Document | Document Title |
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US08026305B2 |
Articles formed from nucleated polyethylene
Polymer articles and processes of forming the same are described herein. The processes generally include providing an ethylene based polymer, blending the ethylene based polymer with a modifier to form modified polyethylene and forming the modified polyethylene into a polymer article, wherein the polymer article exhibits a haze that is at least about 10% less than a polymer article prepared with a similarly modified polyethylene. |
US08026304B2 |
Partially or fully neutralized butyl ionomers in golf ball layers
A golf ball having a core, and at least one layer about the core, wherein the core or the layer is formed from partially or fully neutralized butyl ionomers or their blends to improve the resiliency and impact durability over a conventional butyl rubber. The core comprises a thermoplastic material, a thermoset material, or a rubber-based material, while at least one layer is formed from a composition comprising a partially or fully neutralized butyl rubber ionomer. The butyl rubber ionomer comprises repeating units derived from at least one isoolefin monomer, at least 0.5 mol % of repeating units derived from at least one multiolefin monomer, at least 0.5 mol % of repeating units derived from an allylic halide, and at least 0.5 mol % of an ionomeric moiety. The isoolefin comprises isobutylene, the multiolefin comprises isoprene and the allylic halide comprises a bromide. |
US08026301B2 |
Biodegradable polymer composition
The invention disclosed in this application relates to a novel biodegradable additive polymer composition useful for the preparation of biodegradable plastic products which comprises of a mixture of (i) a polymer selected from Polyethylene, polypropylene, poly styrene, poly vinyl chloride or a mixture thereof (ii) Cellulose (iii) Amides (iv) nutrients selected from Blue green algae and/or Yeast and (v) Water. This composition can be mixed with a virgin polymer to get a master polymer. The master batch composition may be mixed with a virgin polymer, which is useful for preparing products which are biodegradable. |
US08026298B2 |
Method of manufacturing artificial marble
A method for the preparation of an engineered stone slab having coated lumps of composite stone material, the method comprising: scooping a first inorganic particulate material and a polymer material to produce lumps of composite stone material; mixing a second inorganic particulate material with the lumps to produce coated lumps; and adding one or more colorants to the first inorganic particulate material, to the second inorganic particulate material, or to both the first and second inorganic particulate materials. |
US08026295B2 |
Dental composition with improved light stability
Dental composition having an improved light and thermal stability, including a mixture of at least a polymerizable resin, at least a polymerizable monomer, at least a polymerization initiator and/or a sensitizer and stabilizer, and at least an organic and/or inorganic filler and pigments in a content of 0 to 90 percent and at least one of the stable radicals. |
US08026293B2 |
Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane based imprint materials and imprint process using polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane based imprint materials
A method of forming low dielectric contrast structures by imprinting a silsesquioxane based polymerizable composition. The imprinting composition including: one or more polyhedral silsesquioxane oligomers each having one or more polymerizable groups, wherein each of the one or more polymerizable group is bound to a different silicon atom of the one or more polyhedral silsesquioxane oligomers; and one or more polymerizable diluents, the diluents constituting at least 50% by weight of the composition. |
US08026287B2 |
Colloidal dispersion of calcium phosphate platelets, and its process of preparation
The invention provides colloidal dispersions of calcium phosphate platelets comprising at least one polymer which complexes the calcium and in which the length of the platelets, L, is between 5 and 500 nm and in which the thickness of the platelets is between 0.5 and 20 nm.Another subject-matter of the invention is the calcium phosphate platelets obtained by drying the colloidal dispersion according to the invention.The invention also provides a process for preparing these colloidal dispersions of calcium phosphate platelets according to the invention.Finally, another subject-matter of the invention is the use of the abovementioned colloidal dispersions of platelets as food additive, reinforcing filler, thermal insulation filler, pharmaceutical excipient, polishing agent, building materials, additive for oral formulations, in particular dentifrices, or encapsulating agent. |
US08026284B2 |
Enterically coated cystamine, cysteamine and derivatives thereof
The disclosure provides oral cysteamine and cystamine formulations useful for treating cystinosis and neurodegenerative diseases and disorders. The formulations provide controlled release compositions that improve quality of life and reduced side-effects. |
US08026282B2 |
Phenoxyalkylcarboxylic acid derivatives in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome
A method of treating irritable bowel syndrome in a patient suffering therefrom comprising: administering an effective amount of a compound selected from compound 1, its metabolite 2 and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or esters thereof: |
US08026278B2 |
Inhibitors of pyruvate kinase as therapeutic agents for cancer
The present invention relates to compounds for the inhibition of pyruvate kinase and ATP production which are capable of inhibiting cancer cells proliferation. |
US08026276B2 |
Parenteral CCI-779 formulations containing cosolvents, an antioxidant, and a surfactant
Parenteral formulations of rapamycin 42-ester with 3-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl) -2-methylpropionic acid (CCI-779) are provided. One parenteral formulation contains CCI-779, an alcoholic co-solvent, and an antioxidant. Another parenteral formulation contains CCI-779, an alcoholic solvent, an antioxidant, a diluent solvent, and a surfactant. Processes for preparing parenteral CCI-779 formulations using a co-solvent concentrate are also provided. |
US08026273B2 |
8-azaprostaglandin derivative compound and agent comprising the compound as active ingredient
An 8-azaprostaglandin represented by formula (I) (wherein all symbols have the same meanings as described in the specification), a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a cyclodextrin clathrate thereof. Since the compound represented by formula (I) binds to EP2 subtype among PGE receptor strongly, it is useful for preventive and/or treatment for immune diseases, allergic diseases, neuronal cell death, dysmenorrhea, premature birth, abortion, baldness, retinal neuropathy such as glaucoma, erectile dysfunction, arthritis, pulmonary injury, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hepatic injury, acute hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, shock, nephritis, renal failure, circulatory diseases, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, hemophagocytosis syndrome, macrophage activation syndrome, still disease, Kawasaki Disease, burn, systemic granuloma, ulcerative colitis, Crohn disease, hypercytokinemia at dialysis, multiple organ failure, or bone diseases etc. |
US08026268B2 |
Method for scavenging radicals with urocanic acid, derivatives and analogues
The invention relates to antioxidants or radical scavengers and their reaction products. The invention provides compounds and compositions for use in methods for scavenging radicals or for modulating the immune response comprising urocanic acid or salts, derivatives, functional equivalents and analogues thereof. |
US08026263B2 |
Methods for inhibiting neoproliferative changes in blood vessel walls
Methods, compositions and devices for inhibiting neoproliferative changes in blood vessel walls or other anatomical structures. One or more compounds of Formula I or I-A set forth herein are administered systemically and/or locally to human or veterinary patients to deter or prevent unwanted proliferative changes in blood vessels or other anatomical structures. The invention may be used to deter or prevent stenosis or restenosis of arteries following angioplasty and/or stent placement. In one embodiment, there is provided an implantable stent or stent graft from which one or more compounds of the present invention will elute or otherwise be delivered into an affected blood vessel wall. |
US08026262B2 |
Chemical compounds
This invention relates to non-steroidal compounds that are modulators of androgen receptor, and also to the methods for the making and use of such compounds. |
US08026260B2 |
Histone deacetylase inhibitors with aryl-pyrazolyl-motifs
The present invention relates to a novel class of histone deacetylase inhibitors with aryl-pyrazolyl motifs. The compounds of this invention can be used to treat cancer. The compounds of this invention are suitable for use in selectively inducing terminal differentiation, and arresting cell growth and/or apoptosis of neoplastic cells, thereby inhibiting proliferation of such cells. Thus, the compounds of the present invention are useful in treating a patient having a tumor characterized by proliferation of neoplastic cells. The present invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of this invention and safe dosing regimens of these pharmaceutical compositions, which are easy to follow, and which result in a therapeutically effective amount of the compounds of this invention in vivo. |
US08026258B2 |
Aryloxyalkylcarbamate-type derivatives, preparation method thereof and use of same in therapeutics
The invention relates to a compound of formula (I): Wherein m, n, X, Y, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as defined herein. The invention also relates to the use of same in therapeutics. |
US08026257B2 |
Substituted heterocyclic ethers and their use in CNS disorders
The invention encompasses compounds of Formula I, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts, their pharmaceutical compositions, and their use in treating CNS disorders. |
US08026253B2 |
Quinoline inhibitors of HCV polymerase
Compounds having the formula I wherein wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, X1, X2, X3 and X4 and as defined herein are Hepatitis C virus NS5b polymerase inhibitors. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for treating an HCV infection and inhibiting HCV replication. |
US08026252B2 |
Large substituent, non-phenolic opioids and methods of use thereof
8-Substituted-2,6-methano-3-benzazocines of general structure are useful as analgesics, anti-diarrheal agents, anticonvulsants, antitussives and anti-addiction medications. |
US08026251B2 |
Huperzine A and its derivatives as analgesic agents
The present invention relates to a method for treating or alleviating migraines, by administering to a patient in need thereof compound (I), or salts thereof, or pharmaceutical preparations thereof comprising mixtures of compound (I) or salts thereof with pharmaceutically-acceptable diluents wherein: R represents —NHC(O)OR3; and R3 represents methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl or phenylmethyl. |
US08026244B2 |
Thioxanthine derivatives and their use as inhibitors of MPO
There are disclosed novel compounds of Formula (I) wherein L, R1, X and Y are as defined in the specification, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; together with processes for their preparation, compositions containing them and their use in therapy. The compounds are inhibitors of the enzyme MPO and are thereby particularly useful in the treatment or prophylaxis of neuroinflammatory disorders, cardio- and cerebrovascular atherosclerotic disorders and peripheral artery disease and respiratory disorders. |
US08026243B2 |
[4,5′]Bipyrimidinyl-6,4′-diamine derivatives as protein kinase inhibitors
The invention provides a novel class of compounds of the Formula I: in which the symbols have the meanings given in the description and claims, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat or prevent diseases or disorders associated with abnormal or deregulated kinase activity, particularly diseases or disorders that involve abnormal activation of FGFR3 kinase. |
US08026242B2 |
Cyclopropyl amines as modulators of the histamine H3 receptor
Certain cyclopropyl amines are histamine H3 modulators useful in the treatment of histamine H3 receptor mediated diseases. |
US08026241B2 |
Vanilloid receptor ligands and their use in treatments
Therapeutic benzimidazoles and compositions containing them, for the treatment of acute, inflammatory and neuropathic pain, dental pain, general headache, migraine, cluster headache, mixed-vascular and non-vascular syndromes, tension headache, general inflammation, arthritis, rheumatic diseases, osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disorders, inflammatory eye disorders, inflammatory or unstable bladder disorders, psoriasis, skin complaints with inflammatory components, chronic inflammatory conditions, inflammatory pain and associated hyperalgesia and allodynia, neuropathic pain and associated hyperalgesia and allodynia, diabetic neuropathy pain, causalgia, sympathetically maintained pain, deafferentation syndromes, asthma, epithelial tissue damage or dysfunction, herpes simplex, disturbances of visceral motility at respiratory, genitourinary, gastrointestinal or vascular regions, wounds, burns, allergic skin reactions, pruritus, vitiligo, general gastrointestinal disorders, gastric ulceration, duodenal ulcers, diarrhea, gastric lesions induced by necrotizing agents, hair growth, vasomotor or allergic rhinitis, bronchial disorders or bladder disorders. |
US08026240B2 |
Octahydro-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyrrole N-oxides
The invention relates to octahydro-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyrrole N-oxides as prodrugs of CNS-active compounds, compositions comprising such compounds, methods for making the compounds, salts, and polymorphs, and methods of treating conditions and disorders using such compounds and compositions. Octahydro-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyrrole N-oxides of formula (I) are prodrugs of histamine-3 antagonists, and are useful in treating conditions or disorders prevented by or ameliorated by histamine-3 receptor ligands. Octahydro-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyrrole N-oxide compounds, methods for using such compounds, compositions for making them, and processes for preparing such compounds are disclosed herein. |
US08026237B2 |
Pyrrole derivatives as pharmaceutical agents
Compounds, compositions and methods for modulating the activity of receptors are provided. In particular compounds and compositions are provided for modulating the activity of receptors and for the treatment, prevention, or amelioration of one or more symptoms of disease or disorder directly or indirectly related to the activity of the receptors. |
US08026223B1 |
Treating malignant tumors with high field strength electroporation of plasmids encoding IL-12
In accordance with the present invention is provided a method of treating a subject having a cancerous tumor. The treatment protocol methodology includes injecting the cancerous tumor with an effective dose of plasmid coding for a therapeutic protein followed by administering electroporation therapy to the tumor, the electroporation therapy includes the administration of at least one high voltage, short duration pulse to the tumor. |
US08026222B2 |
Methods of use of glycomimetics with replacements for hexoses and n-acetyl hexosamines
Methods are provided for using a compound to treat, for example, endothelial dysfunction including vascular abnormalities. More specifically, methods are described for using an oligosaccharide compound or glycomimetic compound wherein a cyclohexane derivative is incorporated in either. |
US08026218B2 |
Bifunctional analgesic compounds for opioid receptor agonists and neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists
The present invention provides a novel chimeric compound comprising an agonist opioid receptor binding moiety at its N-terminus and an antagonist neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor binding moiety at its C-terminus for producing analgesia, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the chimeric compound, a method of making the compound, and a method of treating pain using the novel chimeric compounds. |
US08026217B2 |
Compositions and methods for treating neural anoxia and spreading depression
Compositions and methods for protecting neural tissue (e.g., neurons) from anoxia and spreading depression (SD) involve inhibiting the cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) pathway. It was discovered that the PKG pathway plays a crucial role in regulating SD and tolerance to anoxia in the central nervous system (CNS). Inhibition of the PKG pathway greatly reduces SD and increases tolerance to anoxia (i.e., hypoxia), while activation of the pathway exacerbates SD pathology. The compositions and methods can be used to treat any condition associated with SD or anoxia, including stroke, spinal cord injury, neurogenerative disease, dizziness, headaches, and migraines. |
US08026216B2 |
Methods and compositions for contributing to the treatment of cancers
Methods and compositions for contributing to the treatment of cancers, especially ovarian tumors, are disclosed. The methods and compositions utilize an endothelin B agonist (ETB) to enhance the delivery and resulting efficacy of chemotherapeutic agent(s) (e.g., cisplatin and/or cyclophosphamide). |
US08026214B2 |
Liquid, aqueous pharmaceutical compositions of factor VII polypeptides
The present invention is directed to liquid, aqueous pharmaceutical compositions stabilised against chemical and/or physical degradation containing Factor VII polypeptides, and methods for preparing and using such compositions, as well as vials containing such compositions, and the use of such compositions in the treatment of a Factor VII-responsive syndrome. The main embodiment is represented by a liquid, aqueous pharmaceutical composition comprising at least 0.01 mg/mL of a Factor VII polypeptide (i); a buffering agent (ii) suitable for keeping pH in the range of from about 4.0 to about 9.0; and at least one stabilising agent (iii) comprising a —C(═N—Z1—R1)—NH—Z2—R2 motif, e.g. benzamidine compounds and guanidine compounds such as arginine. |
US08026211B2 |
Methods and formulations for increasing intestinal function
A method for increasing intestinal function is provided. The method comprising orally and/or enterally administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of insulin, thereby increasing intestinal function. |
US08026205B2 |
Fabric softening compositions comprising polymeric materials
Fabric softening compositions comprising polymeric materials capable of retaining volatile perfume ingredients are disclosed, as well as methods of softening fabrics. |
US08026204B2 |
Method for producing anionic surfactant granule
The present invention relates to a method for producing an anionic surfactant granule, which includes granulating an anionic surfactant powder in a granulator having an agitating blade, while adding water, at a temperature of the granule being higher by 0.5 to 30° C. than a boiling point of water under a pressure of the inside of the granulator. |
US08026202B2 |
Rifle bore cleaning composition
A rifle bore cleaning mixture of 2.4 by volume of Sweet's to 1 of Kroil to produce an approximate compound that is 70% by volume of Sweet's and 30% by volume of Kroil without combining any further additives with the mixture. |
US08026197B2 |
Method and apparatus for manufacturing superconducting tape through integrated process
A method and apparatus for manufacturing superconducting tape through an integrated process, including the steps of: heat-treating a substrate wound on a drum in a reaction chamber; continuously depositing components, constituting a buffer layer, a superconducting layer, a contact resistance layer, and a protective layer of the superconducting tape, which are supplied from a deposition chamber, on the substrate; and heat-treating the substrate deposited with the components. The present invention is advantageous in that the unit cost and time for manufacturing a superconducting tape are decreased because all processes for manufacturing a superconducting tape can be performed under the same conditions, the uniformity and performance of a superconducting tape is improved because the same deposition conditions are applied to all of the process for manufacturing a superconducting tape, and a high-quality superconducting tape having high deposition efficiency can be obtained because specific components can be deposited on a large-sized substrate using a drum. |
US08026194B2 |
Layered sphere catalyst formulations for selective hydrogenation performance
A catalyst for selective hydrogenation of hydrocarbons is presented. The catalyst selectively hydrogenates acetylenes and diolefins to increase the monoolefins in a product stream. The catalyst includes a layered structure with an inert inner core and an outer layer bonded to the inner core, where the outer layer is a metal oxide and has at least two metals deposited on the outer layer. |
US08026193B2 |
Metal oxide particle, production process thereof and exhaust gas purifying catalyst
The present invention provides a metal oxide having a combination of multiple properties useful in the production of an exhaust gas purifying catalyst, a production process thereof, and an exhaust gas purifying catalyst for purifying the components in an exhaust gas. The metal oxide particle of the present invention comprises a core part 1 relatively rich in a ceria-zirconia solid solution and a surface layer 2 relatively rich in a second metal oxide such as ceria or zirconia. |
US08026187B2 |
Method of forming silicon oxide film and method of production of semiconductor memory device using this method
To form a good quality silicon oxide film provided with both a superior Qbd characteristic and Rd characteristic, a wafer W is loaded into a plasma treatment apparatus where the surface of a silicon layer 501 of the wafer W is treated by plasma oxidation to form on the silicon layer 501 to a film thickness T1 a silicon oxide film 503. Next, the wafer W on which the silicon oxide film 503 is formed is transferred to a thermal oxidation treatment apparatus where the silicon oxide film 503 is treated by thermal oxidation to thereby form a silicon oxide film 505 having a target film thickness T2. |
US08026186B2 |
Microwave annealing method for device processing with plastic substrate
The present invention provides a microwave annealing method for a plastic substrate. The method comprises pulsed microwave annealing to an organic photo-voltaic device to avoid warpage and degradation of the plastic substrate. Utilizing pulsed microwave annealing method can improve the wettability of the organic layer on the plastic substrate verified by contact angle measurement, and achieving the organic solar cell fabricated with higher power conversion efficiency. |
US08026184B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device formed by laminating a capacitor including a bottom metal electrode, a capacitive insulating film, and an upper metal electrode. When the capacitive insulating film is formed by performing a first step of forming a first dielectric layer on the bottom metal electrode by a vapor phase film forming method using a precursor gas that contains constituent elements of a dielectric; and a second step of forming a second dielectric layer on the first dielectric layer by a vapor phase film forming method using a precursor gas that contains constituent elements of a dielectric, a film forming temperature in the first step is set so as to be lower than a film forming temperature in the second step. |
US08026177B2 |
Silicon dioxide cantilever support and method for silicon etched structures
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer (2) having therein a cavity (4). A dielectric layer (3) is formed on the semiconductor layer. A plurality of etchant openings (24) extend through the dielectric layer for passage of etchant for etching the cavity. An SiO2 pillar (25) extends from a bottom of the cavity to engage and support a portion of the dielectric layer extending over the cavity. In one embodiment, a cap layer (34) on the dielectric layer covers the etchant openings. |
US08026172B2 |
Method of forming contact hole arrays using a hybrid spacer technique
One embodiment of the invention provides a method of forming a plurality of contact holes, including forming a first feature and a second feature over an underlying material, forming sidewall spacers on the first and second features, removing the first and second features without removing the sidewall spacers, forming a cover mask at least partially exposing the sidewall spacers, and etching the underlying material using the cover mask and the sidewall spacers as a mask to form the plurality of contact holes. |
US08026169B2 |
Cu annealing for improved data retention in flash memory devices
Data retention in flash memory devices, such as mirrorbit devices, is improved by reducing the generation and/or diffusion of hydrogen ions during back end processing, such as annealing inlaid Cu. Embodiments include annealing inlaid Cu in an N2 atmosphere containing low H2 or no H2, and at temperatures less than 200° C., e.g., 100° C. to 150° C. |
US08026167B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A metal interconnection of semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same is provided. The semiconductor device can include a semiconductor substrate formed with device structures such as transistors. An interlayer dielectric layer can be formed on the semiconductor substrate with a metal interconnection formed therethrough. A spacer can be formed on at least a portion of a sidewall of the metal interconnection. A diffusion barrier can be formed on an upper surface of the metal interconnection. |
US08026164B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, includes steps of forming an organic insulating film over a semiconductor substrate, irradiating an electron beam to a surface of the organic insulating film, forming recesses in the organic insulating film, forming a conductive material over the organic insulating film and in the recesses, and removing the conductive material on the organic insulating film by a polishing to expose the surface of the organic insulating film and to leave the conductive material buried in recesses of the organic insulating film. |
US08026163B2 |
Manufacturing method of semiconductor integrated circuit device
When relatively hard Au bump electrodes are mass-produced by electrolytic plating while ensuring usually required properties such as a non-glossy property and shape-flatness, combination of conditions, such as low liquid temperature, high current density, and low concentration of added Tl (thallium) that is an adjuvant, will be selected by itself. However, in such conditions, there is a problem that it is difficult to maintain the Tl concentration in a plating solution and, when the Tl concentration is reduced, defective appearance of the Au bump electrodes is generated by anomalous deposition. Conventionally, there has been no means to directly monitor minute Tl concentration and the Tl concentration has been controlled by analyzing the plating solution periodically. However, this can not prevent generation of a lot of defective products. One invention of the present application relates to detecting the added amount of Tl in the plating solution by monitoring the voltage applied to the plating solution in formation of bump electrodes by an electrolytic Au plating using a non-cyan based plating solution according to the manufacturing method of a semiconductor integrated circuit device. |
US08026156B2 |
Method of fabricating nitride-based compound layer, GaN substrate and vertical structure nitride-based semiconductor light emitting device
In a method for fabricating a nitride-based compound layer, first, a GaN substrate is prepared. A mask layer with a predetermined pattern is formed on the GaN substrate to expose a partial area of the GaN substrate. Then a buffer layer is formed on the partially exposed GaN substrate. The buffer layer is made of a material having a 10% or less lattice mismatch with GaN. Thereafter, the nitride-based compound is grown laterally from a top surface of the buffer layer toward a top surface of the mask layer and the nitride-based compound layer is vertically grown to a predetermined thickness. Also, the mask layer and the buffer layer are removed via wet-etching to separate the nitride-based compound layer from the GaN substrate. |
US08026155B2 |
Method for producing semiconductor device
A method for producing a semiconductor device includes forming an aluminum layer on a core substrate, anodizing the aluminum layer into an alumina layer having a plurality of nanoholes, forming an n-type GaN layer by growing crystals of a compound semiconductor such as an n-type GaN on the alumina layer and inside the nanoholes, and dissolving the alumina layer with an acid. As a result, gaps are formed and a structure in which the core substrate is joined to the n-type GaN layer through portions, other than the gaps, having a very small area is generated. Then a laser beam is applied to the n-type GaN layer through the core substrate to separate the n-type GaN layer from the core substrate by a laser lift-off technique. |
US08026146B2 |
Method of manufacturing a bipolar transistor
The invention provides for an alternative and less complex method of manufacturing a bipolar transistor comprising a field plate (17) in a trench (7) adjacent to a collector region (21), which field plate (17) employs a reduced surface field (Resurf) effect. The Resurf effect reshapes the electric field distribution in the collector region (21) such that for the same collector-base breakdown voltage the doping concentration of the collector region (21) can effectively be increased resulting in a reduced collector resistance and hence an increased bipolar transistor speed. The method comprises a step of forming a base window (6) in a first base layer (4) thereby exposing a top surface of the collector region (21) and a part of an isolation region (3). The trench (7) is formed by removing the exposed part of the isolation region (3), after which isolation layers (9,10) are formed on the surface of the trench (7). A second base layer (13) is formed on the isolation layer (10), thereby forming the field plate (17), on the top surface of the collector region (21), thereby forming a base region (31), and on a sidewall of the first base layer (4), thereby forming an electrical connection between the first base layer (4), the base region (31) and the field plate (17). An emitter region (41) is formed on a top part of the base region (31), thereby forming the Resurf bipolar transistor. |
US08026144B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
In a semiconductor device having a raised source and drain structure, in forming a raised region by etching, etching of an island-like semiconductor film which is an active layer is inhibited. In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, an insulating film is formed by oxidizing or nitriding the surface of an island-like semiconductor film, a semiconductor film is formed on a region which is a part of the insulating film, a gate electrode is formed over the insulating film, an impurity element imparting one conductivity type is added to the island-like semiconductor film and the semiconductor film using the gate electrode as a mask, the impurity element is activated by heating the island-like semiconductor film and the semiconductor film, and the part of the insulating film between the island-like semiconductor film and the semiconductor film disappears by heating the island-like semiconductor film and the semiconductor film. |
US08026137B2 |
Production method of a capacitor
A method for producing a capacitor having a good capacitance appearance factor and a low ESR comprising, as one electrode (anode), an electric conductor having pores and having formed on the surface thereof a dielectric layer and, as the other electrode (cathode), a semiconductor layer formed on the electric conductor by energization in an electrolytic solution, the method comprising impregnating pores with a semiconductor layer-forming precursor before energization to render the concentration of semiconductor layer-forming precursor in pores higher than that of semiconductor layer-forming precursor in the electrolytic solution; a capacitor produced by the method; and an electronic circuit and an electronic device using the capacitor. |
US08026136B2 |
Methods of forming low hydrogen concentration charge-trapping layer structures for non-volatile memory
Memory cells comprising: a semiconductor substrate having at least two source/drain regions separated by a channel region; a charge-trapping structure disposed above the channel region; and a gate disposed above the charge-trapping structure; wherein the charge-trapping structure comprises a bottom insulating layer, a first charge-trapping layer, and a second charge-trapping layer, wherein an interface between the bottom insulating layer and the substrate has a hydrogen concentration of less than about 3×1011/cm−2, and methods for forming such memory cells. |
US08026133B2 |
Method of fabricating a semiconductor device with a non-uniform gate insulating film
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a gate insulating film formed on the semiconductor substrate, a gate electrode formed on the gate insulating film, a source/drain diffusion layer formed in the semiconductor substrate at both sides of the gate electrode, and a channel region formed in the semiconductor substrate between a source and a drain of the source/drain diffusion layer and arranged below the gate insulating film, wherein an upper surface of the source/drain diffusion layer is positioned below a bottom surface of the gate electrode, and an upper surface of the channel region is positioned below the upper surface of the source/drain diffusion layer. |
US08026131B2 |
SOI radio frequency switch for reducing high frequency harmonics
First doped semiconductor regions having the same type doping as a bottom semiconductor layer and second doped semiconductor regions having an opposite type doping are formed directly underneath a buried insulator layer of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. The first doped semiconductor regions and the second doped semiconductor regions are electrically grounded or forward-biased relative to the bottom semiconductor layer at a voltage that is insufficient to cause excessive current due to forward-biased injection of minority carriers into the bottom semiconductor layer, i.e., at a potential difference not exceeding 0.6 V to 0.8V. The electrical charges formed in an induced charge layer by the electrical signal in semiconductor devices on the top semiconductor layer are drained through electrical contacts connected to the first and second doped semiconductor regions, thereby reducing of harmonic signals in the semiconductor devices above and enhancing the performance of the semiconductor devices as a radio-frequency (RF) switch. |
US08026129B2 |
Stacked integrated circuits package system with passive components
A stacked integrated circuit package system is provided forming a first stack layer having a first integrated circuit die on a first substrate, forming a second stack layer having a second integrated circuit die on a second substrate, and mechanically and electrically connecting a spacer layer having a first passive component between the second stack layer and the first stack layer. |
US08026128B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of self-confinement of conductive bump material during reflow without solder mask
A semiconductor device has a semiconductor die with an die bump pad and substrate with a trace line and integrated bump pad. Conductive bump material is deposited on the substrate bump pad or die bump pad. The semiconductor die over the substrate so that the bump material is disposed between the die bump pad and substrate bump pad. The bump material is reflowed without a solder mask around the die bump pad or substrate bump pad to form an interconnect. The bump material is self-confined within a footprint of the die bump pad or substrate bump pad. The bump material can be immersed in a flux solution prior to reflow to increase wettability. Alternatively, the interconnect includes a non-fusible base and fusible cap. The volume of bump material is selected so that a surface tension maintains self-confinement of the bump material within the bump pads during reflow. |
US08026126B2 |
Apparatus and method for thin die detachment
The invention provides an apparatus and method for thin die detachment involving the use of a collet for holding and detaching a die mounted on an adhesive surface of an adhesive film. An ejector device comprising a plurality of ejector pins is employed to partially delaminate said die from the adhesive surface for detachment by the collet. Each ejector pin is operative to contact and raise a second surface of the film opposite the adhesive surface at a position substantially at a corner of the die to be detached within a predetermined distance from the edges of said die. |
US08026125B2 |
Phase change RAM device and method for fabricating the same
Disclosed are a phase change RAM device and a method for fabricating a phase change RAM device, which can efficiently lower intensity of current required for changing a phase of a phase change layer. The method includes the steps of providing a semiconductor substrate formed with an insulating interlayer including a tungsten plug, forming a first oxide layer on the semiconductor substrate, forming a pad-type bottom electrode, which makes contact with the tungsten plug, in the first oxide layer, forming a second oxide layer on the first oxide layer including the bottom electrode, and forming a porous polystyrene pattern on the second oxide layer such that a predetermined portion of the second oxide layer corresponding to a center portion of the bottom electrode is covered with the porous polystyrene pattern. |
US08026119B2 |
Method of fabricating semiconductor substrate and method of fabricating light emitting device
The present invention provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor substrate and a method of fabricating a light emitting device. The method includes forming a first semiconductor layer on a substrate, forming a metallic material layer on the first semiconductor layer, forming a second semiconductor layer on the first semiconductor layer and the metallic material layer, wherein a void is formed in a first portion of the first semiconductor layer under the metallic material layer during formation of the second semiconductor layer, and separating the substrate from the second semiconductor layer by etching at least a second portion of the first semiconductor layer using a chemical solution. |
US08026114B2 |
Emitter, manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus thereof, electro-optical apparatus and electronic apparatus
An emitter has a plurality of types of light-emitting units with different changes in emission characteristics over time. In addition, the emitter includes a deterioration adjustment device which adjusts the deterioration of the emission characteristics over time in a predetermined type of light-emitting unit. The light-emitting units respectively include a light-emitting layer and a hole donor which supplies positive holes to the light-emitting layer, and the deterioration adjustment device may be the hole donor in which the thickness is adjusted based on the deterioration in emission characteristics over time in the predetermined type of light-emitting unit. |
US08026113B2 |
Method of monitoring a semiconductor processing system using a wireless sensor network
A method and system for non-invasive sensing and monitoring of a processing system employed in semiconductor manufacturing. The method allows for detecting and diagnosing drift and failures in the processing system and taking the appropriate correcting measures. The method includes positioning at least one non-invasive sensor on an outer surface of a system component of the processing system, where the at least one invasive sensor forms a wireless sensor network, acquiring a sensor signal from the at least one non-invasive sensor, where the sensor signal tracks a gradual or abrupt change in a processing state of the system component during flow of a process gas in contact with the system component, and extracting the sensor signal from the wireless sensor network to store and process the sensor signal. In one embodiment, the non-invasive sensor can be an accelerometer sensor and the wireless sensor network can be motes-based. |
US08026110B2 |
Combinatorial rosamine library and uses thereof
The present invention relates to a rosamine derivative compound, as described herein, having the following structure: Also disclosed are methods of making such compounds and for using them for detection and imaging. |
US08026106B1 |
Removal of mercuric chloride crystals from fixed tissues
Mercuric chloride precipitates are removed from biological cell samples fixed with mercuric chloride and held in an embedding media, by contacting the biological cell samples with an aqueous solution containing a surfactant, and incubating at a temperature in excess of about 50° C. for a period of time. |
US08026105B1 |
Quantification of lubricant reactivity using constant volume combustion device
A method for identifying a lubricant composition that reduces the propensity for knock in an engine. The lubricant composition is mixed with a solvent to reduce the viscosity of the lubricant composition, thereby forming a lubricant-solvent mixture having a viscosity similar to or less than that of engine fuel. A sample of a lubricant-solvent mixture is then subjected to a constant volume combustion test to determine the reactivity associated with the lubricant-solvent mixture. The test is repeated for a range of lubricant-solvent ratios, and statistical methods are used to calculate the reactivity of the lubricant composition without solvent. |
US08026098B2 |
Process for the removal of selectable marker gene sequences
The invention relates to a process for the removal of selectable marker gene sequences, in particular antibiotic gene sequences, from nucleic acid molecules. The invention further relates to the application of this process in the unlabelled integration and deletion of chromosomal genes and in controlling gene expression. |
US08026097B2 |
Expansion of NK cells and therapeutic uses thereof
The present invention relates to novel methods for preferentially activating and expanding NK cells. The methods utilize the stimulatory effects of IL-15 and CD137 ligand to preferentially expand and activate NK cells in a mixed cell culture comprising NK cells. |
US08026085B2 |
Methods and systems for selective fluorination of organic molecules
A method and system for selectively fluorinating organic molecules on a target site wherein the target site is activated and then fluorinated are shown together with a method and system for identifying a molecule having a biological activity. |
US08026081B2 |
Method of producing optically active (S)-7-hydroxy-6-methylheptan-2-one and precursor thereof
Provided is a method capable of industrially producing optically active (S)-7-hydroxy-6-methylheptan-2-one and its precursor simply and efficiently. The production method, allows a R-body preferentially hydrolyzable Aspergillus microorganism-derived esterase to act on a 2-methyl-6-oxoheptanoate (II), to produce an optically active (S)-2-methyl-6-oxoheptanoate (III). |
US08026080B2 |
Real time electronic cell sensing system and applications for cell-based assays
The present invention includes devices, systems, and methods for assaying cells using cell-substrate impedance monitoring. In one aspect, the invention provides cell-substrate impedance monitoring devices that comprise electrode arrays on a nonconducting substrate, in which each of the arrays has an approximately uniform electrode resistance across the entire array. In another aspect, the invention provides cell-substrate monitoring systems comprising one or more cell-substrate monitoring devices comprising multiple wells each having an electrode array, an impedance analyzer, a device station that connects arrays of individual wells to the impedance analyzer, and software for controlling the device station and impedance analyzer. In another aspect, the invention provides cellular assays that use impedance monitoring to detect changes in cell behavior or state. In some preferred aspects, the assays are designed to investigate the affects of compounds on cells, such as cytotoxicity assays. In other preferred aspects, the assays are designed to investigate the compounds that effect IgE-mediated responses of cells to antigens. |
US08026077B2 |
Protein kinase C gamma as a biomarker for neuropsychological and cognitive functions in the central nervous system
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a biological marker, the gamma isoform of protein kinase C (PKCg), which surprisingly allows rapid identification of compromised cognitive, behavioral, and neuropsychological functions under conditions associated with acute, transient hypoxia in humans. It was surprisingly discovered that PKCg is released from neural cells and can be detected in peripheral blood after hypoxic events unrelated to the reduction or elimination of blood flow through affected tissues. Embodiments of this invention are also directed to a broad range of clinical applications, particularly in emergency medicine. Other embodiments are related to compositions and methods for distinguishing between hypoxic encephalopathies and conditions arising from neuroanatomical/structural anomalies and/or incidental pathologies, for example, alcohol intoxication. |
US08026076B2 |
IP-10 based immunological monitoring
The present invention relates to an immunological method and, more particularly, a method for measuring cell-mediated immune reactivity (CMI) in mammals based on the production of IP-10. The invention further discloses an assay and a kit for measuring CMI to an antigen using whole blood or other suitable biological samples. The methods of the present invention are useful in therapeutic and diagnostic protocols for human, livestock and veterinary and wild life applications, thus the invention further relates to a method for diagnosing an infection in a mammal. |
US08026071B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting target analytes
A method of detecting a target substance includes contacting the target substance with a substrate. The substrate has a first receptor bound to the substrate. The target substance binds to the first receptor. The method further includes contacting a second receptor with the substrate. The second receptor is associated with the target substance. The second receptor is biotinylated. The method also includes contacting an anti-biotin antibody conjugated paramagnetic particle with the substrate. |
US08026066B2 |
Detection of nucleic acids from multiple types of human papillomaviruses
Nucleic acid oligonucleotide sequences are disclosed which include amplification oligomers and probe oligomers which are useful for detecting multiple types of human papillomaviruses (HPV) associated with cervical cancer. Methods for detecting multiple HPV types in biological specimens by amplifying HPV nucleic acid sequences in vitro and detecting the amplified products are disclosed. |
US08026063B2 |
Method of examining inflammatory disease and method of screening remedy for imflammatory disease
A gene polymorphism on a Toll-like receptor gene is analyzed and an inflammatory disease is examined based on the results of the analysis. A remedy for an inflammatory disease is screened by selecting a substance capable of altering the interaction between Toll-like receptor and galectin-2. |
US08026062B2 |
Method of determining a chemotherapeutic regimen by assaying gene expression in primary tumors
The invention relates to a method for determining a chemotherapeutic regimen for an individual, comprising obtaining a mRNA sample from a primary tumor specimen; determining a gene expression level for a tumor gene determinant in the specimen; comparing the gene expression level for the tumor gene determinant with a predetermined threshold value for that gene; and providing a chemotherapeutic regimen comprising a chemotherapeutic agent appropriate for the tumor gene determinant to treat the tumor metastases. |
US08026058B2 |
PCR hot start by magnesium sequestration
The present invention is directed to a synthetic peptide having a length of not more than 30 amino acids comprising a divalent cation binding site. Such a peptide according to the present invention is part of a composition for nucleic acid amplification and provides for a so-called hot start effect. |
US08026051B2 |
PNA probes, probe sets, methods and kits pertaining to the detection of Candida
This invention is related to novel PNA probes, probe sets, methods and kits pertaining to the detection of one or more species of Candida yeast. Non-limiting examples of probing nucleobase sequences that can be used for the probes of this invention can be selected from the group consisting of: AGA-GAG-CAG-CAT-GCA (Seq. Id. No. 1), AGA-GAG-CAA-CAT-GCA (Seq. Id. No. 2), ACA-GCA-GAA-GCC-GTG (Seq. Id. No. 3), CAT-AAA-TGG-CTA-CCA-GA (Seq. Id. No. 4), CAT-AAA-TGG-CTA-CCC-AG (Seq. Id. No. 5), ACT-TGG-AGT-CGA-TAG (Seq. Id. No. 6), CCA-AGG-CTT-ATA-CTC-GC (Seq. Id. No. 7), CCC-CTG-AAT-CGG-GAT (Seq. Id. No. 8), GAC-GCC-AAA-GAC-GCC (Seq. Id. No. 9), ATC-GTC-AGA-GGC-TAT-AA (Seq. Id. No. 10), TAG-CCA-GAA-GAA-AGG (Seq. Id. No. 11), CAT-AAA-TGG-CTA-GCC-AG (Seq. Id. No. 12), CTC-CGA-TGT-GAC-TGC-G (Seq. Id. No. 13), TCC-CAG-ACT-GCT-CGG (Seq. Id. No. 14), TCC-AAG-AGG-TCG-AGA (Seq. Id. No. 15), GCC-AAG-CCA-CAA-GGA (Seq. Id. No. 16), GCC-GCC-AAG-CCA-CA (Seq. Id. No. 17), GGA-CTT-GGG-GTT-AG (Seq. Id. No. 18), CCG-GGT-GCA-TTC-CA (Seq. Id. No. 19), ATG-TAG-AAC-GGA-ACT-A (Seq. Id. No. 20), GAT-TCT-CGG-CCC-CAT-G (Seq. Id. No. 21), CTG-GTT-CGC-CAA-AAA-G (Seq. Id. No. 22) and AGT-ACG-CAT-CAG-AAA (Seq. Id. No. 23). |
US08026050B1 |
Methods for modifying an oligonucleotide
The present invention relates to means for cleaving a nucleic acid cleavage structure in a site-specific manner. Enzymes, including 5′ nucleases and 3′ exonucleases, are used to detect and identify nucleic acids derived from microorganisms. Methods are provided which allow for the detection and identification of bacterial and viral pathogens in a sample. |
US08026046B2 |
Method for producing multi-layer optical disk
A method for producing a multilayer optical disk including a plurality of information storage layers is disclosed. The method includes a mastering step of preparing a plurality of metal dies, a replicating step of producing a base plate onto which a desired pattern is transferred using the plurality of metal dies and forming recordable/reproducible information storage layers. The desired pattern includes a wobbling tract pattern that is formed by combining a plurality of wobble patterns each having the same fundamental frequency. The mastering step produces the plurality of metal dies for the plurality of information storage layers having a shape that specifies a track groove whose shape factor differs from one information storage layer to another. |
US08026045B2 |
Method of manufacturing wiring circuit board
A conductor circuit (2) having a predetermined pattern is formed on a base material (1); a photosensitive resin composition layer is formed on a surface of the base material, on which the conductor circuit (2) having the predetermined pattern is formed, by using a photosensitive resin composition; a surface of the photosensitive resin composition layer is irradiated with and exposed to active light rays through a photomask having a predetermined pattern; a solder resist layer (3a) having a predetermined pattern is formed by using a developing solution; and the formed solder resist layer (3a) is irradiated with ultraviolet light by using a low-pressure mercury-vapor lamp. |
US08026043B2 |
Method of making a lithographic printing plate
A method of making a lithographic printing plate includes the steps of: a) providing a lithographic printing plate precursor including (i) a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer, (ii) a coating on the support including a photopolymerizable layer, a top layer and, optionally, an intermediate layer between the photopolymerizable layer and the support, wherein the photopolymerizable layer includes a polymerizable compound, a polymerization initiator, and a binder, b) image-wise exposing the coating in a plate setter, c) optionally, heating the precursor in a pre-heating unit, and d) treating the precursor in a gumming station, the gumming station including a first and at least a second gumming unit, wherein the precursor is washed in the first gumming unit by applying a gum solution to the coating thereby removing at least a portion of the top layer, and wherein, subsequently, the precursor is developed in the second gumming unit with a gum solution thereby removing non-exposed areas of the photopolymerizable layer from the support and gumming the plate in a single step. |
US08026038B2 |
Metal oxide-containing film-forming composition, metal oxide-containing film, metal oxide-containing film-bearing substrate, and patterning method
A metal oxide-containing film is formed from a heat curable composition comprising (A) a metal oxide-containing compound obtained through hydrolytic condensation between a hydrolyzable silicon compound and a hydrolyzable metal compound, (B) a hydroxide or organic acid salt of Li, Na, K, Rb or Cs, or a sulfonium, iodonium or ammonium compound, (C) an organic acid, and (D) an organic solvent. The metal oxide-containing film ensures effective pattern formation. |
US08026037B2 |
Si-polymers and photoresists comprising same
New polymers are provided that have non-carbon tetravalent species (Si, Ti, Ge, Zr, Sn) and photoimageable compositions that contain such polymers. Preferred polymers are organic, e.g. one or more polymer repeat units comprise carbon atom(s). Particularly preferred are polymers that comprise SiO2 or TiO2 repeat units and which can be highly useful as a resin component of resists imaged at short wavelengths such as sub-300 nm and sub-200 nm. |
US08026036B2 |
Photosensitive resin composition and circuit substrate employing the same
The present invention relates to a photosensitive resin composition excellent in pliability, ultraviolet sensitivity for development, developability with an aqueous alkali solution, and storage stability at room temperature and a circuit substrate employing the same. The photosensitive resin composition includes a siloxane-containing polyamic acid resin having structural units respectively represented by the following formulae (1), (2), and (3) and a photopolymerization initiator incorporated therein. The circuit substrate is coated with the photosensitive resin composition. In the formulae, Ar represents a residue of an aromatic tetracarboxylic acid; R1 represents alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or phenyl group; R2 represents alkylene group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms or phenylene group; l represents a number of 0 to 10; R3 represents a divalent group or a direct bond; R4 represents —CH2═CH—R6—, in which R6 represents a direct bond, alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or phenylene group; R5 represents a diamine residue; and m, n, and o, indicating the range of the abundant molar ratios of the respective structural units, are 0.3 to 0.95, 0.05 to 0.7, and 0 to 0.5, respectively. |
US08026035B2 |
Etch-resistant disilane and saturated hydrocarbon bridged silicon-containing polymers, method of making the same, and method of using the same
A composition includes a copolymer including a mixture of monomeric units having structures (A), (B), and (C), and one or more of structures (D) or (E): HSiO(3-a)/2(OH)a (A) Si(3-b)/2(OH)b—CH2)n—SiO(3-c)/2(OH)c (B) R1SiO(3-d)/2(OH)d (C) MeSi(3-e)/2(OH)e (D) R2SiO(3-f)/2(OH)f (E) wherein a, b, c, d, e, and f are independently from 0 to 2, n is from 0 to about 10, R1 is a chromophore, and R2 is a hydrophilic group. |
US08026034B2 |
Enhanced fusing for electrophotographic toners
An electrophotographic method for producing fused toner images on a receiver medium comprising the steps of: forming an electrostatic image pattern on an image forming member; developing the image pattern on the image forming member with fusible toner particles thereby forming a toner image thereon; transferring the toner image to the receiver medium; and heating the toner image to form a fused toner image on the receiver medium, wherein an amount of a plasticizer is added to the toner particles of the toner image after formation of the toner image on the image forming member and prior to or concurrent with fusing of the transferred toner image on the receiver medium, further wherein the amount of plasticizer added is effective in lowering the Tg of the toner below that of the toner under prevailing ambient conditions in the absence of the added plasticizer. The current invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art because the plasticizer is added immediately before fusing, thus avoiding toner clumping upon storage, as well as eliminating the high cost associated with a custom manufactured receiver that already contains plasticizer. |
US08026033B2 |
Ferrite carrier for electrophotographic developer and electrophotographic developer
Disclosed are a ferrite carrier for electrophotographic developer and an electrophotographic developer using the ferrite carrier, wherein: the ferrite carrier is a composite ferrite composed of Li and Mg; when the composition of the ferrite is calculated as a mixture of a Li ferrite having a stoichiometric composition and a Mg ferrite having a stoichiometric composition, the excessive amount of Fe2O3 is less than 5 mol %, or the total excessive amount of Li2O and MgO is less than 1 mol %; the content of the elements other than Li, Mg, Fe and O is 2 % by weight or less; and further, the content of Mn in terms of element is 1000 to 9000 ppm. |
US08026031B2 |
Toner, vessel with the toner, developer, image forming apparatus and process cartridge and image forming method
Toner and a developer which are excellent in cleaning property and fixing property at low temperature, and capable of forming images with high quality are provided. A toner prepared by dispersing and/or emulsifying an oil phase or a monomer phase comprising a toner composition and/or a toner composition precursor in a water-based medium to granulate, wherein the toner has an average circularity of 0.925 to 0.970, and the toner composition and/or the toner composition precursor has a layered inorganic material in which at least a part of interlayer ions in the layered inorganic material has been exchanged with organic ions. |
US08026025B2 |
Mask blank transparent substrate manufacturing method, mask blank manufacturing method, and exposure mask manufacturing method
A method includes a preparation step of preparing a transparent substrate having a precision-polished main surface, a surface shape information obtaining step of obtaining, as surface shape information, height information at a plurality of measurement points on the main surface of the transparent substrate that contacts a mask stage of an exposure apparatus, a simulation step of obtaining, based on the surface shape information and shape information of the mask stage, height information at the plurality of measurement points by simulating the state where the transparent substrate is set in the exposure apparatus, a flatness calculation step of calculating, based on the height information obtained through the simulation, a flatness of the transparent substrate when it is set in the exposure apparatus, a judging step of judging whether or not the calculated flatness satisfies a specification, and a thin film forming step of forming a thin film as serving as a mask pattern, on the main surface of the transparent substrate whose flatness satisfies the specification. |
US08026024B2 |
Mask blank and method for manufacturing transfer mask
To provide a mask blank which can eliminate pattern defects by preventing a resist pattern from disappearing at the time of manufacturing a transfer mask in semiconductor design rule (DRAM hp65 nm or below), and to provide a mask.A mask blank including a thin film for forming a mask pattern, the thin film being formed on a substrate, and a resist film formed over the thin film, wherein the thin film and the resist film sandwich an adhesion layer that is bonded to the thin film and the resist film, and the adhesion layer prevents, during development of the resist film in patterning of the resist film, collapse of the patterned resist film. |
US08026023B2 |
Lithographic pellicle
A lithographic pellicle is provided that includes a pellicle frame, a pellicle film stretched over one end face of the pellicle frame via a pellicle film adhesive, and an exposure master plate adhesive provided on the other end face, wherein corners formed between a pellicle film adhesion face and exposure master plate adhesion face of the pellicle frame and inside and outside faces of the frame are subjected to C chamfering, and the chamfer dimension on the exposure master plate adhesion face is greater than C0.35 (mm) but no greater than C0.55 (mm). |
US08026020B2 |
Proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack and fuel cell stack module
A proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack and novel proton exchange membrane fuel cell module are disclosed and wherein the proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack includes a plurality of repeating, serially electrically coupled fuel cell stack modules, and which are sealably mounted together by a compressive force of less than about 60 pounds per square inch. |
US08026017B2 |
High voltage methanol fuel cell assembly using proton exchange membranes and base/acid electrolytes
An electrolyte membrane assembly for use in a fuel cell or other electrochemical device includes an ion exchange membrane, a base electrolyte reservoir configured and operable to maintain a volume of a basic electrolyte solution in contact with at least some of the first face of the membrane, and an acid electrolyte reservoir configured and operable to maintain a volume of an acidic electrolyte in contact with at least a portion of the second face of the membrane. The membrane may be a cation exchange membrane or an anion exchange membrane. Also disclosed are fuel cells which incorporate the electrolyte membrane assembly. |
US08026015B2 |
Membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell
A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell having a polymer electrolyte membrane, having a layer sequence comprising an ion-conducting membrane (2), a catalyst layer (3) and a gas diffusion layer (5). A substantially catalyst-free, porous condensation layer (5) is arranged between the catalyst layer (3) and the membrane (2). |
US08026012B2 |
Connecting structure to cell of voltage detecting connector and fuel cell
A voltage detecting connecting structure and fuel cell has connectors which are in contact with terminals connected to the fuel cell. An embodiment of the fuel cell includes first cells which have the terminals at an anode and a cathode respectively, and second cells which have terminals in neither an anode plate nor a cathode, stacked alternately. Another embodiment of the fuel cell includes first cells with terminals provided only to anode sides thereof, and second cells with terminals provided only to cathode sides thereof, the first cells being stacked from one end of the fuel cell and the second cells being stacked from the other end of the fuel cell. |
US08026011B2 |
Fuel cell assembly
A fuel cell assembly in which ends on one side of the cells forming gas passages are gas-tightly fixed to a holding means. Between the peripheries of the ends on one side of the cells and the holding means, there are arranged a fixing member for fixing the cells to the holding means and a sealing member for accomplishing a gas-tight sealing between the ends on one side of the cells and the holding means. The fixing member has a softening temperature of not lower than 1000° C. and the sealing member has a softening temperature of from 700 to 1000° C. |
US08026008B2 |
Lithium secondary battery with improved cell characteristics
Disclosed herein is a lithium secondary cell including 20 to 100 wt. % of lithium transition metal oxide represented by a formula of Li1+zNibMncMe1−(b+c)O2, relative to a total amount of a cathode active material, as well as an electrolyte consisting of a lithium salt and a non-aqueous solvent, wherein a first additive to form a protective film (that is, a solid electrolyte interface film: SEI film) over a surface of an anode active material and a second additive to form another SEI film over the surface of the anode active material while inactivating impurities contained in the cathode active material are included in the electrolyte. |
US08026006B2 |
Organic electrolyte solution including electrografting monomer and lithium battery using the same
An organic electrolyte solution and a lithium battery using the same are provided. The organic electrolyte solution uses a monomer compound which can be electrografted, and which prevents crack formation caused by volumetric changes in the anode active material during battery charging/discharging. This improves charge/discharge characteristics, thereby improving the stability, reliability, and charge/discharge efficiency of the battery. |
US08026005B2 |
Microporous polyolefin membrane, its production method, battery separator, and battery
A microporous polyolefin membrane having a structure in which its pore size distribution curve obtained by mercury intrusion porosimetry has at least two peaks, which is produced by (1) extruding a melt-blend of (a) (i) a polyethylene resin containing 7% or less by mass of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene having a weight-average molecular weight of 1×106 or more, or (ii) a mixture of 75% by mass or more of said polyethylene resin and 25% or less by mass of polypropylene, and (b) a membrane-forming solvent, (2) stretching a gel-like sheet obtained by cooling an extrudate, (3) washing it, (4) stretching the resultant microporous membrane to 1.1-1.8 fold in at least one direction, and (5) heat-setting it at a temperature in a range of the stretching temperature of the microporous membrane plus or minus 5 degrees centigrade. |
US08026004B2 |
Negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery, method for preparing the same, and rechargeable lithium battery including the same
A negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery may include a compound powder represented by the following formula 1 LixMyVzO2+d [Formula 1] where 1≦x≦2.5, 0≦y≦0.5, 0.5≦z≦1.5, 0≦d≦0.5, and M is an element selected from Al, Cr, Mo, Ti, W, Zr, and combinations thereof. The compound powder may include a multi-faced particle that has a plurality of flattened parts on a particle surface at the plan view of the multi-faced particle. The multi-faced particle may have at least three ridgelines at a boundary between adjacent flattened parts. At least one of the ridgeline may be formed by adjacent flattened parts having an angle of at least 90°. A ratio of a length (L) of each ridgeline and the maximum diameter (Rmax) of the multi-faced particle may be greater than 0.1. |
US08026001B2 |
Activation method for lithium hydride, and hydrogen generation method
A lithium hydride activation method includes: a nitrification treatment process of reacting lithium hydride with a nitride and therefore forming a chemical compound layer stable to the nitride, on a surface of the lithium hydride; and a particle size reduction process of reducing a particle size of the lithium hydride provided with the chemical compound layer by a mechanical pulverization treatment after the nitrification treatment process is performed. A hydrogen generation method includes generating hydrogen by reacting ammonia with the lithium hydride activated by the activation method. |
US08026000B2 |
Nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery, nonaqueous electrolyte, and charging method therefor
A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery of the invention has a positive electrode having a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode, and a nonaqueous electrolyte having electrolyte salt in a nonaqueous solvent. The electric potential of the positive electrode active material is 4.4 to 4.6 V relative to lithium, and the nonaqueous electrolyte contains a compound expressed by structural formula (I) below. The quantity of compound added is preferably 0.1% to 2% by mass. Also, the positive electrode active material preferably comprises a mixture of a lithium-cobalt composite oxide which is LiCoO2 containing at least both zirconium and magnesium and a lithium-manganese-nickel composite oxide that has a layer structure and contains at least both manganese and nickel. Thanks to such structure, a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery can be provided that is charged to charging termination potential of 4.4 to 4.6 V relative to lithium and that has enhanced overcharging safety.[Chemical Formula 1] |
US08025998B2 |
Pouch type secondary battery and fabrication method thereof
A pouch type secondary battery, in which a bent state of a cathode tap and an anode tap is maintained by eliminating a restoration phenomenon caused by an elastic force of the insulating tape when the cathode tap and the anode tap are bent by forming bending grooves on cathode and anode insulating tapes, includes: an electrode assembly which includes a cathode electrode plate where a cathode tap is connected, a anode electrode plate where an anode tap is connected, and a separator interposed between the cathode electrode plate and the anode electrode plate; a pouch containing the electrode assembly therein such that the cathode tap and the anode tap are exposed to the outside; a cathode insulation tape forming a first bending groove on at least one side portion and wrapped around the cathode tap so as to insulate a region where the cathode tap is in contact with the pouch; and an anode insulation tape forming a second bending groove on at least one side portion and wrapped around the anode tap so as to insulate a region where the anode tap is in contact with the pouch. |
US08025995B2 |
Battery fastening assembly
A battery fastening assembly for fastening a battery to a housing, includes a receiving portion formed on the housing and a fastening subassembly. The receiving portion defines a receiving slot and a first engaging portion. The battery defines a second engaging portion. At least part of the fastening subassembly is slidable between the battery and the housing to engage with the receiving slot and the second engaging portion or the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion. |
US08025994B2 |
Electronic appliance
An electronic appliance includes a battery mounting portion on which two types of batteries are selectively mounted, wherein the battery mounting portion has: a battery mounting recessed portion; an appliance side connecting terminal; an urging member; and a single manipulating member; while a battery side connecting terminal of one battery is being attached to one appliance side connecting terminal, one engaging member is engaged with the one battery to prevent the one battery from moving in a direction of detaching the battery side connecting terminal from the one appliance side connecting terminal; and while a battery side connecting terminal of the other battery is being attached to the other appliance side connecting terminal, the other engaging member is engaged with the other battery to prevent the other battery from moving in a direction of detaching the battery side connecting terminal from the other appliance side connecting terminal. |
US08025993B2 |
Recording media interlayer structure
A perpendicular magnetic recording medium comprises a layer stack formed over a surface of a non-magnetic substrate, and comprising, in overlying sequence from the surface: a magnetically soft underlayer; an interlayer structure for crystallographically orienting a layer of a perpendicular magnetic recording material formed thereon; and at least one crystallographically oriented, magnetically hard, perpendicular magnetic recording layer on the interlayer structure; wherein the interlayer structure is a triple-layer stacked structure comprising: a first interlayer of a first non-magnetic material proximal the magnetically soft underlayer and containing Ru; a second interlayer of a second non-magnetic material in overlying contact with the first interlayer and not containing Ru; and a third interlayer of a third non-magnetic material in overlying contact with the second interlayer and containing Ru. |
US08025990B2 |
Hard coating film and target for formation thereof
A hard coating film having oxidation resistance and wear resistance superior to those of conventional coating films formed of TiAlN, TiCrAlN, TiCrAlSiBN, CrAlSiBN, NbCrAlSiBN, or the like. The hard coating film of the present invention has a component composition represented by the formula: (TiaCrbAlcMdBe)(CxN1-x), wherein 0≦a≦0.2, 0.05≦b≦0.4, 0.45≦c≦0.65, 0.005≦d≦0.05, 0≦e≦0.15, a+b+c+d+e=1, and 0≦x≦0.5; where M denotes at least one species selected from the group consisting of Ce, Pr, and Sc; variables a, b, c, d, and e indicate the atomic ratios of Ti, Cr, Al, M, and B respectively; and variable x indicates the atomic ratio of C. |
US08025986B2 |
Organic electroluminescent element and light-emitting device or display device incorporated therewith
The present invention provides an organic electroluminescent element which is superior in luminance, reliability, and thermal stability and is capable of selectively emitting light with comparative long wavelengths such as red and good color purity and a light-emitting device or display device incorporated therewith. The organic electroluminescent element consists of a glass substrate (1), an anode (2), a hole transporting layer (10), an emitting layer (11), an electron transporting layer (12), and a cathode (3), which are sequentially laminated on top of the other. The emitting layer (11) is formed from a mixture composed of at least one species of the styryl compound represented by the general formula [I] below and a material with charge transporting capability. Y—CH═CH—X General formula [I] (where X denotes an aryl group (such as phenyl group) which has a substituent group (such as cyano group and methyl group), and Y denotes a group having a skeleton of aminophenyl group or the like.) |
US08025983B2 |
Joining method between Fe-based steels and Ti/Ti-based alloys having joint strength higher than those of base metals by using interlayers and the joints produced using the method
A joining method between Fe-based steel and Ti/Ti-based alloys having a joint strength higher than those of base metals by using interlayers. The production of intermetallic compounds at a joint portion between Fe-based steel and Ti/Ti-based alloys can be prevented using interlayers, and strong interface diffusion bonding can be formed at interfaces between interlayers, thereby producing a high-strength joint. Accordingly, the present disclosure can be used to develop high-strength, high-functional advanced composite materials. |
US08025981B2 |
Non-chromate corrosion inhibitor formulas based on permanganate sodalite compositions
Sodalite is synthesized in the presence of a stoichiometric quantity of Permanganate ion. After thorough washing to remove trace salts the resulting pigment may be encapsulated with amorphous silica using the Iler process. The resulting pigment has enhanced acid stability and provides excellent corrosion protection on reactive metal substrates such as Aerospace Aluminum or Coil grade Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel. |
US08025978B2 |
Multilayered board
A multilayered board including a material board having a visible surface coated with at least one paper layer impregnated with resin. The multilayered board includes a material board, at least one paper layer structured to coat the material board, and a resin layer structured to impregnate the at least one paper layer, wherein the resin layer is arranged to face away from the material board and have an average layer thickness of at least 5 μm. |
US08025975B2 |
Frit-containing pastes for producing sintered frit patterns on glass sheets
Pastes for use in producing sintered frit patterns (14) on glass sheets (12), such as the glass sheets used as covers for OLED (18) display devices (10), are provided. The pastes include glass particles, filler particles, and a vehicle. The sizes of the filler and/or glass particles are reduced compared to prior art pastes. Reductions in porosity and surface roughness of sintered frits produced using the pastes, as well as improvements in the available process window for producing OLED packages and the hermeticity and strength of those packages, are reported. |
US08025970B2 |
Fishing line and method for production thereof
A fishing line is produced by forming a monofilament by subjecting a resin composition (C) containing 90 to 99.3% by weight of a polyamide resin (A) and 0.7 to 10% by weight of a silicone compound (B) having a number average molecular weight of 100,000 to 2,000,000 to melt-spinning and then drawing. This method can provide a fishing line which is excellent in abrasion resistance and also excellent in visibility. In this method, it is preferable to conduct melt-kneading of a part of the polyamide resin (A) with the silicone compound (B) in advance, adding of the residual polyamide resin (A) and further melt-kneading, subsequent melt-spinning, and drawing at a draw ratio of from 4 to 7. |
US08025967B1 |
Intermediate transfer member and method of manufacture
The present teachings provide an intermediate transfer member which includes a substrate layer and a surface layer disposed on the substrate layer. The surface layer includes a polyimide polymer having the formula: wherein R is alkyl or aryl and the like and mixtures thereof; and n and m are the mole percent of the repeating unit. |
US08025959B2 |
Interior material for vehicle
The present invention is an interior material for a vehicle having a skin layer and a base layer. The skin layer contains an olefin-based thermoplastic elastomer, a polyolefin resin, a polylactic acid resin and a styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer, in amounts of respectively 20% to 70% by weight, 10% to 50% by weight, 5% to 30% by weight and 5% to 30% by weight based on 100% by weight of the total of these. The base layer is preferably a thin layer in which a natural fiber is dispersed in a phase of a thermoplastic resin such as a polyolefin resin, or a polyurethane foam layer. |
US08025954B2 |
Sandwich panel
A sandwich panel that has excellent practicality as an inner wall material used in aircraft, for example, whereby the abovementioned requirements of flexural strength, peel strength, and in-plane shear strength can be satisfied while having reduced weight. A sandwich panel in which a middle material 2 and a surface material 3 that are each formed by laminating a plurality of fiber bodies are laminated from inside to outside on the upper and lower surfaces of a hollow columnar core 1, wherein the middle material 2 is composed of a set of unidirectional fiber bodies 4, 5 whose fibers are aligned in one direction, fibers in a first unidirectional fiber body 4 are in a direction that is substantially parallel to an edge of the sandwich panel, fibers in a second unidirectional fiber body 5 are in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to an edge of the sandwich panel, and bonding layers 6, 7 having a resin content ratio of 50% or higher are provided between the unidirectional fiber bodies 4, 5 and between the hollow columnar core 1 and an inside unidirectional fiber body 5. |
US08025952B2 |
Printed magnetic ink overt security image
A security image and method of forming said image is disclosed wherein a substrate having an image or indicia thereon is coated with a dilute solution of pigment flakes in an ink or paint. The flakes are subsequently aligned in a magnetic field and are fixed after the field is applied. Most or all of the flakes in a region are aligned so as to be partially upstanding wherein their faces are essentially parallel. Coating the image with flakes yields a latent image which can be clearly seen at a small range of predetermined angles. |
US08025950B2 |
Sensor-securing apparatus and camera module
According to one embodiment, a sensor-securing apparatus has a frame having a sensor-mount region to hold an image sensor that generates heat while operating. The frame has a first adhesive-applying hole and a plurality of second adhesive-applying holes. The first adhesive-applying hole opens in the sensor-mount region and faces the center part of the image sensor. The second adhesive-applying holes are smaller than the first adhesive-applying hole, open in the sensor-mount region and are arranged around the first adhesive-applying hole. Adhesive is filled in the first adhesive-applying hole and the second adhesive-applying holes. The adhesive secures the image sensor to the frame. |
US08025947B2 |
Optical information recording medium
An optical information recording medium has a substrate, and an optical reflection layer, an optical recording layer containing an organic dye, an interlayer, and a cover layer formed in this order on the substrate. The interlayer contains a sputtered Nb2O5—Al2O3-based composite oxide having an Nb2O5 content of more than 50 mol % and less than 60 mol %. |
US08025943B2 |
Medical device balloons containing thermoplastic elastomers
A dilatation balloon and catheter for insertion into a bodily conduit. The catheter (10) includes shaft (12) and a dilatation balloon (24) at the distal end of the shaft. The balloon is inflated via a central lumen (14) in the shaft for delivery of a fluid inflation media. The balloon is fabricated from a combination of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), preferably an engineering thermoplastic elastomer (ETE), with a non-compliant structural polymeric material. The combination may be a blend of the non-compliant structural polymer and the TPE. Alternatively, the combination may be a layered balloon having, for example, a non-compliant structural polymer inner layer and a soft, abrasion resistant, elastomeric outer layer. Methods for fabricating the balloon from the combination of a TPE and a non-compliant structural polymer are also disclosed. |
US08025941B2 |
IG window unit and method of making the same
An insulating glass (IG) window unit, and/or a method of making the same is/are provided. The IG window unit includes two spaced apart substrates that are separated from one another by at least one seal and/or spacer. One of the substrates supports both a solar management coating for blocking significant amounts of infrared (IR) radiation and a coating for blocking amounts of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. |
US08025932B2 |
Self-limiting thin film synthesis achieved by pulsed plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition
Ta2O5 and Al2O3 thin films were fabricated by pulsed plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) with simultaneous delivery of O2 and the metal precursor. By appropriately controlling the gas-phase environment self-limiting deposition at controllable rates (˜1 Å/pulse) was obtained. The process was insensitive to substrate temperature, with a constant deposition rate observed from 90-350° C. As-deposited Ta2O5 films under these conditions displayed good dielectric properties. Performance improvements correlate strongly with film density and composition as measured by spectroscopic ellipsometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Pulsed PECVD eliminates the need for gas actuation and inert purge steps required by atomic layer deposition. |
US08025930B2 |
Method for fabricating metal-coated organic crystal
A method for fabricating metal-coated organic crystal wherein a reaction of an organic crystal with transition metal salt in alkaline aqueous solution under visible light irradiation, wherein, when energy at the top of valence band of the organic crystal is defined as A (eV) and energy at the bottom of conduction band of the organic crystal is defined as B (eV), redox potential C (V) of transition metal ion or transition metal complex ion, when said transition metal salt is dissolved in the alkaline aqueous solution, these three parameters should satisfy the following relation (1): −A−4.5≧C≧−B−4.5. (1) |
US08025926B2 |
Varnish compositions for electrical insulation and method of using the same
A varnish composition for producing an electrically insulative thermoset coating is disclosed. The varnish composition includes a functionalized poly(phenylene ether) having at least one aliphatic unsaturated group and exhibiting an intrinsic viscosity in the range of about 0.06 to about 0.25 deciliter per gram, measured in chloroform at 25° C. The varnish composition further includes an unsaturated polyester resin or vinyl ester resin, a reactive liquid monomer, and a compatibilizing agent. When cured, the polymers and reactive liquid monomer form an electrically insulative thermoset. |
US08025924B2 |
Cast-coated papers and processes for preparing thereof
The present invention aims to provide a cast-coated paper having good sheet gloss, printability and productivity and a process for preparing it. Herein disclosed is a cast-coated paper obtained by applying a cast coating layer comprising a pigment and an adhesive on a base paper, and pressing and drying the cast coating layer in the wet state against a heated mirror finishing surface to finish it, characterized in that the cast coating layer contains 50 parts by weight or more of a kaolin having a particle size distribution containing 65% by volume or more of particles in the range of 0.4-4.2 μm per 100 parts by weight of inorganic pigments and further contains a plastic pigment; as well as a process for preparing it. |
US08025922B2 |
Enhanced deposition of noble metals
The invention relates generally to processes for enhancing the deposition of noble metal thin films on a substrate by atomic layer deposition. Treatment with gaseous halides or metalorganic compounds reduces the incubation time for deposition of noble metals on particular surfaces. The methods may be utilized to facilitate selective deposition. For example, selective deposition of noble metals on high-k materials relative to insulators can be enhanced by pretreatment with halide reactants. In addition, halide treatment can be used to avoid deposition on the quartz walls of the reaction chamber. |
US08025916B2 |
Methods for forming a composite stent with regioselective material
A composite stent and a method for making the same are provided. |
US08025905B2 |
Method for reducing allergencity in indoor spaces
According to this invention, allergenicity in an indoor space is reduced by denaturing allergens in allergen reservoirs that are capable of producing respiratory or skin reactions and physically removing the allergens from the allergen reservoirs in the indoor space. The allergen reservoirs may also be treated with pesticides and fungicides/fungistats to prevent reinfestation of house dust mites, molds and cockroaches. |
US08025904B2 |
Method for controlling fire ants
A method for controlling fire ants is described, which includes applying a silver-containing composition to an area infested by fire ants or threatened by an infestation. The composition is applied to the area and reduces or eliminates the colony within a period of about two to four weeks and prevents fire ant re-infestation for a period of about six months to one year. |
US08025903B2 |
Composite bone graft substitute cement and articles produced therefrom
The invention provides a particulate composition adapted for forming a bone graft substitute cement upon mixing with an aqueous solution, including i) a calcium sulfate hemihydrate powder having a bimodal particle distribution and a median particle size of about 5 to about 20 microns, wherein the calcium sulfate hemihydrate is present at a concentration of at least about 70 weight percent based on the total weight of the particulate composition; ii) a monocalcium phosphate monohydrate powder; and iii) a β-tricalcium phosphate powder having a median particle size of less than about 20 microns. Bone graft substitute cements made therefrom, a bone graft substitute kit comprising the particulate composition, methods of making and using the particulate composition, and articles made from the bone graft substitute cement are also provided. |
US08025902B2 |
Low-irritation compositions and methods of making the same
Provided are compositions comprising a low molecular weight, non-crosslinked, linear acrylic copolymer and at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and combinations of two or more thereof, and methods of using such compositions. |
US08025901B2 |
Bifunctional-modified hydrogels
Disclosed are hydrogels wherein a polymer matrix is modified to contain a bifunctional poly(alkylene glycol) molecule covalently bonded to the polymer matrix. The hydrogels can be cross-linked using, for example, glutaraldehyde. The hydrogels may also be crosslinked via an interpenetrating network of a photopolymerizable acrylates. The hydrogels may also be modified to have pharmacologically-active agents covalently bonded to the poly(alkylene glycol) molecules or entrained within the hydrogel. Living cells may also be entrained within the hydrogels. |
US08025900B2 |
Sustained release composition of protein drug
Disclosed is a sustained release composition of a protein drug. The composition comprises a carrier substrate and a protein drug incorporated in the carrier substrate. The carrier substrate is consisting essentially of a hyaluronic acid or its salts, an amino acid, and a polyalkyl oxide. |
US08025897B2 |
Ibuprofen composition
Fumaric acid is added in amounts sufficient to reduce the burn sensation commonly associated with propionic acid derivatives. |
US08025893B2 |
Use of a specific inhibitor of hedgehog/smoothened signaling on hyperpigmented skin to obtain decrease of pigmentation
Cyclopamine or a similarly specific inhibitor of Hedgehog/Smoothened (Hh/Smo) signaling can be used for obtaining decrease of pigmentation of hyperpigmented skin areas. |
US08025891B2 |
Porin B (PorB) as a therapeutic target for prevention and treatment of infection by Chlamydia
The present invention features peptides of a PorB polypeptide, which PorB peptides are useful in production of antibodies that bind the full-length PorB polypeptide and as a therapeutic agent. In specific embodiments the invention features a composition comprising one or more PorB peptides (other than a full-length PorB polypeptide), which peptides contain at least one epitope that can elicit Chlamydia-neutralizing antibodies. The invention also features methods for induction of a protective immune response against infection by Chlamydia and Chlamydophila. |
US08025890B2 |
Nucleic acids and proteins from streptococcus groups A and B
The invention provides proteins from group B streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) and group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes), including amino acid sequences and the corresponding nucleotide sequences. Data are given to show that the proteins are useful antigens for vaccines, immunogenic compositions, and/or diagnostics. The proteins are also targets for antibiotics. |
US08025881B2 |
BMP antibodies and methods of treating kidney disease using the same
When an anti-human BMP antibody was added to cells of an immortalized human mesangial cell line cultured in the presence of human BMP, the anti-human BMP antibody significantly suppressed the production of type IV collagen in mesangial cells. A number of signaling pathways are involved in abnormal proliferation of type IV collagen. It was therefore completely unpredictable whether merely blocking the BMP signal would indeed suppress the abnormal proliferation of type IV collagen. However, for the first time, the present inventors demonstrated that anti-BMP antibodies are very effective in suppressing the abnormal proliferation of type IV collagen. Thus, anti-BMP antibodies can be used as novel therapeutic agents for kidney diseases associated with abnormal proliferation of the mesangial matrix. |
US08025875B2 |
Bacillus isolates and methods of their use to protect against plant pathogens
Methods of inducing systemic acquired resistance to infection in a plant by applying a composition comprising a Bacillus control agent to said plant wherein said plant is capable of producing defense proteins. |
US08025873B2 |
Chimeric antigens for eliciting an immune response
Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for eliciting immune responses against antigens. In particular embodiments, the compounds and methods elicit immune responses against antigens that are otherwise recognized by the host as “self” antigens. The immune response is enhanced by presenting the host immune system with a chimeric antigen comprising an immune response domain and a target binding domain, wherein the target binding domain comprises a xenotypic antibody fragment. By virtue of the target binding domain, antigen presenting cells take up, process, and present the chimeric antigen, eliciting both a humoral and cellular immune response. |
US08025871B2 |
Hair cosmetic composition
Provided is a hair cosmetic composition containing Components (A) to (C), and having a pH (at 25° C.) of from 1 to 5.5 when diluted to 20 times its weight with water: (A) a cationic surfactant, or a tertiary amine represented by the formula (1): (wherein, at least one of R1 to R3 represents a C8-23 aliphatic hydrocarbon and the remainder represents H, C1-6 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, or benzyl, R4 represents a C1-6 alkylene, A represents —CONH— or —NHCO—, and a stands for 0 or 1), (B) a C8-30 aliphatic alcohol, and (C) toluenesulfonic acid or salt thereof. The hair cosmetic composition is excellent in the effect of restoring the flyaway or waved hair, which has appeared as a result of accumulation of damage due to hair coloring or the like, to its former state before damage and can give the hair good flexibility and smoothness during use of it. |
US08025870B2 |
Vinyl ether silicone polymers
The present invention is directed to a series of vinyl ether based silicone polymers and their use in personal care applications. They are prepared by the hydrosilylation reaction of a vinyl ether and a silanic hydrogen compound. The compounds find use in personal care applications. |
US08025869B2 |
Cosmetic compositions having enhanced wear properties
A cosmetic composition and process which provides enhanced wear and transfer resistance containing: (a) at least one polypropylsilsesquioxane film forming resin; (b) at least one solvent; and (c) optionally, at least one colorant. |
US08025864B2 |
ITQ-34, new crystalline microporous material
ITQ-34 (INSTITUTO DE TECNOLOGÍA QUÍMICA number 34) is a new crystalline microporous material with a framework of tetrahedral atoms connected by atoms capable of bridging the tetrahedral atoms, the tetrahedral atom framework being defined by the interconnections between the tetrahedrally coordinated atoms in its framework. ITQ-34 can be prepared in silicate compositions with an organic structure directing agent. It has a unique X-ray diffraction pattern, which identifies it as a new material. ITQ-34 is stable to calcination in air, absorbs hydrocarbons, and is catalytically active for hydrocarbon conversion. |
US08025862B2 |
Process for producing synthesis gas by steam reforming in a reactor-exchanger
The invention concerns a process for producing synthesis gas, SG, from hydrocarbons and/or recycled compounds. In the process: a stream comprising a first feed F1 supplemented with steam undergoes steam reforming in a multi-tube reactor-exchanger R having a shell and reaction tubes containing a steam reforming catalyst within the shell; the reaction tubes are heated by convection by circulating in the shell, in overall counter-current mode, a heating fluid HF external to the tubes, which fluid comprises a first combustion gas stream of a second feed F2, then fluid HF is mixed, in 1 to 4 complementary combustion zones internal to the shell, with a third feed F3 and a gas comprising oxygen, to increase the temperature of the HF, and then the mixture obtained circulates in R to heat the reaction tubes in a complementary manner; and SG is produced from the steam reforming effluent from F1 and optionally part or all of the HF. |
US08025861B2 |
Making electrocatalyst supports for fuel cells
Titanium oxide (usually titanium dioxide) catalyst support particles are doped for electronic conductivity and formed with surface area-enhancing pores for use, for example, in electro-catalyzed electrodes on proton exchange membrane electrodes in hydrogen/oxygen fuel cells. Suitable compounds of titanium and a dopant are dispersed with pore-forming particles in a liquid medium. The compounds are deposited as a precipitate or sol on the pore-forming particles and heated to transform the deposit into crystals of dopant-containing titanium dioxide. If the heating has not decomposed the pore-forming particles, they are chemically removed from the, now pore-enhanced, the titanium dioxide particles. |
US08025860B1 |
Removal of acid mists
Acid mist may be removed efficiently from a gas stream using at least one fiber bed mist eliminator operating at elevated pressure of typically at least 2 bar (0.2 MPa), e.g. at about 4 bar (0.4 MPa) to about 50 bar (5 MPa). The invention has particular application in methods for processing carbon dioxide flue gas in which SO2 and/or NOx contaminants are converted at elevated pressure to sulfuric acid condensate and/or nitric acid condensate respectively. |
US08025855B2 |
Semen container with specialized tip
A semen container fitted with a specialized tip includes a substantially hollow body having a sealable first end adapted for the introduction of biological fluids such as semen and a second end having a nozzle molded thereto. The nozzle terminates in a removable tip that is anchored to the container by way of a tab such that after dispensing the biological liquid from the container the tip and the container may be disposed of simultaneously thereby reducing or eliminating the need to separately collect the removed tips from the ground. |
US08025852B2 |
Lifting and preserving bloody impressions for law enforcement
A fluorogenic lifting strip containing titanium dioxide has been successful in the lifting and enhancement of impressions and bloody impressions from nonporous, semi porous and porous surfaces. The lifting strip is best when activated with an alcohol such as ethanol or methanol. When the lifting strip has dried after application it can easily be removed from the surface lifting the impression onto a contrasting white background. The lifting trip can be subsequently visualized with an ALS or Laser to fluoresce the lifted impression with optimal contrast for visualization and examination. This method is safe, easy, and effective on several surfaces of contrasting colors. |
US08025851B2 |
Specimen sample collection device and test system
A specimen sample collection device and test system includes a handle with a sufficiency indicator and locking teeth, an absorbent pad partially contained within the handle; a pad compression tube with outlet ports and locking holes insertable over the pad and handle; one or more collection tubes attachable to the pad compression tube outlet ports. The apparatus may include a light pipe sufficiency indicator with a spring compressor to force the absorbent pad into contact with the light pipe. The apparatus may include a collector dam. The apparatus may include a secondary seal. The apparatus may include a cylindrically shaped absorbent pad and a wrap-around light pipe sufficiency indicator with vent grooves. The apparatus may include a pad seat with buffer material disposed within the pad compression tube. The apparatus may include an absorbent pad split and divided into two lengths connected at a base. The apparatus may include a bar code identification. The apparatus may include a lock and key securing mechanism. The apparatus may include a handle containing one or more analyte test strips The apparatus may include a first absorbent pad in fluid communication with a sample adequacy indicator, which is in parallel with a second absorbent pad in fluid communication with a lateral flow analyte test strip. The apparatus ma include a first absorbent pad in fluid communication with a sample adequacy indicator, which is in parallel with a second absorbent pad in fluid communication with a lateral flow analyte test strip, with an impermeable membrane separating the first and second absorbent pads. |
US08025850B2 |
Rapid diagnostic device, assay and multifunctional buffer
An improved rapid diagnostic device, assay and multifunctional buffer reagent are provided for the detection of a target analyte in a fluid test sample. The 2-step assay utilizes a dual component flow-through device comprising a test unit and a dried indicator reagent delivery unit capable of receiving the fluid sample and multifunctional buffer, respectively. The test unit comprises a reaction zone containing immobilized capture reagent that can specifically bind to the target analyte, an absorbent zone supporting the reaction zone, and optionally, a blood separation zone in lateral fluid communication with the reaction zone. The dried indicator reagent delivery unit comprises a label zone permeated with a dried indicator reagent which is capable of being placed in transient fluid communication with the reaction zone of the test unit during the assay procedure. The rapid diagnostic assay system reduces the number of assay reagents, method steps and time required for performance compared to other conventional assays. |
US08025849B2 |
Oral fluid collection, transfer and transportation device and method
An oral fluid collection and transfer device comprises a collection device (10) and a test cartridge (100). The collection device includes a frame or chassis (14), and an absorbing pad (12) for absorbing oral fluid and which is secured around part of the frame with part of the frame protruding from the pad. A collapsible cover (16) covers the absorbing means and has apertures (68) for the ingress of oral fluid into contact with the absorbing pad. A cap (18) covers the part of the frame protruding from the absorbing pad. The cap and the cover latch together to surround the frame and the absorbing pad. The device also includes a fluid adequacy indicator (20) in the form of an electrical circuit with an LED (66) which is completed when the absorbing means has absorbed a predetermined volume of oral fluid. |
US08025848B2 |
Apparatus for deactivating a pathogenic chemical agent
Hydrogen peroxide is vaporized (20) and mixed (30) with ammonia gas in a ratio between 1:1 and 1:0.0001. The peroxide and ammonia vapor mixture are conveyed to a treatment area (10) to neutralize V-type, H-type, or G-type chemical agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, prions, and the lip-,e. The ammonia provides the primary deactivating agent for G-type agents with the peroxide acting as an accelerator. The peroxide acts as the primary agent for deactivating V-type and H-type agents, pathogens, biotoxins, spores, and prions. The ammonia acts as an accelerator in at least some of these peroxide deactivation reactions. |
US08025846B2 |
Process for introducing a portion withdrawn from at least one production charge of annular coated catalysts K into a reaction tube of a tube bundle reactor
A process for introducing annular coated catalysts K into a reaction tube of a tube bundle reactor, in which adhering pairs of annular coated catalysts K formed in the preparation of the annular coated catalysts K, before the introduction thereof into the reaction tube, are removed at least partly from the annular coated catalysts K. |
US08025845B2 |
Blower type chemical diffusing apparatus with fuel cell power supply
A blower type chemical diffusing apparatus is disclosed which can be of service for an extended period of time and does not give rise to refuse disposal problems. The blower type chemical diffusing apparatus of the invention has an air blower, a chemical retainer and a fuel cell included in the apparatus body whereby powering the air blower to drive it with the fuel cell causes chemical from the chemical retainer to be emitted into an environmental atmosphere. |
US08025841B2 |
Method of sterilizing an orthopaedic implant
A pre-assembled orthopaedic implant adapted for improved gas sterilization. The implant includes a first component adapted for assembly with a second component such that a mating surface of the first component is in close proximity with a mating surface of the second component. At least one gas conduit associated with the mating surface of the first component facilitates a sterilizing gas to penetrate into and dissipate from the interface defined by the mating surfaces. |
US08025836B2 |
Method and plant for the heat treatment of solids containing iron oxide
A plant for the heat treatment of solids containing iron oxide includes a fluidized bed reactor. The reactor includes at least one gas supply tube at least partly surrounded by an annular chamber in which a stationary annular fluidized bed is located, and a mixing chamber being located above the upper orifice region of the at least one gas supply tube. The gas flowing through the at least one gas supply tube entrains solids from the stationary annular fluidized bed-into the mixing chamber when passing through the upper orifice region of the at least one gas supply tube. |
US08025834B2 |
Process and apparatus for molding continuous-fiber composite articles
A process and apparatus for multi-shot, liquid-resin-molding of continuous-fiber composite articles is disclosed. The process involves the step-wise fabrication of an article wherein continuity of the fibers is maintained between the multiple workpieces of the finished composite article. |
US08025833B2 |
Curable composition for nanoimprint, and patterning method
A curable composition for nanoimprints which comprises a polycyclic aromatic structure-having polymerizable monomer and a photopolymerization initiator is excellent in mold releasability, etching resistance and solvent resistance and capable of forming patterns. |
US08025832B2 |
Method for shaping sheet thermoplastic and the like
Processes and apparati for shaping sheet glass or thermoplastic materials use force from a layer of a flowing fluid, such as air, between the sheet and a mandrel at close to the softening temperature of the thermoplastic. The shape is preserved by cooling. The shape of the air bearing mandrel and the pressure distribution of the fluid contribute to the final shape. A process can be conducted on one or two surfaces such that the force from the air layer is on one or two surfaces of the sheet. The gap size between the sheet and mandrel determines the pressure profile in the gap, which also determines the final sheet shape. In general, smaller gaps lead to larger viscous forces. The pressure profile depends on the shape of the mandrel, the size of the fluid gap and the sheet and the fluid supply pressure. |
US08025829B2 |
Die imprint by double side force-balanced press for step-and-repeat imprint lithography
In accordance with the invention, step-and-repeat imprint lithography is effected by applying balanced pressing forces from both sides of a substrate. The pressing forces are substantially equal in amplitude and opposite in direction. With the pressing forces thus balanced, the fixture that steps and holds the substrate does not bear the load of imprinting. The balance allows use of a high resolution aligning stage to carry the substrate and to maintain high accuracy of positioning without being shifted by change of load. With this method, sufficient imprint pressure can be used to obtain high quality patterning, a thin and uniform residual layer, and a high fidelity pattern. |
US08025827B2 |
Method and device for connecting a plastic workpiece to a further workpiece
A method of connecting a plastic workpiece to a further workpiece and a device for carrying out the method are shown and described. The object of providing a method with which a positive-locking connection between a plastic workpiece and a further workpiece can be produced in a short time and without considerable outlay in terms of apparatus is achieved by a method comprising the following steps: providing a plastic workpiece and a further workpiece, placing the further workpiece against the plastic workpiece, providing a connecting element on a surface of the plastic workpiece, this surface being opposite the surface against which the further workpiece bears, producing a recess in the further workpiece, this recess being provided on the surface bearing against the plastic workpiece, heating the connecting element, so that the material of the connecting element is plasticized, and pressing plasticized material into the recess. |
US08025824B2 |
Process for producing refractory particles
To provide a process for producing high-purity highly oxidized refractory particles easily with good productivity by treating a spent refractory containing ZrO2 and Al2O3 to reduce components other than ZrO2 and Al2O3 to levels unproblematic for practical use as raw material for electrofused refractories and to increase the content of the ZrO2 and/or Al2O3 component.A process for producing refractory particles, which comprises introducing to and melting in a melting furnace both a spent refractory which contains, by mass % as chemical components, from 75 to 97% of ZrO2 and/or Al2O3, from 2 to 25% of SiO2, from 0.4 to 7% in total of Na2O, K2O and Li2O(Na2O+K2O+Li2O), at most 2% of CaO and at most 2% of MgO, and carbon particles in an amount of from 1 to 8% by outer mass percentage based on the spent refractory, and after the melting, tapping the melt while blowing compressed air against the melt to form refractory particles having the content of ZrO2 and/or Al2O3 increased. |
US08025808B2 |
Methods for machine ceramics
A method for machining a ceramic substrate containing Al, including providing a solution containing a phosphorus compound on the ceramic substrate; and machining the substrate with an abrasive. |
US08025807B2 |
Method for treating rinse water in decontamination devices
A processor for decontaminating devices is comprised of a chamber for holding devices and a circulation system to circulate a microbial decontamination fluid through the chamber. A water filtration system filters water used in the processor. The water filtration system has a water line connectable to a source of pressurized water. A water decontamination system fluidly communicates with the source of water and the processor. The water decontamination system has a water circulation path and a tank located within the water circulation path. Means are provided to circulate water along the water circulation path through the tank. A gas circulation path fluidly communicates with the tank. Conveying means is provided to convey gas along the gas circulation path through the tank. An ozone producing device is located along the gas circulation path to introduce ozone into gas flowing along the gas circulation path and through the tank. |
US08025806B2 |
Separating sand from fluids produced by a well
A settling system may be used to separate and/or remove solid particles, such as sand, from fluids produced by wells. The container of the settling system may be cleaned without need for manned-entry. |
US08025805B2 |
Device for reducing bitterness and astringency in beverages containing polyphenols and tannins
A method of treating an orally ingestible item having an original taste to be enhanced or reduced without imparting bitterness to the item, includes exposing the item to a magnetic field and oxygen. |
US08025803B2 |
Use of a chromatography substrate for reducing the amount of ADAMTS13 in a solution derived from plasma
An ion-exchange chromatography support for reducing the ADAMTS13 amount present in a plasma-derived solution containing human von Willebrand factor. The support includes a large-pore, vinyl polymer-type resin bearing DEAE groups, and a buffer including trisodium citrate, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, glycine and lysine. |
US08025801B2 |
Radial counterflow inductive desalination
Simultaneous source-sink flow, or radial counterflow, is driven by a centrifugal pump disposed within a casing. Radially outward source flow of brine goes into a shrouding tank and concentrates while a radially inward sink flow of fresh water flows back over the pump to axial extraction. An axial pump drives sink flow and axial extraction. Convergent sink flow passes under an inductor to an axial exhaust port. Induced viscosity and inductive repulsion hinder the passage of brine in sink flow, so only fresh water can reach the axial exhaust port. Crystallization of scale-forming salts is aided by Joule heating from the inductor. Solvent and gases are continuously axially extracted in sink flow, favoring crystallization. Sodium chloride is cooled and crystallized in the shrouding tank. Brine comprising other salts flows out of the tank to treatment by suitable means. Thus brine is separated into fresh water, crystallized salt, and concentrated brine. |
US08025796B2 |
Denitrification system
The disclosed process and system are used for the denitrification of wastewater. The system comprises: an influent concentration analyzer for measuring an influent dissolved oxygen concentration, an influent nitrate concentration, and an influent nitrite concentration; and a feed chemical controller for providing a feed chemical at a controlled rate. The feed chemical controller is responsive to one or more output signals provided by an automated control loop that accepts input signals from the influent concentration analyzer, which input signals relate to at least two of the influent nitrate concentration, the influent nitrite concentration, and the influent dissolved oxygen concentration. |
US08025794B2 |
Systems, methods, and catalysts for producing a crude product
Contact of a crude feed that has a viscosity of at least 10 cSt at 37.8° C. (100° F.) and an API gravity of at least 10 with one or more catalysts produces a total product that includes a crude product. The crude product is a liquid mixture at 25° C. and 0.101 MPa. The crude product has a viscosity of at most 90% of the viscosity of the crude feed and an API gravity of about 70% to about 130% of the API gravity of the crude feed. In some instances, one or more other properties of the crude product may be changed by at least 10% relative to the respective properties of the crude feed. |
US08025793B2 |
Process for using catalyst with rapid formation of iron sulfide in slurry hydrocracking
A process and apparatus is disclosed for converting heavy hydrocarbon feed into lighter hydrocarbon products. The heavy hydrocarbon feed is slurried with a catalyst comprising iron oxide and alumina to form a heavy hydrocarbon slurry and hydrocracked to produce lighter hydrocarbons. The iron oxide in the catalyst converts to catalytically active iron sulfide in the presence of hydrogen and sulfur. |
US08025789B2 |
Anionically-charged polymer detection method
An electrochemical method for measuring the concentration of an anionically-charged and non-electroactive polymer in an aqueous solution is provided. The method comprises immobilizing a cationic dye material on an electrically conductive substrate form a working electrode; contacting the working electrode with the aqueous solution including the anionically-charged and non-electroactive polymer to be measured, and transmitting electrical power to the working electrode; measuring a current of the working electrode under a determined electric potential; and calculating a concentration or quantity of the anionically-charged polymer in the aqueous solution according to the measured current of the working electrode. |
US08025787B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating, applying and neutralizing an electrochemically activated liquid
A method and apparatus are provided for receiving a cleaning liquid having a pH in a range between pH6-pH8 and an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) between ±50 mV. The liquid is converted into an anolyte liquid and a catholyte liquid having respective pHs outside of the range between pH6-pH8 and having respective ORPs outside the range between ±50 mV. The anolyte and catholyte liquids are applied to a surface, wherein the anolyte and catholyte liquids are, for example, in a combined state on the surface and substantially neutralize to a pH between pH6-pH8 and an ORP between ±50 mV within one minute of the time at which the anolyte and catholyte liquids are converted. |
US08025786B2 |
Method of generating sparged, electrochemically activated liquid
A method is provided, which includes generating a cleaning liquid by a combination of a sparging process and an electrochemical process that produces an anolyte and a catholye. |
US08025782B2 |
Process for fabricating a monolayer or multilayer metal structure in LIGA technology, and structure obtained
The invention relates to a process for fabricating a monolayer or multilayer metal structure in LIGA technology, in which a photoresist layer is deposited on a flat metal substrate, a photoresist mold is created by irradiation or electron or ion bombardment, a metal or alloy is electroplated in this mold, the electroformed metal structure is detached from the substrate and the photoresist is separated from this metal structure, wherein the metal substrate is used as an agent involved in the forming of at least one surface of the metal structure other than that formed by the plane surface of the substrate. |
US08025780B2 |
Biosensor, thin film electrode forming method, quantification apparatus, and quantification method
A biosensor is disclosed comprising a support; a conductive layer composed of an electrical conductive material such as noble metal, for example gold or palladium, and carbon; slits parallel to and perpendicular to the side of the support; working, counter, and detecting electrodes; a spacer which covers the working, counter, and detecting electrodes on the support; a rectangular cutout in the spacer forming a specimen supply path; an inlet to the specimen supply path; a reagent layer formed by applying a reagent containing an enzyme to the working, counter, and detecting electrodes, which are exposed through the cutout in the spacer; and a cover over the spacer. The biosensor can be formed by a simple method, and provides a uniform reagent layer on the electrodes regardless of the reagent composition. |
US08025777B2 |
Processes and device for the deposition of films on substrates
It is in the object of the present invention to improve current deposition processes and devices for the fabrication of multilayer systems to better control the energy contribution at different stages of the deposition. This is achieved by depositing films by sputtering in a scheme providing for thermalized particles. One can get thermalized particles by choosing the working gas pressure and the distance between target and substrate to result in a mean free path of particles smaller than the distance between target and substrate or to result in a product of pressure and distance being larger than 2.0 cmPa. |
US08025773B2 |
System for extending the range of hydrocarbon feeds in gas crackers
In a system for thermal cracking gaseous feedstocks, the system including a gas cracker for producing an effluent comprising olefins, at least one transfer line exchanger for the recovery of process energy from the effluent and a water quench tower system, a process for extending the range of system feedstocks to include liquid feedstocks that yield tar is provided. The process includes the steps of injecting a first quench fluid downstream of the at least one transfer line exchanger to quench the process effluent comprising olefins, separating in a separation vessel a cracked product and a first byproduct stream comprising tar from the quenched effluent, directing the separated cracked product to the water quench tower system and quenching the separated cracked product with a second quench fluid to produce a cracked gas effluent for recovery and a second byproduct stream comprising tar. An apparatus for cracking a liquid hydrocarbon feedstock that yield tar is also provided. |
US08025772B2 |
Method for degassing and supplying a fibrous suspension to a headbox or a filter device and degassing device
Degassing device that includes a housing, a rotor having a rotatable interior arranged within the housing, an inlet for adding a liquid to be degassed, the inlet being structured to open into the interior of the rotor, and an outflow for a degassed liquid. A degassing tube is centrally arranged with respect to the interior to remove gas escaping from the liquid. The rotor includes at least one opening structured and arranged to produce an hydraulic connection with the outflow. |
US08025770B2 |
Used paper processing apparatus
A used paper processing apparatus to be place in small shop or general household, capable of holding high secrecy, friendly to the environment, and low in running cost. In a furniture size apparatus case, a pulp manufacturing section for manufacturing used paper pulp by macerating and beating the used paper, a paper making section for manufacturing recycled paper by making the used paper pulp manufactured in the pulp manufacturing section, and a control section for driving and controlling by interlocking the pulp manufacturing section and paper making section are provided, being place in a room producing used paper, and by macerating and processing the used paper by the pulp manufacturing section, leak or disclosure of confidential information or private information written or printed on used paper can be prevented effectively, and further used paper pulp is processed by the paper making section, and recycled paper is manufactured. |
US08025769B2 |
Highly acoustical, wet-formed substrate
This invention is an acoustic fiber-based substrate composed primarily of insulation-type spun fibers or blends of such fibers and wheel spun fibers. The fibers are bound with a water-dispersible latex binder, or an agri-binder such as starch in conjunction with cellulose fiber. The insulation-type spun fibers can be first quality virgin, post-industrial waste-stream or post-consumer waste stream fiber. The substrate is wet-formed from a very dilute aqueous dispersion of ingredients onto a mesh forming screen, as on a Fourdrinier paper machine. By virtue of the insulation-type spun fiber dimensions, morphology and orientation: very low density wet-mats can be formed from a sufficiently dilute suspension. With respect to other wet-formed substrates, the invention is much lower in density and more highly porous, and, thus, the substrate is highly absorbing, exhibiting noise reduction coefficients, NRC values of about 0.80 or greater. Such NRC values have only been achieved with dry-formed, or air-laid processes in which the fiber are bound with formaldehyde emitting reactive resins. |
US08025768B2 |
Latex-treated filler slurries for use in papermaking
A continuous fiIter treatment process in which anionic polymer dispersions (latex) are added to common papermaking filler slurries ai ambient temperature and then mixed with water of temperature higher than the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the latex used. To efficiently fix the latex the temperature of the filler/latex mixture must be 30-60° C. higher than ihe Tg of the latex used. The chemical composition of the resin and the type of surfactant used during the emulsion polymerization process of the polymer latex dispersions are important factors for efficiently fixing the latex onto the filler by adding hot water and improving the properties of paper made with the treated filler. Enhanced fixation of anionic latex onto filler using hot water is done in mixing vessels that can control shear and mixing time. The anionic latexes are totally and irreversibly fixed or bound onto the filler particles and the aggregated filler slurry is stable over time. The latex-treated filler slurry can be added to papermaking furnishes at any point prior to the headbox of the paper machine or stored for later use. It can be added to wood-free or wood-containing furnishes commonly used for making fine papers, mechanical pulp papers, and multi-ply paperboards. Filler retention with only slightly reduce sheot strength and sizing performance are improved. Treated calcium carbonate filler is more acid-resistant and, when used in manufacturing mechanical pulp paper under neutral conditions, less acid is needed to control the pH. |
US08025766B2 |
Boron nitride-based fiber paper and manufacturing process thereof
A boron nitride fiber paper having a very small fiber diameter and exhibiting excellent heat resistance, mechanical properties and heat conductivity. The fiber paper is composed of a fiber assembly which contains boron nitride fibers having a fiber diameter of not more than 1 μm in an amount of not less than 40 wt %. |
US08025765B2 |
Method of manufacturing a multiple layer directionally oriented nonwoven fiber material
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a multi-layer nonwoven fiber material, and related methods of manufacturing the material. In one exemplary embodiment, the fiber material includes a first layer of directionally aligned fibers together with a second layer of randomly dispersed fibers dispersed over the first layer. Consistent with one exemplary method for manufacturing a nonwoven fiber material, the method includes dispersing a first plurality of fibers horizontally in one or more predetermined directions, as well as dispersing a second plurality of fibers horizontally in random directions. In such an embodiment, the second plurality of fibers is dispersed over the first plurality of fibers. Moreover, an exemplary embodiment of a roofing shingle employing a nonwoven fiber material as described herein is as disclosed. |
US08025758B2 |
Heat-sealing compound for sealing aluminium foil and polyethylene terephthalate film to polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride and polystyrene containers
The invention relates to a heat-sealing system consisting of an olefin polymer or olefin copolymer A, a methacrylate copolymer B, a graft polymer AB that is composed of the aforementioned components, a polyester C and an optional polymer D or an optional polymer blend DA, in addition to a solvent or solvent mixture L. The heat-sealing system is characterised by a high heat resistance, excellent barrier properties and short sealing times in relation to various plastics and aluminium foil or PET film. |
US08025756B2 |
Method of bonding materials of construction using nanoscale, superparamagnetic poly(meth)acrylate polymers
The invention relates to a method of bonding different materials of construction using hybrid materials comprising nanoscale, superparamagnetic, ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic or paramagnetic powders enveloped or in part not enveloped by poly(meth)acrylates, and to their use. |
US08025754B2 |
Method of making a reinforcing mat for a pultruded part
A method of preparing a reinforcing structure for use in manufacture a pultruded part where the reinforcing structure is pulled through a pultrusion die in a continuous longitudinal pull direction. The method includes arranging a plurality of first reinforcing fibers in a transverse direction and attaching a permeable transport web of staple fibers to the first reinforcing fibers such that the portion of the first reinforcing fibers oriented in the direction transverse comprises at least 30% of a volume of materials comprising the reinforcing structure. |
US08025753B2 |
Method for manufacturing a vehicle comprising carbon fibre
There is described a method for making a vehicle (2), including a body comprising carbon fibres, preferably a military vehicle. The method consists of the body being wound up over a mandrel with threads (28) wetted in glue. The threads (28) contain carbon fibres. The threads (28) wound around the mandrel (22) are subsequently cured. After the curing, the body is drawn off the mandrel (22), and the ends of the body are cut off at appropriate angles. Then the front end and rear end of the body are closed with closure elements, preferably closure elements containing carbon fibres and armouring materials. During the winding process, one or more layers of lightweight ceramic and/or other armouring materials (26) are laid in, which thereby become integrated in the basic body. |
US08025752B2 |
Method of fabricating conductive composites
A method of fabricating a conductive composite wherein at least one predetermined electrical access area of a conductive material is coated with a maskant. The conductive material is included in a composite ply lay-up which is cured and then the maskant is removed from the conductive material. |
US08025751B2 |
Needlepunched nonwoven with centrally-located binder
The present invention concerns a process for forming a wearable and functional fabric from a composite material comprising a nonwoven face layer containing a plurality of fibers, and at least one thermoplastic binder layer disposed underneath. The fibers are initially arranged in a generally planar web and subsequently needlepunched through at least one binder layer. The fiber layers can also be placed on both sides of one or more centrally-located binder layers, and further reinforced with scrims. In an innovative aspect of the invention, the composite is heated under low and uniform pressure to remove thermal stresses, resulting in at a least one relatively smooth face that can be coated to form a wearable fabric, e.g., artificial leather, odor absorbing fabric, and the like. |
US08025750B2 |
Retreaded tire and method for producing same
A retreaded tire capable of improving unbalance of the tire is efficiently produced.Retread rubber has the largest thickness in a joint part F on the circumference. Such a joint part F is arranged in a minimal location S (corresponding to a light location of static unbalance), in which a rubber gauge G as measured in a radial direction of the tire from a buffed surface K of a base tire D to an outer surface of an outermost belt cord L embedded in an outermost belt layer disposed in a radially outermost side among belt layers constituting a belt is minimal on the circumference in an equatorial plane of the tire in attaching so that the total rubber gauge of the retread rubber T at the joint part F surely approaches total rubber gauges at other locations on the circumference to effectively reduce unbalance. |
US08025748B2 |
Al—Mn based aluminum alloy composition combined with a homogenization treatment
An extrudable aluminum alloy billet includes an aluminum alloy composition including, in weight percent, between 0.90 and 1.30 manganese, between 0.05 and 0.25 iron, between 0.05 and 0.25 silicon, between 0.01 and 0.02 titanium, less than 0.01 copper, less than 0.01 nickel, and less than 0.05 magnesium, the aluminum alloy billet being homogenized at a temperature ranging between 550 and 600° C. |
US08025746B2 |
Turbine casing
A casing is formed from an alloy which contains, by mass, 0.08-0.20% C, 0.05-0.45% Si, 0.10-0.30% Mn, 0.80-1.40% Ni, 1.00-1.40% Cr, 1.20-1.60% Mo, 0.10-0.30% V, 0.06-0.10% Ti, 0.0005-0.0010% B, not more than 0.01% P, not more than 0.01% S, and not more than 0.005% Al, the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurity elements. The casing has excellent high-temperature strength, high toughness and excellent weldability, and is applicable to casings used in high-temperature high-pressure steam environments. |
US08025745B2 |
Device for the thermal deburring of workpieces
A device for the thermal deburring of workpieces. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner. |
US08025743B2 |
Safety arrangement for a dishwasher, and associated apparatus
A safety arrangement for a dishwashing appliance and an associated apparatus are provided. The dishwashing appliance has a door covering a forward access opening of a tub in a closed position. A sump assembly about a lower end of the tub receives washing fluid therein, and a lower spray arm is rotatable about an axis about the lower end. The lower spray arm is configured to spray washing fluid from the sump assembly toward the tub. A control device actuates the lower spray arm to spray the washing fluid. A detection device interacts with the lower spray arm, and directs the control device to prevent actuation of the lower spray arm in response to the detection device detecting an abnormal displacement of the lower spray arm and/or a force applied to the lower spray arm, both with respect to the axis, with the door in the closed position. |
US08025740B2 |
Process for conducting cleaning operations in a fluid-receiving device of a foodstuff-processing apparatus, and fluid-receiving device and foodstuff-processing apparatus therefor
A process for conducting cleaning operations at predetermined time intervals in a chamber or container of a fluid-receiving device of a foodstuff-processing apparatus first comprises receiving a first fluid in the chamber or container. Then, first and second degrees of cleaning are determined at first and second moments in time, respectively. Then, a first difference between the first and second degrees of cleaning is determined. In a first case, in which the second degree of cleaning lies below a first limit value, the action duration of the at least one cleaning agent during at least one subsequent cleaning operation is set depending on the first degree of cleaning. In a second case, in which the second degree of cleaning lies above the first limit value, a greater amount of cleaning agent is supplied and/or the time interval between two subsequent, successive cleaning operations is shortened. |
US08025738B2 |
Method of treating a tubular string using a pigtrain
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method of treating a tubular string using a pigtrain. In one embodiment, a method of treating a tubular string includes injecting working fluid between a lead pig and a trail pig of a pigtrain. A bypass pig of the pigtrain is in a first position between the lead pig and trail pig and closer to the lead pig. The method further includes injecting propellant behind the trail pig, thereby driving the pigtrain through the tubular string. The bypass pig gradually moves from the first position to a second position closer to the trail pig, thereby agitating the working fluid. |
US08025735B2 |
Multiple vacuum evaporation coating device and method for controlling the same
A multiple vacuum evaporation coating device and a method for controlling the same. The vacuum evaporation coating device includes a plurality of evaporation sources, a rotating part adapted to rotate the plurality of evaporation sources and a coating block plate adapted to block all but one of said plurality of evaporation sources at any time, each of the plurality of evaporation sources comprise a case, a melting pot arranged within said case, an evaporation material arranged within the melting pot, a heating device arranged outside the melting pot and adapted to heat and evaporate the evaporation material, and a cooling device adapted to block heat generated by the heating device from transferring to an outside. |
US08025731B2 |
Gas injection system for plasma processing
A plasma processing system for plasma processing of substrates such as semiconductor wafers. The system includes a plasma processing chamber, a substrate support for supporting a substrate within the processing chamber, a dielectric member having an interior surface facing the substrate support, the dielectric member forming a wall of the processing chamber, a gas injector fixed to, part of or removably mounted in an opening in the dielectric window, the gas injector including a plurality of gas outlets supplying process gas into the chamber, and an RF energy source such as a planar or non-planar spiral coil which inductively couples RF energy through the dielectric member and into the chamber to energize the process gas into a plasma state. The arrangement permits modification of gas delivery arrangements to meet the needs of a particular processing regime. In addition, compared to consumable showerhead arrangements, the use of a removably mounted gas injector can be replaced more easily and economically. |
US08025729B2 |
Device and process for heating III-V wafers, and annealed III-V semiconductor single crystal wafer
A device for heat treating (annealing) a III-V semiconductor wafer comprises at least one wafer support unit which is dimensioned such that a cover provided above the wafer surface is either spaced without any distance or with a distance of maximally about 2 mm to the wafer surface. A process for heat treating III-V semiconductor wafers having diameters larger than 100 mm and a dislocation density below 1×104 cm−2 is carried out in the device of the invention. SI GaAs wafers produced have an at least 25% increased characteristic fracture strength (Weibull distribution), an improved radial macroscopic and mesoscopic homogeneity and an improved quality of the mechano-chemically polished surface. The characteristic fracture strength is higher than 1900 MPa. |
US08025728B2 |
Method for manufacturing single crystal of nitride
A seed crystal is immersed in a melt containing a flux and a single crystal material in a growth vessel to produce a nitride single crystal on the seed crystal. A difference (TS-TB) of temperatures at a gas-liquid interface of the melt (TS) and at the lowermost part of the melt (TB) is set to 1° C. or larger and 8° C. or lower. Preferably, the substrate of seed crystal is vertically placed. |
US08025720B2 |
Systems and methods for processing methane and other gases
Systems and methods for processing methane and other gases are disclosed. A representative method in accordance with one embodiment includes directing a first portion of a gas stream through a first adsorbent while exchanging heat between a second adsorbent and a third adsorbent. The method can further include directing a second portion of the gas stream through the third adsorbent while exchanging heat between the first and second adsorbents. The method can still further include directing a third portion of the gas stream through the second adsorbent while exchanging heat between the first and third adsorbents. In further particular aspects, the adsorbent can be used to remove carbon dioxide from a flow of methane. In other particular aspects, a heat exchange fluid that is not in direct contact with the adsorbents is used to transfer heat among the adsorbents. |
US08025718B2 |
Fluid inlet device, use, and method of retrofitting
A fluid inlet device (1) suitable for introducing a mixture of liquid and gas into a vessel (5), which fluid inlet device (1) comprises an inlet flow channel having an inlet end (12) for receiving the mixture of liquid and gas; and a plurality of curved guiding vanes (20), wherein each vane (20) comprises an intercepting part (22) extending towards the inlet end of the inlet flow channel, and an outwardly directed deflecting part (25) defining a generally convex side and a generally concave side of the curved vane, wherein the deflecting parts (25) of two consecutive vanes form an outlet channel of the inlet device and define a main direction of gas flow in the outlet channel, and wherein at least one of the vanes (25) is provided with a liquid catcher (40) oblique to the gas flow direction. |
US08025717B2 |
Process to separate particles from a particles-containing gas stream
Process to separate particles from a particles-containing gas stream, by subjecting the particles-containing gas stream to a centrifugal separation step, wherein the particles-containing gas stream is separated in a gas rich flow and a particles-rich flow and wherein the particles-rich flow is cooled from a temperature in the range from 600 to 800° C. to a temperature in the range from 200 to 450° C. before it is subjected to a second separation step, wherein particles are separated from the particles-rich flow. |
US08025715B2 |
Process for separating carbon dioxide from flue gas using parallel carbon dioxide capture and sweep-based membrane separation steps
A gas separation process for treating flue gases from combustion processes, and combustion processes including such gas separation. The invention involves routing a first portion of the flue gas stream to be treated to a carbon dioxide capture step, while simultaneously flowing a second portion of the flue gas across the feed side of a membrane, flowing a sweep gas stream, usually air, across the permeate side, then passing the permeate/sweep gas to the combustor. |
US08025714B2 |
Dialysis systems and methods having vibration-aided air removal
A dialysis system includes a dialysis fluid disposable configured to hold and transport a dialysis fluid; an air separation chamber in fluid communication with the dialysis fluid disposable; and a dialysis instrument operable to pump dialysis fluid through the dialysis fluid disposable, the instrument including a vibrator configured to vibrate the air separation chamber to separate air from the dialysis fluid traveling through the chamber. |
US08025711B2 |
System and method for producing metallic iron
A battery of stationary hearth furnaces, and method for using, for producing metallic iron nodules having a furnace having a stationary hearth, an inlet and an outlet; a heating chamber beneath the stationary hearth having heated fluids circulated thereto and heating reducible material on the stationary hearth; passageways circulating fluids, through ports from the furnace housing above the reducible material to the heating chamber beneath; burners and air inlets in the furnace and optionally in at least one passageway and a heating chamber for drying and heating the reducible material, driving off and burning volatile material, and forming metallic iron nodules; a loading device for loading reducible material and optionally hearth material onto the stationary hearth through the inlet; and a discharging device capable of discharging metallic iron nodules and optionally related material from the stationary hearth through the outlet. |
US08025710B2 |
Tungsten alloy grains, processing method using the same, and method for manufacturing the same
Provided are an ancillary material, used for shape processing, which is capable of shortening a processing time, avoiding a reduction in quality of a shape provided to a workpiece material, and allowing a relatively low manufacturing cost; a processing method using the ancillary material; and a method of manufacturing the ancillary material. The tungsten alloy grains (1) comprise: tungsten of greater than or equal to 80% by mass and less than or equal to 98% by mass; nickel; at least one kind of metal selected from the group consisting of iron, copper, and cobalt; and an inevitable impurity, a maximum diameter thereof is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 5.00 mm, and a specific surface area thereof is less than or equal to 0.02 m2/g. The tungsten alloy grains (1, 10), the workpiece material (30), an abrasive (20) are blended in a container (100) and the container is rotated, thereby processing the shape of the workpiece material (30). In the method of manufacturing the tungsten alloy grains (1), a granulated powder is stirred at a temperature greater than or equal to a softening point of an organic binder and thereafter, is cooled, thereby spheroidizing the granulated powder. |
US08025707B2 |
Air cleaner and engine including the same
A tubular channel is disposed in a path of air that flows from an inlet to a dirty side. The cross sectional area of the tubular channel is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the inlet. A dust outlet is disposed in a wall in a path of the air that flows out of the exit of the tubular channels to the dirty side. The dust outlet extends through the wall of the air cleaner from the inside to the outside. As the air blasts out of the dust outlet, dust in the air cleaner is discharged to the outside. |
US08025703B2 |
Two-part foam hair dye
A two-part foam hair dye having a first agent containing an alkali agent, a second agent containing hydrogen peroxide, and a non-aerosol foamer container, wherein the first agent contains (A), from 0.20 to 2.00 mol/kg of (B), and 0.05 mol/kg or greater of (C1); a total concentration of (C1) and (C2) in the first agent is from 0.16 to 0.50 mol/kg: and a mixture of the first agent and the second agent has a viscosity of from 1 to 300 mPa·s;(A) a water-soluble cationic polymer,(B) an alkali metal ion,(C1) an oxidation dye having a phenolic hydroxyl group, and(C2) an anionic surfactant. |
US08025702B2 |
Two-part hairdye composition
Provided is a two-part hair dye composition, including a first part containing an alkali agent, a second part containing hydrogen peroxide, and a non-aerosol type foamer container for discharging a mixture solution of the first part and the second part as foam, in which the mixture solution contains the following components (A) and (B): (A) 0.1 to 10% by mass of a nonionic surfactant, and (B) 0.1 to 5% by mass of a cationic surfactant, and the mass ratio of the component (A) to the component (B) (content of the component (A)/content of the component (B)) is 1 to 100. |
US08025701B2 |
Use of natural dyes for coloring human hair
The present invention relates to a hair coloring composition containing at least one natural dye, in particular at least one orcein, and at least one particular organic solvent. The invention also relates to a hair coloring method that comprises applying on the fibers a composition containing one or more natural dyes for a duration sufficiently long for obtaining the desired color. The invention thus provides colorings that respect the nature of the hair while offering strong, low-selectivity and resistant nuances. |
US08025700B2 |
Method and system for optically bleaching keratinous fibers
The present invention relates to a method of treating keratinous fibers, especially hair fibers, comprising at least one step of at least partially bleaching the fibers, in which at least one region to be treated is exposed to at least one light pulse, characterized in that this pulse is generated by a diode-pumped laser or by a regenerative amplifier laser. |
US08025696B2 |
Artificial meniscus and process of making thereof
An artificial meniscus, a base material of which is a hydrogel having a semi-interpenetrating network structure or an interpenetrating network structure (e.g., a linear polymer or a network structure composing the hydrogel is a polymer of an electrically charged unsaturated monomer and/or an electrically neutral unsaturated monomer or a crosslinked product thereof or/and a naturally occurring macromolecule or a crosslinked product thereof.), which can maintain moderate mechanical properties even in the case of application for an extended period of time between the joints where the severest mechanical environment is found in an organism, and which has no fear of causing osteoarthritis. |
US08025692B2 |
Stent delivery system
A stent delivery catheter for rapid exchange carries at its distal end a sleeve (12) to surround a self-expanding stent (10) and a tension wire (30) running the length of the catheter to release the stent by proximal withdrawal of the sleeve. A tubular catheter shaft (62) surrounds the tension wire. An inner catheter (44) defines a guidewire lumen (48) with a proximal guidewire exit part (58) at the distal end of the catheter shaft. The inner catheter carries an abutment (32) to restrain the stent from moving proximally when the sleeve is pulled proximally. There is a gap (74) between the abluminal surface of the inner catheter and the luminal surface of the catheter shaft, in which the tension wire is accommodated. |
US08025688B2 |
Apparatus for thermal therapy of prostate gland with ultrasound energy
An apparatus for applying thermal energy to a prostate gland, comprising a support tube having a longitudinal passageway, a power lead channeled through the longitudinal central passageway and an ultrasound crystal disposed around at least part of the support tube. The ultrasound crystal is coupled to the power lead which provides the power to energize the ultrasound crystal and generate ultrasound energy providing thermal therapy to the prostate gland. The ultrasound crystal further includes inactivated portions for reducing ultrasound energy directed to the rectal wall of the patient. A sealant is disposed in contact with the ultrasound crystal allowing vibration necessary for efficient ultrasound energy radiation for the thermal therapy of the prostate gland. |
US08025684B2 |
Instruments and methods for inserting a spinal implant
Instruments of an instrumentation set may be used to prepare a disc space and to insert an implant into the prepared disc space. The instruments may include fixed tip distractors and/or modular tip distractors. The instruments may include a chisel. The chisel may allow simultaneous removal of a desired amount of bone from each of a pair of vertebrae. The instruments may include an implant inserter. The implant inserter may grip sides of an implant. A portion of the implant inserter may fit within grooves of the implant to minimize or eliminate portions of the implant that extend beyond side surfaces of the implant. |
US08025678B2 |
Interspinous process spacer having tight access offset hooks
An interspinous spacer having a pair of hooks that, upon lateral insertion between opposed spinous process, bear upon the opposed spinous processes. |
US08025677B2 |
System and method for stabilizing the human spine with a bone plate
Embodiments disclosed herein provide a spinal plate system and method for fixation of the human spine. In an embodiment, the spinal fixation system includes a plate, a coupling member, a locking system for substantially locking the coupling member in a desired position, and an anchoring system to secure the coupling member in the locking system. The plate may have a hole that allows the coupling member to couple the plate with a bone. At least a portion of the coupling member may swivel in the hole so that a bottom end of the member may extend at a plurality of angles substantially oblique to the plate. The locking system may lock the coupling member in desired positions relative to the plate. The anchoring system may secure the coupling member in the locking system to inhibit the coupling system from detaching from the locking system when stressed. |
US08025674B2 |
Cannula with associated filter and methods of use during cardiac surgery
Devices and methods for filtering blood. The devices generally comprise a mesh for filtering blood flowing within a blood vessel, particularly within an artery such as the aorta, a structure adapted to open and close the mesh within the blood vessel, and a means to actuate the structure. The methods generally include the steps of introducing a mesh into a blood vessel to entrap embolic material, and removing the mesh and the entrapped foreign matter from the blood vessel. |
US08025671B2 |
Surgical threading device and method for using same
Described herein is a threading device that includes an elongated rod having first and second opposite ends, and a suture having first and second opposite ends. The first end of the suture is associated with the rod. The rod is at least partially covered with a coating that secures the first end of the suture to the rod. The second end of the suture extends outside the coating. This provides a threading rod having a suture permanently attached thereto. |
US08025670B2 |
Methods and apparatus for natural orifice vaginal hysterectomy
A transuterine cannula through which an endoscope can be advanced into the peritoneal space to provide visualization of tissue cutting in the peritoneal space pursuant to a vaginal hysterectomy. |
US08025663B2 |
Augments for surgical instruments
A system for establishing a prosthetic gap between first and second bones at a joint comprises an instrument for positioning within the gap between the first and second bones, and an augment for filling the gap when coupled to the instrument. In one embodiment, a resilient coupling member is provided to resiliently and removably couple the augment to the instrument. In another embodiment, the instrument and augment are configured so that the augment can be coupled to the instrument on either one of opposite surfaces of the augment facing the first and second bones. |
US08025662B2 |
Bidirectional reaming cutter
A surgical rotary reamer including a shaft and a cutting head connected to the shaft. The cutting head has a plurality of cutting teeth. At least one cutting tooth has a forward portion, a rearward portion and a mid-portion therebetween. The forward portion has a first cutting edge that cuts in a first rotary direction. The rearward portion has a second cutting edge that cuts in the first rotary direction and/or a second rotary direction. The mid-portion interconnects the forward portion and the rearward portion and includes a recessed portion. |
US08025661B2 |
Coaxial catheter instruments for ablation with radiant energy
A cardiac ablation instrument includes a catheter body and a tear-shaped balloon that is connected to the catheter body. The instrument further includes a radiant energy emitter that is axially movable within a central lumen of the catheter body. A radiant energy transparent body surrounds the energy emitter and includes a plurality of illumination fibers disposed circumferentially about the energy emitter. A detector communicates with a contact sensing element and is configured to determine an amount of at least one color component of the reflected light The amount of the at least one color component being indicative of contact between the balloon and a target tissue site. |
US08025660B2 |
Universal foot switch contact port
A universal contact port for use in an electrosurgical generator is provided and includes a ring gear having a circular rim formed therein and defines a central rotational axis. The rim includes a series of teeth formed therearound. A plurality of spur gears are operatively engaged with the rim of the ring gear, each spur gear defining a longitudinal axis which is at least substantially parallel with the central rotational axis; and a plurality of rollers operatively associated with a respective spur gear, each roller defining a corporal axis. The corporal axis of each roller is parallel to and spaced from the longitudinal axis of the respective spur gear. The rollers define an opening therebetween. The opening is constricted by rotation of the ring gear in a first direction about the central rotational axis and expanded by rotation of the ring gear in a direction opposite to the first direction. |
US08025659B2 |
Laser device and method for machining material using laser radiation
Disclosed is a laser device for machining material, comprising a laser beam source which supplies pulsed laser radiation, and a variable deflection unit that introduces said laser radiation into the material at different, selectable points so as to create optical breakthroughs. The inventive laser device further comprises a pulse-selecting apparatus which modifies selected laser pulses of the pulsed laser radiation regarding at least one optical parameter in such a way that no more optical breakthroughs can be created using the modified laser pulses. |
US08025658B2 |
Adhesive patch systems and methods
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to patches for medical devices. In various embodiments, an adhesive patch of a medical device may have selective areas with adhesive material of varying adhesion strengths. In other embodiments, an adhesive patch of a medical device may include adhesive material that may be activated by a catalyst to increase or decrease the adhesion strength of the adhesive material. In further embodiments, a medical device may include a pierceable membrane containing an agent, the pierceable membrane positioned to be pierced by a needle and to cause some of the agent to be carried to the user-patient. |
US08025657B2 |
Closed loop fat transplantation system
The present invention provides a closed loop fat transplantation system newly designed to aspirate a fat, to handle it without receptacle transfer and to transplant it into the human body, which is composed of a fat transplantation receptacle (hereinafter referred as FT receptacle) and an exterior mechanical pressurization and decompression means. The said FT receptacle includes a vertical hem portion where joining selectively individual syringe needle or cannelae, a cylinder-shaped receptacle into front fat storing space and rear pressurization and decompression space. The said pressurization and decompression means can give positive/negative pressure to the fat storing space through the piston head of the said FT receptacle and it has a structure separable from the said FT receptacle. Accordingly, fat transplantation can be performed without receptacle transfer using the same FT receptacle extracting fat from patient's body giving negative pressure through the piston head to the fat storing space. |
US08025649B2 |
Method for use of attachment device and system for corneal irrigating cannula
A cannula support serves in supporting a cannula relative to a non-contact lens assembly and a positioning mechanism for positioning the non-contact lens assembly. The cannula support includes a cannula holder and a gripper disposed relative to the cannula holder. The cannula holder is provided for receiving at least a portion of the cannula. The gripper is adapted to cooperatively engage a portion of one of the non-contact lens assembly and the positioning mechanism. |
US08025647B2 |
Introduction device for introducing an object into a vessel of a body
An introduction device for introducing an object into a vessel of a body comprises a tubular channel (15) and a dilator (11) carrying the channel. To keep the diameter of the body canal as small as possible, the wall thickness of the channel (15) is max. 0.06 mm. The channel (15) is made of a hard plastic material, such as polyamide or polyester, such that the channel (15) is not deformed by compression when the device is advanced in the body and the dilator (11) is retracted. Further, a tight fit on the dilator also prevents such compressions. |
US08025645B2 |
Guard for flexible tubing clamp and method of using same
A clamp guard (10,110,210, . . . ) for securing to flexible tubing (50) such as catheters and their extension tubes and about a clamp (60) therealong for housing the clamp at least when the clamp is in a tubing-clamping state, to prevent inadvertent contact of the clamp by a foreign body and undesirable unclamping of the clamp. The clamp guard is removable from around the clamp when desired. |
US08025643B2 |
Anchoring system for a medical article
An anchoring system secures a catheter to the body of a patient and arrests axial movement of the catheter without meaningfully impairing fluid flow through the catheter. The anchoring system includes an anchor pad that adheres to the patient's skin and supports a retainer. The retainer includes interacting structure with a cooperating keeper and latch that releasably moves the retainer between an open and a closed position. When in the open position, the retainer can receive a portion of the catheter and be subsequently moved to the closed position. The retainer further includes one or more retention mechanisms that inhibit axial movement of the catheter relative to the retainer when the catheter is secured therein. In one mode, the retainer includes interacting structure with a keeper and latch. The keeper selectively cooperates with the latch to secure the retainer in a closed position where the cover is generally over to the base. In another mode, the anchoring system includes a mount that allows the retainer to rotate 360° relative to the anchor pad. |
US08025642B2 |
Powered variable seal diameter trocar employing a longitudinal displacement mechanism
An apparatus for sealing a passageway through an access assembly includes a variable seal member having an orifice for reception of an instrument therethrough. Each of a pair of compression members has a pressure face for contacting the variable seal member, each pressure face opposing the variable seal member from an opposite longitudinal side, and each compression member moveable with respect to the other compression member in a longitudinal direction transverse to the pressure faces. The compression members may be moved in the longitudinal direction to adjust the degree of compressive force exerted on the portal seal member and thus adjust a diameter of the orifice to effectively interface with the instrument to form a fluid tight relation therewith. |
US08025641B2 |
Powered variable seal diameter trocar employing a winepress mechanism
A surgical access apparatus includes an access member having a longitudinal passageway providing access to a tissue site. An elongated seal member mounted to the access member has an orifice with a variable inner dimension. The elongated seal member establishes a sealing relation about an instrument and is associated with a powered adjustment mechanism for adjusting the variable inner dimension of the orifice. The powered adjustment mechanism includes trailing and leading hubs longitudinally spaced and adapted for relative rotation about an axis defined by the access member. A plurality of spokes extends between the hubs and defines first and second minimum internal dimensions when in first and second conditions respectively upon relative rotation of the hubs. The spokes are arranged about the elongated seal member to adjust the variable inner dimension of the orifice upon relative rotation of the hubs. A powered motion generator effects relative rotation between the hubs. |
US08025637B2 |
Medical balloons and processes for preparing same
A medical device such as a catheter, stent or balloon, is formed by depositing a radiation curable composition on a form made of ice or wax. The deposited composition may be cured by irradiation, suitably with UV light. Complex structures can be built up if the deposition or curing is achieved imagewise. Compositions which photocure to polyester, polyamide or polyimide may be employed. A particular structure is a balloon for a rapid exchange catheter which has a guide wire lumen passing through the balloon cone walls. |
US08025634B1 |
Method and system for controlled infusion of therapeutic substances
Programmable infusion systems and method for controlled infusion of diagnostic or therapeutic substances (e.g., drugs, biologics, fluids, cell preparations, etc.) into the bodies of human or animal subjects. |
US08025624B2 |
System and method for assessing cardiac performance through cardiac vibration monitoring
A system and method for assessing cardiac performance through cardiac vibration monitoring is described. Cardiac vibration measures are directly collected through an implantable medical device. Cardiac events including at least one first heart sound reflected by the cardiac vibration measures are identified. The first heart sound is correlated to cardiac dimensional measures relative to performance of an intrathoracic pressure maneuver. The cardiac dimensional measures are grouped into at least one measures set corresponding to a temporal phase of the intrathoracic pressure maneuver. The at least one cardiac dimensional measures set is evaluated against a cardiac dimensional trend for the corresponding intrathoracic pressure maneuver temporal phase to represent cardiac performance. |
US08025622B2 |
Systems and methods for estimating the size and position of a medical device to be applied within a patient
The field of the invention relates to medical imaging systems, and more particularly to systems and methods for estimating the size and position of a stent or other medical device within a patient. In one embodiment, a medical imaging system includes an elongated tubular member having distal and proximal ends, configured to be inserted into a vessel of a patient, an imaging device coupled to the distal end of the elongated tubular member, and a console electrically coupled to the imaging device, wherein the console includes a computer-usable medium, electrically coupled to the imaging device, having a sequence of instructions which, when executed by a processor, causes said processor to execute a process including generating an image of the vessel, and overlay one or more shapes onto the image to provide a visual approximation of the size and position of a medical device to be applied within the patient. |
US08025619B2 |
Systems and methods for delivering a medical implant to an anatomical location in a patient
A surgical device for use in a minimally invasive procedure to treat urinary incontinence can include a dilator coupled to a curved needle at one end and a sling at the opposite end. Urinary incontinence can be treated minimally invasively. One treatment includes positioning the sling on an anterior portion of the urethra to provide proper coaptation to the urethra. |
US08025617B2 |
Stretching apparatus
The present invention concerns a stretching apparatus that is useful to apply controlled, gradual muscular stretching, and is particularly useful for controlled stretching of the hamstring muscle. |
US08025613B1 |
Adjustable dumbbell
An adjustable dumbbell includes a handle, a shaft rotatably engaged through the handle, a carrier attached to each end portion of the shaft and having an inner housing and an outer housing and one or more middle housings spaced from each other for forming two or more gaps between the housings and for engaging with weight members, and the inner housing and the middle housing each include a spring-biased projection extendible into the gaps for selectively latching the weight members to the handle and the shaft and the carrier, and a control device is rotatably engaged onto the shaft and coupled to the handle for actuating the spring-biased projections to latch the selected weight members to the handle and the shaft and the carrier. |
US08025609B2 |
Cross trainer exercise apparatus
Apparatus and method for simulating a back and forth leg or foot movement, the apparatus comprising: a pair of pivotable support mechanisms supported on a frame, a pair of foot pedals mounted on the support mechanisms for back and forth movement along an arcuate path of translation movement, the foot pedals being adjustable to a selected segment of an overall arcuate path of translation movement. The apparatus includes handles or arms interconnected or interlinked to the foot pedals for upper body pushing or pulling energy input. The handles or arms pivot together with and in the same back or forth direction as the pedals to which they are interlinked. |
US08025604B2 |
Gear and clutch arrangement for multi-speed transmission
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include five clutches and one brake arranged within a transmission housing. |
US08025600B2 |
Endless belt for power transmission
An endless belt for power transmission is capable of efficiently improving the yawing attitude of the elements in a variable pulley. This endless belt for power transmission includes the elements and an annular band-like member for supporting the elements. The endless belt is winched between a pair of variable pulleys. Groove parts extending from the front surface of the belt in the forward movement direction to a predetermined position not reaching to the rear surface of the belt in the forward movement direction are formed in the side surfaces of the elements contacting with the belt sliding surfaces of the variable pulleys. |
US08025599B2 |
Pivot arm tensioner with sliding ratchet mechanism
An engine chain or belt tensioning system includes a tensioner pivot arm with a ratcheting means that includes backlash in an engine timing system. The tensioner system includes a tensioner pivot arm having a fixed pin, radially projecting ratchet teeth, a tensioner pivot arm biasing device, and a ratchet mechanism that engages the radially projecting ratchet teeth. The ratchet mechanism is oriented such that the tensioner pivot arm freely rotates in one direction, but backdrive is limited in the opposite direction. |
US08025595B2 |
Baseball area protection system and method
This invention relates to an integrally weighted baseball cover and system, method and apparatus for quickly delivering the cover and placing it onto an area of a baseball field, such as one or more of the infield areas, such as home base area, first base area, second base area, third base area, pitcher's mound area and/or bullpen areas. |
US08025589B2 |
Set of golf clubs and method for identification of clubs
A sport set (10) and methods for golf club identification are provided. The sports set (10) includes a plurality of clubs (10 and 12) with each club (10 or 12) or subset of the plurality of clubs (10 or 12) provided with a distinguishing surface configuration on at least a portion of the exterior surface of head (18) to enable a golfer to visually distinguish between each club (10 or 12) or between subsets of clubs (10 or 12). |
US08025585B2 |
Positioning device for a golfer when putting
A positioning device for a golfer when putting has orientation means for orienting the positioning device relative to a target, placement means for predetermining a relative position of the positioning device and a golf ball, and adjustable positioning means for predetermining a standing position of the golfer relative to the positioning device, i.e. relative to the golf ball. The position of the golfer's feet with regard to the golf ball can be reproducibly predetermined or adapted, respectively, using the positioning device. |
US08025582B1 |
System and method for automatically altering a theme associated with a room or similar space
A system and method for changing a theme associated with a given space (e.g., restaurant). A wall system includes a wall panel having multiple themes depicted thereon or multiple wall panels each having a theme depicted thereon. Using a series of winches, chain drives, cables and pulleys or the like, the wall panels are moved to change the theme of the space. A ceiling system includes two ceiling panels movable via a series of winches, chain drives, cables and pulleys. Once separated the ceiling panels expose a theme different than that depicted while closed. Audio and/or visual cues may be provided to alert patrons to a theme change. |
US08025581B2 |
Interactive interface mounting assembly for amusement and theme park rides
A ride vehicle for use in amusement park rides with interactive game or show equipment. A vehicle body is included with a passenger seat and an interactive device operable by a passenger to interact with the interactive game. A mounting assembly is provided in or on vehicle body and is configured for pivotally mounting the interactive device on the vehicle body. The mounting assembly may be adapted such as with a cam or guide plate to rotate or otherwise position the interactive device through a range of positions at varying distances from the seat. Further, A passenger restraint assembly is provided and is used to determine a size of the passenger in the seat. The passenger restraint is linked to the mounting assembly to drive the mounting assembly so as to place the interactive device at a passenger-use position that is selected based on the defined size of the passenger. |
US08025580B2 |
Shaft for transmitting rotational movements and/or forces
A rotary torque shaft including a tube made of a composite material having a plastic matrix and a metallic tubular insert fixedly mounted around a recessed longitudinal outer surface portion of the tube so as to link the tube mechanically to a functional mechanical assembly which is supported by the insert. The insert has in cross section a non-circular inner surface profile which is complementary in shape to a profile of the outer surface of the tube. |
US08025576B2 |
Precision ball joint
The joint comprises a ball (4) held between two seats (5 and 6) of the members (1, 2) to be joined, and it further comprises fittings (7, 8) bound to the members (1, 2) respectively, connected together through an intermediate jointed ring (12). A spring (13) maintains the contact between the ball and the seats. A rim (15) of the ring retains the ball (4) in case of disjunction. The ball (4) provides large accuracy in the position of the centre of rotation and the remainder of the joint maintains cohesion of the assembly. |
US08025574B2 |
Method and apparatus for changing firmware in a gaming printer
Methods and apparatuses for changing firmware in a gaming printer. The printer containing computer memory, internal and/or external to the printer, with the memory divided logically into multiple parts; a first section containing computer codes, a second section containing the data describing the format of gaming vouchers, and a third section containing data describing the format of promotional coupons. A mathematically unique identifier is created as an individual signature for each section of the memory, with each signature being independent of the other signatures, thus allowing for the changing the contents of one or more sections of the memory without affecting the contents of the unchanged sections of the memory. |
US08025572B2 |
Dynamic spectator mode
Methods and systems for broadcasting game sessions to be viewable by spectators are disclosed. After receiving game information from game participant clients, the title server determines whether the broadcast the game session to spectators, analyzes and repackages the received telemetry data, optionally embedding additional data, and rebroadcasts the repackaged telemetry as a spectator feed to non-participant spectator client devices for viewing by users of the spectator client devices. Embedded data may include commentary data, a director's cut specifying camera information, instructional data, etc. Each spectator client device can analyze and manipulate the received telemetry data using a copy of the video game executing on the spectator client device, or may simply playback the feed when the feed includes a complete audiovisual file. Spectator clients may submit feedback to the participant clients through the title server. |
US08025571B2 |
Television interactive gaming having local storage of game portal
The present invention relates to a system and method for interactive gaming comprising: a central broadcast center (10) transmitting signals over a first communications network; a gaming system (25) residing within the central broadcast center (10); a plurality of users who access the gaming system (25) via the first communication network. The gaming system (25) provides a plurality of games that incorporate a scoring protocol that provides real time scoring data transmitting from the plurality of users back to the gaming system via a second communication network. The plurality of users may review the real time scoring data via the first communications network. |
US08025568B2 |
Gaming machine with an overhanging touch screen
A gaming machine controlled by a processor in response to a wager comprises a display and a unitary touch screen. The display includes a video portion and a non-video portion. The unitary touch screen overlaps both the video portion and the non-video portion. The video portion includes player-selectable first indicia selectable via the unitary touch screen. The non-video portion includes player-selectable second indicia selectable via the unitary touch screen. |
US08025562B2 |
Gaming device methods and apparatus employing audio/video programming outcome presentation
In a first aspect, a method (e.g., of operating a gaming device) is provided. The method includes the steps of (i) receiving audio/video content; (ii) associating a plurality of sets of outcome values with the audio/video content; (iii) determining a play session; (iv) determining which of the plurality of sets of outcome values to associate with the audio/video content for a duration of the play session, thereby determining an active set of outcome values; (v) determining a result of a game play during the session; (vi) selecting, based on the result, a value from the active set of outcome values; and (vii) outputting, as an indication of the result, the audio/video content and an indication of the selected value. |
US08025558B2 |
Power sander with novel sanding sheet tension clamping
Portable sander, in particular an orbital sander, having an abrasive sheet carrier (1) and having clamping means (3) for firmly clamping opposite abrasive sheet ends of an abrasive sheet (21) which can be supported on the abrasive sheet carrier (1), wherein first clamping means (3) together with an abrasive sheet end clamped thereon can be moved away from the other abrasive sheet end, clamped by means of second clamping means (3), for tensioning the abrasive sheet (21), and the first clamping means (3) have spring elasticity. Provision is made for the first clamping means (3) to come against a rigid stop element (9) with prestress in an end clamping position. |
US08025549B2 |
Hula-hoop for pressing flesh of waist in vertical direction
Disclosed herein is a hula-hoop, which applies pressing force in a vertical direction as well as in a horizontal direction when the hula-hoop is rotated, thus achieving a good exercise effect, and which performs an acupressure action and a compression action using acupressure protrusions. The hula-hoop includes first and second rings (10, 20). Protruding parts (11, 21) and grooves (12, 22) are alternately provided on the first and second rings (10, 20). Streamlined body pressing space (30) is defined between the grooves (12, 22) by attaching inward protruding parts (11, 21) to each other, so that the waist flesh (h) is pinched between the grooves, thus providing pressing force in a vertical direction. |
US08025548B2 |
External diaphragm game call with manual diaphragm manipulation
A game call having a mouthpiece with an internal latex diaphragm and secured to said mouthpiece is a diaphragm plunger which is operable by pressing an artificial tongue-like pliable section into contacting with the diaphragm, thereby changing the pitch of the sound produced. |
US08025546B2 |
Ducted fan assembly for radio-controlled model
A ducted fan assembly includes a housing unit, a motor, and a propeller. The housing unit includes a duct member, and a hollow seat member disposed in the duct member. The motor is mounted to an exterior of the seat member, and includes a power cord extending through the seat member. The propeller is mounted to the motor and is driven thereby to generate an airflow that flows through the duct member and that acts on the motor. |
US08025538B2 |
Joint connector and wiring harness
A joint connector has a housing (20) and cavities (21) penetrate the housing (20) in forward and backward directions. Female terminals (11) connected to ends of wires (10) are insertable into the cavities (21) from behind and locking lances (22) in the respective cavities (21) retain the female terminals (11). Jig insertion grooves (30) are formed in the front surface of the housing (20) and can receive a jig (80) to displace the locking lance (22) in an unlocking direction. A joint terminal (50) to be mounted in the housing (20) and formed such that a bracket (52) to be mounted on a grounding portion is connected with the rear edge of a male terminal (51) in which male terminals (55) insertable into the respective cavities (21) from front are connected side by side. |
US08025536B1 |
Polarized shell for preventing coaxial connector mis-mating
A polarized shell for preventing mis-mating of a first coaxial connector comprising the polarized shell and a second coaxial connector is provided. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the polarized shell can comprise an external wall, and internal wall, and two or more polarizing members circumferentially spaced apart on one of the external wall and the internal wall. A coaxial connector for preventing mis-mating is also provided. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the coaxial connector can comprise a body and a polarized shell within the body. The polarized shell can comprise an external wall, an internal wall, and two or more polarizing members circumferentially spaced apart on one of the external wall and the internal wall. A system for preventing mis-mating is also provided. |
US08025535B1 |
Audio socket connector and switch module
A socket connector includes an insulating housing, at least one terminal set and a switch module. The insulating housing defines an inserting hole. The terminal set and the switch module are respectively received in the insulating housing. The switch module includes a fixed terminal, a movable terminal and an insulating guider. The insulating guider is connected to the moveable terminal and electronically insulated from the moveable terminal for preventing signal transmitted by the socket connector from influence. Because the movable terminal is molded with the insulating guider, the strength of the switch module of the audio socket connector will be improved. Since, the audio socket connector has strong structure and high reliability. |
US08025534B2 |
System and method for coupling a LTO HH tape device with a serial attached SCSI connection to a SAS-cable
A method, system and apparatus for efficiency coupling a LTO HH tape drive device having a Serial Attached SCSI connector to a SAS-Cable. The method for coupling a LTO HH tape drive device having a Serial Attached SCSI connector to a SAS-Cable includes employing an adapter having a structure featuring an offset between the centerlines of the LTO side and the SAS-Cable side. The method also includes reducing the overmold structure of the adapter on the SAS Cable Side of the adapter to prevent interference from excess structure contained on the connector during the insertion of the SAS Cable as well as enhancing the overmold structure of the adapter on the LTO drive side of the adapter to facilitate a secure grip on the adapter. The method further includes offsetting the centerlines of the LTO side and the SAS-Cable side to enhance the applicability of the adapter to a wide range of SAS-Cables and guiding the insertion of the adapter into a LTO drive via insertion guide pins to prevent the damage to the adapter pins on the LTO drive side of the adapter. |
US08025533B2 |
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. Other problems also 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 terminal being fitted in the coupler. |
US08025527B1 |
Electrical outlet having grounds-out receptacles and method
A method, apparatus and means to address the problem of utilizing two large power plugs with transformers, converters and/or 90 degree plugs simultaneously with one duplex power receptacle. The duplex power receptacle has a ground-up and ground-down configuration, such that two conventional large three prong power plugs with transformers, converters and/or 90 degree plugs can be used simultaneously. This configuration can be utilized while still maintaining many characteristics of conventional duplex power receptacles such as left and right orientation of neutral and hot conducting busses. By maintaining characteristics of the conventional duplex power receptacle one knowledgeable in the art can install this invention without having to be retrained in a method of installation and a conventional wall outlet box and cover plate will accommodate this invention. Additionally, by maintaining these characteristics users of this invention will not have to learn any new method of using the device. |
US08025525B2 |
Connector back shells having a plurality of cable exit angles
A wiring connector back shell having a plurality of cable exit angles is disclosed. The back shell has a single transition element with a number of holes fashioned therein, which allow a cable retaining device to be fastened thereto. The cable retaining device provides strain relief for the cable exiting the back shell, as well as determining the exit angle of the cable. The cable retaining device has integral pins which mate with hole patterns in the transition element, and are locked in place with a retaining collar. Alternatively, cable ties or tie wraps may be utilized to fasten the cable to the transition element. The system provides a high reliability, low mass method for cable back shells wherein cable exit angles are easily changed or chosen in the field. |
US08025520B1 |
Cable immobilizing device and electronic device having the same
A cable immobilizing device for an electronic device. The cable immobilizing device includes a buckle and a sleeve. The buckle is fixed on a shell of the electronic device. The buckle includes two juts facing to each other. The two juts define a slot therebetween to receive a cable of the electronic device. The sleeve is configured to enclose the cable, the outer diameter of the sleeve is lager than the width of the slot. |
US08025511B2 |
Connector
A connector is matable with a mating connector. The connector has a contact, a housing, a sliding shell, at least one engagement portion and at least one disengagement portion. The housing holds the contact. The sliding shell covers, at least in part, the contact and the housing. The sliding shell is held on the housing so as to be movable between a mating position and a protective position. The connector is mated with the mating connector when the sliding shell is positioned at the mating position. The sliding shell is laid, at least in part, beyond a front end of the housing when the sliding shell is positioned at the protective position. The at least one engagement portion is configured to engage with the sliding shell located at the protective position so as to prevent the sliding shell from moving toward the mating position. The at least one disengagement portion is configured to disengage the engagement portion from the sliding shell when the at least one disengagement portion is brought into contact with the mating connector upon a mating process between the connector and the mating connector. |
US08025510B2 |
Tethered port protector for portable electronic devices and kit of port protectors
A port protector for an electronic device that is formed with one or more ports having an access opening. The port protector includes a protective plug having a shape substantially corresponding to a shape of the access opening of the port of the electronic device and being configured to seal the opening of the port when the plug is inserted into the opening. An elastic tether strip has a first end connected to and integrally formed with at least a part of the protective plug. An attachment tab is integrally formed at a second end of said tether strip, opposite and distally from the protective plug. The attachment tab is configured for removable attachment to the surface of the shell body of the electronic device. The tether strip has a length enabling the protective plug to be inserted into and removed from the opening of the port while the attachment tab is attached to the surface of the shell body of the electronic device. |
US08025509B2 |
Apparatus for preventing electrical shock in devices
A device for preventing electrical shock from a device with electrical interfaces. A shutter or other barrier associated with the device that physically prevents access or contact to one of the electrical interfaces while another electrical interface is in use. |
US08025507B2 |
Connector
The present invention provides a connector including: a printed circuit board including a guide hole and a locking hole; a plurality of connection pads provided on a top surface of the printed circuit board; a housing which is mounted on the printed circuit board and including a guide inserted into the guide hole and a locking unit inserted into the locking hole, which are protrudingly formed on a bottom surface of the housing; a plurality of terminals inserted and fixed into the housing so that one ends are positioned inside the housing and the other ends are projected to an outside of the housing; and terminal units in contact with top surfaces of the connection pads by being connected to the one ends of the terminals inside the housing. |
US08025500B2 |
Decompression sprue bush and decompression machine nozzle
The present invention concerns a transfer element (1, 9) for an injection molding system comprising a flow lumen for a plasticised plastic material. To provide a transfer element for an injection molding system, which makes it possible to further increase the material throughput of the injection molding system without having to tolerate increased wear of seals and other system components, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that it has a device for degassing of the flow lumen. |
US08025499B2 |
Multi-segment tool and method for composite formation
A multi-segment tool and tooling system for vacuum forming a composite part. A tool can include a first tool having first and second surfaces. A second tool can have an opening positioned on a first tool in a location other than the first surface or the second surface. The first tool and second tool can receive at least a portion of a preform composite. The first tool can have a vacuum barrier attached to the first surface and to the second surface encapsulating the preform composite and the second tool. A tooling system can include a first tool having a core and a base with a core extending upwards from the base. A second tool can be positioned upon the core where the core extends above the second tool. A vacuum barrier sealed to the base and the core can include a composite, the first tool and the second tool. |
US08025498B2 |
Rotary tableting press
The invention relates to a rotary tableting press comprising a rotor, at least one filling station and at least one pressure station as well as lower and upper ram guides. The rotary tableting press has a modular design, such that individual modules are arranged so they can be removed and/or converted within the rotary tableting press for retooling the rotary tableting press from two-layer operation to single-layer operation or vice-versa. |
US08025497B2 |
Method for manufacturing short fiber oriented rubber or synthetic resine and expansion die for extrusion molding
A method includes steps of extruding rubber or synthetic resin mixed with short fibers from a sectionally annular mold opening, and molding a cylindrical body of rubber or synthetic resin with short fibers oriented in a predetermined direction. The mold opening has an expansion portion 9 whose diameter expands in an extrusion direction, and a flow passage width Wi of an inlet portion 6i of the mold opening, a flow passage width Wo of an outlet portion 6o, and radiuses Ri and Ro of the inlet portion 6i and the outlet portion 6o respectively that are coaxial with the mold opening satisfy a relation of Wo/Wi |
US08025495B2 |
Apparatus and method for making a spider occlusion device
An apparatus and method for making an occlusion device for occluding a body vessel. The apparatus and method include providing a frame and a mandrel. The frame has a hub extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end. A plurality of arcuate legs are attached to the hub and extend distally. The arcuate legs are flexible and have inner surfaces defining an inner profile in an unconstrained state. The mandrel has an outer surface corresponding to the inner profile of the occlusion device. A base layer of a biocompatible material is disposed on the outer surface of the mandrel. The frame is placed on the outer surface with the base layer between the frame and the mandrel. The frame is attached to the base layer such that the biocompatible material forms a membrane extending along and between the arcuate legs. |
US08025492B2 |
Scroll machine
A compressor may include a shell, a compression mechanism, and a seal assembly. The shell may define a first discharge passage. The compression mechanism may be supported within the shell and may include first and second scroll members. The first scroll member may include a second discharge passage. The seal assembly may extend between the first scroll member and the shell and may form a sealed discharge path between the first and second discharge passages. The seal assembly may include a first seal member axially displaceable relative to the shell and the first scroll member. The first seal member may axially abut the first scroll member when in a first position and may be free from axial contact with the first scroll member when in a second position. The seal assembly may maintain the sealed discharge path when the first seal member is in the first position. |
US08025489B2 |
Portable, remote electromagnetic power system
A portable electromagnetic power system used as a remote alternate power source includes a water tank having an oil reservoir mounted on top of the tank with four cylinders extending through the tank and the two outer cylinders denoted the pressure cylinders and the two inner cylinders serving as accumulators with electromagnets mounted at the ends of each pressure cylinder for reciprocating an internal floating piston and each inner cylinder having a permanent magnet mounted at one end for actuating a magnetized floating piston disposed therein and each magnetized floating piston dividing the inner cylinder into an air chamber portion and a fluid chamber portion with the oil reservoir and the cylinders all in fluid flow registration with each other and the inner cylinders connected to a working pressure line that connects to a device, such as a hydraulic motor, so that the outer cylinder develop working pressure concomitant with the flow of oil therein that is directed to the inner (accumulator) cylinders for providing working pressure to power a device such as a hydraulic motor. |
US08025484B2 |
Fan rotor assembly
A fan rotor assembly has an inner rotor, an outer rotor, a central retainer and a central shaft. The inner rotor has multiple first blades. The outer rotor is stacked on the inner rotor and has multiple second blades. The central retainer is mounted through the inner and outer retainers. The central shaft is mounted in the central retainer under the inner rotor. The fan rotor assembly with first and second blades provides excellent airflow. |
US08025482B1 |
Turbine blade with dual serpentine cooling
A turbine rotor blade with a low cooling flow serpentine circuit to provides cooling for the airfoil. The circuit includes a three pass aft flowing serpentine circuit that begins at the airfoil mid-chord region and connects to a series of multiple impingement cooling holes formed within the trailing edge region. A double pass forward flowing serpentine circuit then connects with the triple pass aft flowing serpentine circuit to provide cooling for the leading edge region and is connected to a showerhead arrangement for discharging film cooling air. A blade tip cooling channel connects with the last leg of the double pass forward flowing serpentine to form a 6-pass serpentine flow cooling circuit for the entire blade. Since only the leading edge serpentine channel discharges film cooling air, the serpentine circuit can make use of low cooling flow to provide cooling for the entire blade. |
US08025481B2 |
Kit for decorating ceiling fan blades
A kit for decorating ceiling fan blades is provided. The kit includes a plurality of fan blade covers adapted to readily conform to the shape of a ceiling fan blade. The covers are embellished with interchangeable decorative images or themes selectable by user. |
US08025478B2 |
Centrifugal pump
An impeller plate of an impeller of a centrifugal pump, particularly a channel impeller pump, for pumping liquids with solid or gaseous admixtures, is provided with at least one wide vane that is displaced toward the impeller drive by a distance D so that the impeller chamber is enlarged by a rearward portion thereof. In addition, the impeller comprises at least one auxiliary vane having a center width at between 25%-75% of the width of the wide vane. This arrangement improves particularly the gas transporting ability of the pump. |
US08025475B2 |
Wafer transfer apparatus, wafer transfer method and storage medium
One sensor constituted of a light emission element and a light-receiving element is provided in a path through which a wafer is transferred. The sensor is positioned so that the wafer passes through an area between the light emission element and the light-receiving element. Coordinates of the center of the wafer are calculated based on encoder values obtained when the wafer starts passing through the sensor and when the wafer completes passing through the sensor, position data of wafer transfer arm corresponding to the encoder value, and the diameter of the wafer; and thereby the amount of positional deviation of the center of the wafer from a reference position is calculated. |
US08025472B2 |
Catalyst loading system
Particulate filling devices and methods are disclosed that use a loading system generally including a loading cart, a drive system, and a line assembly. The drive system generally includes a motor, a drive shaft, a driven shaft, a spool, a plurality of cable partitions, and a controller. Each line assembly generally includes cable sections, swivel connectors, one or more spring blocks and a weight. |
US08025465B2 |
Cutting insert, cutting tool and cutting method using the same
A cutting tool comprises: a first cutting insert having a first side surface for interconnecting a first upper surface and a first lower surface, a first cutting edge located at the intersection between the first upper surface and the first side surface, and a first groove section located in the first side surface and extending to the first upper surface so as to divide the first cutting edge; a second cutting insert having a second upper surface, a second side surface, a second cutting edge located at the intersection between the second upper surface and the second side surface, and a cutting edge reinforcing section located on the second upper surface at an end thereof which is positioned on the second cutting edge side; and a holder for mounting thereto the first cutting insert and the second cutting insert. The first cutting insert and the second cutting insert are mounted to the holder in such a manner that the first cutting edge and the second cutting edge are located on the outer peripheral side of the holder, that the first lower surface and the second upper surface are in proximity to each other, and that the rotation trajectories of the cutting edge reinforcing section and the first groove section are partially superposed on each other. |
US08025464B2 |
Severing device with controlled triggering
Device for severing parts of a concrete work, comprising a container in which an over-pressure is generated by a gas produced by a chemical reaction between a chemical compound and an aqueous solution after a predetermined delay. The container includes the aqueous solution and is attached to a case comprising a first recess for storing the chemical compound. A burst disk is arranged between the first recess and the container for ensuring a total sealing between the chemical compound and the aqueous solution. The case includes a second recess enclosing an electronic trigger, an actuator being controlled by the trigger to cause bursting of the burst disk after a predetermined delay, causing said chemical reaction inside the container. |
US08025463B2 |
Offshore foundation system with integral elements for preloading and extracting
The present invention describes an offshore foundation system (10,10a,10b) that is operable for preloading after self-weight installation on a seabed without relying on additional or external ballasts. The foundation system (10,10a,10b) is also operable for extraction by reversing the process of preload operation. In one embodiment, the foundation system (10) comprises a reaction base (20) and suction compartment (60). In another, the foundation system (10a,10b) comprises a plurality of units of reaction base (20) and suction compartments (60), with the units being connected by bridging structures (21). In yet another, the foundation system comprises a reaction base (20) and a plurality of suction compartments (60). A closed-top of the suction compartment (60) projects above the reaction base (20) so that, in use, there is a gap h between a top of a soil plug inside a suction compartment (60) and its closed-top. |
US08025452B2 |
Print medium supplying device and image forming apparatus having the same
A print medium supplying device, includes a frame, a mounting plate to mount a print medium, an elevating unit to move upward and downward the mounting plate within the frame, and an elastic unit which comprises an installation unit disposed to one of the frame and the mounting plate, a coupling unit coupled to an other of the frame and the mounting plate, and a spring unit provided between the installation unit and the coupling unit to elastically weaken a falling motion of the mounting plate. |
US08025442B2 |
Apparatus and method for presenting information on transparent resealable storage bags
An apparatus and method for presenting information on transparent resealable storage bags. Embodiments allow for the presentation of graphic images such as numbers, letters, cartoon characters (such as Disney® characters, e.g., Mickey Mouse®), colors, animals, dinosaurs, flowers, trains, cars, planes, hearts, marketing logos, puzzles (including puzzles that are complete when the sides of the bag are next to one another and incomplete when the sides of the bag are separated) or any other information such as instructional information such as questions and answers or information that changes color based on temperature. |
US08025436B2 |
Whisk
A whisk comprising: a whisk handle, a bushing fixedly attached to the whisk head end of the whisk handle; at least two generally spiral grooves located on the interior surface; a bushing fixedly attached to whisk head end of the whisk handle; an extension member in rotatable and slideable communication with the whisk handle and the bushing, at least two engagement members extending orthogonally from the extension member and slideably engage with one of the grooves; a spring rod, with a whisk head end and a cap end, located within the extension member; an integral cap located on the cap end of the spring rod; a compression spring, in slideable communication with the spring rod, the whisk head end of the compression head pushing against the whisk head base, the cap end of the compression spring pushing against the integral cap. |
US08025433B2 |
Stroller light
A stroller light that can be easily attached to any standard baby stroller. The stroller light is comprised of a hollow housing that holds a battery pack, electric circuit, and on-off switch. A plurality of LEDs are mounted through apertures on the front and sides of the housing and can sequentially turn on and off. A hollow flag pole can be attached to the housing and wires run from the housing, through the flag pole interior to an electroluminescent wire that is sewn onto the perimeter of the flag and to an amiable light that can be used to help navigate during the evening hours. A photovoltaic solar cell is attached to the outside of the housing and can charge the battery pack during daylight hours. |
US08025428B2 |
Assembly of light emitting diodes for lighting applications
An assembly of light emitting diodes for a streetlight or the likes comprises a first board having a first matrix of light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted thereon defining a first light projection plane and at least another board having a second matrix of LEDs mounted thereon defining a second light projection plane. The other boards are mounted to the first board so as to define an angle therebetween. The LEDs can be mounted to the boards so as to independently define and angle therewith. They can also be oriented towards privileged directions. The present assembly allows providing a more uniform light distribution. |
US08025425B2 |
Beaconless adaptive optics system
An improved beaconless adaptive optics system and process. A target is illuminated with a high energy laser beam of a directed energy laser. Wave front measurements are made of high energy laser beam reflections from the target. These wave front measurements are analyzed by a high speed processor to determine both high frequency phase components and low frequency phase components in the wave front data. (Applicants' experiments have shown that there is a direct correlation between beam spot size on the target and the phase variance of the reflected laser beam. The correlation is: the greater the phase variance the smaller the beam spot size.) Applicants have developed a technique for providing special control algorithms that provide very high speed control of the elements of a deformable mirror using this phase variance as a feedback parameter. Applicants have also developed algorithms to correct a limited number of Zernike modes associated with the wave front control. |
US08025421B2 |
Light emitting diode lamp
An LED lamp includes a base, a bracket, a knob pivotably interconnecting the base and the bracket, and a reflector facing the base. The bracket includes two perpendicular arms on which multiple first LED modules and second LED modules are mounted. The first LED modules emit warm light, and the second LED modules emit cold light. The first LED modules and the second LED modules are selective to lighten by manipulating a button attached to the base. |
US08025414B2 |
Projector, projected image adjustment method, and program for projecting an image while correcting the shape of the image
A projector includes a projection section which projects a calibration image onto a projection target through a projection panel, a shape determination section which determines a shape of the projection target, a correction target area setting section which sets a correction target area, an aspect ratio calculation section which calculates an aspect ratio of the correction target area, a determination section which determines whether or not a value which indicates a difference between the aspect ratio of the correction target area and a reference aspect ratio satisfies a set condition, and an image generation section which generates an image having the shape of the correction target area on the projection panel when the set condition is satisfied, and generates an image having the reference aspect ratio on the projection panel when the set condition is not satisfied. |
US08025412B2 |
Pump unit and projector using same
A pump unit includes a pump body for discharging compressed air, a communication pipe including an elastic material and having one end fitted into a discharge port, and a pump fixture for fixing part of the communication pipe except for the one end fitted into the discharge port. The pump body is fixed only by the pump fixture. |
US08025411B2 |
Liquid crystal panel and projector using the same
A liquid crystal panel includes a liquid crystal display element, a micro-lens array, an adjustable lens array, and a lens control unit electrically connected to the adjustable lens array. The liquid crystal display element has a light input surface and a light output surface opposite to the light input surface. The micro-lens array has a plurality of micro-lenses disposed on the light input surface of the liquid crystal display element). The adjustable lens array has a plurality of adjustable lenses disposed on the light output surface of the liquid crystal display element. The lens control unit is capable of controlling focal lengths of the plurality of adjustable lenses. |
US08025405B2 |
Eye tracking illumination
The invention relates to automatic eye tracking, wherein at least one imaging device (150) registers sequential image data (DEYE) representing at least one eye (181; 182) of a subject (180). A processing unit (170) receives the image data (DEYE), and based thereon, produces a position estimate of the at least one eye (181; 182). The processing unit (170) also produces a control signal (DILL)>which is received by at least one light source (140). The at least one light source (140), in turn, emits at least one light beam (L) being variable, such that a spatial location of an illumination area (AILL) towards which at least one light beam (L) is directed depends on the characteristics of the control signal (CILL). Specifically, the processing unit (170) produces the control signal (CILL) so that the illumination area (AILL) includes a position estimate of the at least one eye (181; 182). |
US08025402B2 |
Ophthalmic photographing apparatus
To provide an ophthalmic photographing apparatus capable of checking a measurement (photographing) position of a tomographic (cross-sectional) image of a fundus on a front (surface) image of the fundus.The ophthalmic photographing apparatus has a first optical system for obtaining a tomographic image of a fundus by optical coherence tomography using low coherent light, a second optical system for obtaining a visible front image of the fundus, a third optical system for obtaining an infrared front image of the fundus, a monitor, setting means which sets a line for obtaining a two-dimensional tomographic image of the fundus on the infrared front image displayed on the monitor, and control means which establishes a positional correspondence between the infrared front image on which the line is set and the visible front image, and displays a line on the visible front image displayed on the monitor. |
US08025400B2 |
Pupilometer for pupil center drift and pupil size measurements at differing viewing distances
The present invention generally provides improved devices, systems, and methods for measuring characteristics of at least one eye, and particularly for measuring the physiological changes in eyes under different viewing conditions. An exemplary embodiment provides a pupilometer which measures any changes in location of a pupil center with changes in viewing distances. As the eye often moves significantly during viewing, the pupil center location will often be measured relative to a convenient reference of the eye such as an outer iris boundary. Pupil size may also be recorded, and the measurements from both eyes of a patient may be taken simultaneously. Exemplary embodiments may be configured so as to allow the vergence angle between the eyes to vary with differing viewing distances, regardless of whether one or both eyes are being measured. |
US08025397B2 |
Retainers
Safety equipment includes both a securing apparatus for glasses or eyewear and having incorporated therein hearing protection devices. In particular, the hearing protection devices and the way in which they are connected may vary in numerous ways to provide flexible, simple, and convenient safety equipment. |
US08025396B1 |
Magnetic eyewear latch mechanism
The present eyewear includes a pair of lenses, a pair of releasable connectors connected to respective inner ends of the lenses, a pair of temples pivotally connected to respective outer ends of the lenses and a rigid strap connected between rear ends of the temples. The strap is generally U-shaped having substantially parallel legs connected to an arc-shaped base, the substantially parallel legs being connected to rear ends of the temples and when worn, the arc-shaped base extends along the back of a user's head. A tab is permanently secured to one of the inner ends of the lenses or frames and upon joining the releasable connectors, extends to the other of the inner ends of the lenses or frames in order to stabilize the releasable connectors. |
US08025395B2 |
Industrial safety goggles with frame for ophthalmic micas and impact protection mica
The invention relates to industrial safety goggles provided with permanent ophthalmic micas having a full impact protection mica positioned thereon, wherein said impact protection mica is made from polycarbonate, provides protection against ultraviolet rays and can be removed, thereby enabling the frames to be used as ophthalmic glasses. Said goggles include a ventilation area and the ophthalmic micas have an improved visual field owing to the design of the frame to which they are mounted and fixed using angular incisions in the frame. The frame is provided with an open space at both eyes between the mica and the end of the rim, which provides ventilation and prevents the fogging of the graduated micas. The sidepieces of the goggles are designed to curve at the ends thereof, so that the goggles can be put in place without the user having to remove his/her industrial safety helmet. In addition, said sidepieces are provided with removable pad which are press-fitted and which are joined by a cord that enables the goggles to be hung around the neck when not in use. Said cord takes the form of a resistance cord that can break should the goggles be impeded by any object that could cause an accident. |
US08025394B2 |
Image recording apparatus
An image recording apparatus includes a recording head that records an image on a recording medium, and a conveyor having an adhesive area and a charged area, that is charged by a charging unit. The adhesive area and the charged area are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the conveyor and convey the recording medium supported on the outer circumferential surface of the conveyor in a conveying direction. A medium feeder supplies the recording medium to the conveyor. |
US08025392B2 |
Recording apparatus having a movable blocking plate for trapping foreign substances
A recording apparatus with a conveying mechanism and a blocking member are described. The blocking member reduces foreign substances from soiling a unit or member located adjacent to or below the conveying mechanism. The conveying mechanism may be moved to a position permitting access to remove paper jams while the blocking member is located to permit the conveying mechanism to move to the position while continuing to reduce foreign substances from soiling the unit or member. |
US08025391B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus
There is disclosed an inkjet recording apparatus including a feeding device, a medium supply device, a remover, and an inkjet head. The feeding device includes a plurality of belt rollers and an endless feeder belt wound around the belt rollers. An outer circumferential surface of the feeder belt functions as a feeding surface on which a recording medium is held while the recording medium is fed. The medium supply device makes the recording medium held on a downward-facing surface of the feeder belt with a recording surface of the recording medium facing downward. The downward-facing surface is a portion of the feeding surface which faces downward. The remover removes foreign matter on the recording surface of the recording medium as being held on the downward-facing surface. The inkjet head has a nozzle from which a droplet of ink is ejected onto the recording surface of the recording medium as being held on an upward-facing surface of the feeder belt. The upward-facing surface is a portion of the feeding surface which faces upward. |
US08025386B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus having: a recording head including a nozzle row jetting ultraviolet curable ink on a substrate; and an LED light source including a plurality of LEDs disposed in the direction of the nozzle row, being electrically series-connected, and irradiating an ultraviolet light on ink having been jetted onto the substrate, wherein a total illuminance of two adjacent LEDs of the LED light source on a surface of the substrate is larger than an illuminance required for curing of the ink at an entire area of a section between each two adjacent LEDs, and a maximum of the total illuminance is set to be illuminance less than two times of a minimum of the total illuminance in the section between each two adjacent LEDs. |
US08025380B2 |
Pagewidth inkjet printer cartridge with a refill port
A printer cartridge for an inkjet printer includes a body configured for user insertion in, and removal from, a cradle of the inkjet printer; a pagewidth printhead incorporated with the body, the pagewidth printhead having an array of nozzles for ejecting printing fluids onto a media substrate; a flexible membrane attached within the body and defining a plurality of pockets each serving as a printing fluid reservoir, each pocket of the flexible membrane being adapted to expand and contract with a volume of printing fluid stored therein; a cover molding for covering the body and sealing the flexible membrane within the body; and a refill port provided on the cover molding and having a plurality of inlets each respectively in fluid communication with one of the pockets, the refill port being configured to removably receive therein a refill cartridge. |
US08025371B1 |
System and method for creating liquid droplet impact forced collapse of laser nanoparticle nucleated cavities
A device, method and system for causing a controlled collapse of cavities formed within liquid droplets wherein a pressurized jet comprising a liquid and nanoparticle material produces droplets from the breakup of the jet stream. The liquid droplets may be irradiated with energy to produce and expand cavities formed within the droplets by irradiation of the nanoparticles contained within the droplets or alternatively, a volatile fluid with or without a metal nanoparticle may form the cavity. The droplets are collided with a target to collapse the cavities within the droplets. The irradiating (if provided) and colliding are timed to enhance implosion energy resulting from the cavities' collapse. The implosion energy and the fuel in the cavity may be used to activate and sustain a fusion reaction or from any other purposes. |
US08025366B2 |
Inkjet printhead with nozzle layer defining etchant holes
An inkjet printhead for an inkjet printer includes a wafer substrate defining an ink supply channel therethrough; side wall portions extending away from a surface of the wafer substrate; a nozzle layer supported on the side wall portions and extending parallel to the surface of the wafer substrate, the nozzle layer and the side wall portions defining an array of nozzle chambers, the nozzle layer defining ink ejection ports and etchant holes, the etchant holes being of sufficient diameter to retain ink in the nozzle chamber by surface tension; and a plurality of thermal actuators cantilevered on the wafer substrate, each thermal actuator being respectively positioned in a nozzle chambers to partition the nozzle chamber. A portion of each thermal actuator facing away from a respective ink ejection port is hydrophobic to facilitate the forming of an air bubble between the thermal actuator and the wafer substrate. |
US08025362B2 |
Liquid discharge method, liquid discharge head and liquid discharge apparatus
A liquid discharge head is arranged in a manner that in the cross-section of a discharge port in a liquid discharge direction, the discharge port includes at least one projection that is convex inside the discharge port; a first area, for holding a liquid surface connecting a pillar-shaped liquid that is elongated outside the discharge port; and second areas where a fluid resistance is lower than that in the first area so as to pull the liquid in the discharge port in a direction opposite to the liquid discharge direction. The first area is formed in the direction in which the projection is convex, and the second areas are formed on both sides of the projection. |
US08025357B2 |
Fluid ejecting apparatus and ejecting head maintenance method
A method for maintaining a fluid ejecting apparatus including an ejecting head that has an ejecting surface in which a plurality of ejecting ports that eject fluid are formed, and a maintenance portion that performs maintenance processing to recover the ejection of fluid from the ejecting ports and that has a cap member and a wiping member. The method includes performing capping processing to put the cap member on the ejecting surface and to suck, and then wiping processing to wipe the ejecting surface with the wiping member, and performing the capping processing again and then waiting a predetermined time without performing the wiping processing. |
US08025352B2 |
Ink jet printing apparatus and ink jet printing method
An ink jet printing apparatus is provided which is capable of producing an image with a good balance between image quality and printing speed, without unduly shortening a longevity of a print head, even when an odd-numbered-pass bidirectional printing is performed. To this end, during a bidirectional multi-pass printing with a relatively small number of passes, a stepping mask is used to eliminate image problems caused by a difference in print permitted ratio between forward scan and backward scan. During a bidirectional multi-pass printing with a relatively large number of passes, a flat mask is used to give priority to suppressing density unevenness resulting from nozzle characteristic variations. As a result, the printing apparatus as a whole can produce an image with a good balance between image quality and printing speed, without unduly shortening a longevity of the print head. |
US08025351B2 |
Recording apparatus having carriage guide members for maintainig parallelism between a recording head and recording medium
A recording apparatus includes guide rails that each control the posture of a carriage at an arbitrary recording position by being in contact with the carriage. The guide rails are disposed on respective sides of a guide shaft in a direction in which a recording medium is conveyed. The length of a gap between the recording medium and the carriage is selectable between a case where the carriage is in contact with one of the guide rails and a case where the carriage is in contact with the other guide rail. Such a configuration provides a compact and low-cost recording apparatus capable of performing recording on recording media having various thicknesses by appropriately adjusting the gap between the carriage and any of the recording medium while maintaining the parallelism therebetween. |
US08025342B2 |
Close proximity grinder
A close proximity pavement grinder is utilized for grinding close to a raised structure such as a lower surface of curbs close to the curb wall. The grinding apparatus utilizes a wide grinding head with grinding blades mounted along the length of an arbor to grind the lower surface of the curb in a single pass. The grinder includes a narrow bearing and support at the outer end of the arbor and is driven at the inner end so that the grinding may be conducted within close proximity of the curb wall. The grinder has a pivoting grinding head that can be locked at various angles relative to the grinder to match the relative angles between the pavement and the lower surface of the curb. |
US08025338B2 |
Adjustable head restraint system for an automotive vehicle seat
A support structure of a head restraint system for an automotive vehicle seat includes an actuator configured to be actuated by an occupant. A locking arrangement is disposable within a back of the vehicle seat and is configured to selectively secure the support structure relative to the back of the vehicle seat. At least a portion of the locking arrangement is operatively associated with the actuator. |
US08025336B2 |
Dental chair
A dental chair for supporting a patient during examination and the performance of procedures on the patient includes a patient support having a seat and a back, a base adapted to engage a floor surface, and a lift arm. The lift arm has a first end pivotally coupled to support structure at a first, terminal end of the base for rotation about a pivot axis defined by the support structure. A second end of the lift arm is coupled to the patient support. |
US08025331B2 |
Roof assembly for a storage container
A roof assembly is provided for a storage container having two opposing side walls that together define a length of the storage container. The roof assembly includes a plurality of roof panels arranged atop and between the two opposing side walls along the length of the storage container in side-by-side relationship. Each of the plurality of roof panels has opposite sides and opposite ends. Each of the opposite ends of the plurality of roof panels is configured to be secured to a top of a corresponding one of the two opposing side walls of the storage container. Each of the opposite sides of each of the plurality of roof panels is configured to be attached to the side of an adjacent one of the plurality of roof panels. |
US08025329B1 |
Collapsible airfoil for trucks and trailers
The purpose of the device is to minimize drag and turbulence otherwise occurring at the rear of a semi trailer, in order to reduced the consumption of fuel by a semi tractor. This is accomplished using directionally flexible sheets of composite material, which create contours that taper towards a terminating edge to form a teardrop shape, as established by panels attached to the top and bottom of either door. Along the trailing edge of the main body, another vertical panel known as a wake separator maintains separation between confliction columns of air. An additional wake separator attached to the bottom of the device performs a similar function, and will facilitate collapse in the event of a collision. |
US08025325B1 |
All terrain retrieval vehicle for medical emergencies
A vehicle for fighting fires, retrieving hazardous materials, performing rescues and providing emergency medical services in remote areas comprises an all terrain vehicle suitably equipped for the task it is intended to carry out. As a vehicle for retrieving hazardous materials, it is equipped with a crane (202) to lift a container (204) of waste onto its deck (206). For emergency medical services and searches and rescues, it has a full length protective wire mesh (252) over driver and occupants and a stretcher (254) elevated on cabinetry (258) so that the stretcher extends over the seat back to fit within the confines of the mesh. |
US08025321B2 |
Device for actuating a lock integrated in a door, hatch, or similar, especially in a vehicle
A device for actuating a lock mounted in a door includes a handle with a bearing extension at one end, which can be installed from the exterior of the door in a bracket mounted in the interior of the door. A two-part electrical control unit has one control unit located in the handle and a second control unit in the vehicle. Electrical wiring with two sections, which are connected to each other by an electrical coupling part and a mating coupling part, extends between the two parts of the control unit. A receptacle for the electrical coupling part is provided in the bearing extension of the handle. The mating coupling part at the end of one section of wiring projects out through the opening in the exterior panel of the door and is fitted into the coupling part of the handle before the handle is installed. When the handle is to be installed, a common structural unit is available, composed of the handle, the coupling part, and the mating coupling part. When the handle is actuated as intended after installation, its pivot axis serves simultaneously as the axis of rotation for the coupling part and the mating coupling part, which are connected to each other. |
US08025313B2 |
Suspension subframe structure of vehicle
Disclosed is a suspension subframe structure of a vehicle, which is capable of improving the overall rigidity of a suspension subframe to effectively receive input loads from suspension arms, while reducing the overall weight of the suspension subframe. The suspension subframe structure for supporting a plurality of suspension arms 14, 16 of a multi-link suspension system comprises first and second lateral members 20, 22 each extending in a lateral direction of the vehicle body, a pair of longitudinal members each extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and right and left inclined members 28 each having one end which is located on the side of a respective one of right and left ends of the first lateral member and provided with an upper-arm support portion and a lower-arm support portion, wherein each of the right and left inclined members extends obliquely relative to the lateral direction in top plan view to connect the upper-arm support portion and the lower-arm support portion with a laterally intermediate portion of the second lateral member. |
US08025312B1 |
Agricultural header transport kit
An agricultural header assembly broadly includes a header and a header transport assembly. The header is disposed in a transport orientation when a rigid beam thereof is out of vertical alignment with the header center of gravity. The transport assembly includes first and second pairs of spaced apart wheels shiftably connected to the rigid beam for movement between a transport position and a field position. The first and second pairs of wheels define respective first and second midpoints therebetween when in the transport position. The first and second midpoints are each disposed in general vertical alignment with the header center of gravity when the header is in the transport orientation to substantially balance the header on the transport assembly. |
US08025311B2 |
Air-bag
An air-bag comprising: a circumferential wall including facing wall portions which define a free inflation portion in which a distance between the facing wall portions is not controlled and a distance controlled portion in which a distance between the facing wall portions is controlled; and a tether including two edges on each of which a seam margin is provided, both seam margins has a linear stitch which joins the seam margin with the corresponding facing wall portion and controls a distance between the facing wall portions of the distance controlled portion, and at least one of the seam margins has a curved stitch which is continued from an end of the liner stitch and provided at least at one end of the seam margin. The curved stitch forms a gradually expanding portion between the free inflation portion and the distance controlled portion, which gradually expands in an outward direction perpendicular to the facing wall portions. |
US08025310B2 |
Airbag module
An airbag module for a motor vehicle includes a gas sack that can be inflated with gas to protect an occupant, a gas generator for generating the gas provided for inflating the gas sack, and an additional cooling device comprising an openable reservoir for storing a coolant. The reservoir is opened when the gas sack is inflated, so that the coolant for cooling the gas used to inflate the gas sack can come into contact with the gas. The cooling device comprises a movement generating device that opens the reservoir to release the coolant. |
US08025309B2 |
Curtain airbag
An airbag module for use in a vehicle includes a gas generator and a side airbag coupled to the gas generator and configured to deploy upon receiving gas from the gas generator. The side airbag includes a main body extending along a ceiling of the vehicle configured to restrain a head of a vehicle occupant when the airbag is deployed and an extended portion extending from the main body in a downwards direction and configured to restrain at least a portion of a torso of the vehicle occupant when the airbag is deployed. The extended portion is at least partially tucked into the main body and the airbag is folded in a Z pattern and rolled when the airbag is installed. The tuck of the extended portion and the folds of the main body control the deployment angle of the main body and extended portion. |
US08025308B2 |
Curtain airbag
A curtain airbag assembly comprises an inflatable curtain airbag configured to prevent egress of an occupant out of a window during a collision or rollover event. When the curtain airbag is inflated, a bottom edge of the curtain airbag extends below a window sill in a vehicle. A distance the inflated curtain airbag extends below the window sill is greater than a radius of curvature of the inflated curtain airbag. |
US08025304B2 |
Drive mechanisms for human-powered machines
An improved power transfer mechanism for use on a human-powered machine, adapted to be drivingly connected to a power take-off device of said machines, includes: a housing adapted in use, to be disposed within a frame of said human-powered machine; at least one crankshaft adapted to be disposed within said housing; respective left-side and right-side crank arms each adapted to be drivingly associated with an end of said at least one crankshaft; and drive transfer means adapted to co-operate with said at least one crankshaft and each associated crank arm, the arrangement being such that a first member of the group comprising and left-side and right-side crank arms and said power take-off device is adapted to be attached to said at least one crankshaft, such that each of the second and third of said members is adapted to be rotatable relative to said first of said members, and each other, only to a limited and controlled degree, whilst not be movable axially or in a longitudinal direction relative to said at least one crankshaft. |
US08025298B2 |
Sideways-moving ice skate
An ice skate whose blade is disposed at an angle not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boot. The blade may be fixed in this position, or it may be switchable between the nonparallel orientation of the present invention and the parallel orientation typical of traditional ice skates. A pair of sideways-moving skates may be propelled by moving them in an oscillating motion. |
US08025297B2 |
Bellows with alternating layers of high and low compliance material for dynamic applications
A bellows has a generally tubular elongated bellows body. The bellows body is defined by a wall generally enclosing a volume. The wall has a generally cylindrical inner surface and a generally cylindrical outer surface. The bellows body is formed by alternating layers of low compliance material and high compliance material. The cross sectional shape and dimension of the bellows body are generally constant between the first and second ends. |
US08025294B2 |
Card shuffler with card rank and value reading capability
A card shuffling device includes a top surface, a card receiving area for receiving an initial set of playing cards, a randomizing or arranging system for the initial set of playing cards, a collection surface in a card collection area for receiving randomized playing cards, the collection surface receiving cards positioned so that all cards collected are below the top surface of the device, and an elevator for raising the collection surface so that at least some randomized cards are elevated above the top surface of the device. An automatic card shuffler includes a microprocessor with memory. An automated calibration system is provided that calibrates the precise position of the card supporting platform on the elevator so that precise insertion of cards can be performed during card handling procedures. |
US08025293B1 |
Air hockey table
Air hockey tables are disclosed herein. An embodiment of an air hockey table comprises a playing surface bounded by at least three sides; a plurality of air paths extending through the playing surface, wherein air is emittable by the plurality of air paths, and wherein a puck is at least partially floatable on air that is emittable by the plurality of air paths; and at least one opening proximate each of three of the sides, the openings being sized to receive the puck. |
US08025292B2 |
Transport apparatus and recording apparatus
A transport apparatus includes: a transport roller unit that includes a drive transport roller and a driven transport roller to transport a transported medium to a downstream side of a transport direction; a driven roller holder that rotatably holds the driven transport roller; a support member that supports the driven roller holder and allows it to swing; a load applying resilient member that applies a load to the driven transport roller by being resiliently deformed in a direction along which the driven transport roller approaches the drive transport roller; and an engaging member that is provided separately from the support member to bear the load by engaging with the load applying resilient member. |
US08025290B2 |
Image forming device and a combination of a fixing device and a sheet jamming determination device
An image forming device including a pair of fixing rollers, a sheet guide unit displaceable to one of first and second positions, a position detector detecting a position of the sheet guide unit, first and second sheet sensors respectively detecting the sheet at a first fixed position upstream of the fixing rollers and at a second fixed position downstream of the fixing rollers, and a control unit including a determination unit and a determination part. The determination unit includes a retrieving part that retrieves first and second threshold time periods when the position detector detects the first and second positions, respectively. The determination part determines whether a first or second time period starting from detecting by the first sheet sensor and ending when detecting by the second sheet sensor are within the first and second threshold time periods, respectively, when the position detector detects the first and second positions, respectively. |
US08025289B2 |
Recording apparatus performing skew correction
A recording apparatus is capable of reliably correcting skew feeding of a recording sheet in an arrangement for conveying the recording sheet absorbed by a belt surface. The recording apparatus includes: a driving roller for driving the conveying belt wound around the driving roller and electrically charging the conveying belt by application of a voltage; and a pinching roller abutting against the driving roller via the conveying belt. A pinching section, which is formed by the driving roller and the pinching roller, corrects skew feeding of the recording sheet fed from the paper feed section and thereafter the voltage is applied to the driving roller to electrically charge the conveying belt. |
US08025288B2 |
Conveying device and image forming apparatus
A conveying device that conveys a recording medium includes an aligning member into which the leading edge of a recording medium bumps and a control unit that changes conveyance speed of the recording medium moving on a conveying path to bump into the aligning member. |
US08025286B2 |
Document feeder flag assembly
An improved document feeder flag assembly is disclosed. The improved document feeder flag assembly allows single handed, on the fly loading of a document sorter. A method for loading a document sorting machine with a single hand, while the method of operating the machine is also disclosed. The document feeder flag assembly includes a baseplate and a pivot post attached to the baseplate. Further, the assembly includes a flag arm having a first side and a second side, the first side of the flag arm is attached to the pivot post. There is also a feeder flag having a first side and a second side, the first side of the feeder flag being attached to a second side of the flag arm. The document feeder flag assembly also includes a resistance device attached between the feeder flag and the flag arm. |
US08025281B2 |
Sheet post-finishing apparatus and image forming apparatus using the same
In a sheet post-finishing apparatus, a stapling device conducts a saddle stitching process on a bundle of sheets, based on an instruction signal; a sheet guide member, mounted on the stapling device, faces a surface of a sheet to be stacked on a sheet stacking section; a stapling device moving section allows the stapling device to move along a line dividing the sheet into two equal portions, perpendicular to a sheet conveyance direction; and a control section controls the stapling device to stand by above a lateral center of the sheet to be conveyed to the stapling device, while the sheets are stacked as the bundle of sheets, and after the bundle of sheets is formed, the control section controls the stapling device to sequentially move to predetermined plural positions, whereby said control section sends the instruction signal to the stapling device which was stopped at the predetermined positions. |
US08025276B2 |
Mandrel to facilitate thin sheet fabrication
A mandrel 1 includes a top support 10, a first edge support 20, a bottom support 30, and a second edge support 40. The top support and first edge support make-up a first support section. The bottom support and second edge support make-up a second support section. The first support section and the second support section are disposed relative to one another so as to form an outer circumference. A jack 50 is coupled to the first and second support sections and is configured to move the first and second support sections relative to one another so as to adjust the outer circumference of the mandrel. A locking element 60 removably is coupled to the first and second support sections to selectively prevent relative movement between the first and second support sections. |
US08025275B2 |
Single hand operated ratchet clamp
A single hand operated ratchet clamp comprises a finger ring lever and a typical ratchet clamp having a slide rail, a sliding arm, a fixed arm, and a lever element with pressure plate. The finger ring lever is pivoted to the free end of the lever element so that the ratchet clamp can be operated with one hand only. |
US08025274B2 |
Insert bearing part, elastomeric insert bearing and shock strut bearing assembly
In an insert bearing part for combining with another insert bearing part structured the same or similar to form an elastomeric insert bearing there is provided a surrounding outer shell featuring a radial portion and an axial portion, an elastomeric body surrounded by the outer shell and a rigid core with an axial throughway for securing the insert bearing, said core protruding axially beyond the axial portion such that when locating the insert bearing part on the other insert bearing part structured the same or similar, the insert bearing parts contact each other substantially at the radial level of the core in forming an axial spacing between opposing axial portions of the insert bearing parts so that the elastomeric body is compressed by the insert bearing parts being brought together. |
US08025273B2 |
Liquid-filled anti-vibration mounting device
In a liquid-filled anti-vibration mounting device suitable such as for an engine mount, an accommodation room containing a rubber movable plate is formed inside a partition member partitioning a liquid chamber into a pressure receiving chamber and a balancing chamber. The partition member includes a pair of division walls, one adjoining the pressure receiving chamber and the other adjoining the balancing chamber. Each division wall is formed with a plurality of communication holes. The communication holes are arranged to undulate at least a portion of the movable plate towards the peripheral edge thereof at specified circumferential intervals or greater by the action of the liquid pressure through the communication holes. The movable plate thus deformed, particularly its portion towards the peripheral edge, has a small area to come into contact with the division walls at a time, which effectively disperses and lessens a shock due to contact. |
US08025272B2 |
Air spring and damper unit having a pilot-controlled main valve
An air spring and damper unit for vehicles has, as operating spaces, at least two pressure spaces filled with compressed air and connected to one another via flow channels. The pressure spaces have movable walls in the form of rolling bellows or folding bellows, wherein a pilot-controlled main valve which can be loaded with a control pressure on the low-pressure side is configured at least in one flow direction in a first flow channel. |
US08025268B2 |
Manual valve
A manual valve comprises a valve element, a rod connected to the valve element, and a knob for moving the rod by screw feeding in an opening/closing direction with respect to the valve element. The valve element is moved by rotation of the knob through the rod. The rod includes an external thread portion on an outer periphery thereof and is not connected to the knob and is held against rotation. Further, the manual valve includes a cylindrical sliding nut rotatably held by a body and formed with an internal thread portion to be engaged with the external thread portion of the rod on its inner periphery and a clip fixed to the knob to be elastically deformably engaged with the sliding nut but disengaged when a larger torque than the predetermined value is applied. |
US08025264B2 |
Display support device
A display support device is provided, which is disposed at a rear surface of a display, such that the display is able to be suspended on a main support bracket arranged at a wall. The support bracket disclosed in the present invention is provided with one more hooks, for connecting the support bracket to the support bracket body. Furthermore, a positioning bar having a fastening function is pivoted on the support bracket body, so as to fasten the support bracket to a contact surface of the main support bracket by means of the positioning bar after being connected to the main support bracket, such that the main support bracket can be more firmly positioned, thus preventing the support bracket from releasing from the main support bracket due to vibration, and improving the fastness and safety in use. |
US08025261B2 |
Combination stand and jack for wire spools
A stand used for supporting spools of wire and the like includes a cam which is operable to increase the length of a leg to thereby raise the spool of wire off of the ground. The stand is adjustable to allow its use with different sizes of spools of wire. The stand allows a single person to raise a spool of wire weighing thousands of pounds off of the ground and support the same to allow the spool to rotate freely upon an axle. |
US08025260B2 |
Sample device with turntable
A sample device to be inserted inside an external tube, having a substantially circular cross-section, may carry a substantially circular plate as part of a turntable to be rotated within the external tube around two substantially orthogonal axes. An embodiment of the sample device may include two substantially coaxial tubes, with the turntable being supported by the outer tube, and two meshing gears, with the first gear being connected to the inner tube and the second gear being connected to the turntable. Another embodiment may include a special cable guide being connected with its first end with the turntable and its second end, being substantially perpendicular to the first end, with the supporting means, with the inner tube, the outer tube and/or the cable guide being connected with a driving unit. Preferably, the surface of the plate to be rotated within the external tube is maximized. |
US08025258B2 |
Electrical wire bracket device
An electrical wire bracket including a body having an open loop and at least one mounting foot coupled to the body. The bracket also includes at least one hole through the at least one mounting foot for securing the bracket to a mounting surface. A user can pull electrical wire through the open loop of the body and then allow the body to support the electrical wire. |
US08025255B2 |
Aircraft piloting method and device for picking up a vertical profile of a flight plan
An aircraft piloting method and device for picking up a vertical profile of a flight plan. The device combines a manual piloting device that enables a pilot to control the start of the picking-up of a vertical profile and an automatic piloting device for automatically ending the vertical profile picking-up and following the vertical profile. |
US08025251B2 |
Reinforcing bar binding machine, wire reel, wire, and method of determining kind of wire
A wire reel containing portion 3 of a reinforcing bar binding machine 1 is provided with a rotation detecting lever 8 and a photosensor 7. When a wire reel is rotated in starting to bind a wire, rotation thereof is detected by the rotation detecting lever switched ON/OFF by a projected portion formed at a side face of the wire reel, the photosensor detects a reflection mark of the wire reel to determine a kind of the wire from a number of the marks, and a twist torque or the like is controlled. Wire information is detected not in an initializing operation (in setting wire) of rotating the wire reel at low speed but in a binding operation of rotating at high speed and therefore, an amount of swinging the rotation detecting lever is large and wire information can firmly be detected. |
US08025249B2 |
Bi-directional trimmer head spool with curved trimmer line guide
In an embodiment, a spool for a trimmer head has a structure for guiding the trimmer line around a region for a driveshaft. In an embodiment, a component (e.g., a turn knob or a stop) is attached to the spool so that after determining the orientation in which to install the spool, the user is unlikely to install the spool in another orientation, even though the spool is invertible. In an embodiment, the turn knob also includes a structure that allows the turn knob to be used as a tool (e.g., as a wrench or screw driver) that facilitates disassembling the trimmer head. |
US08025246B1 |
Combined mailbox shredder apparatus
The combined shredder mailbox apparatus provides a single case having a mailbox with downwardly pivoted door positioned above a drawer. The shredder is disposed within the case between the mailbox and the drawer. The apparatus thereby allows a user to shred unwanted mail items rather than carry them elsewhere for disposal. Typical electrical plug, the solar panel and battery, or both can power the apparatus. The heavy duty shredder can shred up to 10 folded sheets or paper at once. The shredder can also shred credit cards and the like and compact discs. |
US08025245B2 |
Material spreader with integrated wetting system
A material spreader having a hopper for containing material and a liquid tank containing liquid adjacent the hopper. The liquid tank has a passage extending from the hopper through the tank with a discharge opening. An auger extends through the hopper and passage for conveying material to the outlet for delivery to a spinner for distributing the material. At least one nozzle is mounted in the passage for spraying liquid onto the material as it is being conveyed through the passage. |
US08025241B2 |
Hollow sleeper
In the case of a hollow sleeper (1) for adjusting devices of switch blades of railway points, movable common crossings or cable crossings in any desired sections of track and points, formed as an upwardly open hollow sleeper profile with a planar sleeper underside (2), for fitting in a track skeleton, wherein the cross-sectional width and height are made to match a normal concrete, wooden or steel sleeper, the positional stability on ballast can be improved if the sleeper underside (2) of the hollow sleeper (1) is formed with at least one sunken, downwardly open chamber (5). |
US08025239B2 |
Multiple image security features for identification documents and methods of making same
An identification document manufacturing method makes an identification document with an optically variable security feature by forming a lens structure in the document's lamination layer along with image information. The method provides image information arranged to include at least two different images. The method uses pressure to form a lens profile in a laminate, including combining the laminate with ink representing the image information to form the document. The document is formed together with the laminate and ink such that the lens profile enables display of the at least two different images when the document is viewed at different predetermined angles. An information bearing document comprises a core layer, an image layer depicting at least two different images, and a laminate layer. The laminate layer is pressed on the core layer such that it forms a lens profile that enables display of the at least two different images when the document is viewed at different predetermined angles. |
US08025235B2 |
Progressively degrading synthetic markers
There is described a synthetic marker encoding data, the synthetic marker comprising an information payload represented by bits encoded along a spectrum, each of the bits having a priority level assigned thereto ranging from high to low, bits having lower priority levels being encoded along an end of the spectrum which is successively lost with progressively degrading marker viewing conditions compared to bits having higher priority levels. |
US08025231B2 |
Tag reader
A hand held electronic detector is provided for detecting the presence/absence and/or nature of a mark on an article (not shown) such as a security mark. The article may comprise a product, such as for example a pack of cigarettes. The detector comprises a case or body of strong rigid plastics material. The case comprises front and rear parts and which are connected together by concealed hinges, at their lower edges, so that the parts and can move hingedly between a closed configuration and a fully open configuration, in which the front and rear parts are angularly spaced by approximately 180°. There is a further defined intermediate open configuration in which the front and rear parts and are angularly spaced by approximately 90° . . . . When opening the case from the closed position the hinges ‘lock’ when the front and rear parts reach this intermediate position. The hinges will only ‘unlock’, so that the case can be opened further or closed, if sufficient force is applied. Relative movement of the case parts and to the fully open configuration shown in FIG. 2 is limited by hinges. In an open configuration the detector presents an article-locating station comprising a mounting surface for receiving an article, and alignment means, located on the mounting surface, which in this case is a marked line on the mounting surface with which the security mark should be aligned. |
US08025230B2 |
System and method for prioritizing visually aimed threats for laser-based countermeasure engagement
The present invention increases the survivability of a helicopter by prioritizing a threat engagement sequence for a laser-based countermeasure system based on the determined relative lethality of each detected visually trained threat (e.g., small arms fire). The system and method defines a plurality of threat effectiveness merit factors, or lethality factors, that are determinable from available helicopter navigation and sensor data, to quantify the danger associated with each detected threat. The system and method then combines the defined lethality factors using a mathematical function, such as a merit function, to numerically quantify the level of threat posed by each threat. The calculated threat values for each of the detected threats are compared to prioritize the threats for engagement by a laser-based countermeasure system, such as a Visual Acquisition Disrupter (VAD) system. |
US08025226B1 |
Enhanced vehicle identification card
A vehicle identification card is provided to an insured that includes proof of automotive insurance information and charge account information. The card may include an insurance policy covering the insured's vehicle, the VIN number of the vehicle, and other information about the vehicle such as the vehicle's make and model. The card may include account information that allows the card to be used like a credit card. The card may further include means for wirelessly updating information and providing a display to the user, which includes, but is not limited to, a housing, a memory module, a processor, one or more displays, and a power source. |
US08025225B2 |
Merchandise registration processing system
When obtaining an ID code from a user who holds out an arm to a corresponding merchandise in a noncontact manner, respective information terminal devices accept a registration input of the corresponding merchandise. When accepting the registration input of the corresponding merchandise, registration merchandise information including obtained user identification information and merchandise identification information for identifying the merchandise corresponding to the information terminal device is transmitted to a server device. The server device stores and manages merchandise sales information for the respective ID codes from the registration merchandise information received from the respective information terminal devices. When the ID code is input from a settlement device, the merchandise sales information corresponding to the ID code is transmitted to the settlement device. The settlement device performs the settlement processing based on the merchandise sales information received from the server device. |
US08025220B2 |
Cardholder localization based on transaction data
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for cardholder localization based on transaction data. In general, a determination of one or more possible base locations of a cardholder of a payment card may be initiated. Transactions of the cardholder may be associated with merchant customer base location profiles, where each of the merchant customer base location profiles models a distribution of base locations of customers with which a merchant has had a transaction. The one or more possible cardholder base locations may be derived from the merchant customer base location profiles. The one or more possible cardholder base locations may be used to determine a home or office location of a cardholder where such information is not otherwise available, to determine whether a cardholder has moved from a stated address, to determine if a cardholder has multiple residences, to detect fraud, and the like. |
US08025216B2 |
System and method for checkless cash advance settlement
A method for conducting a checkless cash advance settlement is provided, including the following steps: (1) a customer initiates a Debit or Credit POS transaction via a gaming machine; (2) the customer receives authorization or denial; (3) the customer provides his identification and the credit/debit card to a cashier/attendant at the gaming station; (4) the cashier or attendant validates the customer's identity, retrieves the transaction information, and completes the cash advance application; (5) the application prints a non-negotiable instrument, such as a transaction receipt; (6) the customer signs the receipt confirming the transaction with a physical receipt or electronic capture; (7) the receipt image is stored electronically for subsequent transmittal to a central server; (8) the transaction information, including the receipt image if applicable, is recorded on the central server; and (9) the central server generates an ACH file and electronically transmits the ACH file to the casino's designated financial institution. |
US08025214B1 |
Cash handling device having integrated controller
A cash recycler or other currency handling device includes an integrated controller located within the cash recycler. The integrated controller provides enhanced security and compatibility in cash recycler or other currency handling devices. For example, by using an integrated controller that is pre-configured according to the components of the cash handling device, no additional configuration may be needed and compatibility issues may be reduced or eliminated altogether. In addition, the controller may include a user interface, such as a touch-sensitive display, for receiving user input regarding cash transactions at the cash handling device. |
US08025213B2 |
Automatic settlement of user account with creditor from transaction kiosk
A transaction kiosk collects cash from a user and then electronically negotiates with the user's creditor to settle a balance on an account with the creditor. The bank recognizes the cash deposited in the transaction kiosk by the user as security for the settlement amount. The cash deposited in the transaction kiosk is considered a cash asset owned by the bank and available to satisfy depositor claims. A transaction processor brokers the transaction between the user of the transaction kiosk, the surety bank, and the creditor. |
US08025211B2 |
Systems and methods of production, distribution, logistics, and printing of tickets
Systems and methods for the production, distribution, logistics and printing of lottery tickets are disclosed. A central server provides a ticket combination and identifying variable data in response to a request from a computing system terminal. The terminal receives combination and variable data and issues commands for the printing of the same on a plurality of tickets. The tickets comprise a substratum capable of being printed upon at high speeds and colors and images. The printing may be performed at a point of sale. Prior to printing, the plurality of tickets may be imprinted with information related to marketing and appearance. Additionally, prior to the printing, the plurality of tickets do not have a combination or identifying variable data serving to identify the plurality of tickets. |
US08025208B2 |
Bulk container for liquid and semi-liquid fluid
A bulk container for storing, shipping and dispensing liquid and semi-liquid fluids comprises a bin having a sidewall, a closed bottom, and an open top. The sidewall comprises a plurality of interconnected sidewall panels extending at an angle with respect to one another. A lid is covering the open top of the bin and having a discharge opening therethrough adjacent one side edge thereof. A fluid-containing bag is supported in the bin and a discharge valve is on an upper end of the bag where the discharge valve is positioned to extend through the discharge opening. Valve support means in an upper end of the bin for supporting and holding the discharge valve in position to extend through the discharge opening, the valve support means having a valve support opening therethrough with an elongate generally keyhole shape that is wide at one end and narrow at the other end, the narrow end being aligned with the discharge opening through the lid, the discharge valve being received through the narrow end of the valve support opening, and locking means engaged with the discharge valve to hold it in the narrow end of the valve support opening. |
US08025207B1 |
Material-saving pizza box
A pizza box and blank having a unique cover-locking structure comprising (a) a tab extending from a front end edge of a panel of a side wall assembly and (b) a tab engaging edge disposed in or on a cover assembly. A main advantage is a cover-locking structure that provides ease of use and secure cover closure, along with possible material savings. |
US08025206B2 |
Bulk container for liquid and semi-liquid fluid
A bulk container for fluid materials comprises a bin having a plurality of interconnected sidewall panels, a closed bottom, and an open top. A rim around the top of the bin defines a downwardly facing shoulder. A lid covers the open top and has elongated depending skirt panels extending downwardly past the shoulder. A clamping band is tightened around the lid skirt below the shoulder to secure the lid to the bin. Notches in an outer surface of the rim receive bendable locking strips on the lid skirt to lock the lid in position on the bin, and locking tongues on a first skirt panel are engageable in respective locking slots in an adjacent second skirt panel to hold the skirt panels in their operative downwardly folded positions. A tray and liner insert may be positioned in the bin, and a fluid-containing bag may be placed in the liner. |
US08025205B2 |
Electronic component mounting method
By an electronic component mounting method for electrically connecting bumps to board electrodes, in a contact process for placing a thermosetting resin in a liquid glob state on the board surface and bringing the lower surface of the electronic component into contact with the thermosetting resin, the bumps are pressurized against the electrodes in positional alignment in a liquid glob distribution state where one portion of the liquid glob is arranged inside an electronic component mounting region and a remaining portion greater in liquid measure than the one portion is arranged outside the electronic component mounting region. The thermosetting resin enters into a gap between the electronic component and the board by capillarity in a thermocompression bonding process. This prevents voids occurring in the sealing resin, reinforces bonded portions of bumps and electrodes with thermally cured thermosetting resin, thereby preventing bonded portion breakage due to thermal stress generated during cooling. |
US08025202B2 |
Method for manufacturing sealed battery
A sealed battery includes an ultrasonic fusion process whereby layers of a positive electrode substrate exposed portion are ultrasonically fused to form a positive electrode fused portion at the positive electrode substrate exposed portion, and layers of a negative electrode substrate exposed portion are ultrasonically fused to form a negative electrode fused portion at the negative electrode substrate exposed portion; and an electrode body formation process whereby a high-energy beam is directed at the positive electrode fused portion to weld a positive electrode collector to the positive electrode fused portion, and a high-energy beam is directed at the negative electrode fused portion to weld a negative electrode collector to the negative electrode fused portion, thus forming an electrode body in which a positive electrode collector is welded to one end of the electrode group and a negative electrode collector is welded to the other end. |
US08025200B2 |
Friction stir welding machine and friction stir welding tool
A friction stir welding machine is provided that is adapted to perform solid phase welding on a welding portion of materials to be welded, by pressing a welding tool against the welding portion of the materials to be welded while rotating the welding tool, and forcing the welding tool to be advanced into a softened portion which is softened by a frictional heat while stirring the softened portion, wherein a coating made of aluminum nitride is formed on at least a region of the welding tool to be in contact with the materials to be welded. |
US08025198B2 |
Anastomosis instrument and method for performing same
A surgical instrument for creating an anastomosis includes a housing, a handle extending from the housing and a fastener support member extending distally from the housing. The fastener support member is configured and dimensioned to releasably support a plurality of surgical fasteners. The instrument further includes a tissue retaining mechanism which is selectively movable from a first position relative to the fastener support member to a second position in closer proximity with the fastener support member such that tissue disposed adjacent to the fastener support member is retained thereagainst. Upon actuation of the handle, a fastener firing mechanism simultaneously deforms the plurality of surgical fasteners to complete the anastomosis. |
US08025193B1 |
Rifle holder device
A rifle holder device for supporting a rifle in a position that is easy to grab for taking a shot is described. The holder device lets a hunter or shooting enthusiast carry a rifle with its weight supported on either his right or left hip. Rifles are rather heavy weapons. Should the hunter or shooting enthusiast carry one in his hands or arms for an extended period of time, his muscles can get fatigued. This makes it more difficult to get off an accurate shot in a timely manner. However, the present holder device puts most of the rifle's weight on the hunter's hip, thereby freeing his hands and arms from having to carry the rifle until it's time to take a shoot. Further, the present holder device is adjustable for carrying rifles of many different sizes. |
US08025190B2 |
Upgraded ironing machine for ironing trousers
Upgraded ironing machine, particularly for ironing trousers, comprising a supporting structure (2) of at least two substantially vertical pressing plates (3), arranged so they are facing each other and moving from a home configuration, wherein the pressing plates are substantially a long way from each other, and a working configuration wherein the pressing plates are substantially close together, at least one ironing plate (4) substantially vertical and interposable between the pressing plates in the working configuration, at least one supporting element of at least one pair of trousers positionable with the legs laid respectively on the opposite sides of the ironing plate and automated positioning means of the trousers with respect to the ironing plate. |
US08025188B2 |
Powder feed system
A fine powder is reliably dispensed from a hopper into containers on a moving conveyor belt with the assistance of a powder feed system. The hopper serves as a powder inlet that dispenses by gravity into a feed chamber that is form fitted to the sweep of a relatively slow rotating feed wheel with two spaced sets of pins. A relatively fast rotating agitator is located below the feed wheel which has a series of agitating blades that rotate between the span of the feed wheel pins, the blades in at least one embodiment resemble a J-shape. The agitator is located directly above a rotary trap chamber wheel, which has recesses that take doses of powder and dispense them into awaiting containers moving on a conveyor belt below. |
US08025187B2 |
In-store combined sample dispenser and merchandising product display
A combined sample dispenser and merchandising unit product display and related method is provided herein. Included is an elongate tray having a first end and a second end, an upper compartment with open roof for standing a plurality of merchandising unit products each containing a flowable substance, and a lower compartment arranged directly below the upper compartment. A sample dispenser is provided which includes a dispensing unit arranged against the first end of the tray and a reservoir holding sampling amounts of the flowable substance, communicating with the dispensing unit and arranged within the lower compartment. |
US08025182B2 |
Gas cartridge
Fuel gas or some other kind of fluid is stored in a collapsible metallic bag that is attached to a valve and is stored inside a rigid outer container. Between the rigid outer container and the collapsible bag is a space or volume filled with compression gas during use which puts a collapsing pressure evenly upon the bag. In order to reduce bag failures, the outer surface of the collapsible bag has a series of projected streak portions that project outwardly from the vertical length of the collapsing in several locations that prevent the bag from expanding to fill the entire space between the rigid outer container and the bag. These projected streaks form recessed portions in the bag's surface which facilitates the bag collapsing in those predetermined locations evenly which in turn reduces the collapsible bag's failure rate from breaking during operation. |
US08025179B2 |
Circumferential sleeve for holding a food container upright
One aspect of the present invention discloses a circumferential sleeve made from a single pre-cut blank with no additional material (other than adhesive) added to the blank. The circumferential sleeve has a strip that protrudes from the sleeve and one end of the strip is contiguous to a first portion sleeve such as the bottom edge and the other end of the strip is attached to a portion of the sleeve, such as the rear panel. The strip can be arcuate or L-shaped and permits a food container to stand upright. |
US08025178B2 |
Drinking vessel
According to the invention a drinking vessel (10) comprises a generally cylindrical container (11) adapted to contain liquid and a generally cylindrical lid (12) adapted to close the container. The lid comprises a generally cylindrical outer member (20), a generally cylindrical inner member (22) located within the outer member so as to define a generally cylindrical aperture (50) between the outer surface of the inner member and the inner surface of the outer member, and a generally cylindrical sealing element (21) located in the aperture. The sealing element normally forms a seal between the outer surface of the inner member and the inner surface of the outer member but is deformable by suction at the end of the aperture remote from the container so as to cause liquid within the container to flow, from the end of the aperture adjacent to the container, out through the aperture under the action of the suction. |
US08025173B2 |
Collapsible canister liner for medical fluid collection
A collapsible liner for use in a canister of a medical fluid collection system is disclosed. The liner includes a flexible bag extending longitudinally between a top portion opposite a closed bottom portion, and at least one support element connected to the bag and disposed generally laterally relative to a length of the bag. When an interior of the bag is subjected to a vacuum, the at least one support element limits an extent of lateral collapse while permitting longitudinal collapse. |
US08025171B2 |
Fuel tin
The invention relates to a fuel paste tin, comprising a dished tin body (1) and a sealing lid (3), fixed to the tin body (1) with two pre-scored lines (6), along which a partial lid section (7) may be removed from the sealing lid (3) by breaking a material connection to generate a precisely defined opening (4, 10, 11) in the sealing lid (3). The invention permits the production of fuel paste tins with may be employed directly as paste burners with a desired burn capacity and burn duration, which are economic to produce and cause little litter. |
US08025170B1 |
Can cap covering
The present invention is a cap covering for a punch-key tab rotably attached to the top of a preformed can, wherein the punch-key tab is to be utilized by a person to punch out a prepared flap seal in the can top along a predefined scored boundary. The cap covering includes an attachable and detachable hollow casing which can be fitted on-demand onto the handle of a punch-key tab.The invention will distinguish individual ownership among identical cans of beverage; will serve as a closure to aid in keeping the carbonation (if any) in the beverage; will aid in maintaining the beverage at the desired drinking temperature; and will act in minimizing spillage, keep bugs and debris out, and in keeping the beverage in an unadulterated state. |
US08025167B2 |
Crane control, crane and method
The present invention shows a crane control of a crane which includes at least one cable for lifting a load, wherein at least one sensor unit is provided for determining a cable angle relative to the direction of gravitational force. Furthermore, there is shown a crane control for driving the positioners of a crane which includes at least one first and one second strand of cables for lifting the load, with a load oscillation damping for damping spherical pendular oscillations of the load, wherein first and second sensor units are provided, which are associated to the first and second strands of cables, in order to determine the respective cable angles and/or cable angular velocities, and the load oscillation damping includes a control in which the cable angles and/or cable angular velocities determined by the first and second sensor units are considered. Furthermore, a corresponding crane and a method are shown. |
US08025163B2 |
Wall mounted shelving
A wall mounted shelving unit comprises a pair of shelf supporting wall mounting brackets, each including an upright rear segment and an upright front segment with horizontal crosspieces extending between and connected to the rear and front segments of each bracket. Each crosspiece includes a pair of spaced apart upwardly extending loops or a pair of spaced apart downward extending troughs, and a rear segment of each bracket includes loops for attachment to a wall. Wire shelves rest on the crosspieces, and the upwardly extending loops engage wires on the shelves to prevent relative movement between the shelves and the brackets. Alternatively, the shelf includes downwardly extending shelf trusses that rest in the troughs of the crosspieces. |
US08025161B2 |
Laminated glass rack, and/or method of making and/or shipping laminated glass panels using the same
Certain example embodiments relate to glass racks that are suitable for both autoclaving and shipping. In certain example embodiments, a glass rack may include a metal base having a grooved bottom connected thereto and a metal upright support substantially parallel to the base. The upright support may include a plurality of fingers covered in a protective material (e.g., rubber tubing) that extend therefrom. The spaces between the fingers may correspond with grooves of the grooved bottom, thereby cooperating to accommodate a plurality of panels (e.g., assemblies prior to autoclaving, laminated glass panels formed by autoclaving, etc.). The grooved bottom may be connected to the base so as to allow for expansion and/or contraction of the metal base relative to the grooved bottom. The rack, as a whole, may be capable of withstanding the temperature and pressure conditions of an autoclave, while also providing sufficient protection for the panels during shipping. |
US08025159B2 |
Agent for increasing rejection with a permeable membrane, process for increasing the rejection, permeable membrane and process for water treatment
An agent for increasing the rejection with a permeable membrane which comprises an ionic macromolecule having a weight-average molecular weight of 100,000 or greater; a process for increasing the rejection with a permeable membrane which comprises treating a permeable membrane with the agent; a permeable membrane which is treated in accordance with the process; and a process for water treatment which comprises using the permeable membrane are disclosed. By using the above agent, an increased rejection of inorganic electrolytes and organic compounds soluble in water can be maintained for a long time easily and safely at the location of the use of the membrane without extreme decrease in the flux of permeation in the membrane separation using a selective permeable membrane such as a nano filtration membrane and a reverse osmosis membrane. |
US08025158B2 |
High molecular weight poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) and process therefor
A poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) having a high molecular weight and a reduced content of low molecular weight species can be prepared by a method that includes specific conditions for the oxidative polymerization, chelation, and isolation steps. The poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) is particularly useful for the fabrication of fluid separation membranes. |
US08025157B2 |
Power recovery system
A power recovery system is used for reducing the total energy consumption in a process such as an industrial treating process or a fluid refining process including the delivery of a fluid under a high pressure. The power recovery system includes a high-pressure pump for pressuring raw water, a reverse osmosis membrane cartridge for treating high-pressure water discharged from the high-pressure pump with a reverse osmosis membrane to produce treated water, a positive-displacement piston pump for pressuring raw water under the pressure of concentrated water which is discharged from the reverse osmosis membrane cartridge without being treated by the reverse osmosis membrane, and a power recovery pump turbine for boosting the pressurized raw water discharged from the positive-displacement piston pump and adding the boosted water to the high-pressure water discharged from the high-pressure pump. The power recovery pump turbine is actuated by pressurized water generated in the power recovery system. |
US08025154B2 |
Screen panel fastener and fastening arrangement
The invention provides a fastener (10) for a screen panel (20), the fastener including a base section (12) at least two outer engagement means (14) extending from opposite side zones of the base section, the two outer engagement means at least partially opposing one another; and at least one inner engagement means (16) located between the outer engagement means; the inner and outer engagement means including retaining formations (14.2, 16.2) adapted to engage a complementary receiving formation in a screen panel (20) in a snap fit configuration. |
US08025152B2 |
Sieve apparatus and method for use of same
An apparatus and a method of screening a material containing a solid and fluid where the material is placed on an upper side of a screen element and the material is at least being acted on by vibrations produced by at least one acoustic sound source. The at least one acoustic sound source is arranged to transmit pressure waves to at least a portion of an underside of the screen element. |
US08025148B2 |
Stackable roll containers
A stackable roll container, in particular, for transporting foods, cosmetic articles, or other articles in large bundles. The stackable roll container includes a preferably rectangular bottom component, with transport rollers mounted on the underside. The stackable roll container also includes two attachment walls located opposite each other on opposite lateral sides of the bottom component. Each attachment wall extends upwardly from an upper side of the bottom component and has a respective rear vertical end brace which is offset from a vertical base plane of the respective attachment wall. Each attachment wall also includes a lower horizontal base brace adjoining the respective rear vertical end brace for that attachment wall. |
US08025146B2 |
Cooleebob compliant upright drink insulator attachment
Improvements in a compliant upright drink insulator attachment device that is works with a standard drink insulator. The attachment device uses two parts where one part mates with the second part to slip through a standard insulated drink holder. These insulated drink holders are commonly called coolies or koozies and are manufactured with a central hole to allow for draining. A clip connects a compliant cord to one or both of the two parts. The compliant cord is configured as a coiled cord. A weight is connected to the free end of the compliant cord to keep the insulated drink holder in an upright orientation in the water. The compliant cord allows the weight to move semi independent from the insulated drink holder, and further allows the weight to be stored within the insulated drink holder for storage when it is not being used. |
US08025142B2 |
Apparatus and method of transporting food products to a loading head
An apparatus and method of transporting food products (10) to a loading station (12) having a cooling conveyor (14) that selectively drops food product into a distributor (34). The distributor (34) separates product into at least two lanes (48, 50) and drops product onto a conveyor. A balancing and diverting conveyor (46) monitors and counts product in each lane (48, 50) and diverts product selectively based upon the sensed product. An orienter (70, 80) transfers product from a loading conveyor (68) to a buffer conveyor (72). The buffer conveyor (72) transfers product to a main conveyor (76) which transfers product to a loading head (84). |
US08025140B2 |
Material processing apparatus comprising a conveyor
A material processing apparatus comprises a conveyor that is rotatable in vertical direction around a horizontal axis that is situated in an element rotatable in horizontal direction relative to the apparatus. The element is articulated to the apparatus at a main point of articulation, and at a point remote from the main point of articulation, articulated to a variable length element which in turn is articulated to the apparatus, and the element is connected to an actuator causing the horizontal rotational movement of the element together with the conveyor, defined by said main point of articulation. |
US08025139B2 |
Clutch
A clutch having high engaging force and featuring of smooth operation, wherein clutch weights that are biased by return elements are subject to thrusting force caused by constraint sections of a main driving plate that receive and convert torque from an engine into the pressing action against engaging slots defined in the clutch weights so as to gain enhanced engaging force even when the minor difference or error existing on the response time of the clutch weight or the strength of the return elements and also provides anti-reversal function to reduced the oscillation and let the power output more smooth and more stable. Accordingly, slippage of clutch and wear of the clutch wear pad are both reduced and temperature rise of the wear pad is also reduced. |
US08025138B2 |
Multi-plate clutch system
A multi-plate clutch system includes an outer clutch member having a plurality of first clutch plates thereon, a central spool having a plurality of second clutch plates thereon interspaced with the first clutch plates. The clutch system also includes a cam mechanism including a protruding cam and a recessed cam. The protruding cam and the recessed cam respectively include first inclined faces and second inclined faces, which are inclined in the same direction with respect to the circumferential direction. The protruding cam is thus brought into a point contact with the recessed cam during clutch engagement. As such, the multi-plate clutch system can maintain constant variable characteristics of the clutch capacity even when there is a variation in processing accuracy at the time of the production. |
US08025136B2 |
Torque converter damper flange with turbine centering feature
A torque converter including a turbine, an output shaft, and a damper having at least one cover plate radially fixed to the turbine, a flange driven by the damper and non-rotatably connected to the output shaft, the flange having an axially extending surface centering the cover plate. |
US08025135B1 |
Hydraulic damping device for drawer
A hydraulic damping device for drawer includes a cylinder holding a hydraulic fluid, a piston rod moving in and out of the cylinder and having a pin at one end inside the cylinder, a rigid valve block affixed to the inner end of the pin of the piston rod and having equiangularly spaced through holes, a retainer affixed to the outer end of the pin of the piston rod, a piston coupled to the pin of the piston rod and movable along the pin between the rigid valve block and the retainer and having a plurality of axially extending through holes, a number of the through holes of the piston being respectively aimed at the through holes of the rigid valve block for allowing the hydraulic fluid to pass through the piston in one direction at a high speed during outward stroke of the piston rod and to pass through the piston in the other direction at a low speed during inward stroke of the piston and a plurality of spring strips for stopping against the rigid valve block, and a shock absorbing device that buffers the impact of the rigid valve block when the piston rod is extended out of the cylinder. |
US08025133B2 |
Strut swedge tooling
A railroad freight car brake beam strut assembly including an elongated strut having first and second joined walls. Each wall of the strut defines a bore opening to a hollow center portion and to an exterior of the strut. The bores defined by the walls on the strut accommodate a brake lever pivot pin extending through strut thereby connecting the brake lever to the strut and so as to allow pivoting of the brake lever. Each bore defined by the walls of the strut has a closed marginal edge. One brake pin bushing is accommodated in each bore defined by the strut so as to journal a lengthwise portion of the brake lever pivot pin. The closed marginal edge of each strut bore arranged in juxtaposed relation relative to the end of the brake pin bushing disposed a farthest distance from the axis of the strut defines a plurality of radially spaced stops formed as an integral part of the strut for inhibiting inadvertent axial displacement of the bushings away from the longitudinal axis of and relative to the strut thereby fixing the pivot axis of said brake lever relative to the strut. A method of manufacturing a railroad freight car brake beam strut assembly is also disclosed. |
US08025132B2 |
System and method for removing brake dust and other pollutants
Systems and methods for capturing pollutants from braking mechanisms are provided. The systems can include a housing partially surrounding at least a portion of a vehicle brake assembly and disposed to receive brake dust from the brake assembly and a collector disposed to capture the brake dust received in said housing. A method can include providing the a providing a housing partially surrounding at least a portion of a vehicle brake assembly and disposed to receive brake dust from the brake assembly and a collector disposed to capture the brake dust received in said housing, creating a first air flow using the forward motion of the vehicle to move the pollutants from said housing to said collector, and capturing the brake dust in said collector. |
US08025131B1 |
Eddy current braking system for trolley zip line cable with a stationary conductor
A trolley magnetic braking system having a brake block assembly engagable by a trolley, a substantially stationary conductor that is pitch adjustable and a carrier having magnetic members that are driven along the conductive member for braking a trolley. Providing a pitch adjustable conductor allows for modification of how much of the conductor interfaces with the magnets and therein varying the amount of eddy current applied in the braking apparatus. |
US08025130B2 |
Roller disk brake for a winch
A power device includes a motor, a drive shaft, and a roller brake system including a cam mechanism. The motor may put out a driving torque in a first and a second rotary direction. The cam mechanism includes first and second cam members. The first cam member may be in a driven engagement with the motor and the second cam member may be slidably engaged with the first cam member and coupled to the drive shaft. The first cam member includes a circumferentially disposed ramped surface having a stop member at a first end thereof. The said second cam member is axially and rotatably fixed with the drive shaft and includes an axially extending protrusion disposed about a circumference thereof and slidably engaged with the ramped surface. |
US08025128B2 |
Ball screw lubricative sealing device
The invention provides a ball screw lubricative sealing device having a simplified lubrication mechanism. It is attachable to an installed standard ball screw nut, capable of retaining larger amount of lubricant and long supply of lubricant to the contacting screw parts, and further includes a sealing function. It includes: generally cylindrical case members having attachment part to be attached to both ends of a screw nut, respectively; plural thin seal plates made of lubricating oil impregnated felt-like fiber material which is a three-dimensionally crosslinked plastic fiber and resilient rubber members, and having a hole each and fitted inside said case member in such a state that they circumferentially overlap with each other, the hole having a shape corresponding to a lateral cross-sectional shape of a screw groove of ball screw shaft; and a plastic wiper fitted with a space from the thin seal plates inside each of the case member. |
US08025127B2 |
Telescopic table board positioned with resilient pin
A telescopic table board positioned with a resilient pin is provided, which is characterized by the following features: The telescopic table board includes a left table board and a right table board slidely nested with each other; as for the left table board and the right table board, one of them is fixedly provided with a rack, while the other with a corresponding seat bore, in which is a resilient pin positioned, which is mainly composed of a positioning fastener and a spring; the positioning fastener is provided at the head with a tooth head engaged with the corresponding rack, extends at the tail through the seat bore, and is provided at the tail end with a handle; and the spring is sleeved onto the positioning fastener, and functions between the positioning fastener and the seat bore, thus constituting the resilient-pin type telescopic positioning mechanism between the left table board and the right table board. The present utility model endows the operation table board or gangplank with the telescopic function, thus enhancing versatility and satisfying different requirements for length of the table board (gangplank) on various application occasions. |
US08025124B2 |
Broadband passive distributed tuned vibration and acoustic absorber for modally dense structures
A passive distributed vibration absorber that utilizes multiple discrete mass elements and a viscoelastic layer and that effectively attenuates vibration in modally dense structures excited by a broadband input noise excitation. and is tunable to multiple natural frequencies in such modally dense vibrating structures including low frequencies. |
US08025123B2 |
Muffler structure for vehicle
The invention obtains a muffler structure for a vehicle which can suppress an emission sound. In a muffler shell for a muffler for a vehicle, there are formed a peripheral joint in which an upper shell and a lower shell corresponding to a plurality of shell structure portions are joined in respective peripheral joint flanges and, and an inter-isolation chamber joint in which the upper shell and the lower shell are joined in inter-isolation chamber joint flanges and in such a manner as to partition a space positioned in an inner side of the peripheral joint into a plurality of isolation chambers and arranged in parallel in a gas flow direction. |
US08025117B2 |
Power axle for a commercial vehicle
A power axle for assisting an automotive vehicle in ascending and descending steep slopes and grades includes an electromagnetic motor mounted to one floating axle of the vehicle, a junction box mounted to and electrically connected to the electromagnetic motor, a DC/AC power inverter mounted to the cab interposed between and for electrically interconnecting the vehicle's battery to the electromagnetic motor for powering the motor from the battery and control switches mounted on the dashboard and which include an on/off switch and a speed control dial for regulating and controlling the interaction and engagement of the electromagnetic motor with the floating axle of the vehicle. |
US08025108B2 |
Subterranean methods of processing hydrocarbon fluid-containing deposits and hydrocarbon recovery arrangements for recovering hydrocarbon-containing fluid from hydrocarbon-containing deposits
A subterranean method of processing a hydrocarbon fluid-containing deposit includes, from a subterranean room, providing a borehole into a deposit containing formation fluid comprising fluid hydrocarbon. The borehole has a first end at a wall of the subterranean room, and a second end remote from the subterranean room and received within the deposit. The first end is elevationally lower than the second end. A string of pipe is provided within the borehole from the subterranean room. A cuttings removal fluid is injected from the string of pipe into the borehole and against a wall of the borehole in underbalanced pressure conditions. One of drilling, reaming, or jetting is conducted within the borehole during said injecting of the cuttings removal fluid. Formation fluid comprising fluid hydrocarbon is flowed from the deposit into the borehole during said injecting of the cuttings removal fluid. The injected cuttings removal fluid and the formation fluid within the borehole are flowed at least in part by gravity downhole externally of the string of pipe in underbalanced pressure conditions within the borehole and into the subterranean room. Other implementations and aspects are contemplated. |
US08025106B2 |
Method for tightening a screw connection and screw driving tool
Disclosed is a method for screwing in and tightening a screw connection (1) to a predetermined tightened level (2), especially a predetermined torque level (2) or a predetermined pretension level, with the aid of a hand-held screwing tool (3) comprising a regulated drive unit (4) and/or control functionality, particularly an electric nut runner (3). A tightening phase (B-C-D), during which the screw head rests against the supporting surface (6) of the screw connection (1), starts following a screwing phase (A). In order to improve said method, the speed (N) of the screwing tool (3) is increased to an output speed (7) for the tightening phase (B-C-D) within an acceleration time (8) in the tightening phase (B-C-D) and is lowered within a delay time (9) prior to or until reaching the predetermined tightened level (2). The combined acceleration time (8) and delay time (9) represents the predominant part of the entire tightening phase (B-C-D), especially in relation to the traveled angle of twist (W) of the screw connection (1), the acceleration time (8) being shorter than the delay time (9). |
US08025105B2 |
Downhole tool retrieval and setting system
Apparatuses and methods for retrieving a downhole tool from a wellbore are provided. The method includes running a retrieval tool into a wellbore on a conveyance. The retrieval tool configured to automatically manipulate into an engagement position with the downhole tool. Engaging the downhole tool with the retrieval tool and removing the downhole tool from the wellbore. |
US08025104B2 |
Method and apparatus for delayed flow or pressure change in wells
Degradable polylactic or polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers may be used to viscosify aqueous fluids for use in wells, Sand control screen or liner can be coated with a solid degradable polymer during placement in a well. Mechanical changes or flow changes in a well can be caused by solid degradable polymer that changes physical properties after it is placed in a well. Parts of devices or entire devices can be made of solid degradable polymer that converts to a fluid after selected times in an aqueous environment in a well. |
US08025102B2 |
Wellbore delivery apparatus
An apparatus for delivering a material into a wellbore comprises a body adapted to be translated along a conduit within a wellbore, with a cavity formed in the body for containing a material to be delivered. The body defines an outlet adapted to be selectively opened to permit the material to be released from the cavity at the required location within the wellbore. In one arrangement the material includes swellable particles which expand upon contact with an activator. |
US08025098B2 |
Processing hydrocarbons
Systems and methods that include providing, e.g., obtaining or preparing, a material that includes a hydrocarbon carried by an inorganic substrate, and exposing the material to a plurality of energetic particles, such as accelerated charged particles, such as electrons or ions. |
US08025094B2 |
Yttria-based refractory composition
Method for producing a mold for use in casting reactive metals comprising preparing a slurry of a yttria-based refractory composition and a binder, and using said slurry as a mold facecoat by applying said slurry onto a surface of a mold pattern, wherein said yttria-based refractory composition is obtainable by (a) mixing particles of a yttria-based ceramic material and a fluorine containing dopant, and (b) heating the resulting mixture to effect fluorine-doping of said yttria-based ceramic material. |
US08025092B2 |
Process and related plant for producing steel strips with solution of continuity
A process for the manufacturing of steel strips with solution of continuity is described, comprising a continuous casting step for thin stabs with a high “mass flow”, a shearing step and subsequent heating in furnace, followed by a multiple stand rolling step, wherein the average temperature of the product at the inlet of the rolling is higher than the surface temperature, which is equal to at least 1100° C., lower than that measured in the inner central area by about 100° C. A plant is also described for the accomplishment of such process, wherein at the inlet of a furnace (25; 35), possibly of the induction type, combined with a temperature maintaining tunnel (36) a shear (3) is provided for, cutting into pieces (24; 34) a slab (22; 32) coming from continuous casting (21; 31), wherein the distance between the outlet of said continuous casting and the inlet into the finishing rolling mill (29; 39) is not greater than 100 m. |
US08025089B2 |
Mechanism for untangling window cords
A lifting system for a window covering has a movable shaft disposed within a cradle that is held within a head rail. The movable shaft has an end portion and a lift cord wrapping portion. A lift cord is connected to the movable shaft. A transition member is disposed between the end portion and the lift cord wrapping portion. The transition member acts as a ramp to facilitate migration of the lift cord to the lift cord wrapping portion once bird nesting has occurred. |
US08025087B2 |
Ultrasonic vibration welder
The present invention solves the problem that a connecting portion between a horn and a vibration transmission rod has a tendency to get damaged and the problem associated with the structure in which a chip is attached to an end of the vibration transmission rod, which occur with the known ultrasonic vibration welder. A vibration transmission rod has an end surface serving as a vibration-and-pressure application surface, and a polygonal cross section. The vibration transmission rod is disposed at an end of a horn in such a manner that they vibrate together. The vibration transmission rod and a mass are formed separately. The mass applies pressure to a projection formed at a nodal point of the vibration transmission rod. |
US08025079B2 |
Clean out tube check valve
Disclosed is a check valve for preventing liquid from entering an attached tube. The check valve includes a cylindrical housing having an inner surface and a removable plug that is at least partially within the housing. The plus has a side wall with at least part of the sidewall sloping in an inwardly direction from a top surface to a bottom surface towards a central axis. The side wall is operable to contact the inner surface of the housing and form a seal, thereby preventing liquid from passing through the housing, the housing being fixedly attached to an inner surface of a tube. |
US08025078B2 |
Vehicle mountable arm for valve operating machine
A valve operating device includes a mounting for attachment to a vehicle and an elongate arm, the free end of which is only moveable in a plane parallel to the ground. The joints of the arm pivot around vertical axes and the arm is locked into a desired orientation by a brake at each joint. A valve turning machine is at the free end of the arm. The brakes are engaged and released by a control on the valve turning machine. |
US08025077B2 |
Mechanical fuse to seal pipes upon unintended rupture
The present invention relates to a mechanical fuse to seal pipes upon unintended rupture. When a pressure difference between a first pressure and a second pressure in a pipe is below a pressure threshold, a first spring retains a flap in a first position allowing gaseous fuel to flow from a first portion to a second portion and when the pressure difference between the first pressure and the second pressure is not below the pressure threshold the flap moves to a second position preventing the gaseous fuel from flowing from the first portion to the second portion. |
US08025071B2 |
Bases and braces for support poles, such as poles for pavilions and umbrellas
Bases are disclosed that comprise a projecting portion designed to receive over it the hollow end of a pole or other elongate member, which may form part of a structure such as a pavilion or umbrella. The projecting portion of the base comprises wedges that move in response to the end of the pole moving over the projecting portion and in so moving, the wedges increase the effective cross section of the projecting portion to engage the inner surface of the end of the pole and to thereby stabilize the structure on a support surface, such as the ground. Braces are also disclosed that pull together adjacent poles of a pavilion to make the structure more rigid. |
US08025069B2 |
Semiconductor wafer treating apparatus
A semiconductor wafer treating apparatus comprising a housing, holding means rotatably disposed within the housing, rotating means for rotating the holding means, and cleaning means for cleaning a semiconductor wafer held on the holding means. Irradiation means for irradiating the semiconductor wafer held on the holding means with short wavelength ultraviolet radiation is further disposed in the semiconductor wafer treating apparatus. |
US08025068B2 |
Flossing and oral hygiene tool
A detachable device for improved dental hygiene supports and tensions dental floss above and beyond the bristles of the tooth brush so that flossing can occur using the bristle end of the tooth brush and avoid having the bristles interfere with the flossing process. In preferred embodiments the device is mechanically coupled to a sonic toothbrush to transmit sonic energy to the floss for improved cleaning. In other embodiments the device includes a tongue cleaning implement. |
US08025064B2 |
Methods for attenuating pressure waves in a patient's eye
Disclosed herein are methods of treating a patient, comprising providing a compressible attenuation device that is moveable from a first, introduction configuration to a second, implanted configuration. The attenuation device is introduced into a treatment site. In one embodiment, the treatment site is a patient's eye. The volume of the attenuation devices changes in response to pressure changes in the treatment site and attenuates pressure changes in the eye. |
US08025063B2 |
System and method for treatment of upper airway disorders
The present invention provides a system for treating a mammalian patient having obstructive sleep disordered breathing, e.g., sleep apnea. The system has a set of appliances including a first appliance being adapted to displace a mandible of the patient by a first predetermined geometry relative to a maxilla of the patient. The set also includes at least a second appliance adapted to displace the mandible of the patient by a second predetermined geometry relative to the maxilla of the patient. In a specific embodiment, the first predetermined geometry is substantially different from the second predetermined geometry. Preferably, either one of the first appliance or at least the second appliance is worn by the patient based upon a predetermined treatment plan that includes one or more provisions for wearing at least the first and the second appliances. |
US08025061B2 |
Condom packaging
Condom packaging comprises one or more substantially rectangular pieces of packaging material, each piece of packaging material comprising a central portion and edge portions, the edge portions being separated from the central portion by perforated areas configured to allow the edge portions to be removed, and an expansion member adjacent to or within the condom flange. The one or more pieces of packaging material surround substantially all or all of the condom, and the packaging material, when sealed with the condom inside, includes two substantially flat portions having side edges. The condom flange is attached to the packaging material and squeezing the side edges of the packaging material causes the packaging material and an open end of the condom to form a substantially cylindrical cross section, the expansion member providing rigidity and being configured to aid in formation of the substantially cylindrical cross section. |
US08025059B2 |
Respiratory device comprising a double lumen endotracheal tube
Device for ventilation with a double lumen endotracheal tube featuring a connecting piece at the end distal to the patient into which the two lumina of the endotracheal tube are extended, separated within the connecting piece by an axial partition wall, a connector with two nozzles leading to a joint connecting section and separated from each other by another partition wall, the connector being attachable to the connecting piece in a way that brings the partition wall and the other partition wall into a sealing contact, a ventilator and at least one tube connected to a nozzle of the connector at one end and to the ventilator at the other. |
US08025058B2 |
Variable CPAP respiratory interface
The present disclosure relates generally connectors for interconnecting a conduit of a fluid pressure device to an interface configured to deliver a fluid of the fluid pressure device to a patient. A connector includes a body portion configured for fluid connection to the conduit of the fluid pressure device; and a first branch and a second branch each extending from and fluidly connected to the body portion, wherein each branch is configured for fluid connection to the interface. A concavity is formed at an interface between each of the body portions, the first branch and the second branch. |
US08025057B2 |
Ergonomic and adjustable respiratory mask assembly with headgear assembly
A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a main body and a side frame member provided on each lateral side of the main body. Each side frame member includes an integrally formed first connector portion. A headgear assembly is removably attachable to the frame. The headgear assembly has a second connector portion adapted to be removably coupled with the first connector portion provided on the frame. The second connector portion is manually movable to a releasing position to detach the headgear assembly from the frame. The headgear assembly is rotationally adjustable with respect to the frame. |
US08025055B1 |
CPAP enclosure for the treatment of breathing disorders
A CPAP enclosure used in the treatment of breathing disorder comprises a base connected to a bed, a canopy connected to the base, and a sealing member that connects the canopy to the base. The sealing member forms a substantially airtight seal such that the canopy and the base form a substantially airtight enclosure around at least a portion of the bed. A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) compressor connects to the enclosure via flexible tubing, and generates a continuous positive airway pressure within the enclosure to treat a patient. A blender blends one or more compressed gasses with the compressed air from the CPAP compressor for delivery to the enclosure. |
US08025053B1 |
Pressure regulator assembly
A pressure demand regulator assembly for use with a breathing apparatus having a valve assembly that includes an inlet for connection to a source of breathing gas, an outlet for connection to a facepiece to provide breathing gas to the user and an actuator for controlling the flow of breathing gas between the inlet and the outlet in response to the user's respiration. The regulator assembly further includes a flexible elastomeric diaphragm in operative connection with the actuator. The diaphragm is exposed to ambient pressure on a first side thereof and exposed to a positive pressure within the facepiece on a second side thereof. The regulator assembly also includes an impermeable and flexible shield that seals the first side of the diaphragm from certain toxic substances in the ambient atmosphere while allowing the first side of the diaphragm to experience ambient pressure, such that the flexible shield moves along with the diaphragm during respiration without dampening the movement of the diaphragm during respiration of the user. |
US08025051B2 |
Delivery device
A delivery device for administering particulate medicaments, such as dry powder. The delivery device comprises a body and a flow path comprising a chamber with an inlet and an outlet for the stream of air. The chamber is rotatable in relation to the body. Dislodging means are arranged in contact with the inner surface of the chamber. The dislodging means and the chamber are relatively rotatable in relation to one another, such that the inside of the chamber is cleaned by the dislodging means when the dislodging means and the chamber are rotated in relation to one another. |
US08025047B2 |
Collapsible locking slingshot
The present invention provides for a collapsible locking slingshot having a quick-release interchangeable band replacement safety system. The present invention also includes a self-centering, open-pocket slingshot pouch and a unique dual-tapered band. The slingshot collapses into a lockable case, improving the slingshot's safety, and enhancing the protection and longevity of the slingshot's components. The slingshot incorporates a unique shoot-over design in which the arms generally are parallel to the shooter's arm during operation. |
US08025044B1 |
Fuel savings device and methods of making the same
An apparatus for enhancing fuel mileage of internal combustion engine consists of a tube inserted into a fuel line between a fuel storage tank and the engine, the tube having a plurality of electrodes protruding into a fuel passage within the tube. The electrodes are provided with an electrical charge for imparting electrical charges to liquid fuel molecules flowing through the fuel passage of the tube. |
US08025041B2 |
Method of removing the fuel contained in the lubricating oil of an internal-combustion engine and engine using same
The present invention relates to a method removing the fuel contained in the lubricating oil of an internal-combustion engine comprising an engine block with an air intake circuit for a fuel mixture, a burnt gas exhaust circuit, an oil sump and means for pumping the oil contained in the sump. According to the invention, the method consists in removing, after pumping the oil, the fuel diluted in the oil by heating intermittently the oil for a time ranging from 1/100 second to 10 second, in order to obtain vaporization of the fuel diluted in the oil. |
US08025040B1 |
Plasma ignition system
To provide a plasma ignition system that can prevent damage on an internal combustion engine due to erroneous ejection of a plasma jet, and further, even when the required voltage of an ignition plug becomes lower, can prevent erroneous ignition by the charged voltage of a PJ capacitor. A plasma power supply circuit of the plasma ignition system includes a voltage-limiting circuit having a first set voltage having an absolute value lower relative to the discharge voltage of the ignition coil, and a second set voltage having an absolute value higher relative to the discharge voltage of the ignition coil, and the first set voltage and the second set voltage are selectively switched according to an operation condition of the internal combustion engine. |
US08025036B2 |
Valve timing control apparatus
A valve timing control apparatus includes a driving rotation member, a driven rotation member, an advance angle chamber displacing a rotation phase of the driven rotation member relative to the driving rotation member in an advance angle direction, a retard angle chamber displacing the relative rotation phase in a retard angle direction, an advance angle oil passage, a retard angle oil passage, an oil pump, a passage switching valve switching a position between first and second positions, and a drain mechanism provided between the passage switching valve and at least one of the advance angle chamber and the retard angle chamber to accelerate discharge of the hydraulic fluid from one of the advance angle chamber and the retard angle chamber when the hydraulic fluid is supplied to the other of the advance angle chamber and the retard angle chamber. |
US08025035B2 |
Mechanical variable camshaft timing device
A device for selectively changing phase relationship between first and second rotating shafts in an internal combustion engine where the first shaft is secured for rotation with a worm carrier assembly and the second shaft is secured for rotation with a worm gear includes first and second worms disposed for rotation within the worm carrier assembly and having torsional preloads with opposite hands of rotation and meshing with the worm gear. An actuator turns the first and second worms in a first direction to advance rotation of the second shaft relative to the first shaft and turns the first and second worms in a second direction to retard rotation of the second shaft relative to the first shaft. |
US08025031B1 |
Aquarium snail collection system
An aquarium snail collection system and method, including a collector that is void of any enclosing structure and having a base and a substantially continuous and substantially permeable sidewall that extends upwardly from a central portion of the base to define an interior bait cavity. An upper portion of the sidewall is left open to permit easy access to the bait cavity and also to provide a structure that does not trap air that might cause the collector to float upwardly from the substrate. |
US08025030B1 |
Bird feeder apparatus
A bird feeder designed for overhead positioning is provided having a dispensing component which protectively holds and controllably dispenses particulate bird feed, and a refilling component liftable by an elongated staff and configured to add bird feed to the dispensing component. |
US08025026B2 |
Installation for spraying a multi-component coating material
An installation for spraying a multi-component coating material composed of at least one robot having a moving portion carrying at least one electrostatic sprayer, the coating material having an electrically-conductive component together with at least one second component that is electrically insulating or poorly conductive. The installation further includes a main tank fitted with a unit for making a temporary connection with a circuit for dispensing the first component, and being raised to a high voltage when the connection unit not connected, and a feed circuit for continuously feeding the at least one second component. The main tank and the at least one second component feed circuit are carried by the moving portion of the robot and connected to feed the sprayer. |
US08025019B1 |
Buoyant bumper apparatus for absorbing water vessel impact against pilings
A bumper apparatus includes a roller rack and rack fasteners for mounting the roller rack vertically along a dock structure; a bumper assembly having a buoyant structure having sufficient buoyancy to cause the bumper assembly to rise and fall with the water surface and thus with the tide and with any adjacent water vessel; and a rack engaging structure slidably interconnecting the roller rack and the bumper assembly so that the bumper assembly is slidable vertically relative to the roller rack. The roller rack preferably includes a spaced apart upright pair of opposing first and second mounting rails; and a longitudinal series of substantially horizontal cylindrical rollers mounted on individual roller axles extending between and connected to the first and second mounting rails so that the rollers protrude forwardly from the mounting rails. |
US08025015B1 |
Vehicle workstation
A vehicle workstation for mounting laptop computers and other equipment inside a vehicle that is easily attached to and removed from the vehicle and prevents vehicle vibrations and jolts from being transmitted to the equipment. |
US08025011B1 |
Stun grenade
A stun grenade includes a housing having at least a portion that is not opaque; a light output section disposed in the housing, the light output section comprising a pyrotechnic material; a fuze coupled to the housing, the fuze including a time delay column inserted into the housing; and a noise output section comprising a lower portion of the time delay column and a pyrotechnic material disposed in the lower portion of the time delay column. The light output section and the noise output section are initiated at different times. |
US08025005B2 |
System and method for protecting vehicle occupants
The present invention is directed to an armor system that protects vehicle occupants from lands mines or improvised explosive devices. In the preferred embodiment, the armor system has an arc member, a membrane, reactive blocks, and a reactive block enclosure. The armor system is designed to dissipate, neutralize, and redirect explosion energy, fragments and shrapnel, thereby ensuring the safety of the vehicle occupants. |
US08025003B1 |
Fluted firearm barrel
A firearm barrel having barrel flutes on the outer surface of the barrel where the barrel flutes are undercut relative to an outward radial vector from the center of the barrel at an arcuate radial distance that exceeds the arcuate radial distance of an undercut produced by a straight walled flute cutter such that the barrel flutes are hyper-undercut. |
US08024996B2 |
Power wrench
The invention relates to a hydraulic power wrench comprising a ratchet lever (16) driven by a hydraulic cylinder. According to the invention, said power wrench is provided with a friction brake (20) which operates continuously between the housing (10) and the output shaft (14). In this way, reversed rotations of the output shaft following the individual working strokes are avoided. |
US08024995B2 |
Systems and methods of a power tool system with interchangeable functional attachments powered by a direct rotational drive
In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system of a power tool system may comprise mounting a functional module to a mounting plate of a power head, the power head configured to mount various functional modules, attaching the power head to a power base for powering the functional module, powering the functional module by directing power from the power base through a direct rotational drive of the power head, and controlling the multi-functional power tool system using a control disposed in the power base. |
US08024992B2 |
Height adjustment device for saddles or handlebars
A bicycle saddle and handlebar height adjustment device comprising a tubular element (5) provided with means (2) for its connection to said saddle (3) and presenting a portion (4) to cooperate with a support element (6, 7) for said tubular element, said support element being associated with locking means (8) for said first tubular element which maintain the tubular element (5) in a determined position relative to the support element (6, 7), in which alignment means (16) are present between said support element (6, 7) and said tubular element (5) to maintain a determined angular position between the tubular element (5) and the support element (6, 7), said locking means (8) comprising a threaded (132A) ring (132) rotatably fixed to one from among the support element (6, 7) and the tubular element (5), the other from among the support element (6, 7) and the tubular element (5) presenting a thread (5A) cooperating with the thread (132A) of said ring (132). rotation of said ring (132) causing continuous movement of one element relative to the other. |
US08024991B2 |
Actuator for seat adjusting devices
An actuator, especially for seat adjusting devices with at least one electrical engine having subordinated reduction gear and a disconnecting device for manual operation. The generic actuator is provided with a disconnecting device that can be used in all operating processes in a large number of different applications and that guarantees reliable functioning of the disconnecting device without being over-dimensioned and thus uneconomical. The disconnecting device has a coupling insertion spring which determines the release force of the disconnecting device and a reset spring is provided which resets an actuating device. |
US08024988B2 |
Drive unit for a motor vehicle
A drive unit for a motor vehicle, comprising an engine, a transmission or gearbox, a clutch aggregate for transmitting torque, the clutch aggregate including at least two friction clutches that are assigned to an input shaft of the transmission or gearbox, wherein at least one of the at least two friction clutches features an energy accumulator operatively arranged to generate a lock-up force required for torque transmission through the clutch aggregate, and a control unit operatively arranged to control an automatic activation of the at least two friction clutches and the transmission or gearbox, wherein in the event of a malfunction of the activation of the friction clutch, the stored energy in the accumulator creates an interruption of torque transmission within a section of the drive unit connected downstream of the clutch aggregate. |
US08024986B2 |
Environmental sensing unit
A duct mounted environmental sensing unit includes a plurality of sensors for detecting respective parameters of a fluid in a duct. The sensing unit enables at least three sensors to make contact with the fluid through a single insertion point in the duct. |
US08024981B2 |
Device for test loading
The present invention provides a device for test loading a fuselage barrel, in particular in the aviation and aerospace industry. The device comprises a first and a second pressure bulkhead for sealing the fuselage barrel at the end faces thereof in a pressure-tight manner. The device further comprises a support device which may be coupled to the first pressure bulkhead, on the one hand, and to the second pressure bulkhead, on the other hand, extending through the fuselage barrel. Moreover, the device comprises a loading device which may be coupled to the support device, on the one hand, and to a portion of the fuselage barrel, on the other hand, for introducing loads into the fuselage barrel. The resulting advantage is that gravitational force and/or acceleration forces acting on the masses arranged in the fuselage barrel, for example cargo, in particular during the flight phase may be simulated by means of components which are exclusively arranged within the fuselage barrel, which is pressurized during the test. Thus a provision of through-holes in the fuselage skin for passing through hydraulic cylinders and the sealing of said holes relative to the fuselage skin, as in the device known to the applicant, are avoided. |
US08024975B2 |
Ultrasonic testing method and ultrasonic testing device using this
An ultrasonic wave is sent from a transmission element to a test element to produce a plate wave in the test element, and the plate wave propagating through the test element is received by a reception element to thereby test the test element on the propagation route of the plate wave. The other probe that is the other reception element or transmission element is disposed between the transmission element and the reception element. A probe holding mechanism that has support legs contacting the surface of the test element and keeps constant an angle of the other probe with respect to the surface of the test element is allowed to support the other probe. And, the other probe is allowed to cross over in non-contact the propagation route of the plate wave extending from the transmission element to the reception element by means of support legs. |
US08024970B2 |
Passive humidity sensors and methods for temperature adjusted humidity sensing
A humidity sensor having temperature sensing includes a substrate and a RLC (damped resonant) circuit formed in or on the substrate. The RLC circuit comprises a capacitor having a first and a second electrically conductive plate and a moisture sensitive dielectric interposed between the first and second plate. An RL network comprising an inductor and a resistor is coupled to the capacitor and comprises a high relative temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) portion formed from a first material which is coupled to a low relative TCR portion formed from a second material different from the first material. The RLC circuit can be a series RLC circuit. In another embodiment, the RLC circuit can comprises a parallel RLC circuit. |
US08024962B2 |
Flow-through apparatus for testing particle laden fluids and methods of making and using same
A method of determining one or more bulk rheological properties of a particle laden fluid comprising providing a system comprising a vessel, a pump coupled to the vessel, and a flow-through apparatus coupled to the pump and the vessel, wherein the flow-through apparatus comprises a flow chamber, a bob rotatably disposed within the chamber, wherein the bob comprises an outer geometry adapted for continuous laminar flow in an axial direction, and a gap between the chamber and the bob, pumping the particle laden fluid into the flow-through apparatus, shearing the particle laden fluid within the gap of the flow-through apparatus, and collecting data from the bob and observing the particle laden fluid to determine one or more bulk rheological properties of the particle laden fluid. |
US08024961B2 |
Simultaneous normal and radial liquid permeameter
A permeameter including a fluid control chamber, a permeability specimen area, and a first outlet from the specimen area measuring fluid as a function of a normal permeability of at least one specimen in the specimen area and a second outlet from the specimen area receiving and measuring further fluid as a function of a radial permeability of the at least one specimen in the specimen area. |
US08024957B2 |
Downhole load cell
A downhole load cell calibrated for enhanced accuracy. The load cell may be a dry load cell calibrated by storage of pre-determined temperature and pressure data relative to the load cell based on known loads applied thereto. Thus, surface equipment employed with the load cell may include a computer program that takes advantage of the stored pre-determined information. The computer program may then be employed for calibration of downhole load cell data based on readings from the load cell along with downhole temperature and pressure information. |
US08024950B2 |
Vertical air compliant hemming head
A hemming apparatus is provided for use with a robot in performing a hemming operation. The hemming apparatus comprises a support housing which mounts to a machine and has a pressurizable interior chamber having forward and rearward portions. A slide member includes a piston which is disposed in the chamber, and a plunger extends outwardly from the piston. Means are provided for attaching the housing to a nose having a central passageway. A bearing shaft is disposed within the central passageway, and means are provided for connecting the bearing shaft to the plunger. A hem roller is attached at the end of the bearing shaft. The rearward and forward portions of the chamber are connectible to a source of fluid pressure such that adjusting the chamber pressures moves the piston, thereby causing the bearing shaft to drive the hem roller into engagement with a work piece. |
US08024949B2 |
Apparatus for decelerating and temporarily accumulating hot rolled product
An apparatus is disclosed for decelerating and temporarily accumulating a hot rolled product moving longitudinally along a first axis at a first velocity V1. The apparatus comprises a curved guide with an entry end aligned with the first axis to receive the product, and with an exit end spaced radially from the first axis and orientated to deliver the product in an exit direction transverse to the first axis. The curved guide is rotatable about the first axis in a direction opposite to the exit direction of the product and at a speed at which its exit end has a second velocity V2 lower than V1 and such that the product is delivered from the exit end as a helical formation of rings and at a third velocity V3 equal to V1−V2. A cylindrical drum is arranged to axially receive the helical formation of rings and to rotate about the first axis in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the curved guide and at a speed such that the product is unwound from the drum at the third velocity V3. A receiver moves to and fro along a path parallel to the first axis to receive the product being unwound from the drum. A shroud is configured to partially encircle the drum, and rotatable interior rollers are circumferentially spaced around the interior of the shroud. The interior rollers are spaced radially from the surface of the drum and extend in parallel relationship with the first axis. |
US08024947B2 |
Front-loading washing machine having liquid distributing paddles
A washing machine paddle includes a plurality of intake openings for collecting liquid at the bottom and rear of a drum of a front loading washing machine. Discharge openings are located on the paddle toward the front of the drum for discharging liquid therethrough. A baffle arrangement in the paddle directs the liquid collected from the intake openings to the discharge openings upon rotation of the drum to place the paddle into a top location. A drum arrangement and washing machine includes at least one such paddle mounted thereon. |
US08024944B2 |
Threadless nut
A glassware forming machine baffle arm assembly that includes a quick-connect/disconnect arrangement mounting a baffle manifold on a baffle arm. The arrangement includes a baffle arm having an aperture, and a baffle manifold having a segment extending through said aperture and permitting rotation of said baffle manifold with respect to said baffle arm. The arrangement also includes a threadless nut, and a bayonet connection between said threadless nut and said baffle manifold segment. |
US08024943B2 |
Method of dividing glass into separate pieces with the aid of a cutting liquid and improved cutting liquid for said method
The method of dividing a glass substrate into separate pieces includes producing a crack along a dividing line on the substrate and acting on the crack with an aqueous cutting liquid during or immediately after producing the crack. The aqueous cutting liquid used in the method has a special composition that reduces the breaking forces applied to the glass substrate in order to divide it. The aqueous liquid contains an ionic organic compound, which has a cation with a positively charged nitrogen atom and a hydroxyl anion. Quaternary ammonium hydroxide compounds are especially preferred as the ionic organic compound. |
US08024934B2 |
System and method for attenuating combustion oscillations in a gas turbine engine
A system and method for modifying the supply of fuel to injectors to attenuate combustion oscillations in a gas turbine engine. The gas turbine engine may comprise a combustor, a plurality of injectors and a manifold. The plurality of injectors may be operable to provide fuel to the combustor. The manifold may be configured to supply fuel to all of the plurality of injectors or to only a portion of the plurality of injectors in reaction to a determination of an existence of combustion oscillations. |
US08024932B1 |
System and method for a combustor nozzle
A nozzle includes a center body and a shroud circumferentially surrounding at least a portion of the center body to define an annular passage between the center body and the shroud. The nozzle further includes a bimetallic guide between the center body and the shroud. A method for supplying fuel to a combustor includes flowing a working fluid through a nozzle, injecting the fuel into the nozzle, and mixing the fuel with the working fluid to create a fuel and working fluid mixture. The method further includes swirling the fuel and working fluid mixture, sensing flame holding in the nozzle, and reducing the swirl in the fuel and working fluid mixture. |
US08024925B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for controlling a desired torque output
Apparatus, system, and method for controlling a desired torque output on a hydromechanical transmission. Controlling torque output of a hydromechanical transmission provides improved operator feel and control. A control module determines a desired torque output and determines a pressure necessary to influence the displacement of the variable displacement pump to output the desired torque output. A pressure-controlling valve applies that amount of pressure to an actuator, which moves in response thereto, to change the displacement of the variable displacement pump. When the motor speed changes, the control module adjusts the pressure applied to the actuator to provide the desired torque output. |
US08024917B2 |
Multi-functional power supply for a hall thruster
A multi-functional power supply system for a Hall thruster including a thruster assembly for providing a plasma discharge and a cathode assembly for providing electrons. The cathode assembly includes an emitter, a keeper with a current limiting device, and a heater. A magnetic field source is operatively associated with the cathode assembly for generating a magnetic field to control the discharge. A plasma discharge circuit creates a plasma and accelerates the plasma to produce thrust. A power supply is connected to the keeper and the plasma discharge circuit and is connected to the heater through a switching device responsive to a predetermined condition for interrupting the power to the heater and simultaneously enabling the power supply to deliver power to the keeper and the plasma discharge circuit to initiate production of thrust. |
US08024914B2 |
Drag-type cotton harvester operated by an independent driving unit
A drag-type cotton harvester operated by an independent driving unit, which comprises a stripper-type cotton picker platform having a series of fingers that are aligned parallel to the forward direction of the machine, wherein the front ends of the fingers are close to ground level and the back ends thereof are ramped in an upward direction; a cleaning apparatus that receives the picked cotton from the picker platform, which cleaning apparatus comprises a set of rotary dentate cylinders that engage the cotton and remove the heavy masses or impurities therefrom, while a rotary brush that is disposed tangential to the dentate cylinders disengages the clean cotton from the aforementioned fingers; and a trailer that receives the clean cotton from the cleaning apparatus, then stores it and transports it. |
US08024913B2 |
Prepared medication bagging system and method
An apparatus for sealing prepared medications in enclosures includes a tubular sleeve having an open first end, an open second end, and an outer surface. The first end includes at least one first locking member for securely attaching the tubular sleeve to another member. The apparatus also includes a length of a flexible packaging sleeve that is open at one end and has an open interior space. The packaging sleeve is disposed about the outer surface of the tubular sleeve in a compressed form. The open end of the sleeve is sealingly attached to the first end of the tubular sleeve. A tensioner device is disposed about an outer surface of the packaging sleeve and includes a first section that couples the first end of the packaging sleeve to the tubular sleeve and at least two elongated tensioner arms that extend along a length of the tubular sleeve. The compressed packaging sleeve is disposed underneath the tensioner arms such that the tensioner arms apply tension to the packaging sleeve and control the unfurling thereof from the tubular sleeve. The open first end of the tubular sleeve is in communication with the open interior space of the packaging sleeve. |
US08024912B2 |
Methods for preserving pallet units of fresh perishables in modified atmosphere containing bags
Methods and apparatus for enclosing a palletized container of fresh containers of perishables inside a modified atmosphere-containing plastic bag/enclosure stretched over the containers and over upwardly-folded and sealed margins of a plastic sheet placed between the pallet and the containers to seal the containers of perishables inside the bag/enclosure and to facilitate forming and maintaining a modified atmosphere inside the bag/enclosure. |
US08024907B2 |
Insulated panels
A panel comprising: a frame member (70) defining a periphery of said panel; a first wall (77) retained by the frame (70) and a second wall (79) opposing said first wall (77) and together with the first wall (77) defining an internal space (73, 74) of the panel; the panel further comprising at least one intermediate wall (78) disposed in said internal space intermediate the first (77) and second walls (79) and which creates a first space (73) in said internal space between said intermediate wall (78) and said first wall (77) and a second space (74) in said internal space between said intermediate wall (78) and said second wall (79); characterized in that the frame includes respective abutment surfaces (80, 81, 82) which receive and retain respective first, second and intermediate walls wherein; the intermediate wall (78) insulates said first wall (77) from said second wall (79). |
US08024904B2 |
Panel and fastening system for such panel
The invention relates to a fastening system (1) for rectangular, tabular panels (2, 3, 10), especially floor panels. Comprising retaining profiles disposed on the small faces of said panels (2, 3, 10). Opposite retaining profiles match said retaining profiles in such a manner that similar panels (2, 3, 10) can be interlinked. The panels are provided with opposite first retaining profiles that are configured in such a manner that on a panel (2, 3, 10) being in first line a new panel (2) can be locked in second line by attaching the new panel (2) to the installed panel (3) at a temporary angle relative to the installed panel (3) and then swiveling it down into the plane of the installed panel (3). The panel further comprises opposite second retaining elements that comprise corresponding hook elements (6, 7). A hook connection (8) can be established by means of one of the hook elements (6, 7) of the new panel (2) and a hook element (6, 7) of a panel (3) that is already installed in second line by swiveling down the new panel (2). Every hook connection (8) is associated with an additional locking element (13, 22, 26, 27, 34, 35, 36, 40, 46) that prevents, in the hooked state of two panels (2, 3, 10), the book connection (8) from being released in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the installed panels (2, 3 10). |
US08024899B2 |
Apparatus and systems of interior window framing
An interior window framing system comprising a standardized frame having predetermined dimensions proportionate to a standard window. |
US08024898B2 |
Universal fenestration cap system and method
In an exemplary embodiment, a window sill comprises a structural base having a first side and a second side, a fenestration cap attached to the structural base, a window frame mounted on the fenestration cap and finish elements applied to the structural base and adjacent to the fenestration cap. The window frame may be removed from the fenestration cap without disturbing the finish elements. Alternatively, a method of installing a window in a window opening comprises providing a window opening and preparing the window opening for receiving a fenestration cap, installing a fenestration cap by placement within and attachment to the window opening in a primary step, and installing a window within the window opening by placement within and attachment to the fenestration cap in a secondary step. |
US08024896B2 |
Anchor recess former
A device that attaches to the rebar used to manufacture a concrete item and is left in place as the wet concrete is placed within the form for the concrete item and allowed to cure. The device is a hollow, walled, generally cup- or half disc-shaped structure having an outer forming wall and a hollow interior. The device may be a unitary or two part construction having an upper section, a lower section, upper rebar braces, lower rebar braces, and anchor holes. Anchor holes extend through the anchor recess former providing for a passage from the hollow interior to the outside. Upon the curing of the concrete, the present invention becomes an integral part of the concrete item, creating a uniform recess and exposing an anchor that can be used to lift the concrete item. |
US08024895B2 |
Device for raising and lowering a lighting mast
An arrangement for the raising and lowering of a mast, which includes an upper mast portion and base, which upper mast portion is rotatable about a horizontal pivot axis, located in the base of the mast is described. The arrangement includes (i) docking device for restraining the upper mast portion against rotation; (ii) attachment device for attaching a drive device for driving the docking device between a first engaged configuration wherein the upper mast portion is restrained against rotation and a second disengaged configuration wherein the upper mast portion is free to rotate and (iii) locking device selectable via an intermediate unlocked configuration between a first locked configuration wherein the docking device is engaged and a second unlocked configuration wherein the docking device is disengaged and is characterized in that the locking means is controllable remotely to allow automatic operation of the raising and lowering sequence. |
US08024894B1 |
Structural vented roof deck enclosure system
A structural support member for use in a roof deck system that is supported on an upper surface of a roof deck support structure. The primary embodiment comprises a substantially vertical outer segment, a substantially horizontal lower segment connected to the outer segment, a substantially horizontal upper segment connected to the outer segment, a substantially horizontal intermediate segment connected to the outer segment between the upper and lower segments, and a substantially vertical inner segment connected to the intermediate segment and the lower segment. The lower segment is secured to the upper surface of the support structure and supports a metal deck. The upper, intermediate, and outer segments form a C-shaped cavity for receiving the end of a barrier material, such as insulation or concrete, which is supported on the metal deck. The lower, intermediate, inner, and outer segments form an elongated channel that preferably has a plurality of vent holes therethrough. |
US08024889B2 |
Pest control method and apparatus
An apparatus to project toward a tree to disburse a pheromone, comprising: a releaser (20) removably adjacent to a capsule (25) via an extension (120); whereby said releaser (20) and said capsule (25) are disposed adjacent to each other in a deployable state (180), then the releaser (20) separates from the capsule (25) but is still connected via said extension (120) whereby inertia causes said releaser (20) to move away from said capsule (25) into an attachment state (200). A method of applying a pheromone onto a tree branch, comprising: positioning a releaser (20) to a first end (122) of an extension (120); positioning a capsule (110) to a second end (124) of an extension (120); positioning the releaser (20) adjacent to the capsule (110) so that the member (10) is in a deployable state (180); projecting the member (10) in its deployable state (180) whereby inertia causes said releaser (20) to separate from said capsule (110) and form an attachment state (200). |
US08024866B2 |
Height recording system comprising a telescopic rule with two ends cooperating with an optical beam scanning in a horizontal plane
A height recording system includes a telescopic rule formed from a head and a telescopic assembly used to vary a distance between one support end forming a base for the telescopic assembly and an upper end supporting the head. The height recording system comprises: a measurement system that measures the distance; a receiver including photosensitive cell(s) to detect an optical beam output from a laser system; a module starts or validates a height measurement by the measurement system starting the measurement or the validation in response to the module receiving a determined signal from the receiver; the determined signal being representative of the laser beam being detected by one of the photosensitive cells. |
US08024864B2 |
Ratcheting cutting tool for plastic pipes
A ratcheting cutting tool for plastic pipes having first and second, elongated rigid members pivotally mounted to each other. Each rigid member has a handle and the first rigid member additionally has an anvil at an end opposite from its handle. A spring-biased, knife blade member with a cutting edge and with a plurality of ratchet teeth is pivotally mounted to the first member. The tool further includes drive and catch pawls pivotally mounted to the respective rigid members. In operation, the handles of the rigid members can be repeatedly squeezed together to progressively move the cutting edge of the knife blade member in a step-by-step manner toward the anvil to cut through a plastic pipe positioned therebetween. A manually operated release mechanism is also disclosed wherein both the drive and catch pawls can be moved in one motion to release positions spaced from engagement with the ratchet teeth to permit the spring-biased knife blade member to be automatically returned to its open position after each cut. |
US08024863B2 |
Conforming wet shaving razor
A wet shaving razor comprising a cartridge having a length wherein the cartridge comprises an upper frame comprising 1) a blade frame, 2) a shaving blade joined to the blade frame where the blade extends lengthwise along the cartridge, 3) an upper face that surrounds the blade, and 4) one or more serially arranged rear spring elements, each element having a proximate and distal end such that said proximate end is joined adjacent a top edge of the upper face and wherein said distal end is joined to a catch plate; a sub-frame upon which said upper frame is resiliently mounted at its bottom edge near a front edge of said sub-frame wherein said sub-frame further comprises front spring elements; and a catch plate that causes the rear spring elements to foldably engage with a rear edge of said sub-frame to provide removably secured rear spring elements; and wherein the front spring elements and rear spring elements oppose local deformation of the cartridge under shaving forces encountered during shaving. |
US08024861B2 |
External stroke/flow setting method for fuel injectors
A method for externally adjusting the axial length of a solenoid actuated fuel injector includes the step of externally forming a helical scribe mark in a housing component, thereby changing the axial length of the injector. By adjusting the length of the helical scribe mark and the depth of the scribe mark, and by measuring the stroke or the flow rate of the injector, the stroke or the flow rate of injector may be set precisely. The external adjustment of the length of the housing component may be made in cartridge form as well as in final assembly form of the fuel injector complementing the manufacturing process versatility. |
US08024860B2 |
Methods for manufacturing an ink cartridge
A method for manufacturing an ink cartridge includes the step of connecting a film or a pair of films to a frame. The films and the frame define an ink chamber therein, and the ink cartridge includes the films and the frame. The method also includes the step of positioning a patterned member adjacent to the films. The patterned member includes a first pattern, and the first pattern includes a first portion and a second portion which is raised with respect to the first portion. Moreover, the method includes the step of forming a second pattern corresponding to the first pattern on the films by generating a pressure differential between a pressure inside the ink chamber and a pressure outside the ink chamber, in which the pressure differential draws the films into contact with the first pattern. |
US08024859B1 |
Oil pump anti-wear plate for transfer case and method of use
A replacement oil pump plate for attachment to an original equipment manufacture oil pump within a transfer case for elimination of mechanical wear by replacing the abrasive aluminum tabs formed on the oil pump with low-friction plastic tabs is disclosed. The present plastic tab design redistributes the surface-to-surface contact between the magnesium transfer case and the aluminum pump tabs away from the original wear points so that any necessary weld repairs to the transfer case will not be disturbed. The present replacement pump plate is provided in a kit format including a pump plate, machine screws, plastic tabs, and installation instructions. The present invention also describes a method of installing the pump plate kit on the original equipment manufacture oil pump subassembly. |
US08024852B1 |
Bar mounted tool adaptor
A tool mount assembly includes drop down connections to aid in mounting of a tool to a moving base and a fail-safe tool mounting system for preventing installation of a tool in an undesired or incorrect manner. A plurality of tool mount rails are received within mounts and are uniquely tailored to assure proper placement of tools such as grippers or vacuum cups at desired locations specific to the application requirements. |
US08024851B2 |
Method of producing a radially expandable prosthesis
A method for producing a radially expandable prosthesis by cutting a pattern in a tubular member, which member has an outer diameter at least as great as the expanded diameter of the prosthesis. |
US08024849B2 |
Fire extinguisher
The fire extinguisher of the present invention includes a container housing a fire inhibiting material which may automatically discharge its fire inhibiting contents in response to a fire. In one exemplary embodiment, the fire inhibiting material is pressurized within the container and the container is structured and arranged to discharge its fire inhibiting contents in a predetermined direction. Also, a method is provided for constructing a container for holding fire inhibiting contents under pressure and a method and apparatus for effectively and efficiently filling and pressurizing the container with fire inhibiting material, forming a container structured and arranged to expel the fire inhibiting material contained therein in a predefined direction in response to a fire. |
US08024848B2 |
Double-action clinching method
Double-action clinching includes establishing a first layer on a second layer, and securing the layers between a tool's punch and clinching punch. First layer has less ductility than second layer, and clinching punch diameter is smaller than punch diameter. Layers are secured so: a tool support receives a portion of a second layer surface; clinching punch, slidably positioned in the support, is adjacent another portion of the second layer surface; and punch, positioned opposed to clinching punch, is adjacent a portion of a first layer surface. Pressing the punch into the first layer surface portion forms an aperture through the first layer. Pressing the clinching punch, in a direction opposite to the punch pressing, into the other portion of the second layer surface forces portion(s) of the second layer into the aperture, and forms a micro-interlocking flush-back joint between an aperture side wall and the second layer portion(s). |
US08024844B2 |
Clip
A clip is easily usable even by a visually handicapped person and a presbyope. The clip has bend sections, rectilinear sections, and a connection section. The bend sections can be located at positions close to each other with a spacing equal to or less than the diameter of the wire material of the clip held between them. The rectilinear sections are bent upward and some are in contact with each other. |
US08024842B2 |
Hinge and collapsible device utilizing the same
A hinge includes a shaft sleeve, a shaft, and a spring. The shaft sleeve includes a shaft tube, and the shaft includes a fixing rod rotationally received in the shaft tube. The spring is received between the shaft and the shaft tube for guiding lubricant to lubricate the shaft and the shaft tube. The fixing rod is rotatably passed through the spring, and capable of rotating relative to the shaft tube. |
US08024841B2 |
Hinge
A hinge includes a bracket, a shaft rotatably received in the bracket, a engaging member, a pressing member, and a driving member. The bracket includes a casing portion defining a receiving space therein. The receiving space includes a circular part and a slot connecting the circular part. The engaging member is received in the slot of the bracket. The engaging member includes a slope surface and a screw hole. The pressing member is received in the slot of the bracket. The pressing member includes a pressing portion pressing firmly against the shaft, and a driven portion engaged with the slope surface of the engaging member. The driving member includes a screw pole capable of screwing in the screw hole of the engaging member to move the engaging member toward the pressing member, for driving the pressing member to press firmly against the shaft. |
US08024840B2 |
Hinge
A hinge includes a bracket, a shaft, and a first interfering member. The shaft includes a post, and a stopper protruded thereon. The post is secured to the first interfering member. The bracket defines a pivoting hole. The bracket includes a restricting block, and a second interfering member located in the pivoting hole of the bracket opposite to the restricting block. The first interfering member together with the post rotates in the pivoting hole until the restricting block resists against the stopper of the shaft to limit a rotational range of the post. The second interfering member engages with the first interfering member to improve the rotation of the post in the pivoting hole of the bracket. |
US08024839B2 |
Indexing hinge
An indexing hinge comprises a two arm hinge half and an axle hinge half. The two arm hinge half includes two hinge arms, a projecting indexing element disposed therebetween and a first mounting element. The axle hinge half includes two axles, each extending from a toothed indexing element, and a second mounting element. When the axle hinge half is connected to the two arm hinge half by interconnecting each axle with a respective hinge arm, the projecting indexing element abuts the toothed indexing element in such a way as to prevent rotation unless an additional rotational torque is applied. An electronic equipment enclosure installation comprises an electronic equipment enclosure and an indexing hinge. |