow-targeted ventilation synchronized to a patient's breathing cycle
An open system provides breath-synchronized, flow-targeted ventilation to augment respiration by a self-breathing patient. A sensor detects a physical property of a patient's respiratory cycle. A processor monitors the sensor and controls a gas source to deliver oxygen-containing gas through a tube extending into the patient's airway with the flow rate varying over each respiratory cycle in a predetermined non-constant waveform synchronized with the respiratory cycle to augment the patient's spontaneous respiration. Gas is delivered at a flow rate sufficient to significantly mitigate the airway pressure the patient must generate during spontaneous breathing and thereby reduce the patient's work of breathing.
US08020552B2 Helmets and methods of making and using the same
The present invention is directed to a helmet suitable for use in an operating room setting, an emergency room setting, a hospital setting, or a lab. The helmet of the present invention provides one or more of the following features: (i) superior barrier protection to a surgeon (or other operating room personnel) during a surgical procedure, (ii) a desired degree of air flow through the helmet so as to minimize the potential for carbon dioxide buildup within the helmet, and (iii) an integrated battery pack positioned within the helmet.
US08020545B2 Method and apparatus for scribing tile
A method and apparatus for scribing tile is disclosed. The disclosed scribing tool preferably comprises a scribe member, a tile engagement member, and an extension member. The scribe member is preferably connected to the tile engagement member via the extension member. The extension member is preferably pivotally connected to the scribe member and both pivotally and slideably connected to the tile engagement member.
US08020543B2 Crossbow dry fire arrestor
Disclosed in a dry fire arrestor for a crossbow having a trigger mechanism operable to fire an arrow or bolt, that includes a spring plate, trigger sear connected to the trigger mechanism, an anti-dry fire bar for engaging and disengaging the trigger sear. The dry fire arrestor utilizes tension provided by the spring plate to allows anti dry fire bar to automatically engage the trigger sear, precluding movement of the trigger when an arrow in not properly inserted in the dry fire arrestor.
US08020542B2 Nitrous oxide injection system
A nitrous oxide system for an internal combustion engine includes a bottle containing pressurized nitrous oxide coupled to a nitrous oxide flow line, which is in fluid communication with an injection nozzle operatively coupled to the engine intake. A control valve is fluidly coupled to the nitrous oxide flow line between the nitrous oxide bottle and the injection nozzle, and is operable to control the flow of nitrous oxide through the nitrous oxide flow line to the engine intake. A supplemental fuel line in fluid communication with a secondary source of fuel with respect to the primary fuel line, and a supplemental fuel valve is fluidly coupled to the supplemental fuel line and operably coupled to the nitrous oxide flow line, such that a flow of pressurized nitrous oxide through the nitrous oxide flow line opens the supplemental fuel valve to allow a secondary flow of fuel to the engine intake.
US08020539B2 Device for distributing incoming gases in an internal combustion air supply system
The invention relates to a device for distributing the incoming gases in an internal combustion air supply system. This system comprises a fresh air intake pipe (1) and an exhaust gas recirculation intake pipe (2) and the internal combustion engine comprises, for each cylinder, a cylinder head that forms a lid over it, at least one inlet gas intake valve (3, 4) and at least one exhaust valve (5) which are mounted in the cylinder head and, in the case of a multi-cylinder engine, a distributor (7) connecting at least the fresh air intake pipe (1) to the cylinders. In this device, the fresh air intake pipe (1) and the exhaust gas recirculation intake pipe (2) are connected to each of the cylinders independently of one another, each of them (1, 2) via an intake valve (3, 4) dedicated to it (1, 2).
US08020531B2 Electronic throttle control device in V-type internal combustion engine for vehicle
An electronic throttle control device in a internal combustion engine for a vehicle can be improved in maintainability and can be reduced in size. An electronic throttle control device in a V-type internal combustion engine for a vehicle has a fuel injection valve and throttle valves in an intake passage. A throttle driving motor controls the opening angle of each throttle valve according to the amount of operation of a throttle grip performed by an operator of the vehicle. The throttle driving motor is located outside a region surrounded by the throttle bodies that are respectively connected to all of intake ports as viewed in plan.
US08020530B2 Piston and internal combustion engine therewith and method of constructing the piston
A piston and internal combustion engine therewith constructed in accordance with the present invention has a piston body with an upper crown having a substantially cylindrical outer surface depending from a top surface along a central axis. At least one annular ring groove extends radially into the outer surface to provide a top land extending from the ring groove to the top surface. A plurality of waves are formed circumferentially about the top land. Each of the waves has a valley extending radially into the outer surface of the top land and extending from the top surface to the ring groove. The waves traverse from the top surface to the ring groove and are configured in substantially non-overlapping relation with one another and in a predetermined orientation relative to at least one of a fuel spray stream, a pin bore axis or a thrust axis of the piston.
US08020529B2 Piston pin with slide layer for connecting rod eye for internal combustion engines
Piston pin for a connecting rod in a reciprocating internal combustion engine, wherein the piston pin carries at least in the area of the running surface a thermal sprayed slide layer of a metallic bearing material or slide bearing material, as well as reciprocating internal combustion engine with a connecting rod with small and with large connecting rod eye, wherein at least the running surface of one of the piston pins is formed of a thermal sprayed slide layer of a metallic bearing material, which exhibits a lower hardness than the running surface of the corresponding connecting rod eye and process for manufacturing a described piston pin with the steps of a extrusion molding or machining a piston pin preform, introduction of a recess in the area which will later become the running surface, roughening the outer surface in the area of the recess, application of a coating of a bearing material by a thermal spray process.
US08020528B1 Counterweight shaft construction which reduces aeration when submerged or partially submerged below the surface of a liquid
An engine structure is provided with a bedplate and an oil pan. The bedplate is configured to have an integrally formed balance shaft bearing support. A bearing cap is either a separate component or a component that is formed as an integral part of the oil pan. The bearing cap and the balance shaft bearing support structures are attachable to each other to capture the bearing portions of the balance shafts therebetween.
US08020521B2 Attractant enhanced apparatus for cats
An attractant apparatus for use by animals. This apparatus is characterized as having surfaces on which the animal can play, scratch, and rub and a retainer for an animal attractant, such as catnip, used to induce such activity. The retainer may be opened to allow for the introduction and removal of the attractant. This cover is characterized as permitting odors emanating from the catnip to pass through, so as to induce play in the animal. An overlay partially covers the retainer to restrict direct access by the animal to the attractant held within the retainer, but allows partial access near the retainer and an additional surface and area for playing.